Oh geez.. after seeing this I'm definitely getting back protection..

i've been riding with this for the last season and never even notice it's on, so much so that i never ride without it :)

Dainese Wave Air Back Protector - RevZilla

also pricy, and while it is lvl 2 cert. it doesn't seem to have the full back coverage as some of the others posted here.

http://www.motorcycleaccessoriesaust...0Protector.jpg

^ beware where you buy them guys, I've seen fake ebay ones form china for like 50 bucks. so make sure you get a good one.

I'm planning to get one again but this time, i want one with a shoulder strap.

Jacket isn't enough to keep it tight?

that's a good question and you are right, it will and it does, 90% of the time it'll be fine, but if you can get one that comes with... why not.

So I just picked up the A* SMX Bionic 2 back/chest protector on Friday, rode with it through the weekend.

Definitely comfortable, I don't feel too much difference between riding with this on vs having the original foam inserts in the jacket. It's not very heavy, fits pretty good.

The outer shell kinda bulges out in the middle especially with the chest piece, which is actually hollow by about a quarter inch before there's foam, and I guess it kinda acts as an air channel because I'm not really sweating much under there in warm weather in an unperforated leather jacket. There's a bit of the same going on with the back piece.

For negatives:
1) The back piece always seems to slide up a bit no matter what, and ultimately what happens is that it no longer covers my tailbone, which really sucks. It looks like the Forcefield L2 wouldn't have this issue as it looks to extend pretty far down. The shoulder straps also seem a little short, even adjusted to max, I can just barely get the back piece to go down to my tailbone. And I'm just 5'10, wearing the L/XL.

2) I don't like how the chest armor seems to bulge out excessively. While I appreciate the air pocket they built in with the outer shell, it's way thicker than it has to be and looks like a little much. Looks like the Forcefield equivalent just lies flat.

3) Maybe this is typical A*.. the fastening straps and materials used on this thing seem a little cheap. Couple of stitches came apart as I was adjusting the shoulder straps.

All in all, I guess it was an alright purchase. For the price, I would've expected just slightly better, but relative to what else is available out there, I don't think you could do much better than this.

Sounds like typical A*.

If there's one thing I've learned about A* is that their stuff generally sucks...despite all the racers wearing their stuff. For their high end gear, I'd rather spend the same or a little bit extra for something like Knox or Dainese. I have some el-cheapo mesh A* shorties...which are OKAY, but when I was testing out their full gauntlet gloves, it definitely left something more to be desired.

OT: Saw a guy riding with back/chest/and maybe arm protector? in t-shirt and I think shorts. LULZ.

I don't get these people and their undying desire for skin grafts.

It's all about the StReET CrEd, yo. :buttrock:

Not sure how good a deal this is, but its on "closeout"
KNOX Contour Back Protector from SportbikeTrackGear.com

i like the KNOX Aegis. need to get one

I wouldn't consider that closeout price, but it's definitely a nice piece. If anyone is interested in KNOX gear I would suggest that they check out www.redlinegear.ca

Local company and the prices are comparable to US retailers, so you can save yourself a trip to the states and support a local business! I've bought stuff off Gabe before and he's always been super helpful.

+1 on Redlinegear I picked up my Knox protector from them

Alpinestars Bionic

what do you guys think about one of these??

Alpinestars Bionic 2 Protection Jacket - RevZilla

my only issue with that piece is that will you wear it all the time?

I have a suit of armor like that from my DH mountain biking days, but its not easy to get in and/or out of and I knew that I wouldn't be wearing it all the time.

So i went with the easy back protector.

Also, you still need a good abrasion resistance jacket on top of that suit.

If that suit touches tarmac in a slide it's going to disintegrate in a second, or worse, it'll merge with your skin as it melts :)

You really gonna wear that?

Like most motorcycle gear, we know we should wear it, yet it stays in the closet.

Carter Honda has the Knox stuff for cheap, Aegis 6/7/8 Plate units were under $150.

Get something like a vest, comes with chest and back protector. I find that it's a tighter snug fit so it feels much more comfortable than just a back piece.

I've been using the Icon back protector, it was battle tested a few years back and it saved my ass (or my back I should say)

One thing I have noticed about the A* protector is that there is a lot of used ones on Craigslist.

Not a good sign.

yes i would really wear it.

for me wearing gear is like wearing a seat belt in a car, a simple thing to save your life or serious injury

I happen to own all of the spine protectors in this thread. For city riding, Knox Aegis is the most comfortable, flexible, lightest and best ventilated. The downside is it's made of absolute shit materials. For hardcore/track use I would probably want to wear the Forcefield L2. It is one of the only spine protectors in the market that actually stays in position at all times.

A* stuff is way too stiff.

i'd just get a good jacket + spine protector. that astars bionic suit thing would look hella gay if you weren't wearing anything over it lol. i've tried on tons of spine protectors and the forcefield l2 kevlar is hands down the best one. no reason to get anything else.

I posted my Alpinestar a few weeks ago, nothing bad about it, I just got myself an Alpinestar vest that had both back and chest protector

Good luck with that then.

It would def not fit under my jacket or suit.