Do back protectors make sense?

[Bender]

I have a query regarding back protectors and the pluses and minuses of wearing them. There is a plan to do some track days for the experience of it, but you may not get on the track without wearing a back protector.

My jacket does not have a pocket to accommodate a back protector so I will have to buy a stand alone protector or a new jacket with a back protector included.

Here’s the query. I can see the back protector being excellent for track-style accidents which are most often a lowside with a reasonable amount of run-off. Sliding along on your back, the back protector makes a huge amount of sense.

The on-road accident is far more varied, with less run off and, presumably, the back protector offers less protection.

Also, the back protector, to be effective, has to be strapped on pretty hard, which over the course of a long ride must become quite uncomfortable.

What do people with back protectors say – is there anyone who has had a road accidents who can vouch for the effectiveness of the back protector? How do you handle them on long rides?

[roadracingoldfart]

Well ask yourself a question..... is there any reason to protect yourself as much as possible ???
Answer , YES.
They are not annoying to wear on the road or track if you buy one that fits nicely and hasd a good broad waistband and an arm strap thats not to thin.
There is no way i would go for anything but a to and from work (3 kms) without wearing the leathers and the back protector, good gloves and good boots. (and a helmet for you perfectionists) .

I have had quite bad highsides with and without a protector in days gone by while racing and i feel unsafe without it on my back now.

Paul.

[SPP]

I wear a protector everywhere (left the pad in my jacket, removed the pad from my suit to free up room). I got used to it pretty quickly, its reasonably comfortable and mine isn't a super expensive one either. It feels wrong not having one on now, like riding without gloves feels wrong.

The more money you spend, the better the protection, comfort, and manouverability e.g. knox... but again, you don't need to spend mega bucks to get better protection than a "cheese sandwich" quote: quasimoto

Why doesn't everybody wear one? It's got to be better than a bare back?

[MSTRS]

Sliding along on your back, the back protector makes a huge amount of sense.


I thought they'd be more use in helping to prevent (or lessen) impact injures. A good jacket, preferably leather, will provide its own slide protection for your skin.

[rapid van cleef]

funny you should mention a cheese sandwhich

. ride magazine in uk conducted impact tests of various armour in a range of jeans and jackets(leather) and then also tested random obejcts. some armour actaully had lower impact absortption per sq cm than a cheese sandwhich!

on saying that, back to the query, anything i can do to minimise the risk of injury during an off is a bonus. id rather be very hot n sweaty when at the lights for a few seconds than loose the skin on my arse, back, weherever for the rest of my life. back protectors, like your bike clothing should fit your body shape properly and good ones are very comfy. i have a forcefield 2 back protector and once its on, i dont notice it.

wouldnt ride without it

most back protectors fitted to off the peg jackets are almost a token gesture by the manufacturer, according to lots of case studies, but according to all the research ive done, itse better than not having one.

how much do you value your spine and your ability to control your legs etc? if wearing a back protector can help to minimise any such injury, then im in. also broken ribs on ur back are very very painful. my brother flipped his bike and broke several ribs at the back in a very low speed spill. that was 5 years ago and it still is an issue for him. maybe if he had a protector on, it would not have been so bad?

[SPP]

Ride magazine in uk conducted impact tests of various armour in a range of jeans and jackets(leather) and then also tested random obejcts. some armour actaully had lower impact absortption per sq cm than a cheese sandwhich!

Now that is interesting. Quasi mentions it in one of his jacket reviews.


my brother flipped his bike and broke several ribs at the back in a very low speed spill. that was 5 years ago and it still is an issue for him. maybe if he had a protector on, it would not have been so bad?

That's right. Boomer used to go on about the value of back protection citing his rooted back as all the evidence we needed to go out and get one.

[Metastable]

I don't ride without a back protector. To be honest, the rigid type protectors that have a kidney belt, as opposed to the ones that fit inside the jackets offer great protection. It isn't for abrasion resistance, but rather impact resistant and perforation resistance (think pointy).

They are very comfortable to wear, I don't even remember I have it on to be honest. So ya, it is worth it even on the road. What happens if you bin it on a corner and hit one of those >>>> signs, or a tree?

The rigid bits helps to disperse the force over a wider area.

[MarkH]

Also, the back protector, to be effective, has to be strapped on pretty hard, which over the course of a long ride must become quite uncomfortable.

Not necessarily. I rode from Auckland to Christchurch (does that qualify as a long ride?) wearing my Knox Aegis back protector - it wasn't uncomfortable at all.

[Kickaha]

I thought they'd be more use in helping to prevent (or lessen) impact injures. A good jacket, preferably leather, will provide its own slide protection for your skin.

