Back, knee and hip protection?

**biketimus_prime** · 27th March 2014, 21:04

Hi everyone,

What should I look for when I'm buying a back protector?

Currently looking at this but it seems to be dodgy chinese...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-710044955.htm

Or this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-709610416.htm

Or without looking like a complete tool, can I wear something like this or is it overkill for non-racing?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-711051100.htm

Otherwise another option was a back protector that I saw at cyclespot on barrys point road

Also advice on knee and hip protectors?

Looking at:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-709943234.htm

or

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-709948491.htm

Something I can preferably slide into my bull-it jeans as they have holders for them.

Or maybe anyone have any of that stuff for sale in Auckland?
Thank you

**Milts** · 27th March 2014, 22:01

Knee armor - pick whatever you like. Go with it.

Back protector - get a name brand item with an EU level 2 rating. There is a world of difference between the items you linked to, and something like this:
http://www.visordown.com/product-fea...tor/24572.html
http://www.spidi.com/eu/eu_en/back-p...or-motorcycle/
http://www.alpinestars.com/bionic-air-back-protector

The differences are much more than just pricing and branding. If you try a few name brand ones on, and a few of the others, you'll see what I mean. This has been discussed before, you may want to run a search:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...back+protector

All the best with wahtever you go with - but I wouldn't (and didn't) skimp on my back protector. There is a measurable difference in force transferred in an accident between the pricy and the cheap ones. On top of that, there's comfort, durability.... better $60 than nothing but a $200 protector is much more than 3x as good as a 60$ protector. Especially when it's your back.

I think the 'racing' pressure suit you linked to is aimed at dirt/offroad. If you have a spine protector and an armored jacket, that's all the points of impact covered off much better than that $100 suit, and much more comfortable/convenient as well.

**biketimus_prime** · 27th March 2014, 22:47

Originally Posted by Milts

Knee armor - pick whatever you like. Go with it.

Back protector - get a name brand item with an EU level 2 rating. There is a world of difference between the items you linked to, and something like this:
http://www.visordown.com/product-fea...tor/24572.html
http://www.spidi.com/eu/eu_en/back-p...or-motorcycle/
http://www.alpinestars.com/bionic-air-back-protector

The differences are much more than just pricing and branding. If you try a few name brand ones on, and a few of the others, you'll see what I mean. This has been discussed before, you may want to run a search:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...back+protector

All the best with wahtever you go with - but I wouldn't (and didn't) skimp on my back protector. There is a measurable difference in force transferred in an accident between the pricy and the cheap ones. On top of that, there's comfort, durability.... better $60 than nothing but a $200 protector is much more than 3x as good as a 60$ protector. Especially when it's your back.

I think the 'racing' pressure suit you linked to is aimed at dirt/offroad. If you have a spine protector and an armored jacket, that's all the points of impact covered off much better than that $100 suit, and much more comfortable/convenient as well.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I did search up threads and came across that one you linked, it was very informative and convinced me entirely to get a decent protector.
However I simply cannot spend hundreds on one, I honestly can't because I've spent so much already on gear and a bike and I have almost no money left. Will this suffice you reckon? http://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rjbppow.aspx
Don't really want the AXO one as they say the belt protector is CE approved, nothing else.

EDIT: Looks like this may be a good option too? http://www.motoone.co.nz/apparel/pro...or-insert.html

uhh wtf?

" Roderick Woods asserts that the majority of spinal injuries are caused by blows to the hip and shoulders. In the rare circumstance that a motorcyclist received a direct blow to the back the damage would be unmitigable by armor. The concept of a "back protector" is therefore not endorsed by Woods. Although back protectors, as defined in the standard, cannot protect against axial forces they are required to protect the scapula and there is now considerable anecdotal evidence that wearing a certified back protector can significantly reduce trauma in a major accident as they reduce the effect of impacts on the ribs and lessen the blows to internal organs too."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_armor

Anecdotal evidence? After reading that other thread, I'm still convinced they're a must-have. I know you can't believe everything you read on wikipedia, however maybe I should also invest in some decent hip protection haha

**Tazz** · 28th March 2014, 10:50

It's still saying they're worth wearing, just that they are actually 'better' at protecting things other than your back (despite the name).
Get the best that you can afford. Better than nothing.

Although I haven't crashed em, I have a few pants with knee inserts and I doubt they would do a hell of a lot in a crash (particularly the ones in kevlar jeans) unless you slammed down directly on them. I think ones strapped to your actual leg like you've linked would be a much better choice.

**Milts** · 28th March 2014, 18:57

Fair enough - 300$ is a lot to spend.

Does your jacket have a compartment in the back for a protector? If so, then buying something like the alpinestars one you linked to, or another brand's equivalent, seems like a good move.

These are great because they offer certified protection, and you'll always have them as long as you're wearing your jacket. Their failing is that they don't cover as large a percentage of the back, and they aren't quite as 'protective' (transmit more force). But IMHO they are probably much safer than the cheap chinese ones you thought looked a bit dodgy.

Like you say, get the best you can afford... and hopefully you'll never need them regardless.

