View Full Version : Back protectors
Well they day that experience is something you get after you need it. However, in this case I intend to use someone elses to compensate for my lack (thanks Joe). Therefore, the first time I need a back protector hopefully I'll already be wearing one :)
So, does anyone have any recommendations? I'm willing to spend a little more than the entry level for extra comfort. Spending any money on something you don't wear very often because of discomfort seems like a big waste of time/money to me. Ideally I would want to use it everytime I go out.
Thanks!
Mr Toad
11-04-05, 12:10 PM
eh up
I've got a Knox KC2000 - see http://www.planet-knox.com/Knox/index.asp
They come in 3 sizes, so you might want to try one to see what fits best
It looks like it's come down in price since I bought it, from J&S Accessories in New Malden
The downside is that it makes you look like a Ninja Turtle :lol:
Apart from that, its very comfortable - I never feel it when I'm on the bike
I chose my leather jacket by trying on over the back protector to make sure it would fit. I use it every time I go on the bike as I feel a bit exposed without it.
Bigape would be in 2 pieces if it wasn't for his :shock:
Quite a number of people have the Knox Stowaway which rolls up, and if you have a Knox rucksack, it fits between the loops on the shoulder straps
If you're strapped for cash, I notice that LIDL (the cheap supermarket people) are running special offers on biking gear from this Thursday (14th) & have a back protector for £20.
On the basis that it's better than nothing, I was planning to get one for Mrs Toad :lol:
Mmmm, very interesting! I need a new bag too!
Thanks a lot... :D
Yes I use a Knox Stowaway which has been tested on two separate ocassions and I can tell you they work. I simply wouldn't ride without one.
.
Mr Toad
11-04-05, 01:35 PM
I simply wouldn't slide without one.
.
Likewise :wink:
one of these
http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/ff_back.html
a very nice piece of kit, absolute top quality manufacture. No hard bits to cause possible problems in the event you use it in anger. I couldn't get their on-line shop to work so ordered by phone. I believe they're stocked at Infinity m/cycle shops but very few other retail outlets (listed as Davies Odell back protector).
Totally comfy, at first it feels just like you're leaning up against a wall but it soon becomes natural. It adapts to your body shape as it warms up, so when you put it on it's not moulded to you, judge it after 10mins.
I'm 5' 11", and use the medium size which turned out to be exactly right for me. I reckon it'd be suitable for a normal shape 5' 9" to 6' 1", beyond that there's small and large.
As others say, you soon feel exposed without one.
It remains to be seen how hot it gets in summer/abroad. :?
have just bought a knox stowaway, as yet untested and long may it stay that way. :D
knox have just updated the stowaway range - the 2005 one has thicker armour and some climate control stuff on the non armour side to prevent overheating in the summer. some shops still stock the 2004 at the same price (59-99) so make sure you get the 05 one if you're buying. not all shops (eg some infinity branches) have the 05 in yet either so dont be passed off with an old one if things like that are important to you!
the only down side is that i can no longer zip my jacket to my trousers as then the protector rides up to high and sticks in to the back of my neck. small issue, but thought i'd mention it.
will.
Yes if you wear a back protector and are buying new gear, always take it with you and try them on together.
.
Mr Toad
21-04-05, 10:03 AM
just stuff it down your trousers - I do *
makes things a bit tight, but works OK
* que for smutty inuendos, fnar fnar, etc :D
Cloggsy
21-04-05, 11:38 AM
one of these
http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/ff_back.html
a very nice piece of kit, absolute top quality manufacture. No hard bits to cause possible problems in the event you use it in anger. I couldn't get their on-line shop to work so ordered by phone. I believe they're stocked at Infinity m/cycle shops but very few other retail outlets (listed as Davies Odell back protector).
Totally comfy, at first it feels just like you're leaning up against a wall but it soon becomes natural. It adapts to your body shape as it warms up, so when you put it on it's not moulded to you, judge it after 10mins.
I'm 5' 11", and use the medium size which turned out to be exactly right for me. I reckon it'd be suitable for a normal shape 5' 9" to 6' 1", beyond that there's small and large.
As others say, you soon feel exposed without one.
It remains to be seen how hot it gets in summer/abroad. :?
http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/forcefield_back.gif
'The Forcefield' has just won RiDE magazines 'Best Buy' in their latest tests... It's the best one on the market in their opinion :thumbsup:
Ceri JC
26-04-05, 03:46 PM
just stuff it down your trousers - I do *
makes things a bit tight, but works OK
* que for smutty inuendos, fnar fnar, etc :D
Yep, the coccyx covering bit of mine goes down the back of the trousers and then I zip my jacket to my trousers 'outside' the back protector.