It is a lot more comfortable sliding down the road wearing a back protector under your leathers than without one

[Swoop]

PM Biggles08 regarding back protectors.

They make a lot of sense.

[MSTRS]

It is a lot more comfortable sliding down the road wearing a back protector under your leathers than without one

If you are on your back....
I don't doubt you are right...never done it myself to know.
But surely that is a desireable side effect, after the primary protection against impact injury?

[rie]

I agree with the safety aspect that everyone else has mentioned. Don't scrimp and buy the equivalent of a cheese sandwich. Invest in a good one. As for comfort, I think you will find that most back protectors that you strap onto your body is more comfortable on long road rides because it supports your lower back. This is especially the case for sportsbike riders who are leant forward in an extreme position, but applies regardless of what you are riding.

[=cJ=]

Every time my suit goes on, my back protector goes on first.

I don't actually fit my suit properly without the protector on (too much of a runt to fill it out) , so it makes sense :p

[vifferman]

I've got one (a secondhand but untested 7-plate Teknic one) and after a few minutes, I don't notice it. The last major spill I had (taken out by a u-turning car), I bounced off the car and landed on my back. The jacket I had at the time was a Teknic Hurricane that had a built-in back protector - not the kind that slips into a pouch, but rather one that was moulded into the back of the jacket. That was the first and only time I've ever landed on my back, and although I was a little sore, it passed quickly and I didn't even have any bruising on my back, and no injuries (apart from my left leg).
My current jacket cost a lot more'n the Teknic, and has only a small pouch with some memory foam in (now two thicknesses). So when I go on highway rides, I strap on the back protector.
Interestingly (or perhaps not), I've only ever binned around town, and so at speeds of less than 50km/h.
Anyway, to answer your question, yes, a back protector does make sense, just as much as a helmet.
If you're going to buy one, the best one is one that extends both as high up and low down as possible, so it gives some protection to the lower part of your neck, and to your coccyx. I've broken the latter (on a bicycle) and it's not fun.

[Usarka]

Here’s the query. I can see the back protector being excellent for track-style accidents which are most often a lowside with a reasonable amount of run-off. Sliding along on your back, the back protector makes a huge amount of sense.

Who cares about a low slide, that's what leathers are for. I'm more concerned about smashing into things - which is why I wear mine on the road almost religously.

As my old pa used to say, wank before riding and wear a back protector.

[Hitcher]

Back protectors may make sense, but surely not if a rider is wearing a backpack at the same time. Unless of course they cancel each other out.

[gatch]

Definately wear the protector, everywhere now, it only takes a minute more to put on. Your back is kind of important, so I want to protect it as well as I can.

[Quasievil]

You can buy back protectors and you can buy back protectors

The foam pad that exists in most jackets and race suits are NOT BACK PROTECTORS they are a foam pad (these give you the protection of a cheese sandwich) dont be fooled into thinking you are protected with this.........you are not.

Back Protection should be one of your most serious buying choices, study and consider your choice carefullly as there is Fuckloads of utter crap in the NZ market (mostly residing on Trademe)

There are different kinds for different applications, touring or racing, integrated Kidney protection or not etc etc etc

We only sell the best, and the Best is KNOX
http://www.qmoto.co.nz/products/knox-armour

Dont just go and buy one, take my advise and ring me first, before I will recommend one I need to know some things first.
Ring me on 07 8550784 or 0275430329

We are always available.

[Bender]

I thank you all for excellent input and advice. There seems a pretty clear trend!

Quasievil I am going to give you a call tomorrow.

[Gremlin]

back protector? Hell, I've been wearing quasi's chest protector as well for a couple of years. provides more support than discomfort, I covered 4300km in 8 days, no discomfort. i've previously come off and barely hurt.

[MarkH]

wearing my Knox Aegis back protector


We only sell the best, and the Best is KNOX

If anyone was wondering where I got mine from, it was Quasi. It wasn't cheap, but it is comfortable and offers good protection. It should last for many years, so it wont work out to be all that expensive - definitely cheaper than back surgery.

[MaxCannon]

I wear a back and chest guard everywhere.
One the couple of times I've ridden without it I feel naked.
Check out motomail - I got mine on special, maybe they still have them discounted.
I've tested the back protection twice (on the racetrack), never even felt the impact with the ground.
Chest came in real handy when I hit a bird- I was doing about - 90ish (mph or kms, hmmm)
Huge blood splatter on my jacket and the force knocked me back in the seat.
Arguably you need it more on the road than on the track.
Surface is worse, lots of roadside furniture to hit, and lots of stupid people drive hunks of metal trying their best to kill you.

