Triumphrat

Goggles Pizano · 04-22-2008

How many of you guys where back protectors when you ride? For those who do, is there a preference between the hard shell models and the soft models?

I’ve had my eyes on two:
The Spidi Warrior:
http://www.motonation.com/assets/500/00000360.jpg

The Tpro Forcefield Back Protector
http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.co.u...rotector/1.jpg

Thoughts…opinions….

Ara

MAR · 04-22-2008

I suppose I should wear one and I don't usually wear one. When I do I have a hard(daniese) one. My jackets have the back protector build in the back of the jacket. Even though it is soft, it is something.
I find that when I do wear it, i ride a little faster because it gives me a false sense of safety. Definatly not a good thing for the street.

dman · 04-22-2008

I've used an Alpinestars hard shell (CE level 2) for a number of years but have recently replaced it with a T-Force which is much more comfortable and also has a CE level 2 rating.

Dman

spiki-spikester · 04-22-2008

T-Pro Forcefield all the way !! Moulds itself to your body, so is comfy and can be reused after impact.

FrankBlack · 04-22-2008

I agree with Mar. I've tried various pads and protectors (hard and soft) and concluded that the less I have to mess around with before and after each ride, the better and more enjoyable my use of my motorcycle is. I've settled for the high-density foam back protectors pre-fitted in many jackets rather than going for something extra I have to strap on. Most of the time I wear a backpack too, which is padded and usually contains what I carry to and from work - papers, books (big thick books by Kierkegaard offer the best protection!) etc. I can't see how an additional back protector would help me personally. I've ended up with a compromise between best protection and what's practical for my daily life, using my wits to stay alert in between, and that's an overall acceptable level of risk for me without turning safe motorcycling into a chore.

Good luck.

CarlosFlys · 04-22-2008

I've got an Icon Field Armor vest

http://www.newenough.com/armor/back_...rmor_vest.html

The kids call it my armadillo - it's got hard shells that overlap on the back.

I did NOT like the soft-foam type - I can just see my spine getting messed up if I landed on my back... the Icons hard shell protector is shaped with a bump out so your spine bones should not get touched at all (in a relatively normal crash landing anyway). This is the MAIN reason I selected it over others (I have a good friend in a wheelchair from spinal injurys).

I really like it except that the sides of it are velcro attachments (my version is anyway). It's OK under a leather jacket... but I see people riding with these over a tee shirt and there is NO WAY it would stay on in a spill (not mine anyway with it's old old velcro). I'm going to sew on snap attachments for the short term some rainy day.

edit: I commute daily wearing it, and have no complaints about it. Once the hot Summertime hits - it may be a different matter altogether!

- Carlos

FrankBlack · 04-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlosFlys

I've got an Icon Field Armor vest

http://www.newenough.com/armor/back_...rmor_vest.html

Must admit, that does look good.

Treehugger · 04-24-2008

I have a dainese gortex 2 piece a alpinestars leather 2 piece and a triumph leather jacket. all have pockets of pack protectors built in and all have back protectors that are recommended for the respective garment. I wouldn't wear a separate one you have to wear as another garment. but thats just me. When i put on any of my gear its just there because accidents happen no matter if you ride safe or its just a short hop. just IMO each to their own

TBSstunta · 04-25-2008

While the soft back armor will give you padding, backprotectors, like the Dainese one I have, will stop your spine from snapping back in an accident. And that's the kind of **** that will paralyze you.

ericherrin · 04-25-2008

I use this one:

http://highvelocitygear.com/productp...uggernaut.html

It's held up well for a couple seasons.