Yes, I have searched the archives and read the many exciting discussions. I should really get a proper back protector as the foam in my jackets isn't going to do much. Is a dedicated back protector (Forcefield or Knox) much more protective than one that slips into my jacket like http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/performance_upgrade_back.asp? I'm just weighing up the pros and cons, as I'm not sure that I will always be arsed to put on the strap-on one, whereas the in-jacket one is always there. -- TD 1991 VFR400R NC30 (black and red) 2001 ZX-9R (red and black) 1999 M5 (neither black nor red) Missing: SOB, Unreliable Italian exotica, Lardy tourer
Depends how much you like your spine the way it is I guess. At least with a dedicated protector you can pay for it once and then keep it no matter what jacket or leathers you wear. You could even (gasp!) wear a non-biking jacket with the back protector if you were feeling particularly rebellious. What happens when you get rid of your current jacket? I have a decent one built into my Dainese leathers, but I also have a seperate one for wearing with "paddock" jackets or other gear.
Am I being whooshed? Just unzip the jacket, remove the insert, and put it into the new jacket. FWIW, I called Forcefield, and a lady told me that there's no difference in protection as such, it's just a matter of personal preference. Still not sure I believe it though. The jacket insert is half the price of the strap-on[1]. [1] Oo-er. -- TD 1991 VFR400R NC30 (black and red) 2001 ZX-9R (red and black) 1999 M5 (neither black nor red) Missing: SOB, Unreliable Italian exotica, Lardy tourer
Not all protectors fit into all pockets methinks. Both me and a mate had some issues fitting (different) aftermarket back protectors into our (different) jackets. Mine was too long, his was too wide. Nothing a kitchen knife couldn't handle, mind. I would expect the strap-on to offer better protection on the grounds that it stays better where it was placed. A back protector would be moving around more, which might be an issue, particularly with regard to the lower spine and the neck. I'd still go for the jacket insert, as I think I'd soon tire of having to wear an extra item every time. Geo
How thick is it? The one that saved me (see other thread) is a good inch or more of very dense foam at its thinnest, and about three inches at the top of the spine. And usually they don't fit far enough down over the coccyx, although there are exceptions. -- _______ ..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (b.rogers at ifrance.com) \`\ | /`/ `\\ | //' BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, SKA#2, IBB#10 `\|/` `
My Knox back protector comes right down to the coccyx, which none of the jacket ones I've seen do. It's very comfortable to wear as well, so I don't have any problems putting it on every time. The sleeve in my HG jacket only covers the upper spine, and the built in protection was flimsy at best. It's sometimes tempting to go without it, but SWMBO gets most pissed off if she sees me without....
I got one of those KNOX multi link things featured in this months Bike mag, very comfy & well built. Not 'tested' it in action yet mind you.
Oo-er indeed Anyway, I know exactly what you mean about "can I be arsed to put on my strap-on" coz I felt the same way. Then I remember....."Somehow" I still know Christofire. -- Beav VN 750 Zed 1000 OMF# 19
I think I'm going to have to try both types on and make a random decision, which I will of course regret later and think I should have bought the other one. -- TD 1991 VFR400R NC30 (black and red) 2001 ZX-9R (red and black) 1999 M5 (neither black nor red) Missing: SOB, Unreliable Italian exotica, Lardy tourer
Don't remember, although she did mention it. They have two versions of the strap-on, approved for CE Level 1 and Level 2 respectively. I think she told me that the inserts were thicker than the strap-ons. Hmm, I really don't see how an in-jacket one can get anywhere near my coccyx, which is the arse-bone, right? -- TD 1991 VFR400R NC30 (black and red) 2001 ZX-9R (red and black) 1999 M5 (neither black nor red) Missing: SOB, Unreliable Italian exotica, Lardy tourer
My SO's HG jacket has a crap foam thing in, which I think I'll encourage her to replace. My HG Celtic leather jacket has a much more substantial CE insert, made by <squints> Eurobike. As this isn't available via retail, I can't find out anything about it. It's about 1.75cm thick. I'll be interested to compare it to the Forcefield inserts in the shop. My second-hand BMF HG Tricky textile jacket has a Hiprotec Backshock Air CE protector. This is a funny thing, made of several layers of foam glued together. Again I'll be interested to compare to the Forcefield. Although I'll probably finish up going for a "proper" one (i.e. not a jacket insert). -- TD 1991 VFR400R NC30 (black and red) 2001 ZX-9R (red and black) 1999 M5 (neither black nor red) Missing: SOB, Unreliable Italian exotica, Lardy tourer