I got a clover one at Joe's shop.:)
ryancor
12-05-05, 12:58 PM
I've been using a Knox KC2000 X1 for about 6 months now. It's not the smallest but it is very comfortable. I have had to check weather I had put it on on a couple of occasions. I haven't tested it yet (lets hope I never do) but of all the back protectors I tried on I found it to be the most comfortable and most substantial.
You can find it for a good price at
www.harpersraceshop.com/item526.htm
diamond
29-05-05, 05:28 PM
I bought a Knox ricochet yesterday, wore it home from the shop and i'm not goin out without it from now on. Essential piece of kit IMO. :D
Why did i wait so long to buy it. :roll: :lol:
Mr Toad
30-05-05, 11:13 AM
had mine on when I came off
no damage at all except for the leg :cry:
the other guy who came off after me was black & blue all over - no back protector except for the bit of foam in his suit
the other guy who came off after me was black & blue all over - no back protector except for the bit of foam in his suit
There was someone else? :shock:
And a point proven methinks.
.
Mr Toad
31-05-05, 12:16 PM
A gsx-r 1000 rider came off the next day on his way back from LeMans
He was in the bed next to me for the time I was there - compound fracture of the right elbow :cry:
SVeeedy Gonzales
13-06-05, 02:22 PM
My Forcefield arrived at the weekend. Dead comfy and impressed that it fitted under my jacket and couldn't be seen at all (jacket's already a bit, um, tight around the waist area...). Can definitely feel it there whilst riding, but it doesn't restrict movement at all, which I was also kinda concerned about... I'm a convert!
Better to have one and not need it, than need one and not have it.
I've always worm my Dainese back protector. It keeps my back warm :lol:
SVeeedy Gonzales
14-06-05, 08:31 AM
Not only does it keep my back warmer, but yesterday evening it provided a good bit of cooling under the rucksack... just move slightly and it gets air flowing down the back :)
one of these
http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/ff_back.html
a very nice piece of kit, absolute top quality manufacture. No hard bits to cause possible problems in the event you use it in anger. I couldn't get their on-line shop to work so ordered by phone. I believe they're stocked at Infinity m/cycle shops but very few other retail outlets (listed as Davies Odell back protector).
Totally comfy, at first it feels just like you're leaning up against a wall but it soon becomes natural. It adapts to your body shape as it warms up, so when you put it on it's not moulded to you, judge it after 10mins.
I'm 5' 11", and use the medium size which turned out to be exactly right for me. I reckon it'd be suitable for a normal shape 5' 9" to 6' 1", beyond that there's small and large.
As others say, you soon feel exposed without one.
It remains to be seen how hot it gets in summer/abroad. :?
Just bought one of these from your recommendation embee - afte reading this thread I realised I was riding without an essential piece of kit! :shock:
...Just bought one of these from your recommendation embee - afte reading this thread I realised I was riding without an essential piece of kit! :shock:
hope you never try it out for real! :lol:
...Just bought one of these from your recommendation embee - afte reading this thread I realised I was riding without an essential piece of kit! :shock:
hope you never try it out for real! :lol:
Thanks mate, it was my plan was not to! :lol:
Muttley
10-08-05, 04:21 PM
the other guy who came off after me was black & blue all over - no back protector except for the bit of foam in his suit
There was someone else? :shock:
And a point proven methinks.
.
How is that a point proven?
Not that I am saying you don't need a back protector but just because someone else falls off and is "black and blue", the back protector (or lack off) has no relevance to it.
For anyone whose interested I just brought a forcefield from Streetbike in Halesowen for just £36!!
May be worth checking out to see if they have anymore come in (had some small left when I was there)
For anyone whose interested I just brought a forcefield from Streetbike in Halesowen for just £36!!
Cheers mate... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/skip665/cry.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/skip665/cry.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/skip665/cry.gif
Ah yes, the forcefield, I got the large size and fits very nicely. And agree with all the other comments, an essential bit of kit and you soon feel naked without it on under your kit.
The only problem Ive had with it from day one was the straps you wrap round your waist, the metal elastic springs bit. That has broken off a bit and looks very used even though this happened after I first got it. Anyway Ive been using it since and hasnt got worse. Good bit of kit and well worth the money!
Jelster
14-08-05, 03:54 PM
I goot one of these (http://www.dainese.com/eng/articolo.asp?articolo=1875731&cat=TOURING) at the weekend. I have been meaning to get one for ages, finaly decided on the Wave at it was the most comfortable.
