Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hampshire UK
Posts: 31
Best back protection inserts or full back protector?

I always ride with my Forcefield Pro L2 back proctor on (and found out how useful it was recently) but I need to buy a new jacket soon and wandered if it’s worth getting a Hein Gerick jacket with there HIPROTEC CE BACKSHOCK AIR back protector fitted so I don’t need to keep strapping on my Pro L2.
So the question is:
Which offers the more protection, jacket insert back protection or strap on back protection?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Sep 2008
Gecko's Avatar
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
Luckily I never found out for real - I find a built in protector convenient and I'm less tempted to 'not bother' with it because it's built into the jacket I always put on in northern europe climates, whilst the strap on ones I've seen look more substantial you do need to be bothered to wear it. The upside is if you do find your full jacket too hot you could always wear a back protector under a lighter jacket. So which is best - I think if I had a big off I'd prefer a full length strap on protector rather than a bit of Hein gericke foam rubber...... :confused1:
__________________
...on the road to nowhere...

Biking roads by bikers for bikers www.bestbikingroads.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Austria
Posts: 2
The theory is that you want your protection as close to your body as possible- In winter, I wear my (strap-on) protector even under my top fleece layer. An insert can move around which makes it a danger in a crash situation, although it's certainly more convenient.

I'd continue wearing the body armour and use the insert pocket for a water bladder (which also offers some additional protection).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
I say stick to a strap-on!!

I don't know what back protector you have in the HG jacket, but my previous "in-situ" protector from HG was small.

As Flood pointed out, you want the B.P. close to your body, to minimise movement, and keep it over the area to be protected. It also means that in the event of a crash the B.P. absorbs the energy as your back impacts. If it sits a few mm away you can imagine the impact hits B.P. which then strikes your back and only then starts to disperse impact energy.

A bit like falling in water from 1m, and falling in from 3 m.
If you fall in from 1m, the water absorbs the impact and it does not hurt. From 3m the water does not absorb straight away and you get a nice red bruise from the belly-flop!! (if that makes sense)

Finally you ideally want a B.P. that protects as much of you spine from C1 to as close to S6 as possible. (although I doubt any model on the market protects the whole lot.) "In-situ" protectors that I have owned don't come much below the bottom of the rib cage, or "T" vertebrae.... Have a look at what is at risk in the area below that.

http://assets.disaboom.com/Images/SC...Regions_01.jpg

I bought the BMW back protector as it was more than just polystyrene (Dense memory foam and platics plates) and it has kidney and collar bone protection too. I wear it when I push bike also.

Personally, I say live with the inconvenience of having to put on the B.P. seperately and get a full-back one....
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Last edited by Warthog; 6 Oct 2008 at 22:31.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 29
Agreed - seperates are better

Grendal, I agree with Warthog - I have a Knox Aegis full back protector, and its the business.

In fact on a recent trip, the chap I was travelling with came off his bike and hurt his back, and so I let him us my back protector to help 'hold him together' :-) he was very impressed and found that he had no pain when he was wearing it (pity he did'nt have one on when he took the tumble in the first place!)

J
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Oct 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 94
Given that they have more coverage and are held in place, i'd say that a separate was far better.
That said, an insert is much more practical for a long trip. I have a separate Knox one at home but left it behind and am pretty certain that I would have got rid of it after a bit from the hassle factor. Forcefield do do an insert model which would be a better option than most standard supplied inserts.
__________________
UK to Australia 2007
www.planitearth.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Forcefield Super-Lite Back Insert, breathable???

I reopen and old thread (could not find any better).

Although I agree that separate back protectors look much better (usually cover the whole backbone and don't move), I plan to buy a (very breathable) back protector insert for the summertime: I want it there inside so I'm sure I always wear it (and still can stand it under the heat). The thick solid ones, even with holes, may be ok for other riders (or for me in cooler months), but in summer I just sweat too much in the red lights! So I go for a really breathable one.

Considering the shape and the size to fit in a Rev'it Off Track jacket, I've gotten to the Forcefield Super-Lite Back Insert, which is ca. 1cm shorter and 1cm narrower, so it should fit quite well even if the shape was not exactly the same.

Anyone has experience with it? It is fresh/breathable? Does it feel solid and good protection? Can anyone recommend it... or the opposite? Any good alternative (I insist, very fresh!)? I've seen in a Louis shop the Rukka APS insert which looked really great but the shape did not fit the jacket (nor the price my wallet! I know, it's security, but it will have to be cheaper), but it's something similar that I would like to find.

All opinions/experiences are very welcome. Thanks in advance!

Esteban
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Better.

Not a reply to your question exactly but the Forcefield back protectors can take repeated impacts whereas most others compress on first impact and offer much less protection thereafter. This means a double impact in one crash could be unprotected. My back protector has lost much of its compressability just by wearing it! Lindsay.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi View Post
Not a reply to your question exactly but the Forcefield back protectors can take repeated impacts whereas most others compress on first impact and offer much less protection thereafter. This means a double impact in one crash could be unprotected. My back protector has lost much of its compressability just by wearing it! Lindsay.
Thanks Lindsay, very good point! Although I hope that I won't have to try it, especially several times.

Very tempted to give a try, but still a big concern is breathability.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Back Ache / Back Pain Samy Staying Healthy on the Road 36 16 Dec 2008 15:53
Vic-Sa-Nt and back Boags Australia / New Zealand 0 1 Sep 2008 12:05
Back Ache / Back Pain Samy TRAVEL Hints and Tips 11 27 Oct 2007 13:05
Driving back or flying back from India to NL? peerke Route Planning 4 2 Oct 2003 01:49
New BMW Back Protector DAVID BURKE Equipment Reviews 2 5 Apr 2003 06:29

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:09.