Finding The Right Back Protector For Your Ride
Whether you're into sports-riding gear
or standard motorcycle jackets, security and protection should
still be at the top of the list. According to Cycle World, the
majority of jackets and sports-riding gear comes with some sort of
back-pad insert or spine armor that could be as simple as one layer
of protective foam.
However, to stay protected - no matter what gear you're wearing - a
back protector is going to keep you much safer than any built-in
padding on your standard or sport gear. Numerous people invest in
back protectors for riding and to stay as safe as possible.
Some of the worst injuries on a motorcycle deal with your head or
back. According to Ride Apart, luckily both areas are some of the
easiest to protect while riding. No matter what you're riding or
how many miles you collect each year, here are a few back
protectors to consider:
Back Protector Armor Upgrade Inserts
[caption id="attachment_35464" align="alignright"
width="300"]
Forcefield Pro Back Protector
Inserts[/caption]
One of the easiest ways to increase your back protection is to
upgrade the inserts that come standard with your favorite street
bike jacket. Available from many manufactures and in a variety of
materials, from standard EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and PA
(Polyamide) foam to the high-tech D3O and NitrexEvo materials. You
can easily find both level 1 and 2 C.E. rated
inserts to fit most any jacket. Ease of use and cost are two
major benefits of going the insert upgrade route. With just one
piece of equipment you never have to worry about misplacing your
protector and you can be assured that it is in place to protect you
every time you ride. However, they tend to protect less than a
stand alone system and you might need to replace it every time you
upgrade your gear, since the insert you already have might not fit
your new duds.
Stand Alone Back Protecters
Scott USA Soft CR II Back Protector
[caption id="attachment_35466" align="alignright"
width="300"]
Scott USA Soft CR II Back
Protector[/caption]
The Soft CR II back protector from Scott USA is a great
purchase for those looking for supreme comfort while riding. The
Soft CR is extremely soft and has a level 2 CE rating, which is the
highest current standard on the market.
This piece of motorcycle equipment is slim, short and covers the
main part of your back to keep you safe. According to Visor Down,
if you are hesitant to purchase a back protector because you're
afraid it will be too bulky, this is a great first step toward
adding protection while you ride. The Soft CR also comes with an
adjustable Velcro strap that can be altered for extra comfort.
According to the source, the equipment weighs roughly 1.85 pounds,
comes in sizes small to extra large and costs around $150.
Knox Aegis Back Protector
[caption id="attachment_35465" align="alignright"
width="300"]
Knox Aegis 8-Plate Back
Protector[/caption]
For another light and flexible option, consider the Aegis by Knox.
According to Bike Track Days Hub, the motorcycle equipment forms to
your back and successfully fits to the shape of your body.
This back protector can fit under leather
jackets and will certainly increase your confidence while
riding. According to the source, the protector survived a 70 mph
crash that didn't leave one scratch on the rider's back or the
equipment, which is mainly what you want. The eight-plate version
is around $160, and the newest model is 30 percent lighter than its
predecessor.
Forcefield Blade Back Protector
[caption id="attachment_35463" align="alignright"
width="300"][mageProductLink sku="ff-1008-xs" title=""]
[/mageProductLink] Forcefield Blade Back
Protector[/caption]
The [mageProductLink sku="ff-1008-xs" title=""]Forcefield
Blade[/mageProductLink]
is another CE level 2 back protector that is somewhat lightweight
but extremely compact. According to Cycle World, the back protector
is form-fitting, which makes it easier to fit under leathers and
other tight-fitting jackets.
The equipment remains in place while you're riding and won't shift
around during long rides. The Velcro straps allow you to make it
significantly tighter, which would resemble "taking in a deep
breath or bending over to buckle your boots," the source cited.
The Blade is 1 inch thick, comes in sizes from extra small to large
and costs $149.
Alpinestars Bionic Air Back Protector
[caption id="attachment_35462" align="alignright"
width="300"][mageProductLink sku="020-2702-0122"
title=""]
[/mageProductLink] Alpinestars Bionic Air
Back Protector[/caption]
If you are looking for something slim and lightweight for easy
riding around town, the [mageProductLink sku="020-2702-0122"
title=""]Alpinestar Bionic Air[/mageProductLink] could be a great
decision. The back protector is extremely lightweight and slim with
a perforated design to vent as much as possible. According to Ride
Apart, while the design is very breathable and light, it's only a
certified CE level 1 back protector.
However, if you're looking for something that will keep you from
sweating too much but still need protection, this could be the
right piece of equipment. It costs $139.95, and its slim design
will be able to fit under any jacket or type of riding gear. Also,
the Bionic Air protects your entire neck, back and tailbone.