[spajohn]

I asked that same question of a guy in a bike shop...he said he fractured his spine when a cager hit him at a set of lights directly outside the shop, he only had a short work commute as well and figured he didn't need one. Just goes to show...

[willytheekid]

Good subject!
In 28 yrs of riding I can honestly say Back protectors are the main reason I can still walk today. (and lots of armored gear)
I was hit by a drunk driver in 1998 - punched "over" a traffic island and left for dead, Broken back, separated left arm (nearly had it amputated) a crushed knee and chipped hip (in traction for months!-with nearly a full year of rehab). The doctors adamantly told me that with out the back protector with kidney belt, my spinal cord would have been cut and I would have been left permanently paralyzed.
I have destroyed 3 back protectors so far, one in the above accident, one at speedway, and one when I over cooked a corner and slid backwards into a power-pole.
So yes, back protectors work....damn well! (highly recommend dainesse brand...comfy and well made)
And Quasievil is spot on! the foam in jackets-aint even close to being a back protector. Invest in good gear...and one day that investment will save your life...or at the lest, allow you to keep the "gift" of walking

-there panel damage....could be our life!

ps: who knows who invented the back protector?? clue...fist name starts with B last S :)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Barry Sheen!

[F5 Dave]

I somersaulted over some chap who parked his bike in my front wheel going into turn one on a street cct & landed on my back. Knocked the stuffing out of me but no lasting injury, however I did get some more gel like foam put in my leathers over my tailbone as the back protector didn't have much protection down low & that hurt for a few days. I've just bought some Forcefield (previously T-Pro http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/technology.asp ) which claims to outperform other Armour. I couldn't find it in local shops but have since seen it in an NZ bike mag last week. Sadly distributed by a wholesaler I will go a long way out of my way not to give money to.

[{.bLanK}G_o_D]

Barry Sheen!

Yip, good ol Bazza.
Made the first ever back protector from a bunch of old visors strapped together that allowed movement one way but not the other.

[steve_t]

+1 for Knox Aegis. Really comfortable and doesn't take up as much room in my jacket as my old cheapy did :niceone:

[johan]

back protector? Hell, I've been wearing quasi's chest protector as well for a couple of years. provides more support than discomfort, I covered 4300km in 8 days, no discomfort. i've previously come off and barely hurt.

Yep, I never leave home without Quasi's chest protector. Back and front armour should be compulsory, just like helmets.
While you're at it, buy Quasi's SPS gloves too, brilliant!

[firefighter]

Back and front armour should be compulsory, just like helmets.
While you're at it, buy Quasi's SPS gloves too, brilliant!

erm, do not agree here. If you worry about other peoples safety enough to make them compulsary (presuming you mean for the road) you'd be better off banning bikes altogether.

No way in fuck would I wear a back protector on my commute to and from Uni, it's completely impractical, for me, my tecknic jeans with Knox knee guards (ones strapped to my knee) my Quasi jacket/gloves and good quality helmet are enough protection. Anything else and i'd rather take the car, it's not worth the hastle to have to carry a back protector as well as my other shit around all day.

On proper rides, definitely.

I ca'nt say i'm a fan of 'I do it so everyone should'.........

[Tony.OK]

erm, do not agree here. If you worry about other peoples safety enough to make them compulsary (presuming you mean for the road) you'd be better off banning bikes altogether.

No way in fuck would I wear a back protector on my commute to and from Uni, it's completely impractical, for me, my tecknic jeans with Knox knee guards (ones strapped to my knee) my Quasi jacket/gloves and good quality helmet are enough protection. Anything else and i'd rather take the car, it's not worth the hastle to have to carry a back protector as well as my other shit around all day.

On proper rides, definitely.

I ca'nt say i'm a fan of 'I do it so everyone should'.........

The good protectors will prevent back injury by stopping hyper extension of your back.

Imagine getting bowled at 50kph and sliding into a signpost square across your back........."SNAP"

No preaching........just another scenario.

[firefighter]

The good protectors will prevent back injury by stopping hyper extension of your back.

Imagine getting bowled at 50kph and sliding into a signpost square across your back........."SNAP"

No preaching........just another scenario.

I'm well aware of the possibilities.....I get to see lots of interesting scenarios at work.......

Just explaining why i'm against it being compulsary to wear them.....I mean, you'd have to start with gear first, and even I of all people do'nt think it should be compulsary to wear gear......i'm a real freedom of choice/write your own book kinda guy.

[johan]

I'm well aware of the possibilities.....I get to see lots of interesting scenarios at work.......

