[SafetyFirst]

So I picked up an Alpinestars back protector today. Around the $25 mark, pretty thick, so I figured… why not, something to put in that back protector of my Shift jacket. Caution: Newb alert. Take it out and realize, oops, it’s too big to fit my jacket. I guess another excuse to go back to the store within 30 days?

Anyway.

I’m thinking about getting Icon Armor vest.

http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydirect/product.asp/ImageName/iconfieldvest.JPG/Brand/ICON/Class2/Protective%20Gear/Class3/Armor/Class1/STREET%20PRODUCTS

Is it any good? I saw it in-store, and the back protection on that is WILD.

I just need to muster up the funds.

And, yes, I’ll wear it. Everytime.

[Elias]

Abort! Abort! Don’t buy that cheap piece of plastic. Trust me, it looks like an exoskeleton, but you’d be better off just finding a back protector that fits your jacket. Looks all hard and ‘armor’-like doesn’t it? It’s not. The hardest thing on it are the back protector panels, and they are bendy plastic. Go to a bike shop that has one. I did, and it’s garbage. Get the ultimate vertebrae back support instead for $30 more:

http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/bap-2000-8-9.html?gender=2&destinazione_uso=45&cat=41

They have this same thing in a more ventilated version too:

http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/back-shield-7-8-air.html?gender=2&destinazione_uso=45&cat=41

[SafetyFirst]

What about the Alpinestars Bionic?

[Elias]

The vest or the full armor jackets? I would imagine that any of them have better protection because I can see the armor on the front, but they are damned expensive and look like they are hot. My point is, anything is better than that Icon ‘Armor’ vest. To me, I am not so worried about my chest, as I am about my back. My hands, helmet and legs will take the brunt force of a face/chest first fall, as it is more natural to fall that way so my body reacts more naturally. The reason I recommended Dainese is because they make race-quality armor that is relatively cheap (unlike their leather). Alpinestars will be probably have good protection as well, but you’ll pay more for the logo.

[eon]

You should read the following article.
http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0003/9861/files/RideArticle%20Forcefield.pdf

Also
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/back-protector/tpro-bohn/

When I was researching this last summer, the TPro Forcefield seemed to be the best available. This is sold in the US under the Joe Rocket Speedmaster label but apparently there are some differences and it only qualifies as CE Level 1 (the TPro is Level 2). I am not sure what this all means but if I was buying a back protector today I would go with the TPro.

[Elias]

I’ve been hearing good things about Knox Back Protectors as well

[eon]

Knox seems like a good company dedicated to producing quality goods. Again, webbikeworld has several reviews of their products. Reading those articles gives an insight into what to look for in back protectors. I am skeptical of Dainese and Alpinestar protectors as I do not believe these companies make these products. They are simply attaching their brand to someone elses product. Who knows what criteria they used to pick them. I’m sure quality was part of it but I’m also sure dollars was a big part. You may be paying premium dollars for average goods with a brand label.

The bottom line is any of these products are likely to be superior to the protectors shipped with jackets. The elbow/shoulder pads are often CE certified but the back protector almost never is.

[eternal05]

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/

Not only can you order from these guys pretty cheaply, they have pretty informative video reviews for a lot of the products they carry. Head into the protection section and click around. They have some videos detailing product levels of different armor types, along with brand-specific notes on particular products.

[Elias]

Hahaha, somehow I knew SBTG would snuggle up in this thread. Eternal is right though, they have good stuff and good video reviews. But i watch the videos more for viewing the product, seeing how it fits, and what it looks like. Take anything the roid-head says with a grain of salt because he never gives products bad reviews. “HI!!! THIS IS BRIAN VANCE WITH SPORTBIKETRACKGEAR SPORTBIKETRACKGEAR.COM!!!!!!!” …what a loon

[eternal05]

Wow, that’s the most amazingly spot-on comment. I love it!

I have a new investment strategy. It will make me rich. Every time Mr. Brian says “HI!”, “SPORTBIKETRACKGEAR” (one word), “for sure,” “let me give you a three-sixty,” “mildly-athletic build,” or berates one of his employees for providing incorrect measurement information (“So Jeff, how big are you?” “uh…I’m 6-foot, 210lbs” “…yeah, I dunno about that; I’d say you’re closer to 215 myself”), I get a penny.

[Elias]

I love it. You would be rich within the week, Eternal! Like I said, good for product views. He does usually get into detail about cool features or how things work, but when he starts yelling, erm, I mean, TALKING about how it performs on the road, how it feels, and other things that are personal to individual riders…just mute your speakers because he loves anything for motorcycles.

[RydRy]

hey all- KNOX is awesome and expensive but there are a few deals left at oncycle.com and I can say they are decent to deal with- be safe all!

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