need advice on back protectors

I've worn and had a off with a Oxford Ridged back protector... Comfortable despite being solid plates and fits under my leathers pretty easily...

just my ten pence worth...

Originally Posted by Irish ek

...But imo if you were to have an off in any of the three mentioned i dont think there would be much difference in them. I dont think one would offer greater protection than the other...

Opinions don't really count when it comes to the simple fact that some offer more (proven) protection against others.

Sorry to hijack your thread
could someone tell me if protector inserts are less effective than self fitting back protectors. I have a Alpinstars jacket and was considering the insert they sell. just wondering if i was wasting my money on the insert?

They're not as big and will move around more.

[dizzyblonde]

I have a Halvarssons back protector that inserts into my jacket. Its a pain in the bum as it bumps the back of my lid, and moves about. Its better than none at all, but I am considering buying either the Halvarssons one that MissYC recommends or the Forcefield equivalent. Don't get me wrong, its a damn good wedge sat in there, but no comparison to one the clamps to you rather than in the back of the jacket.

IMO, make sure you go to a shop and try them on....they're like helmets, gotta fit properly

[Nobbylad]

I use the Hein Gericke insert in my leathers as well as my Knoxx protector.

Originally Posted by Vergey

All back protectors are going to be better than no back protector, and the forcefield models do carry a bit of a premium, i think their 'base' model, which is the one in the review is still about £80, I bought the kevlar version of that model priced at £100, but they have an even higher one which transmits very little force to the back in the event of a crash. I found the fit of the different models to be slightly different. I would suggest going down to get geared at leatherhead and try a few of their different ones on, see if you get on better with one more than another. Then you could do a back to back comparison (forgive any bad pun) of the two makes, and which ever one fits better will be better for you.

will give this a go on weekend thanks for advice. Although i agree some can be more protective then others i guess going and buying one that is comfy is better then not having one, and spending for ever talking about getting one.

regarding protection, some of the testing methods used on back protectors dont seem to be very good although there is no other way of testing them. shear stress's to back and twisting doesnt seemed to be tested although impact is clearly is. Hitting a pole at speed would cause alot of bending to the back, as would a car bonnet to the back front on. (Although i dont try think about these kind of things things).


i think there should be a sticky thread put somewhere on this with expert advise. I kinda guess it is on the internet somewhere but after a few hours looking i gave up and resulted to the forum. (was bored at work so a few hours would about right lol)


so i am going along with comfy, reasonable priced (around £100), and recommended / well established brand. forcefield/hein gerike/dainese.


thank you for all replies much appreciated. I would buy and send you all cake but royal mail would probably squish it or eat it.

[embee]

Haven't read all the posts so sorry if this is repeating.....

Forcefield is very comfy once it has warmed up to body temp, so make sure you wear one for at least 10mins before judging. I find I forget I'm wearing it after a while.

The only downside I've found is that it can get a bit too hot above, say, 25C. For colder weather it's a big bonus, but in summer it can be too much. Undoing the waist strap helps, though of course it compromises the protection in theory. For touring (European summer) I use an insert just because it's much more comfortable in hot weather, I accept the reduced protection.

I don't think any back protector will offer any significant protection regarding some of the scenarios you quote, twisting etc, they are for localised impact such as hitting kerbs or street furniture etc., or simply landing on your back. For full protection you need a car.

I've been told the Forcefield Sub4 is too bulky and hot for most people, and looking at one it certainly is a thick bit of kit. Ultimately you pays your money and takes your choice.