View Full Version : The Best Back Protector.!!.
Sledgehammer
22-11-04, 05:28 PM
Well i have decided to get a Back Protector for a xmas present and i am looking for advice on a good one.
must have these included
Ease of use (only really go to work and back on bike)
Cost. only got around £50 (but could chip in if needed)
must be one that is worn seperate to jacket as my jacket doesnt have anywhere to put it in..
I have seen some and they look rather bulky (i know what your going to say "they are designed to cover your back they will be bulky" but some dont look as bad as others..
So what advice can you all give me??
:? :? :) :? :?
Same here.
I chatted to a really helpful chap on the Knox stand at the NEC show, and for general day to day use he recommended the Knox Stowaway. He measured me and sorted the size, got me to sit in bike positions and checked the fit......and it's the cheapest in their range!
It's had great reviews from MCN etc. At £60ish it's one of the few in the right price range. Comes with a bag to "stow it away".
Significant tip was that a new version is due out in Feb with improved lining and straps.
If you do want to spend more the Knox Ricochet is probably as good as any for road use. Make sure you get the right size for you and the bike type (sit-up/sports/cruiser etc)
northwind
22-11-04, 07:14 PM
The Stowaway's brilliant, no side protection and less impact protection than, say, the Ricochet or the Dainese one, but the tradeoff is better comfort, cheaper, and since it's so compact and easily folded up, you'll actually wear it. A rigid one would have been a waste of money for me, since I'd never bother to wear it except when just going for a ride.
Some people have problems with the Stowaway's strap system, so try before you buy, but I wouldn't go without mine now.
I use a Dianese back protector - about 100 euros here in Holland. Doesn't get in the way when riding, and is flat enough to store with no trouble.
It's got padding down the back, honeycomb aluminium for impact absobtion and then the hard outer casing.
It clicps around your waist and tucks into your trousers to cover the whole of your back.
Stu
kinesin
23-11-04, 08:21 AM
I've just got a knox Stowaway (It was a June birthday gift! :shock:) Fit is very good, it rolls up small, comes with it's storage bag and it looks good too!
I like it! - Decided on the stowaway after reading a few of the threads on here post some of the summers big accidents.
Nick762
23-11-04, 10:18 AM
I did get myself a Dianese protector first, I can't remember the model but it was the one with the waist belt only, not the shoulder straps. It also had a hard shell. It was recommended by the shop over some of the more elaborate kit as I'm not into track days but to be honest I was never comfortable with the fact that it did not cover my shoulder blades. I replaced it with a Knox Stowaway and I don't know if it is just psychological but the Knox covers pretty much my whole back and feels safer.
benHallowes
23-11-04, 12:38 PM
i use a Hein Gericke Prot'Xu vest (http://www.hein-gericke.com/hg-shop/eurobike/eb_content_article.php?sessionID=0cae258571a07b8a5 4f0edb6ec4bfbc0@121756973&languageID=2&companyID=1&countryID=1&wgID=1&aogID=1005&agID=10020&augID=100039&productID=1001566&articleID=&labelID=&iStart=0&referer=/hg-shop/eurobike/eb_content_products.php)
comfortable, a bargain and kept my back protected in a spill... 8)
BaggaZee
23-11-04, 01:39 PM
That's that answered then. :)
What about decent armour to replace the 'comfort padding' in the back of a jacket?
Is this an option or is a seperate one the only decent solution? The thought of having yet another bit of kit to lug about when off the bike is depressing, rolled up or not!
northwind
23-11-04, 06:56 PM
Knox sell a back insert, but whether it'll fit or not is anyone's guess. HG do a Hiprotec insert as well, but it's a bit wee.
Nick762
24-11-04, 10:19 AM
That's that answered then. :)
What about decent armour to replace the 'comfort padding' in the back of a jacket?
Is this an option or is a seperate one the only decent solution? The thought of having yet another bit of kit to lug about when off the bike is depressing, rolled up or not!
The impression I've always been given is that integral back protectors are not worth using and a separate one is a much better option. I don't know if this extends to high end racing leathers but certainly at what I'd call the comfort end of the market i.e. fabric jackets which are looser fitting, it makes sense to have armour which won't move around.
Do racing leathers even come with back protectors?
My Dianese 2 peice racing suit (600gpb) didn't, and there is no space for them either... After looking at my integral from my last leathers and my dianese one I know which I'd choose...
Stu
Ceri JC
24-11-04, 11:04 AM
On the subject of back protectors, my jacket has a pocket with an existing foam one in, but it looks a bit small. I'd like to chuck a CE one in, but it may not fit. If needs be, I'd just remove the foam one and wear a seperate protector under my jacket, but ideally, I'd obviously like it to go in.
Am I right in thinking that some back protectors have straps etc. for use on their own and others are basically just armour plates?
Flamin_Squirrel
24-11-04, 12:25 PM
...Am I right in thinking that some back protectors have straps etc. for use on their own and others are basically just armour plates?
Yes. They are also better.
Ceri JC
24-11-04, 01:28 PM
Yes. They are also better.
Do you mean the ones that go on their own are better than the ones that fit in jackets?
