Back Protecters

[ZXR400H]

Whats people thoughts on the use of back protectors, as im gonna be commuting this winter I thought it might be worth looking into some additional protection.

[lindaloo]

I would have thought it would be a good idea, i know someone who got knocked off his bike a few days ago and landed on his back, causing bad bruising and i would imagine a few weeks of discomfort! (car pulled out of juction infront of him)

[rene]

dont ride with one personaly but a lot of people swear by them. Get one with kidny potectors as well

[cargo]

I've used a back protector for some time now with success in that I've never hurt my back in a crash.....................

For impacts a protector is certainly of benefit ....................however it will not protect you in the case of a twisting type injury and it's that sort of injury that can lead to permanant disabling injury.

I've used a Knox one for about 4 years now I think it's been updated at least once since I bought it but I find it very comfortable and barely noticable under my leathers...............10 out of 10

[ZXR400H]

Ride magazine recommended one either this month or last called something like FORCEFIELD 2 so was going to give that a go, I'll probably order it when I have some spare cash then!

[Jamz]

I've never worn one, but I guess any extra protection is a good idea.

I doubt I'll bother, though...

[RedexRobB]

ive got one built into my Akito jacket. Doesnt cover the kidneys but extra protection has to be worth it.

[simmo]

i use a FORCEFEILD 2 back protector. had a 100mph+ lowside which included a few filps. and the back protector worked a treat. woruld deffinatelt reccomend.

[zxr_oli]

Both my textile jackets have them built in (removable).
My Hein Gericke jacket has a rubber sort of protector that seems pretty tough but will still flex to your shape, and the Dianese jacket has a plastic armadillo style one.
Not sure what would be best in a crash?

[reds]

i got a pretty decent mx one off of ebay for 35 notes - i dont use it on the bike, but have worn it for 2 seasons boarding, and it has protected me in a number of severe stacks - is very hot and sweaty though and thats in minus figures, not as restricting as they look either

just dont leave a plastic one on a hot radiator to dry, it melted one of the shoulder pads on mine

[CarneyUK]

I think any protection will help, even if it gives you 20% less chance of spinal injuries, it's gotta be worth it.

[will#224]

I cant believe the amount of folk that dont wear them?

Perhaps you dont value your life? There is some fooking idiots on the road, for price of a good night out it might one day save your life.

I really am amazed????

[Caz]

i always wear a back protector - up until recently it wasnt a dedicated one, but Ive now got a forcefield one and cant rate it highly enough.

The other half reckoned that his back protector saved his back when he crashed. Wont ride without one now.

[crushedlizard]

I've tried and tested a Knox Aegis and honestly give it 10/10. Tried a few on and without a doubt it fitted me the best - broad enough to cover whole back and very secure (no point having a slim one that will just slip out of position).

Any extra armour that doesn't hinder your riding is welcome in my book.

[Caz]

I've tried and tested a Knox Aegis .

Hope you replaced it afterwards.


It amazes me how many people on here dont ride with a back protector. I know so many people that are still walking after nasty accidents and they attribute that solely to wearing a dedicated back protector (not a built in one).
All my gear has a built in one - but its thin and flimsy. I've now taken that one out and wear my forcefield one.
If you dont fancy a separate back protector, you can get a replacement Forcefield one for the built in one in your jacket - still wont give you lower back protection though.

what price do you put on your back? Its all very well having a £300 Arai, but if you land awkwardly on your back you may not be walking again.

food for thought.