Dear LB Forum. I’ve been putting off for too long to buy a dedicated back protector for every day use and looking for recommendations for a mid-priced model. I am eyeing this product http://www.boltbikes.co.uk/icon-stryker-ce-back-protector/
@Boris and @BigRedS: You put me on the idea to buy a back protector when we first met, so would really appreciate your point of view as well.
Thank you in advance!
It depends what kind of protection you are after. Something to insert into your jacket? Or a full spinal like you’ve linked above. Full spinal is more ideal for track than anything, if it’s just commuting I would put an insert protector into the jacket.
http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/213640?r=GS&gclid=Cj0KEQjwmpW6BRCf5sXp59_U_ssBEiQAGCV9Ghggy_6sEs6JANDT1mH6SDS_88n-26YKoog1rOwqaRkaAuxk8P8HAQ
The full spinal thing can be used for other sports like skiing, etc, if that makes a difference.
Is it because in the pic of the front, it looks like someone’s got hand on the hips?
hahaha!
I’ve been looking at vests to wear underneath the jacket that has back protection / front protection. You could wear this with a hoodie or tshirt over the top on rides you’re not gonna go crazy on.
Dear LB Forum. I've been putting off for too long to buy a dedicated back protector for every day use and looking for recommendations for a mid-priced model. I am eyeing this product http://www.boltbikes.co.uk/icon-stryker-ce-back-protector/I use something very similar to that but Knox with a chest protector as well@Boris and @BigRedS: You put me on the idea to buy a back protector when we first met, so would really appreciate your point of view as well.
Thank you in advance!
CBR500R commuter
Haha, I’ve recently been wondering about back protectors and what I actually expect or want it to do and why I wear it.
I’ve basically always worn the full-length independent ones; I had a Dainese one that I bought before I got into motorbikes for DH, and last year I replaced that with a Knox one (Aegis?). They’re annoying and in-the way when they’re not done up, don’t fit into a topbox or pannier and look a bit odd when you turn up to a place otherwise dressed as a normal person. They do stop you slouching on the bike, though (much of the reason I wear mine) and presumably would do something to protect my back if I fell off the bike.
I’m not convinced by the ones that slip into jackets, but only really because most people wear daft three-season jackets that can’t actually hold armour in place. I’m increasingly wondering about the idea of a Kriega bag with a back protector in it (I always ride with a bag anyway) but since the current thing works I’m not really minded to spend a bunch of money replacing it.
Davies Odell Forcefield are outstanding. They flex to the shape of your back and once they are on you don’t notice them at all. Here’s an example review which pretty much sums up my experience.
Something that is strapped to you and not in your jacket is preferable because in theory it will move less in a tumble. Then as with anything else bike safety related, get the absolute best that you can afford.
Interesting quote on the subject of back protectors:
“Serious spinal injures are usually caused by axial forces due to blows on the head, or bending and twisting forces on the back caused by blows to the shoulders, hips and other parts of the body. In the Cambridge Standard for Motorcyclists Clothing, Roderick Woods asserts that the majority of spinal injuries are caused by blows to the hip and shoulders. In the rare circumstance that a motorcyclist received a direct blow to the back the damage would be unmitigable by armor. The concept of a “back protector” is therefore not endorsed by Woods. Although back protectors, as defined in the standard, cannot protect against axial forces they are required to protect the scapula and there is now considerable anecdotal evidence that wearing a certified back protector can significantly reduce trauma in a major accident as they reduce the effect of impacts on the ribs and lessen the blows to internal organs too.”
Found that whilst looking into back protectors - I’ve ended up going with a jacket with back protector built in; mainly because the hassle of to many layers for commuting. Although that forcefield one looks interesting.
That will only give you impact protection not abrasive/sliding down the road protection. You’ll need hard armour for that. Even then I’d personally prefer something over the top that would survive some sort of a slide on tarmac.
Force field or icon have tryed all brands with stunting and them too best
Look at stuff done with d30 material, apparently it’s much more effective and more wearable.
I never got on with the separate back protectors. I always felt them annoying and intrusive (I’m sure I would get used to them). Also, for me, in the summer heat is an important issue as I get hot quite quickly and these feel like they would only add to that. On top of that, I feel you need to change the size of jacket - the internal ones seem to fit better. I do agree with BRS, when I go somewhere on the bike, I don’t want to have to do 25 straps up and put 25 things on just to get ready, all of these things detract from the idea of biking for me.
I have a Dainese Back protector that slips into my Dainese jacket pocket and I’m not sure I would need much more. The jacket is also tight enough to hold it well in place but that may be because of the burgers I’ve been eating…
BRS- I’m not sold on the idea of a backpack back protector… having rolled a few times on the road, I can imagine there would be more damage to be done to shoulders or wherever the straps are pulling your body into different contours as the bag gets snagged onto something. Not sure the bonus of a back protector out weighs that…
I’m with Gavin on this. I had some experience that exposed me to a few slide accidents and even jeans like “draggin jeans” gave out in a proper slide. The Tarmac is surprisingly efficient at getting through material. Any LFB, MET or LAS on here care to testify?
I love forcefield stuff. Expensive but you can feel the quality of their products.
I’ve had the forcefield back protector for about 5 years now, as joby said it moulds to your back so it’s the same shape, and I don’t notice I’m wearing it.
It’s due for replacement now, not sure what to get though
Forcefield +1
Force field +2
BRS- I'm not sold on the idea of a backpack back protector... having rolled a few times on the road, I can imagine there would be more damage to be done to shoulders or wherever the straps are pulling your body into different contours as the bag gets snagged onto something. Not sure the bonus of a back protector out weighs that... SerrisanThat's the problem with much of picking armour; for most people it's largely down to imagining and guessing things. Not many of us have properly crashed in them, and nobody who has then went back and tried the same crash again without it.
I’ve still not really worked out what sort of situation a back protector is likely to be particularly useful in (none seem obviously so), but since it all seems to be so situational and incidental I don’t know if it moving a little is really that big a deal.
