[Elias]

I agree, maybe I will just try on both and see…

[Elias]

Good find!

[Elias]

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

[Elias]

State your age and location. Me, I’m 23 and in Squidville, USA (Tempe, AZ right nextdoor to ASU). College idiots get in moto accidents here with nothing but sandals, swimsuit and a wife-beater on. Doesn’t exactly put in a good word for new riders like me. I don’t know what my rate will be yet, but it won’t be $318! I’m hoping I keep it under triple digits per month…

[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.

[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

[Elias]

Amazing, this is how I imagine my first couple rides will be like. Jealous…

[Elias]

I’ll post some pics when the helmet arrives, it was special order because they didn’t have my color

[Elias]

Hmm. Well maybe your system is more practical. Less informative, but maybe more useful? Maybe we could have User Reviews as a subsection of Gear Reviews…ok, irrelevant I know. I’ll get back on subject and write some reviews after I have worn my new gear some more.

[Elias]

Am I the only one thinking we should get Zeppelin in touch with Ben? There is a “Gear Reviews” tab at the top that hasn’t been updated with new material in awhile…

[Elias]

Nice helmet, glad you like it! If I didn’t go with the Shark, I would have bought an HJC as well.

[Elias]

Yeah that’s the way I was looking at it. But I’m going to approach it from both sides. I’ll get the in-jacket first for my cautious beginner riding and PLP, and then the full protector once I get confidence for canyon runs (only twisties here) and freeway riding. Plus, after all the $$$ gear I just bought, the $70 slip-in protector fits my budget better

[Elias]

Bummer, insurance is going to kill me. Well at least I will get BRC and driving record discounts. I’m going to have to get full coverage though. Bah, whatever, I’ll be riding.

[Elias]

Yeah stick with the 250, I was just joking because the 650R is what I am getting

I would stay away from led bulbs that have hinges. To me, I see more moving parts, which = breaks easier. I’ve heard of people buying those “star” bulbs and one or all of the ‘arms’ will go out eventually. Just get a solid compatible bulb that lights 360 degrees, including the housing. I know some people think that these bulbs can blind you, but I have never seen an LED turn signal, brake light or other automotive application that has blinded me or distracted me from driving. The blinding LED’s are used in applications like Tac-Torches and flashlights. So, IMHO, brighter LED signals and brakes = better.

[Elias]

Yeah I think I will be getting the in-jacket. I will make my official decision later today when I try the jacket on with the protector and see where it sits in the jacket. I would be pretty good about strapping into the full back, but I could see it being a pain later on after I gain some confidence. The partial back should be good enough for now, I don’t plan on doing any canyon runs or going over 45 for awhile. Once I dictate the level of danger out there, I’ll determine if I should upgrade.

[Author]

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