Icon Stryker vest chest or back protector advice

[nodrog:Me]

do the army wear these?

[nerrrd]

do the army wear these?

Hope not, unless the enemy are firing paint balls. Not sure what the 'mil-spec' bit refers to.

[swbarnett]

Guys, Gotta ask the question on whether these are seen as a necessary bit of kit.

In my father's day "necessary" was whatever you felt like wearing. He rode in an army great coat and "pudding-basin" helmet. When I started riding a full-face helmet was considered "necessary" (and sturdy street shoes) and nothing much else. Now I ride with a helmet, leather jacket, gloves and boots. I'll often ride without the armoured over-trou. I've never worn a back or chest protector and have every intention of never doing so.

It seems that each new generation ups the anti when it comes to rider protective clothing. At this rate there will come a time in the not to distant future when no more protection is possible and the only option for the next generation will be to stop riding.

Basically, wear whatever you feel comfortable riding in but above all else the most important piece of protective equipment you can wear resides between your ears.

[Big Dog]

The foam won't do much. My Astars jacket has the same.

I have an RST jacket that has a harder CE protector in it and it's pretty comfy with it in. For track/longer rides I take it out and use a separate back protector that has shoulder straps plus a big strap that goes around my stomach. The protector itself starts at my shoulders and goes down to cover my tailbone.

Some people will swear by using them and will never ride without em. I personally don't use one for commuting day to day but I always use one if I'm going for a long ride on the weekend or for on track.

If you've got the spare coin I'd definitely pick one up but if not I wouldn't worry too much.

Assuming you mean alpinestars? If so most of their kit doesn't have a back protector so much as a piece of foam to keep the shape until you buy the supplementary protector.
Supplementary protector is available from dual density foam to triple density with hard armour.

OP:
Biggest thing is fit. If it ain't comfortable it will stay in the cupboard.

Personally I have crashed more than I'd like without one and come to no grief for not having one.
Most who crash will not benefit from one but those that do and realise this would trade their favourite toy for one without a second thought.
Most anyone who would have benefited but didn't have one would trade all of their toys to be able to send one back in time.

I don't wear one commuting for the same reason I don't wear a leatt brace.
We all need to pick our cards and play our hands.

There are times I wear one.
Non-transit rides. ( rides that are not a-b find somewhere for all your crap than b-a ). E.g I'd wear one if doing coro loop or I I ever get around to a track day.

I just hope the day that I need it it is not hanging in a closet.




Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.