Back protectors ... is this true?
Discussion
MCN: "The consensus is that strap-on armour, because it doesn’t shift around on your body, is better than padding that fits into suited pockets."
However, I seem to remember T-C posting here that he knew someone who'd damaged their spine because their strap-on back protector shifted around and others suggested it was thus better to have the protector in the jacket.
I've a G2 back space protector in the suited pocked of my Dainese jacket. Would a strap-on be better (as it were
)?
However, I seem to remember T-C posting here that he knew someone who'd damaged their spine because their strap-on back protector shifted around and others suggested it was thus better to have the protector in the jacket.
I've a G2 back space protector in the suited pocked of my Dainese jacket. Would a strap-on be better (as it were
)? I use the Dainese one which came with my Dainese suit. It's supposedly very good. It sits in a pocket in the back of the suit and comes with a strap which goes around your waist. There is some movement but I'm confident that if I slid down the road then the back protector would stay there and not travel to my sides or chest.
The only thing I've heard in regards to back-protectors damaging you is that if the whole thing isn't flexible but instead rock-solid then that could snap your back in a nasty situation. So long as you can bend your protector and it flexes in your hands then I think it should be fine.
The only thing I've heard in regards to back-protectors damaging you is that if the whole thing isn't flexible but instead rock-solid then that could snap your back in a nasty situation. So long as you can bend your protector and it flexes in your hands then I think it should be fine.
I have dealt with a number of people who have been left crippled by srap on back protectors for a whole number of reasons.
Generally, if the back protector is fitted into pockets in the suit and is of the memory foam type, the chances of serious injury occuring are reduced considerably.
Generally, if the back protector is fitted into pockets in the suit and is of the memory foam type, the chances of serious injury occuring are reduced considerably.
Why does one type work better than another pls t-c. I replaced the armour in my Rukka jacket with a Knox protector when it split, while waiting for the retailer to get their act together and supply me with a replacement under warranty. It feels far more substantial than the original stuff did and covers a larger area of my back.
Steve.
Steve.
ledger said:
wasn't there talk on a previous thread of the back protectors (strap on) sliding up the back and breaking your neck above the shoulders ?.
This is quite a common problem. In some cases where the back protector is of the hard type material and straps on, in the event of a crash the protector can snap, move about and relocate at the weakest point often the base of the neck. The force can be such (and I saw this two or three times last year) the neck snaps and the rider either ends up dead or in a wheelchair.
With the soft memory foam type of protector fitted to the jacket, not only is it less likely to move about, it cannot snap, and its shock absorbancy is far greater. Being flexible it will also mould to your shape thereby affording greater comfort.
Most back protectors that you strap on are designed for a track with nice smooth run offs, low kerbs, no roadside furniture to speak off, so the body does not twist and distort to the same degree on a track as it does on the road.
Mags said:I've had one of these and worn it every time I've gone out for the last 3 years (on the bike
How does the Knox stowaway compare here then?
Its the soft type strap-on protector. I would have thought this would be better than the hard type ones?
). If it rides up your back it concertinas up so won't break your neck. It's very comfortable and keeps your back warm too.
Mark
I have one of the Dainese back protectors that is a sort of gilet/sleevless zip up top. Have had to use it twice, and it's been fine on both occasions. It never moved. 
It is solid for most of the spine length with a soft piece at the base of the skull/top of the spine. It also has additional soft padding on the front for collar bone, ribs etc.
I wear it with a "casual" jacket too on occasions when I'm not in full leathers (tut tut etc etc!)
Matt
It is solid for most of the spine length with a soft piece at the base of the skull/top of the spine. It also has additional soft padding on the front for collar bone, ribs etc.
I wear it with a "casual" jacket too on occasions when I'm not in full leathers (tut tut etc etc!)
Matt
No disrespect to t-c who I'm sure knows his onions, but from a racers point of view I don't know anyone who doesn't wear a seperate slip on back protector under leathers. Knox is the one of choice and I believe they still actually do a compensation scheme that pay out £10K automatically to anyone crippled by a spinal injury while wearing one. I know this is not a lot, and a bit of a selling point but atleast they put their money were their mouth is.
What I will add is that when worn under correctly fitting leathers the seperates shouldn't move about at all, this will not be the case with cordura jackets etc and also I favour the type that have hard "vertibrae" but plenty of softer material around them.
www.planet-knox.com
What I will add is that when worn under correctly fitting leathers the seperates shouldn't move about at all, this will not be the case with cordura jackets etc and also I favour the type that have hard "vertibrae" but plenty of softer material around them.
www.planet-knox.com
mel said:
No disrespect to t-c who I'm sure knows his onions, but from a racers point of view I don't know anyone who doesn't wear a seperate slip on back protector under leathers. Knox is the one of choice and I believe they still actually do a compensation scheme that pay out £10K automatically to anyone crippled by a spinal injury while wearing one. I know this is not a lot, and a bit of a selling point but atleast they put their money were their mouth is.
What I will add is that when worn under correctly fitting leathers the seperates shouldn't move about at all, this will not be the case with cordura jackets etc and also I favour the type that have hard "vertibrae" but plenty of softer material around them.
www.planet-knox.com
That was the point I was making, in that racing should not be confused with road riding. The problems encountered on the road 99 times out of 100 will not be encountered on the track, so whilst it is probably a decided advantage on the track, on the road it can and has caused major physical injury and problems.
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