.
SVeeedy Gonzales
14-08-05, 08:20 PM
For anyone whose interested I just brought a forcefield from Streetbike in Halesowen for just £36!!
May be worth checking out to see if they have anymore come in (had some small left when I was there)
Was that definitely the big back protector? I saw a forcefield for similar cash but it turned out to be their lumbar support thing and not the protector :evil: Can see streetbike doing some good trade :D
yep, definately the back protector.
has the ride label attached to it and little cotton tag on it says back protector :wink:
The Basket
01-04-06, 02:11 PM
After reading this forum...I have decided to buy a back protector.
Knox Richocet.
And people say I never learn.
After reading this forum...I have decided to buy a back protector.
I felt the same - feels all wrong without it now!
GSXR Carlos
01-04-06, 04:17 PM
if i'm going to get one, is the know stowaway good enough? birthday's coming up soon, so i've got no excuses
The Basket
01-04-06, 05:06 PM
if i'm going to get one, is the know stowaway good enough? birthday's coming up soon, so i've got no excuses
Better than nutin'
Should be ok but felt a bit light compared to the Richocet.
Quiff Wichard
11-04-06, 11:07 PM
truly then..
I dont wear one- (yet)
feel sure I will after reading this and in the unhappy event of another off. I would llike to be able to walk..SO:
why when u wear one a few times.. do u relaise you shudda always worn one... u hope to never need it? is it psycology(sp) ??...
AND dare I ask- so u feel safer and take more risks with one on??
please explain....
why when u wear one a few times.. do u relaise you shudda always worn one... u hope to never need it? is it psycology(sp) ??...
I just like the feeling that my back is WELL protected - after BigApe saying that he might not have survived his off without one, it was enough to make me want one.... I have the Davies Odell one as recommended by embee - fits snugly and is well made.... :D
No they dont encourage you to ride faster - well, not me anyway...
I use the built-in back protector in my Rukka jacket and it certainly did the job for me. I wouldn't like to think of the damage that could have been done to my back if I hadn't been wearing it :shock: I landed on my back.
I need to get a back protector for my leathers though, I won't wear them without a back protector.
There is always a diffrence i think on landing on your back or somthing hitting your back or deforming your normal curve.
If you land on your back without any obect pushing into it then usaly the forces are distributed over your whole back just as a BackProtector is ment to do, but like BigApe and Me we did not have that.
I had my bike wheel hit me & BigApe hit & got impaled on a barrier. This is where a backprotector will help the most where the forces are directed to a portion of the back and not the whole. Im not saying that a protector will not help if you just land on your back, it certainly will but it comes fully into play when somthing hits you or if you land on somthing like a curb or anything that could puncture your spine/back.
Wear one, you only have one spine.
I've been throw in to a ditch off a recovery truck, so about 8ft drop and not had any affect as I had my protector on. Only a few months ago I had someone ram me and I rolled into the road, didn't notice anything.
They are good things, just make sure you take your bike when you try it on. As getting the right size is very important, to big and it will push up your back and bang on your lid. To small and it won't protect the lower parts of your spine or neck/upper back.
Oh I have a Knox Stoway...
I have the Knox X1, not made now.
I was always intending to get one, but what forced me was going on holiday to Portugal about 1 month before my accident.
The Basket
12-04-06, 10:23 PM
I think a back protector is a must.
No longer a luxury IMHO. As cheap as a cheap lid. In A crash, you wished you had worn one. It doesn't prevent injury, but it can reduce it and my allow you to walk away from a nasty one.
Standard kit.
Quiff Wichard
12-04-06, 10:26 PM
well today was a nice day ...
so I did some deliveries on my bike of small items..
--there is a point to this
I went to one street and as the next call was 2 streets away I lef tmy gloves inmy backpack and rode bare naked hands (daft I know)
BUT- POINT IS!
I felt so exposed... so I now know the answer to my previous question as to why u wear a back protector all the time after wearing it once..
I thank you x
caz650s
24-06-06, 04:27 PM
I think a back protector is a must.
No longer a luxury IMHO. As cheap as a cheap lid. In A crash, you wished you had worn one. It doesn't prevent injury, but it can reduce it and my allow you to walk away from a nasty one.
Standard kit.
Just been out and bought a Knox ricochet 7 plate back protector and rode home wearing it,I dont think I will ever go out on the bike again without it !
I have been riding bikes for 30 years and untill I had read some of the comments on this site I had never thought of getting one.
ive got a texsport back protector thats brand new but too big for me, its a large/ x large. pm me if you want it anyone, open to offers.
