The Demon Zero RF D3O Impact Shorts are in a slightly different category to the Flexforce V6. They’re built for riders who want real protection, but don’t want to feel padded up or restricted.
I’ve been riding these as a lighter alternative when full crash pants feel like overkill. They’re lower profile, easier to live with under normal snow pants but still take the sting out of tailbone and hip hits (without turning you into a walking mattress).
This review is about where the Zero RF makes sense, where it doesn’t and how it actually compares against the best impact shorts once you’re on snow.
Full Review
I’ll be upfront. I like bulky, overbuilt protection. The Flexforce V6 is still my comfort blanket. If I know I’m going to hit the ground hard, that’s what I reach for without thinking.
So I didn’t expect to like the Zero RF as much as I did.
I started wearing them out of curiosity more than anything. I wanted to see how much protection you could strip away before it stopped feeling worthwhile. After a few weeks of normal resort riding, variable snow and the usual dumb falls you don’t plan on, they earned their place.
1. Comfort & Fit
This is where the Zero RF separates itself from the Flexforce.
They sit closer and move more naturally. They don’t remind you they’re there every time you bend, sit, or tweak something. No bulk around the hips, no awkward bunching under pants, no feeling like you’re wearing gear under gear.
After a few runs, I stopped thinking about them entirely. That doesn’t always happen with the Flexforce. With those, I’m often aware I’m armored up. Admittedly, I sort of like that. Others don’t.
If you care about how your kit feels over a full day, this matters.
2. Protection
These are not Flexforce-level protective. That’s not the point.
The D3O RF tailbone pad does a solid job taking the sting out of awkward landings. You still feel the hit, but it’s dulled enough that you’re not wincing or riding cautiously for the next few runs. Side hits are handled well too, especially for how thin the padding is.
I wouldn’t necessarily choose these for hardcore park laps or days where I know I’m pushing things. But for regular riding, icy traverses, tired end-of-day falls and all the unpredictable stuff, they’re more effective than I expected.
3. Durability
After multiple days, nothing shifted, sagged, or felt compromised. The padding stayed where it should and the fabric didn’t stretch out or lose shape.
So far so good. I guess time will tell.
4. Bonus Features
The D3O RF (recycled foam) padding is softer and more flexible than traditional hard or dense foam pads, which is a big reason these work. It gives you real impact absorption without that stiff, armored feeling.
The unisex fit also works better than I expected. No weird pressure points, no reliance on compression to keep things in place.
5. Pros & Cons
Who These are For
If you like the idea of protection but don’t love feeling padded up, these make a lot of sense. Especially if you’ve owned bulky crash shorts and found yourself leaving them in the bag on long days.
They’re the pair you wear when you want some insurance without committing to full armor. Also a little cheaper, which helps.
Who These Are NOT For
If you ride hard, crash hard, or just want maximum coverage everywhere, stick with the Flexforce. I still do on those days.
- Triple D3O + XRD padding
- TPS comfort system
- Extremely breathable
- Extended lower back protection
- X-Connect compatible with Demon tops
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect the Zero RF to challenge my loyalty to the Flexforce. It didn’t replace it. But it did earn a spot next to it.
If the Flexforce is what I wear when I’m pushing things, the Zero RF is what I wear when I just want to ride normally and not think about protection at all. And that’s actually a pretty valuable place to sit.
Crash-Testing The Top Impact Shorts
Falling hurts. These shorts don’t. Check out the best snowboard impact shorts of 2026, crash-tested for comfort, coverage, and all-day wear.
