This is the discussion I was hoping to have! Thanks ladies. I'm being edumacated.
You guys are throwing some numbers around that don't mean much to me. The higher the number, the more dense and therefore harder/less flexible (?) the foam? So this number is a measure of the weight of 1 cubic cm of foam, right? Then, for the purposes here, the denser the better up to the point where flexibility, including I imagine, compressibility are compromised? What number would you recommend shooting for? Something in the 0.08-0.1 g/cm3 zone? I got those numbers by calculating 30% of the 0.0625 g/cm3.
I'm not afraid to DIY if I have too, but I know how long it would take me, and am trying to avoid it if possible. Fabric over here, especially specialty and technical fabric is expensive and hard to come by, so I'm not going to save $$ with the DIY, just get a more personalized product. Plus I think others have thought of this before, AND done all the work, so why re-invent the wheel, when I can learn and tweak. Plus someone is coming at the end of August, so I can get stuff AND not have to pay out the nose for shipping.
So the leopard shorts I linked to above do get good reviews on the derby forums (and I do agree on looks, not my style but going to be under pants and a skirt so.....). The same company also makes these, which are also on my list, but are not as low cut, although maybe better padding? which some derby girls also rave about:
http://www.xsportsprotective.com/collections/vigilante-padded-shorts-armor/products/vigilante-tech-padded-shorts-with-tailbone-shield-for-womenBoth models use the closed cell foam, and list the lack of absorption as a benefit
the vigilante model has a "flexible plastic" piece sandwiched in between two layers of foam on the tailbone. I forgot about that feature. Nowhere can I find (yet, not done looking) any information on the density of the foam, other than it being "high".
Another product one Derby girl keeps pushing is this:
http://www.prodesigned.com/details/accessories_tailbone.htmlShe, I believe, has used it alone, and says its saved her bum on many an occasion. I'm afraid it'd look, um, unacceptable, if you get my drift....... I'm not afraid of bulk, but it does have to be reasonable, and ahem, socially acceptable.
And yes, I'm planning to call places, not just skatingsafe. The current challenge is my very young kids who are at they're worst when the East coast businesses open, and I'm zonked by the time I get a window to call those on the West coast (for the crash pads).....