Are they (generally speaking) reasonably comfy? I don't notice the existing one in my jacket, but I know as that's foam it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot ;) Just I don't want to fork out for one, only to end up not using it because it's uncomfortable to wear/v. time consuming to put on...
Flamin_Squirrel
24-11-04, 02:03 PM
Yes. They are also better.
Do you mean the ones that go on their own are better than the ones that fit in jackets?
Are they (generally speaking) reasonably comfy? I don't notice the existing one in my jacket, but I know as that's foam it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot ;) Just I don't want to fork out for one, only to end up not using it because it's uncomfortable to wear/v. time consuming to put on...
The ones that strap to your back independant of your jacket are better because they are larger and wont shift in the event of an off. Can't comment on comfort as I'm yet to purchase one :oops:
Flamin_Squirrel
24-11-04, 02:04 PM
Yes. They are also better.
Do you mean the ones that go on their own are better than the ones that fit in jackets?
Are they (generally speaking) reasonably comfy? I don't notice the existing one in my jacket, but I know as that's foam it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot ;) Just I don't want to fork out for one, only to end up not using it because it's uncomfortable to wear/v. time consuming to put on...
The ones that strap to your back independant of your jacket are better because they are larger and wont shift in the event of an off. Can't comment on comfort as I'm yet to purchase one :oops:
Are they (generally speaking) reasonably comfy? I don't notice the existing one in my jacket, but I know as that's foam it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot ;) Just I don't want to fork out for one, only to end up not using it because it's uncomfortable to wear/v. time consuming to put on...
I don't notice my Dianese - apart from the extra 5 mins it takes to get ready. But then 5 mins for the protection is worth it I think...
Stu
BaggaZee
24-11-04, 03:48 PM
How about ventilation on these things in summer?
I usually ride to work in a shirt with the jacket vents open in summer and just about get away with it if I whip the jacket off the instant I stop. I'm thinking that the back of a shirt would be sodden if I have a bit bit of rubber on my back. :?
I know, I know, there are more important things but we don't have hand driers here!
Nick762
24-11-04, 05:05 PM
How about ventilation on these things in summer?
I usually ride to work in a shirt with the jacket vents open in summer and just about get away with it if I whip the jacket off the instant I stop. I'm thinking that the back of a shirt would be sodden if I have a bit bit of rubber on my back. :?
I know, I know, there are more important things but we don't have hand driers here!
That's where the Rohan travel clothing (if you can afford it - I can't) comes in handy. Stuff your shirt, suit and pertex towel into a tank bag and change when you get to work :D
Seriously though if you haven't already got a warm weather jacket with plenty of vents then that should be high on your list. It isn't worth wearing less safety equipment just because it's warm as a number of people on the site can attest...
How about ventilation on these things in summer?
That was one of my big questions to the Knox guy, and why he told me about the new Stowaway due out in Feb which has a better breathing lining. I'm sure it'll still get a bit humid in there though! :roll:
He did talk about the Ricochet though, and that does have better venting features on the "body-side". You pays your money...............
BaggaZee
25-11-04, 11:36 AM
Cool :oops: , ta.
I'll just have to go & look at a few.
Spookinghound
25-11-04, 12:51 PM
I've got a Dainese jobbie. I used to wear it all the time but have been worried that it might actually ride up into the base of my skull in the wrong kind of off (is there a right kind?). Been thinking about flogging it and getting a soft type.
How about ventilation on these things in summer?
The Knox stowaway can get rather 'snug' if you get caught up in traffic, but as soon as you are making progress with your jacket vents open you soon cool down again. Comfort is really good provided you get the size that fits you properly, for those that didn't know they aint like afro's where one size fits all. :)
How about ventilation on these things in summer?
Dainese do a ventilated one called "wave", I remember reading somewere that they are very comfortable. I'm going to get one myself.
coombest
26-11-04, 02:51 PM
Whatever you go for, make sure it fits and that you WILL wear it!
Mark (rictus) gave me the best piece of advice before I got mine, which was that Back protectors are only any good if you actually wear them!
I bought mine as a rush-purchase on the day I went to Wales for my Track-day, so I didn't do as much trying-on as I would have and I was limited to one shop's stock.
I ended up with a Clover one which was the right kinda size for me, although would ride up towards my neck if I wasn't careful (not a nice thought of what could happen!!).
It DID get a bit sweaty if you were caught in heavy traffic for long periods but was fine when moving (I ONLY wore 1 piece racing leathers all through summer though!).
The best thing I can say about it (and, I suppose ANY back protector) is that I am still here!
I got on my bike last Friday without it, realised and went to put it on...
10 minutes later, I was laying in the road with Paramedics around me having been thrown over the top of a car.
I'm pretty certain that if it wasn't for the back protector, I wouldn't be able to walk as I can (to an extent!!) now!
My advice:
Buy one...
AND wear it - ALWAYS!
Muttley
26-11-04, 10:35 PM
I got on my bike last Friday without it, realised and went to put it on...
10 minutes later, I was laying in the road with Paramedics around me having been thrown over the top of a car.