Just explaining why i'm against it being compulsary to wear them.....I mean, you'd have to start with gear first, and even I of all people do'nt think it should be compulsary to wear gear......i'm a real freedom of choice/write your own book kinda guy.

ye sorry, whether they should be compulsary or not is a completely different topic than the originally poster was trying to discuss... cheers

[kiwifruit]

Yes, they do

[MSTRS]

On proper rides, definitely.


Anytime you are on a bike is a 'proper ride'.

[2wheeled Gasman]

The good protectors will prevent back injury by stopping hyper extension of your back.

Imagine getting bowled at 50kph and sliding into a signpost square across your back........."SNAP"

No preaching........just another scenario.

ooh ooh ....i done this but side on ....150kph....bloody hurt...few broken ribs...lucky really:gob:

[rocketman1]

My back protector saved in moto-X several times.
If you have not gone over the handle bars and landed on your back, you have no idea how hard the clay is.
I worry about going over the handle bars on the road, anything that helps wear it.
I feel nude without mine now, also the waist band is good for keeping the kidneys from bouncing about, and supports your back.

[Quasievil]

I'm well aware of the possibilities.....I get to see lots of interesting scenarios at work.......

Just explaining why i'm against it being compulsary to wear them.....I mean, you'd have to start with gear first, and even I of all people do'nt think it should be compulsary to wear gear......i'm a real freedom of choice/write your own book kinda guy.


Disagree big time there mate, if you fall off and I cant aviod you I would like to know you have a back protector on, I dont want your paralysis on my concious.......this happens alot BTW

Gear on the track especially should be in full all the time, and get freckin cordura off the track to!!

[firefighter]

Disagree big time there mate, if you fall off and I cant aviod you I would like to know you have a back protector on, I dont want your paralysis on my concious.......this happens alot BTW

Gear on the track especially should be in full all the time, and get freckin cordura off the track to!!

Oh for the track definitely. I'm talkin for general road commuting etc. I wear all the best on proper rides etc, I just do'nt when commuting.

[Bender]

I had a good chat with Quasievil about back protectors, he explained what I would need and why. A few sales of old toys on trademe and I'll be knockin' on his website door.

Cripes, you lot have made me feel like a back protector is as essential as a helmet - and I would never consider riding without a skidlid. Job done then.

[blueblade]

Had a crash on SH22 a few years ago. Ended up being flicked off the bike and smashed back first into farmers fence. Luckily hit between the two posts. Smashed 5 battens in half and walked away with a sprained thumb and no other injuries. I was wearing leathers and a Spidi back protector. Wouldnt go 100 yards down the road without that back protector.

[Katman]

Never worn one in 30 years of riding.

[Maha]

Never worn one in 30 years of riding.

I have never thought it to be an essential part of the kit, you either wear one or you dont I guess.
Same as anything you choose to wear while riding.

[kwaka_crasher]

Imagine getting bowled at 50kph and sliding into a signpost square across your back........."SNAP"

Yep, that signpost better brace itself because I'm gonna shear that bitch off at the base! :lol:

[Maha]

The good protectors will prevent back injury by stopping hyper extension of your back.

Imagine getting bowled at 50kph and sliding into a signpost square across your back........."SNAP"

No preaching........just another scenario.

In that same scenario, would the back protector prevent you neck whipping and possibly snapping?

[Metastable]

Man you guys laugh at the sign post bit, but it's bang on. I've personally seen a guy take out a huge wooden stump used for guardrails (the stumps were there, but the guardrail wasn't, THANKFULLY!!!!) clear off the ground. For some reason, they hadn't cemented it in yet. Now the dude's leg ended up going in the wrong direction and so did his arm and he had quite a few broken ribs and a punctured lung, but he lived. I'm pretty sure he ended up with full use of his appendages as well. A sign post, you'd bend it first.

[Macontour]

I bought a back protector a few years back Gives me peace of mind and keeps the back toasty warm on the winter rides. Not so comfortable heatwise in the middle of summer though.

[imdying]

Never worn one in 30 years of riding.Just like those dudes in Florida who've been riding their Harley for 30 years without a helmet?

[Quasievil]

Never worn one in 30 years of riding.

Well done Katman, with that I can guarantee you wont ever need one in the future..........awesome

[longwayfromhome]

Several years ago leant over too far in a corner on a BMW GS...the peg dug in and instant high-side....I remember being about six foot in the air and then I remember the bang as I hit the ground on my side/back.....2 broken ribs, several cracked, buggered my wrist from the gloves catching on the heal, massive bruises. All I can say is thank god for the Knox back protector. I had a leather jacket and it got pretty torn as well. The bp's I have worn (Forcefield and Knox) were very comfortable, this includes many, many 12+ hour days. It becomes second nature to include in the list of gear worn. If you can walk around with your jacket on, then you can walk around with the bp on.