Interesting quote from Wikipedia. Maybe armor is more likely to stop you breaking ribs in your back than damaging your spine? There is very little genuine research about this, although these look interesting:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...01457511001163
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...20138307002446

**biketimus_prime** · 28th March 2014, 19:09

Alright thanks guys

Yes my jacket has a back protector. But that RJays one seems good and it has a kidney belt. Also when I get a leather jacket that means I can wear it with that. CE approved too. I might just go with that?
http://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rjbppow.aspx

Good to hear that boots help more than shoes, also about leather gear acting as a splint... Might get some sooner than later haha...

**nzspokes** · 28th March 2014, 20:11

Originally Posted by biketimus_prime

Good to hear that boots help more than shoes, also about leather gear acting as a splint... Might get some sooner than later haha...

You feet are the most damaged body part in a bike crash, or so ive been told.

And go for sports boots if you can. Reason for this is get a touring boot and push the top sideways while holding the toe, do the same with a sports boot. Touring boot wont save you ankle. Sport boot give it a chance. As for boots being better than shoes? Google motorcycle foot injuries. Dont do this at work or in front of kids.

My girl had a large crash and was thrown a long way. She cracked L5 which was outside where her back protector covered. Rest of her back was fine. I now wear one all the time. Yes it cost $300 but I like walking.

**biketimus_prime** · 28th March 2014, 20:35

Originally Posted by nzspokes

You feet are the most damaged body part in a bike crash, or so ive been told.

And go for sports boots if you can. Reason for this is get a touring boot and push the top sideways while holding the toe, do the same with a sports boot. Touring boot wont save you ankle. Sport boot give it a chance. As for boots being better than shoes? Google motorcycle foot injuries. Dont do this at work or in front of kids.

My girl had a large crash and was thrown a long way. She cracked L5 which was outside where her back protector covered. Rest of her back was fine. I now wear one all the time. Yes it cost $300 but I like walking.

I literally just saw a picture circulating on Facebook with a horrific foot injury after a motorcycle accident I just recently won a pair of Gaerne boots very similar to these on trademe and have worn them the past couple of days:

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So so happy with it. Really feel safer wearing them. I guess even the boots act as a splint and hold things together!

Yeah I read your story on that thread, how horrible! Glad it worked out well in the end though. Hopefully I can make it to motomail tomorrow so I can buy the protector in time for my riding course on sunday

**nzspokes** · 28th March 2014, 20:47

I have 2 pair of those boots, both have about 30,000 ks on them. Ones been resoled but they are great boots.

**Milts** · 28th March 2014, 21:40

Originally Posted by biketimus_prime

Yeah I read your story on that thread, how horrible! Glad it worked out well in the end though. Hopefully I can make it to motomail tomorrow so I can buy the protector in time for my riding course on sunday

Good plan and good call on the riding course - I need to enroll for another one soon, always incredibly valuable!

Also, jealous of those boots, they look amazing. But yeah it seems the worst injuries are degloving injuries, and work boots/leather ankle high boots with good laces prevent that, whereas work shoes or sneakers don't. Like you say though, proper boots will act as a splint and hold the bones together if the worst happens. I think I saw a post from a paramedic on here to that effect - saying that she'd seen all the injuries, and if nothing else those wearing leathers healed better.

**Waihou Thumper** · 29th March 2014, 09:17

Originally Posted by biketimus_prime

I just saw a picture circulating on Facebook with a horrific foot injury after a motorcycle accident

It wasn't....Facebook phoney story...
There was evidence it was from another type of vehicle, but I guess the point was it scared ya...
Look after your feet...

**biketimus_prime** · 29th March 2014, 19:11

Originally Posted by nzspokes

I have 2 pair of those boots, both have about 30,000 ks on them. Ones been resoled but they are great boots.

I didn't know it was possible to re-sole boots! That is good news, mine have maybe a year or two left as the part where it sits on the footpeg has worn away more than the rest of the sole. I just use them for riding then change to my normal shoes asap to avoid putting mileage on the boots.

Originally Posted by Milts

Good plan and good call on the riding course - I need to enroll for another one soon, always incredibly valuable!
Also, jealous of those boots, they look amazing. But yeah it seems the worst injuries are degloving injuries, and work boots/leather ankle high boots with good laces prevent that, whereas work shoes or sneakers don't. Like you say though, proper boots will act as a splint and hold the bones together if the worst happens. I think I saw a post from a paramedic on here to that effect - saying that she'd seen all the injuries, and if nothing else those wearing leathers healed better.

Yeah I must say I got an awesome deal finding and buying them. I went by motomail today and similar boots cost a ton.

Originally Posted by Waihou Thumper

It wasn't....Facebook phoney story...
There was evidence it was from another type of vehicle, but I guess the point was it scared ya...
Look after your feet...

Yeah it was good scare tactics!

Alright so I ended up buying that RJays "Powertector"
First impressions:

The kidney belt and straps allow it to be fitted really snugly against my body.
Even though it has straps and all, once you get the initial fit right, there's no more adjustment. It's literally- Put it on, wrap the belt around and you're good to go. No hassle at all!
The tail bone part is a bit annoying as it touching near my ass all the time.
It was much firmer and had a greater coverage than the slip-in protectors and also unlike the slip-in ones, it resists hyper extension. Not heaps, but there is at least a resistance.
You can fold it into a smaller shape for storage, It'll fit in my gear bag so I can wear it to uni without worrying about space.