Not talking about jacket inserts. I was reading about a person who lost all movement from the middle of his back and the words " I wish I`d worn my back protector" got me thinking about why I rely on the flimsy inserts in my leathers when catastrophic disaster is just round the corner. I always ride with my hemet / gloves / boots / coat or leathers etc but have never owned a dedicated back protector . I`m now thinking that this could be a mistake . I dont think a wheel chair for the rest of my life is a good option when £100 could keep me walking , or anyone else , Anyone know of a comfortable one on the market as people I know who wear them always seem to complain about chaff marks/ overheating/ generally uncomfortable back protectors they happen to own. There is a vast market of heavy duty plastic back protectors out there but surely theres something a bit more bodily friendly. Im getting on a bit now.
Have tried a few?? I have removed the back inserts out of both my jackets so I HAVE to wear a back protector! Like helmets, its often a case of what fits you, not what you like? My fav is an old dainese protector, I have another longer Knox kevlar protector which gets occasional use? Uncomfortable? Possibly, bit warm in the Summer! Not half as impractical as never being able to feel my legs again, having to wear nappies, never being able to run, have sex etc... You never know what will happen to you on a bike, and for that reason I will wear whatever I feel safe in! I might not ever use it, I hope I dont? But that one day I AM smashed off my bike & heading for the road/oncoming car/van/lorry in that half-a-second I will know I MIGHT stand a chance! :biggrin: Try a few on? Maybe borrow one? Mostly depends on the shape of your back & height as to how it fits? Ones perfect fit may be another's nightmare?
I use a forcefield back protector, wont ride without it. Its a little stiff to begin with but warms up and quickly moulds to your body shape and because of the way it's designed it flows air so no over heating issues and if the worst should happen it's reuseable Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control Clothing
I have had two over the years. The first was a Dainese (I still have it) which was very comfortable and according to the paramedics "saved me from a possible wheelchair" after a car/bike interface and I landed directly on my back. I replaced this with a Knox 8 plate which was wider than the Dainese, especially at the shoulders and kidneys and a little longer to cover my cocyx better when leant over the bike. This was fitted at the NEC by a chap on the Knox stand as they have a template to measure you by, very good service and well recomended. In the summer I wear a 1 piece Receka undersuit under my leathers and yes it is a little warmer than without the back protector I would guess but I NEVER leave home without it. My mate has just had an accident on his bike and as he was just going to work he only had his textiles on that had a flimsy and rather short pretector in. The bike flipped him backwards and he landed and slid on his cocyx and lower back. Fortunately the small rucksack he had on protected his upper back but he still ended up with a cracked vertebra in the base of his back.
forcefield here to - they do a ladies fit which is narrower between shoulders - again never ride without it plus I find it gives support to my somewhat dodgy back
The forcefield gets really good ratings. Ive crashed twice in a Dianese Wave and that comes highly recommened Personally, Ive worn one since I started riding and I now never ride without one
I've had one (in fact had two) in the past 10 years. Though it felt awkward at first, like anything, you soon get used to wearing it. And I don't ride without one now. I even use my old Knox one when I snowboard.
I wear a sturdy Dainese in-jacket one but have been meaning to get a bigger separate one for years. I researched them and the findings seemed to be that the Forcefield and the Dainese Wave were the two most protective ones but I've not yet tried one on in the right size so never got round to buying one. I think I might need to bring this up the priority list a bit as I've been faffing with the idea for years now and never done it. Andy
Thats an interesting addition, but you really wouldnt want to be in a position to claim on it would you
I wear a Dainese Wave (I think) and I feel naked without it under my leathers. The only issue I have with it is I sometimes do the waist strap up too tight and this makes my stomach ache like hell but that's only a user error thing.
I wear a Forcefield L2, allied to a chest protector. A bit stiff when you put it on but when you wear it the material softens. Keeps you cosy as well! I had a crash back in December and was skating down the kerb on my back - I was very glad I was wearing my old Forcefield then as I walked away. I wouldn't ride anywhere without one.
also Forcefield very good customer services and have donated one of their latest back protector for our air ambulance raffle
if it's the one that came with the free kit when you got your 848 then yes its the Dainese Wave back protector
I've got a Knox 6 plate its really comfy and fits right to the base of the spine and has kidney protectors in it too, don't realise I'm wearing it! Best Christmas present yet!!!
Forcefield L2. Lovely during the cooler months as it retains alot of heat, and a bit too warm during the summer. It does double duty when skiing which is ace. I had an Alpinestars Bionic before which although much cooler during the summer, felt flimsy compared to the L2. The Forcefield L4 was returned as I found it too thick and bulky.
I have a couple of the Dainese ones that are free with their one piece suits. I don't think they are meant to be as good as the Wave (earlier version) but they seem pretty solid and fit in the leathers snugly. Once in place, I never notice them. I also bought a smaller Dainese one which zips permanently into one of my sets of Dainese 2-piece leathers. Not as good possibly, but when you're out and about visiting stuff, having to cart around a separate back protector is a drag. These days, I pretty much never get on a bike without some species of back protector.
I use an old Dainese protector, think it's a Backspace? fortunately not crash tested but fits well, long (think there were different sizes and this is the 'L') and very comfortable - don't even know I'm wearing it.