SVeeedy Gonzales
26-06-06, 10:04 AM
I bought a Spada jacket the other day that had a wafer thin foam protector in the back. Tried it once on it's own and it was comfy but since then I've been sticking the Forcefield under it as well - the 5mm thick foam might be "CE Approved" but I doubt it'll do much in an off.
northwind
13-09-06, 02:58 PM
I've got a Knox Stowaway... Can't really say it's been "tested", since I don't know what would have happened without it, but I did a forward flip into a rocky ditch and didn't even get a bruise...
As for which one to buy, I got the Stowaway over all the others because of the ease of transportation- it rolls up small, so I can fit it into a bag or whatever when I get to my destination. The best protection is the one you'll actually wear, and it's never an inconvenience to have the Stowaway with me.
I use to have a Knox Stowaway 3 years ago but never got used to wearing it, it was a medium and felt too big. Still got it in a cupboard somewhere without the storing bag.
I now have been wearing a Knox Gilet Air (Size XS) for several months. It's comfortable now and has chest protection as well.
Knox Gilet Air (http://www.planet-knox.com/detail2.aspx?ID=112)
I have the forcefield back protector and it's the best piece of kit i have ever brought.. it's comfy and light and it's like wearing a t-shirt it moves with your body and doesnt restrict your riding. I believe it has the highest rating in all impact tests and comes highly recomended by many bike mags and organisations.
Forcefield back protector owners - Where did you buy yours and did you get any help with getting the correct fitting?
Forcefield back protector owners - Where did you buy yours and did you get any help with getting the correct fitting?
Just try a few and see what feels right for you. It should really go as low down and as high up your back without pushing your lid when you tilt your head back and obviously without getting in the way when you sit on your bike. I used a helmet in the shop and sat on a chair.
Got mine from Infinity. If you go in using the old "I can get it cheaper on the net so are you gonna do me a deal?" they will. Just got to be a bit brave but I've used it w few times now and it actually works!
Oh yeah, check the velcro wasteband is solid black and hasn't got translucent horizontal lines running through it-that one is the old superseded model.
I love mine and I think it loves me back (Luckily haven't had to test it yet). Very comfortable.
:)
slark01
21-06-07, 05:18 PM
Just recieved my forcefield pro back protector and it does feel comfy and secure, not had a ride out yet to test it, that won't happen until next week.
Good! You won't know it's there after a while. Putting it on becomes second nature every time you go out.
:)
slark01
21-06-07, 09:07 PM
Good! You won't know it's there after a while. Putting it on becomes second nature every time you go out.
:)
I was informing the missus of exactly that, as I took the foam one out of the jacket the other day and didn't feel right for days after.
Just got my Forcefield back protector today. In the past I had tried the Knox ladies...............far too big...............and the Knox junior was far too small. Last weekend I tried the Forcefield ladies at Midlands Superbikes and again it was too big, so they very kindly got a junior one in just for me to try today. It was perfect.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Lissasv650/backprotector0011.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Lissasv650/backprotector0041.jpg
After 10 minutes of wearing it I'd forgotten I'd got it on. Best of all, as it's a childs size, it was nearly half the price of the adult one, but made to exactly the same standard. There are some compensations for being a short ****:D
sv650sfan
16-07-07, 01:25 AM
I've read some great reviews about TPro Forcefield (Protection level EN1621 Level 2) i.e. half the force gets through as required by EN1621. I've got an American version of the same under brand name of Joe Rocket.
It is extremely comfortable; conforms to the shape of the back when riding without any problems and the motorbike magazines tend to calling it the 'least obtrusive'.
I hope someone did their work right when defining those standards :) because based on the fact that this back protector adheres to those standards and reviews, I bought the thing.
I wear it on all my rides and feel safer with it.
sv650sfan
16-07-07, 01:30 AM
[quote=teriyakimonkey;1205188]
Oh yeah, check the velcro wasteband is solid black and hasn't got translucent horizontal lines running through it-that one is the old superseded model.
Curious :confused: is there something wrong with the model with the translucent horizontal lines? Because the American company Joe Rocket is currently selling the American version of TPro with the funny translucent horizontal lines that almost look like some translucent plastic thread intertwined.
sv650sfan
16-07-07, 01:34 AM
By the way guys; could anyone who has the TPro Forcefield help me out with something. The American version Joe Rocket TPro's label on the inside of the waist belt near the velcro says "LEVEL B2 BACK PROTECTOR prEN1621-2" - what does it say on the TPro Forcefield? Is level B2 is same as level 2?