But then if you hadn't spent 10 minutes getting your back protector you would have been 10 minutes further up the road and nowhere near that car.
:)
I wear Knox Ricochet (or however you spell it)
portreekid
03-12-04, 10:38 PM
That's that answered then. :)
What about decent armour to replace the 'comfort padding' in the back of a jacket?
Is this an option or is a seperate one the only decent solution? The thought of having yet another bit of kit to lug about when off the bike is depressing, rolled up or not!
Knox's Aeropack backpack has straps specifically for securing the Stowaway protector for when not on bike.
(Santa's bringing me one :) )
northwind
04-12-04, 06:40 PM
I sewed one half of a rucksack clippy buckle thing onto my usual rucksack (big Quicksilver one that'll hold a lid plus gloves and my cordura trousers, handy...) and piut the opther half on the wee bag for the stowaway, so apart from the jacket all my gear stashes quite easily.
northwind
04-12-04, 06:40 PM
I sewed one half of a rucksack clippy buckle thing onto my usual rucksack (big Quicksilver one that'll hold a lid plus gloves and my cordura trousers, handy...) and piut the opther half on the wee bag for the stowaway, so apart from the jacket all my gear stashes quite easily. But I look like a hermit, carrying all my possessions on my back :)
Chobblington
09-07-10, 08:07 AM
Anyone got the Forcefield Pro Level 2 insert or stand alone?
Holy thread resurection batman...
That was some amazing search, was this even on the first page of your search?
Chobblington
09-07-10, 08:45 AM
I hired a team of German research assistants to trawl through the Google archives and compile a list of the oldest most outdated results and this was their number 478 result, a number I'm particularly keen of.
It turns out I could have purchased all the aforementioned products for a tenth of the price of my research team, but then I guess other org members would not have benefitted from my pioneering work.
Specialone
09-07-10, 10:36 AM
Jeez, i wasnt even born then.
Im after a protection vest which i can use for off roading as well, not too many dealers around with this stuff and they havent got what i want.
I have one of these. KNOX AEGIS (http://www.knox-armour.co.uk/product.html?product=aegisred)
Double the price you are looking at one for but having been involved in a serious accident (click the link in my signature) I will not scrimp & save on a back protector. I would rather save money on outer clothing and get a good back protector.
philbut
09-07-10, 12:51 PM
Anyone got the Forcefield Pro Level 2 insert or stand alone?
Yes, in my winter textiles. Quite bulky but feels very solid. i have one like stig for when I'm just out for a ride, but if I'm doing other stuff i have the insert for practicality. Also habve an Alpinestarts insert in my "bimbling" leather jacket that is level 1. Again, bulky but easier to live with than a separate item. I prefer it for touring for this reason.
keith_d
09-07-10, 01:10 PM
I've got a Forcefield 002 insert in my jacket at the moment but I'm seriously considering a Sub-4.
Chobblington
09-07-10, 02:57 PM
Thanks for alerting me to that thread stig. Definitely has persuaded me to get the best gear I can afford and hope ur on ur way to a good recovery.
For those with a forcefield insert, how flexible are they as my jacket only has a tiny hole to poke the insert in so will need one I can fold at least in half in order to get in.
Forcefield stuff is excellent, the back protectors mould to your shape as they warm up so if trying on allow several minutes for it to warm before deciding how comfortable it is.
After 10mins or so you forget you're wearing it, except they do get hot in summer. I find I tend to leave the waist belt undone when it's hot to allow some air to move, I know it isn't the best for protection but too hot is too hot.
They are not particularly bendy (as in fold up) so definitely won't fit in a pocket not intended to have full size items fitted.
The Sub4 is very thick, I popped into V-customs (http://www.vcustoms.co.uk/)in Telford for some gloves and they had them in, the guy said most people found them just too thick and for cruiser/upright bikes they tend to be too long, better on a sports style bike. Most opt for the level2 Pro version.
This place (http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product.aspx?n=forcefieldbackprotectorprosub4&id=13950)has the Sub4 reduced if you decide you want one.
Chobblington
09-07-10, 03:18 PM
I'm about 5 foot 11. Anyone know what size that would equate to? Can't find any forcefields in local shops to try on
I'm the same height, normal proportions, and the medium is spot on for me. The Forcefield (http://www.forcefieldperformance.com/product/pro-l2-back-protector/2344)site has a sizing guide (halfway down) for overall height, and the Intobikes (http://www.intobikes.co.uk/products/002302/Forcefield_Pro_L2_Back_Protector?mn=0198&rt=24&rg=12&sg=OR&st=mn&sf=latest&sd=DESC)site has a measurement for waist to shoulder guide, both seem to tie up with my size OK. Don't worry about the waist sizing, the straps are elastic with velcro.
Chobblington
09-07-10, 05:44 PM
Cheers Embee. I managed to find a place not too far away that stocks them and popped in after work. The back insert JUST squeezed into my jacket so I went for that and think I may get the stand alone one another time when I've got some more cash. Rode home with it on and it wasn't too uncomfortable and definitely feel better for having it.
And at the end of the day any sort of back protection is better than none at all. :)
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