back and chest protectors

BORGY · February 18, 2011, 08:51:14 AM

Which brands and models do you prefer? Bad experiences with a particular brand? Looking at adding this into my arsenal of gear, since im getting old and need all the protection i can get.

raven21 · February 18, 2011, 06:34:16 PM

I have A*** works great

MAZZ77X · February 19, 2011, 03:47:22 PM

Impact Armor. It's the best you can get in my opinion.
My son and I both use it!

www.impactarmor.com

BORGY · February 19, 2011, 11:55:53 PM

yeah i talked to a couple people that race up in my area, and impact armour is a big hit. plus its custom fit to your body. seems pretty resonable.

Russell2566 · February 21, 2011, 11:50:55 AM

I like my SixSixOne Gear, but I have limited experience with other products.

http://blog.empiregpservices.com/post.cfm/review-sixsixone-core-saver-crash-tested

PJ721 · February 21, 2011, 05:30:23 PM

Bohn
Been using both back and chest protector for about 3 years.

proechel539 · February 22, 2011, 12:42:53 AM

Whatever you get don't scimp on the back protector I learned the hard way two fractured vertebrae,and six years later, a hell of a lot of pain. Wish I would have had my Bohn protector when that highside occurred.

GSXR RACER MIKE · February 22, 2011, 10:51:51 AM

What about the numerous articles (I can remember at least one in Road Racing World) that concluded that most all 'back protectors' have little to no actual effect in protecting your back?

Now don't attack the messenger here......I'm just wondering why articles like that would exist if there wasn't some accuracy to them?

proechel539 · February 22, 2011, 04:33:53 PM

Well mike I guess we should just race naked

Russell2566 · February 22, 2011, 08:29:22 PM

I've crashed with back protectors and with out... You won't catch me without one ever now! I've also crashed with and without the chest protection. Now I feel bloody naked unless I'm wearing both!

GSXR RACER MIKE · February 22, 2011, 10:43:07 PM

I'm all for armor and greater protection - as long as it's actually effective in performing the 'implied' task (if it's not then it just adds bulk and inhibits movement). I suppose a better way to put it would be do back protectors more or less provide a 'feeling' of more protection or do they live up to the 'actual' protection their name is meant to imply? If I remember correctly the article I mentioned said that the main benefit they found would be to reduce puncture type wounds, but as far as actually protecting you from breaking your spine or bones in your back most were ineffective and only one at that time was borderline minimally effective in reducing the amount of force transferred to bones (I believe it was the Bohn because it was a one time use 'crush' type of armor).

BORGY · February 23, 2011, 06:45:02 AM

ive read some of these articles as well, and of course there is no evidence either way. no two crashes are exactly the same, it would be impossible to duplicate every single situation that one could fall from a bike to conclude either way. i think if there is a possibility of me walking away sore and really bruised versus maybe some type of fracture. well id rather go the safer route. im also gonna check out a neck brace too. i got enough injuries as it is im dealing with.

jfboothe · February 25, 2011, 04:36:38 PM

I have an A star bionic bp and I wear it.

However I will have to agree that I don't believe that it will really do much protecting unless I hit something sharp (edge of a curb, rock, etc) or the bike lands on me with a peg or clip-on. Any sort of over extension, twisting or compression injury will not be prevented. I know they say they can help with an over extension but I doubt it. In fact I doubt the plastic and elastic thing will help with much of anything. But I do wear it and will hopefully never have to fully test it.

dylanfan53 · February 25, 2011, 09:28:01 PM

I've got a Bohn chest protector. Very uncomfortable and bulky. Keeps me too upright. Also chafed my nipples which was a distraction. Otherwise I'd have won lots of races.

GSXR RACER MIKE · February 26, 2011, 10:38:38 AM

Quote from: dylanfan53 on February 25, 2011, 09:28:01 PMAlso chafed my nipples which was a distraction.

That's why you should be wearing 'pasties' on your nipples....hmmmm, I see a potential market here - how about CCS brand pasties to help generate extra revenue!

Jason748 · March 04, 2011, 07:39:15 PM

I'd go T-pro (Forcefield) armour... I've run, and tested, Bohn, A*, and a few others in the past T-pro is my top choice (Impact would be my second).

alexm · March 14, 2011, 09:44:25 AM

Quote from: jfboothe on February 25, 2011, 04:36:38 PM
I have an A star bionic bp and I wear it.

However I will have to agree that I don't believe that it will really do much protecting unless I hit something sharp (edge of a curb, rock, etc) or the bike lands on me with a peg or clip-on. Any sort of over extension, twisting or compression injury will not be prevented. I know they say they can help with an over extension but I doubt it. In fact I doubt the plastic and elastic thing will help with much of anything. But I do wear it and will hopefully never have to fully test it.

My old A* back protector has a HUGE gash in it from either my bike or another rider's bike during a fall; 3 Ts got compressed, but by the marks on the back protector it did a great job of deflecting even more damage. I think they provide great protection in the types of scenarios you listed.

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back and chest protectors