Hi all, I am on the look out for a good quality back protector, the type you wear under any type of jacket. I have always relied on the insertable ones that fit inside a pocket in the jacket. As I am getting older, safety is finally starting to be a bigger thing in my mind than it used to be and I would like to be able to have good protection whatever jacket I am using. So can anyone please offer me some advice based on experience, of a suitable back protector, there are so many available and I would appreciate your help. I would like something that is not too bulky, does not restrict movement too much and is not too hot Oh yes.........and provides good protection
I had a good luck at these at the n.e.c this year, about £95 i think very thin and the quality looked spot on
For the last 7/8 years I have worn a Knox Ricochet 8 plate, back protector, and had no problems Snug fit, under my Wolf 1 piece leathers, and at first a bit of a struggle to get on, but once you get the hang of it, its simple enough to put on. Advantages, its not to heavy, does not restrict movement, provides additional warmth it winter, and its not too hot in the summer. Wouldn't ride bike, now without it.
I use one of these: back protector motorcycle you dont know you are wearing it, it's that light and comfy.
Might av to invest in one when I purchase some leathers. My Textiles have all that built in so I'm OK for now
I've been using a similar one to the Forcefield Level 2 posted earlier. It's the flagship Forcefield Pro Sub 4, cost around £150. http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server2.../PRO_SUB_4_01__86561.1308512652.1280.1280.jpg Back protectors tend to be rated by saftey level 1 or 2. Level 1 can disipate 1kg of force & Level 2 disipates 2kg of force. There is no level 3 onwards standard, but Forcefield introduced the slightly thicker Pro Sub 4 which disipates twice as much force as the Level 2 back protector, which is why i bought one. There's also an optional chest protector which i bought for around £20-40. There's only one other back/chest protector that i would consider using, which is this one that fits like a gillet and has extra padding for the collar bone. http://img.inkfrog.com/click_enlarge1.php?image=Track_Vest_BLACK_WHITE.jpg&username=augusta154&aid=665931946
Me and the mrs have been wearing these for the past couple of years, very comfy once on and warmed up, not too restrictive and after a while you don't even realise its on, also has easy attachment of the matching chest protector. You need to measure your torso to ensure the correct No. of plates. To be honest the support is comforting and you feel a bit vulnerable without it on.
In fairness i bought mine from a local dealer as i wanted sizing up so probably paid full price, but after lots of research it was the one that offered the most protection and covers a wider area of the back than most and has integrated kidney protection.
I use a Knox back protector - they don't seem to sell my model any longer but it's light and doesn't make your back sweat (not that is likely this year so far). I have read the Forcefield back protectors are very highly recommended. One thing to consider is if your leathers are tight the back protector does take up some space making a snug set of leathers a bit tight. During the cold weather with the extra layers I've struggled to do the zip up on my jacket. So worth trying the back protector at the shop.
Same as Lee, Knox is comfy and doesn't get too warm in the summer there's space for air to flow. Once you have used one you'll never ride without it.
