Back/Spine Protectors
 

What are you guys using?

Tryonic stuff looks really good but it's incredibly pricey at $200.
http://images1.revzilla.com/product_...B08_detail.jpg
Feel 3.7

Knox seems to review pretty well but that's around the $150 level as well.

http://images.motorcycle-superstore....-Protector.jpg
Aegis

Both of those are CE Lvl2.

Right now I'm sort of leaning towards getting a CE Lvl1 A* insert for my jacket, but it kinda feels like the consensus is toward these inserts not being enough?

Now I know the mantra around here is "you can never go too far with gear". But I don't want to be like those guys at autocross with race suits on haha. Realistically, what are you guys recommending for street use?

Forcefield L2 Kevlar

$180 shipped, from Revzilla.com

Forcefield Armor Overview & Guide at RevZilla.com - YouTube

http://www.ashtonsaccessories.co.uk/...de-500x500.jpg

I got the Alpinestar SMX Bionic 2 chest/spine protector off eBay for $190

http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/...jpg.339556.jpg
http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/...jpg.339562.jpg

I'm using the Icon Stryker Vest. I think I grabbed it from 150. not sure

http://iconmotosports.net/wp-content...t1-630x540.jpg

if you want a legit back protector that won't need to be replaced after one crash then go for the forcefield L2 kevlar. lots of reviews online, nothing but good things said about it. revzilla.com will be the best place to grab it.

I'm using this. Only CE level 1 certified, but super light. I've also got the chest protector, but it's pretty bulky and doesn't fit well under my jacket, so I rarely use it.

http://store.planet-knox.com/uploads...096_normal.jpg


I got my wife the Knox aegis but it's quite a bit heavier.

http://store.planet-knox.com/uploads...418_normal.jpg

This is the one I wear. Supposed to be more flexible than the alpinestars. and it's $70

Teknic Spine Guard 7 Link - Street Bike - Motorcycle Superstore


http://images.motorcycle-superstore....Link_Black.jpg

the material of some of the cheap ones feel like normal form with cardboard.

I wouldn't buy a spine protector.

^

then maybe you shouldn't be a cheap ass and buy an expensive one instead :rukidding:

:facepalm:

I have one but I've only worn it once. How often do you guys use it? I think the next time I use it will be on the track lol.

^

i took the thin non CE certified foam padding out of my leather jacket and wear the spine protector everywhere i go. imo riding on the streets is even more dangerous than on the track. low siding - not so bad, getting run over by a fob - bad.

^
i agree with charlieH
but im a noob in this subject area, i dont even have a sports bike yet. never even hear of spine protectors till now

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/img/b/0/0/18...=1318373685000

just got this a few weeks ago...its actually pretty comfy...makes the jacket feels snug

^just like charlieH, I took the thin foam insert out of my jacket so I can fit my field armor underneath and I ride with it on all the time. It feels good and I barely notice i'm wearing my back protector under my jacket so it's not impeding me while I'm riding at all. I find it also acts like another layer of clothing on colder days too!

I have two

http://n.b5z.net/i/u/10007581/i/back_protector_1.gif

and

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...tail_1_600.jpg

The short one (Tour)

currently wearing this one,
http://s1.visordown.com/uploads/images/huge/35094.jpg
i heard awesome reviews regarding the knox back protector that was mentioned up top, but it was just a bit pricy for me at that time.
make you sure you get one that is level 2 certified and has the coverage of your entire back not just your spine area.

I wear mine every time I ride.

Took out the foam from the back of the jacket and wear the Knox Contour Back Protector (from RedLine $ 150.00 yes they are local no shipping)
Redline Gear - Authorized RS Taichi Dealer for Canada

They are on Sale (Close Out) but are still CE EN1621-2 Level 2

Or the other one from RDS if I want a smaller protector on.

lol. the cheap one i was talking about is CE approved.

Knox is in the same price range as A*

i got a pretty good deal on it locally, i think 90 dollars. at that time, the knox was 200!!!

So I think I've narrowed it down to the Tryonic Feel 3.7 (pic in original post) and A* SMX Bionic 2 chest/spine protector (pic in maxxxboost's post).

I like that the Tryonic only transmits 3.7 kN of force while almost every other protector including the Forcefield L2 Kevlar doesn't give any specs (CE Lvl2 only requires <9 kN so it could be anything). It also happens to look pretty awesome =D. But it has zero kidney protection and seems to be scooped out on the sides in the name of aesthetic appeal which seems kinda dumb.

The A* doesn't give any specs other than the CE Lvl2 rating either, but I like that it has dedicated kidney protection. I also like that for the same $200, it comes with chest protection in one piece. The only other comparable armor I could find was the Forcefield Extreme Harness Flite but it's $250 which is really starting to get up there - and still has no kidney protection.

Actually there's one other option I'm considering and that's these Forcefield CE Lvl 2 jacket inserts: Forcefield BackPad Insert Pro - RevZilla

They're only $100 and there's the huge advantage of being able to just leave it in your jacket and forget about it. I can't help but think this is too good to be true though, can you guys comment?

i have the crappy insert in my jacket, i want to get one to replace it with, not one you wear separately..

Might I suggest the Bionic for BNS? http://www.revscene.net/forums/66662...or-size-l.html :ifyouknow: