Back protectors
Discussion
I'll be buying new leathers in the next couple of months, I intend to get a back protector at the same time. Are the ones you put on seperatley mutch better than the ones that go in the jacket?
Any downsides to the seperate ones (apart from the extra hassle of putting it on)?
I've only ever used built in ones before, but need to get leathers that wil fit whatever choice I make.
Opinions?
Any downsides to the seperate ones (apart from the extra hassle of putting it on)?
I've only ever used built in ones before, but need to get leathers that wil fit whatever choice I make.
Opinions?
Speedadicted,
IMHO the separate ones tend to be better in terms of protection. Just compare the "fitted insert protector" with, say, a Knox and ask yourself "which would I sooner be wearing if push camne to shove?".
As you say, they are a pain to get into and uncomfortable for the first few miles, till they heat up from your body warmth and begin to contour themselves to your shape - and they do this every time: its not a "mould to you once and that's that done" thing. Then they are a pain when you get to your destination - walking round in one is no fun, taking it off just means you've got to find somewhere to put it etc etc.
I do use the "fitted in leathers" one for the daily 10 mile commute to work, just for the convenience aspect (but accidents usually happen when you least expect them). For longer or "enthusiastic" runs, its the Knox every time.
Also, the separate ones tend to be warmer - good in winter, not so good in high summer.
Dave
IMHO the separate ones tend to be better in terms of protection. Just compare the "fitted insert protector" with, say, a Knox and ask yourself "which would I sooner be wearing if push camne to shove?".
As you say, they are a pain to get into and uncomfortable for the first few miles, till they heat up from your body warmth and begin to contour themselves to your shape - and they do this every time: its not a "mould to you once and that's that done" thing. Then they are a pain when you get to your destination - walking round in one is no fun, taking it off just means you've got to find somewhere to put it etc etc.
I do use the "fitted in leathers" one for the daily 10 mile commute to work, just for the convenience aspect (but accidents usually happen when you least expect them). For longer or "enthusiastic" runs, its the Knox every time.
Also, the separate ones tend to be warmer - good in winter, not so good in high summer.
Dave
Seperate protectors are a bit of hassle to cope with, but IMHO well worth that hassle. One of the problems with this sort of kit is knowing the difference between a "good" bit of armour and a run of the mill piece. If you find yourself in a Dainese dealer, the top line back protectors have an aluminium honeycomb in them designed to crush and absorb impact, similar to a crumple zone in a modern car. These aren't cheap and if the guy in the shop doesn't know what he's selling, you may be likely to just baulk at the price and walk away. I used to sell these to RAF helicopter winchmen as Personal Protective Equipment... I've also "tested" back protectors/shoulder armour/elbow armour in real accidents and truly believe it to be worth every penny. Remember kids - falling off hurts!
http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.co.uk/
As sold by Crowtree. Mate on mine (black belt) kicked me as hard as he could and it absorbed the impact totally. Amazing things.
As sold by Crowtree. Mate on mine (black belt) kicked me as hard as he could and it absorbed the impact totally. Amazing things.
Its a truely bad video, but this is probably the way of the future:
http://www.airbagjacket.com.sg/?gclid=CIzL_Zq6jZEC...
Just remember to disconnect the jacket from the bike before getting off in the pub car park! (They work on a lanyard system.)
Dave
http://www.airbagjacket.com.sg/?gclid=CIzL_Zq6jZEC...
Just remember to disconnect the jacket from the bike before getting off in the pub car park! (They work on a lanyard system.)
Dave
I use a Dainese backspace with the aluminium 'honeycomb' construction which is long (from arse-bone to neck), seems good although not tried it in anger (yet) and is very comfortable when on but a bit of a PITA to put on.
Just make sure you do try the leathers on with the back protector and not buy 'snug' fitting leathers and then get a back protector later, only to find out that you you can't breath when wearing it all.......
Just make sure you do try the leathers on with the back protector and not buy 'snug' fitting leathers and then get a back protector later, only to find out that you you can't breath when wearing it all.......
Decent back protectors will be CE approved. (I think it has to be to be sold as a back protector rather than just an item of fancy dress.) Like helmets, beyond the official approval levels it’s pretty much down to opinion (most of which is from people who are no way qualified), manufacturers sales ‘blurb’ and a hope that more money buys more protection. Have Ride magazine done a review of back protectors?
I would suggest getting a protector that’s built in to your jacket/suit for two reasons. Firstly, it will be ‘captive’ in the clothing so it is very unlikely to move significantly from it’s position in the event of an off. Secondly, it makes life easier when walking around off the bike in hot weather (when we finally get some!!!) as it’s one less separate item to carry. And thirdly (of my two reasons!!), you don’t have to think about putting it on thus are less likely to forget it.
I would suggest getting a protector that’s built in to your jacket/suit for two reasons. Firstly, it will be ‘captive’ in the clothing so it is very unlikely to move significantly from it’s position in the event of an off. Secondly, it makes life easier when walking around off the bike in hot weather (when we finally get some!!!) as it’s one less separate item to carry. And thirdly (of my two reasons!!), you don’t have to think about putting it on thus are less likely to forget it.
I have the Forcefield level 2 protector and for sure it is great, I'm sure it would protect me very well if I wore it all the time. Trouble is that it's so big and bulky that I don't bother with it except for trasck days and maybe the odd rideout which I know will be fast. . . am buying a smaller Dainese protector this weekend which I hope I'll wear all the time. Just needs to be a bit smaller than the Forcefield . . . a good back protector is the back protector you wear all the time, no matter how good it is, if you're not wearing it it's not going to help.
Not wishing to be seen as anti back protectors but I read a couple of articles [visordown, I think] that said that they were dangerous when road riding but proved a bit more successful on the track. I believe [could be wrong] they stated that as your back couldn't twist [ie spinal rupture at the neck or base of the spine, CE marked or otherwise] it could cause more injuries during an accident than normal foam ones. Will have a hunt around tonight as at work now.
carinatauk said:
Not wishing to be seen as anti back protectors but I read a couple of articles [visordown, I think] that said that they were dangerous when road riding but proved a bit more successful on the track. I believe [could be wrong] they stated that as your back couldn't twist [ie spinal rupture at the neck or base of the spine, CE marked or otherwise] it could cause more injuries during an accident than normal foam ones. Will have a hunt around tonight as at work now.
That won't restrict your movement at all.
Rubin215 said:
If it's head on into a lorry at 60 mph a back protector ain't gonna do much...
...neither will a helmet or leathers or boots or gloves... do you wear any of those?!I know it will not prevent all injuries, but there are definitely times when a back protector will save certain riders in certain accidents the use of their legs. I am happy to wear one, and it does more than not having one... everyone is free to make their own choices on the benefit vs risk vs comfort, it is just that in my mind it isn't worth not wearing one because I don't notice it.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff