Back injuries are one of the most common form of injuries amongst motorcyclists in the UK. Wearing a back protector is the best way to protect your spine from what could be life changing, in case of an accident. We know that’s pretty sobering.
But - fortunately for us bikers, the back is an easy area to add serious protection to. Whatever you ride, a back protector is a piece of kit that is seriously worth investing in.
But - fortunately for us bikers, the back is an easy area to add serious protection to. Whatever you ride, a back protector is a piece of kit that is seriously worth investing in.
Back protectors are certified to one of two safety standards: CE1 or CE2. They're both pretty safe but back protectors with the CE2 standard can halve the amount of force that transfers through to the body during an impact. According to a study carried out by TFL in 2015, wearing a back protector could reduce your chances of a back injury by 26%.
With a variety of brands offering back protection inserts in jackets, it’s worth checking what the CE rating is in your jacket’s back protection. Go on, have a look at your jacket now - what’s the rating on the back protector? Do you wear a standalone back protector? Or maybe you don’t have one?
With a variety of brands offering back protection inserts in jackets, it’s worth checking what the CE rating is in your jacket’s back protection. Go on, have a look at your jacket now - what’s the rating on the back protector? Do you wear a standalone back protector? Or maybe you don’t have one?
Before you you go out on your next ride, consider if your back is properly protected. After all, Guy Martin couldn’t praise his Dainese back protector enough after his 2015 Ulster GP crash.
We’ve teamed up with Bike Stop to bring you an unbiased review of four back protectors which can be worn under your existing jacket/s.
Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector – RRP £149.99
The Pro Sub 4 back protector will withstand greater impacts than any other back protector on the market. A great place to start right?
We’ve teamed up with Bike Stop to bring you an unbiased review of four back protectors which can be worn under your existing jacket/s.
Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector – RRP £149.99
The Pro Sub 4 back protector will withstand greater impacts than any other back protector on the market. A great place to start right?
It’s the ‘largest’ in terms of length and width of the four we tested and initially, it seemed like it would be the most uncomfortable - however it really wasn’t. It has the highest level of impact protection (this one is even better than the CE2 standard).
After removing the back CE armour from our current jackets (RST + Hein Gericke) and donning the Sub 4, it did make the jackets feel a bit snug when leaning forward to reach the bars (not uncomfortable though).
We’d recommend trying any back protector on, under your current gear before making a purchase – if you can, try sitting on a bike to replicate the riding position. You may find you’ll need to re-adjust the straps or loosen the velcro around the waist.
The first ride with this back protector on was on the sports bikes. The Sub 4 was noticeable for the first 40 odd miles, but it has some flex and felt like it conforms to your body shape. The shoulder and waist straps are easily adjustable but very durable - which is reassuring in the event of an off.
 |
| Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector |
After removing the back CE armour from our current jackets (RST + Hein Gericke) and donning the Sub 4, it did make the jackets feel a bit snug when leaning forward to reach the bars (not uncomfortable though).
We’d recommend trying any back protector on, under your current gear before making a purchase – if you can, try sitting on a bike to replicate the riding position. You may find you’ll need to re-adjust the straps or loosen the velcro around the waist.
 |
| Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector |
The first ride with this back protector on was on the sports bikes. The Sub 4 was noticeable for the first 40 odd miles, but it has some flex and felt like it conforms to your body shape. The shoulder and waist straps are easily adjustable but very durable - which is reassuring in the event of an off.
This is certainly a back protector we would recommend but would emphasise the need to check how it feels for you, under your jacket.
Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector – RRP £119.99
The Pro L2K back protector can be described as a ‘slimmed-down’ version of the Sub 4, and it conforms and exceeds CE2. It’s comfortable to wear and it’s also fairly flexible – the honeycomb structure makes it breathable too.
 |
| Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector |
Now this is where it all gets a bit clever; Forcefield tell us that the NitrexEvo (the material the back protector is made with) provides ‘Repeat Performance Technology (RPT)’ to ensure that even after multiple impacts there is no loss of protective performance. This makes it ideal for track and race use.
The shoulder and waist straps are fully adjustable making it easy to get a perfect fit, quickly. Being thinner than the Sub 4 it was a more comfortable fit under our jackets.
 |
| Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector |
The shoulder and waist straps are fully adjustable making it easy to get a perfect fit, quickly. Being thinner than the Sub 4 it was a more comfortable fit under our jackets.
Dainese Manis Back Protector – RRP £149.99
The Manis is probably the most recognisable back protector on the market. It is CE2 certified and has a hard external structure - almost iconic to Dainese style of hard protection.
The Manis is probably the most recognisable back protector on the market. It is CE2 certified and has a hard external structure - almost iconic to Dainese style of hard protection.
 |
| Dainese Manis Back Protector |
It’s formed of protective ‘plates’ connected with a tough elastic-like material making it very light and flexible. It’s slightly thicker than the Forcefield Pro L2K but still fits easily enough under our current jackets.
 |
| Dainese Manis Back Protector |
The inside of the protector is soft, as are the shoulder and waist straps. The Manis has an additional chest strap - every little helps. This back protect felt perfectly comfortable on and off the bike.
Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector - RRP £164.99
The Gilet has the same structure as the Manis back protector, however instead of shoulder and waist straps it has a simple gilet with a full length zip.
 |
| Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector |
This didn't feel as comfortable as the Manis as the elasticated material at the front feels quite tight (maybe we need to cut down on the pies). ‘You need a bigger size’ we hear you shout - but it has to be tight to keep the protector in place.
 |
| Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector |
One thing we thought was a little frustrating was that there was also no room for adjustment. Meaning it may not be suitable for everyone.
For us, the Dainese Manis back protector is the one we would go for.
It offers great levels of flexibility, comfort and easily fits under existing (leather & textile) gear meaning weather we are commuting, touring or racing around a track, it will perform and perform in comfort.
The back protectors in this review are available to purchase from Bike Stop.
For us, the Dainese Manis back protector is the one we would go for.
It offers great levels of flexibility, comfort and easily fits under existing (leather & textile) gear meaning weather we are commuting, touring or racing around a track, it will perform and perform in comfort.
The back protectors in this review are available to purchase from Bike Stop.
Please share if you enjoyed reading this!
All the best
BirotarUK
No comments:
Post a Comment