Back protector - yay or nay

[techno]

I thought a back protector was for when you are sliding along the road after the accident. I don't see many situations where you are forcefully hit on the back, whereas hands, elbows, knees and your head are obvious strike points.

 

Eitherway how would you know what type of off you might have, I will always buy a jacket with one in as its seen me through a few accidents, but the one I destroyed melted through, didnt know till i got home and took off the jacket!

[toon83]

i just use my free one with my jacket no need for a knox or which ever one imo

[iiisecondcreep]

I have a back protector in my jacket.

[Guest akey]

i just use my free one with my jacket no need for a knox or which ever one imo

 

guess that depends on the style of jacket, my rally jacket is pretty baggy so an inbuilt back protector may not stay in place

[Jonabonospen]

I always wear mine when on the bike. I think it is the Forcefield one. Used to have one that just strapped around the waist but found that uncomfortable when off the bike as when you took your jacket off the top of the protector flopped about a bit, so replaced it with the Forecefield one that has shoulder strap things as well as a waist fastening and it is a million times more comfortable and is fine to wear even when you get off the bike for a wonder around.

You spend so much money on protecting your feet and ankles with quality boots, buy a decent set of gloves to protect your hands, spend money on a quality lid for your loaf, spend decent money on textiles or leathers, but then leave your very vulnerable back exposed if you dont spend between £50-100 on a back protector. In my opinion it isnt rocket science.

[Jixerman]

I have a knox one. Since Ive had it I tried riding without it once and it just didn't feel right so I use it all the time now

[Mighty Mariner]

125s just finished . I have the built in ones in all my jackets. I have taken it out on occasions and put a back protector in that I got from Aldi or Lidl which is the armadillo type of protector. It doesn't feel as comfy as the built in but I can imagine in an off it would give extra protection against puncture injuries and impact injuries. It takes longer to put on but not much and it is extra gear to lug around.

It makes me sweat more as well which is a distraction.

If I got an injury that would not have occured had I worn the proper protection I would only have myself to blame.

I wonder if you can get reduced insurance for wearing better protection?

[Comrade]

should have i would if i had one section - simply because i would if i had one!

[Bonniebird]

My jackets have built in back armour but I'm not sure how this compares with a separate back protector which look more substantial - I've never had one. Can't say I fancy yet another layer..... unless someone can convince me otherwise.

[Seawolf84]

I have a knox one. Since Ive had it I tried riding without it once and it just didn't feel right so I use it all the time now

 

I've got the Knoxx too, just feels complete when you have that protector instead of the bit of sponge in the leathers. Never needed to use yet, but not regretted buying either.

[salsarider79]

After my smash this year, yes, always. I was wearing a Berik one (I got it with my leather 1pc suit). I was using it to commute one morning when I had the smash. I still broke my back in two places but that was from landing on my feet, but I didn't break anything else. I don't want to think what would have happened if I hadn't been wearing a back protector - I bounced off trees and branches at 60mph spinning and tossing all over the place.

I'm shaking as I write this.....it's still scary...

[Silverspring]

salsarider - thanks for sharing that, I have been looking about since posting but not actually got round to buying anything. Definitely getting one after reading your post. I think the Forcefield Pro L2K might be the best option as they do ladies sizes and appear to be highly recommended, just need to find a stockist or somewhere online that'll let me return it if it doesn't fit.

[Stuno1]

Always. Have an Oxford one. If I do stack it then I want to be protected. Think people who dont are mental. Having said that, the number of people I see riding in shorts etc muppets

[megawatt]

I have one built into a zip up vest. Very comfy, but not hard. Could do with being a bit longer though. I see it as an essential bit of protection, but always buy a comfy one, or one day you won,t wear it.

[getready]

I wear a Forcefield back protector on my road bike which is really comfy. As others have said it's a bit of a ball-ache having yet another piece of equipment to put on and take off and store, but it's a no brainer for me. I also have a Knox cross shirt which has full armour for my trail bike - I can vouch for the protection in this first hand, having had many offs/back flips etc