Thanks,
AFAIK There are two levels of Forcefield L1 and L2 (Levels 1 & 2). I don't think the L1 is sold as a motocycle back protector (is aimed at more active pursuits such as snowboarding)
As such the L2 is the MC protector and I'm confident that the American version will be identical to the UK.
I'm thinking of getting an L1 to use for snowboarding then wear it when I ride. It'd get more use that way, making me feel better about the purcase and I figure something is better than nothing.
metalmonkey
06-01-08, 10:23 PM
I got the forcefield one, its ace, it moulds to my bike I don't notice it all, I get right on top of the tank no problems, I find the majority of my gear is ace and doesn't get in the way whilst on the bike.
I got my myself a Forcefield back protector on Friday. I got the level 2 in the end despite originally thinking I'd get the level 1. I wanted to use it for as much as possible and thought the lighter one would be better for that. Having tried an L2 on I reckoned that I could live with it on the slopes and apparently it offers about twice as much protection - and that's got to be the priority. I'm a smidge over 6'1" and I got a large. I tried the medium first and it didn't feel great, the large felt great from the get-go. Apparnetly the stuff in them will soften up a little from bodyheat, so the comfort should improve a little too once it's been on a few minutes.
Saying I got the back protector is actually only half the story. I went a bit nuts and got the Forcefield shirt too. It's not a biking product as such (the website just says "multi sport product" but I'm afraid I thought it looked pretty cool and as my jacket has no armour in it, it seemed like a good way to upgrade without buying a new jacket. Again I expect it to get used on the slopes.
ljharmitt
21-01-08, 12:36 AM
threads been going a while lol since 2005 :o
independentphoto
14-02-08, 05:08 PM
threads been going a while lol since 2005 :o
Yep, sure has. Still every bit as valid though and a lot of sensible comments contained therein.
Nice one.
Garry:cool:
After reading threads like this and Bigapes 'always wear your leathers' thead I went and treated myself to a back protector yesterday for my birthday.
I had been looking at alsorts of different ones and the only one offering the protection i was after, and the comfort i was after was......
Dianesse Wave 13
http://www.ducaticanada.com/adsimages/images/Dainese%20Wave%20back%20protector.jpg
It moulds to your back almost and protects from the very top of your neck to your coxics.
Bloody great piece of kit. And as has been said I cant imagine ever riding again without it.
Was abit expensive though, probably paid over the odds :(
markryker
26-02-08, 08:05 PM
Hi i bought the Forcefield 2 back protector weekend, got a large, im 5`10 and fits perfect. Feels comfy and fits under both my jackets and one piece with no problem, you can tell its there of course, but it adds to a feeling of security too. Hopefully never have to test in anger. Got mine for £79.99 inc delivery.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/markryker/DSC00294.jpg
skeetly
05-03-08, 07:23 PM
I have a knox contour and its very comfortable but the thing seems to ride up when im wearing it just enough to make looking round (lifesaver style) awkward and a proper look round is really difficult. Its the right size for me i tried the smaller one in the shop and its quite a bit too short.
I wear it under a zipped together leather jacket and trousers.
Anyone else have this trouble?
El Saxo
05-03-08, 11:58 PM
Yeah I have a Knox Ricochet and have a similar problem. It's ok if I wear it under my textile gear but if I wear it under my leathers the collar of my leathers is noticeably higher, as if the back protector is stopping my leathers from sitting snugly across my shoulders. It'd be fine if I was in a racing crouch all the time :roll: but when I'm sat a bit more upright and riding normally it interferes with looking around, lifesavers etc. I'm also quite concerned that if I did come off, the collar of my leathers would do exactly the sort of damage to my neck that the back protector is supposed to prevent happening to the rest of my spine. :-?
talasker
13-03-08, 08:15 PM
i managed to get out on sunday for a bimble but stopped off at infinity in york and picked up a forcefield for the return leg certainly felt well protected on the return leg won't be doing much riding without it in the future
Rhiwbina_Squirrel
20-04-08, 05:58 PM
I have a knox contour and its very comfortable but the thing seems to ride up when im wearing it just enough to make looking round (lifesaver style) awkward and a proper look round is really difficult. Its the right size for me i tried the smaller one in the shop and its quite a bit too short.
I wear it under a zipped together leather jacket and trousers.
Anyone else have this trouble?
I went and bought a knox contour and a set of zip-together leathers today. I'm wearing them about the house to break them in and haven't noticed any movement of the back protector. Obviously, I'm not on a bike or on the road but as I don't have a bike at the moment, I can't comment on that :rolleyes: I'll comment back when I've been riding with them for a few months.
Alex
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