[RabidRat]

What are you guys using?

Tryonic stuff looks really good but it's incredibly pricey at $200.
http://images1.revzilla.com/product_images/0035/3566/TPB001_3530UF_300RGB08_detail.jpg
Feel 3.7

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

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2011-Knox-Aegis-Back-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?

[fT-z33wor]

Forcefield L2 Kevlar

$180 shipped, from Revzilla.com

Forcefield Armor Overview & Guide at RevZilla.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7dcs2qoKvHk)

http://www.ashtonsaccessories.co.uk/image/cache/data/Armour/Forcefield-ProL2-Ride-500x500.jpg

[maxxxboost]

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

http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/media.php/11/thumbnails/alpinestars_s-mx_bionic_vorn_380.jpg.339556.jpg
http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/media.php/11/thumbnails/alpinestars_s-mx_bionic_380.jpg.339562.jpg

[pp90]

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

http://iconmotosports.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Icon-Field-Armor-Stryker-Vest1-630x540.jpg

[CharlieH]

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.

[Jermyzy]

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/20120327101854265096_normal.jpg


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

http://store.planet-knox.com/uploads/20120327103501492418_normal.jpg

[Titanium1.8]

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://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/350/20279/ITEM/Teknic-Spine-Guard-7-Link.aspx)


http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/0000_Teknic_Spine_Guard_7_Link_Black.jpg

[buffme]

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

I wouldn't buy a spine protector.

[CharlieH]

^

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

[fT-z33wor]

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

I wouldn't buy a spine protector.

:facepalm:

[tegz]

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.

[CharlieH]

^

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.

[Marcosf]

^
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

[rk604]

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/img/b/0/0/18f/9/AAAAC2u3F4EAAAAAAY-V6g/alpinestars-bionic-race-back-protector.jpg?v=1318373685000

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

[yuuki]

^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!

[Gwilo]

I have two

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

and

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/KNOX_contour_detail_1_600.jpg

The short one (Tour)

[46_valentinor]

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.

[Gwilo]

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 (http://redlinegear.myshopify.com/collections/knox-body-armour)

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.

[buffme]

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

[Gwilo]

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.


Knox is in the same price range as A*

[46_valentinor]

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!!!

[RabidRat]

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.

[RabidRat]

Actually there's one other option I'm considering and that's these Forcefield CE Lvl 2 jacket inserts: Forcefield BackPad Insert Pro - RevZilla (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/forcefield-backpad-insert-pro)

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?

[Raid3n]

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

[dru]

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).
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.

Might I suggest the Bionic for BNS? http://www.revscene.net/forums/666629-fs-alpinestars-bionic-bns-armor-size-l.html :ifyouknow:

[RabidRat]

Oh geez.. after seeing this I'm definitely getting back protection..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOMcFEC4cBA

[JeffK]

i've been riding with this for the last season and never even notice it's on, so much so that i never ride without it :)

Dainese Wave Air Back Protector - RevZilla (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-wave-air-back-protector)

also pricy, and while it is lvl 2 cert. it doesn't seem to have the full back coverage as some of the others posted here.

http://www.motorcycleaccessoriesaustralia.com.au/products/Dainese%20armour/Dainese%20Wave%20Air%20Back%20Protector.jpg

[6793026]

^ beware where you buy them guys, I've seen fake ebay ones form china for like 50 bucks. so make sure you get a good one.

I'm planning to get one again but this time, i want one with a shoulder strap.

[RabidRat]

^ beware where you buy them guys, I've seen fake ebay ones form china for like 50 bucks. so make sure you get a good one.

I'm planning to get one again but this time, i want one with a shoulder strap.

Jacket isn't enough to keep it tight?

[6793026]

that's a good question and you are right, it will and it does, 90% of the time it'll be fine, but if you can get one that comes with... why not.

[RabidRat]

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

http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/media.php/11/thumbnails/alpinestars_s-mx_bionic_vorn_380.jpg.339556.jpg
http://www.motorradonline.de/sixcms/media.php/11/thumbnails/alpinestars_s-mx_bionic_380.jpg.339562.jpg


So I just picked up the A* SMX Bionic 2 back/chest protector on Friday, rode with it through the weekend.

Definitely comfortable, I don't feel too much difference between riding with this on vs having the original foam inserts in the jacket. It's not very heavy, fits pretty good.

The outer shell kinda bulges out in the middle especially with the chest piece, which is actually hollow by about a quarter inch before there's foam, and I guess it kinda acts as an air channel because I'm not really sweating much under there in warm weather in an unperforated leather jacket. There's a bit of the same going on with the back piece.

For negatives:
1) The back piece always seems to slide up a bit no matter what, and ultimately what happens is that it no longer covers my tailbone, which really sucks. It looks like the Forcefield L2 wouldn't have this issue as it looks to extend pretty far down. The shoulder straps also seem a little short, even adjusted to max, I can just barely get the back piece to go down to my tailbone. And I'm just 5'10, wearing the L/XL.

2) I don't like how the chest armor seems to bulge out excessively. While I appreciate the air pocket they built in with the outer shell, it's way thicker than it has to be and looks like a little much. Looks like the Forcefield equivalent just lies flat.

3) Maybe this is typical A*.. the fastening straps and materials used on this thing seem a little cheap. Couple of stitches came apart as I was adjusting the shoulder straps.

All in all, I guess it was an alright purchase. For the price, I would've expected just slightly better, but relative to what else is available out there, I don't think you could do much better than this.

[bcrdukes]

Sounds like typical A*.

[Alphamale]

So I just picked up the A* SMX Bionic 2 back/chest protector on Friday, rode with it through the weekend.

Definitely comfortable, I don't feel too much difference between riding with this on vs having the original foam inserts in the jacket. It's not very heavy, fits pretty good.

The outer shell kinda bulges out in the middle especially with the chest piece, which is actually hollow by about a quarter inch before there's foam, and I guess it kinda acts as an air channel because I'm not really sweating much under there in warm weather in an unperforated leather jacket. There's a bit of the same going on with the back piece.

For negatives:
1) The back piece always seems to slide up a bit no matter what, and ultimately what happens is that it no longer covers my tailbone, which really sucks. It looks like the Forcefield L2 wouldn't have this issue as it looks to extend pretty far down. The shoulder straps also seem a little short, even adjusted to max, I can just barely get the back piece to go down to my tailbone. And I'm just 5'10, wearing the L/XL.

2) I don't like how the chest armor seems to bulge out excessively. While I appreciate the air pocket they built in with the outer shell, it's way thicker than it has to be and looks like a little much. Looks like the Forcefield equivalent just lies flat.

3) Maybe this is typical A*.. the fastening straps and materials used on this thing seem a little cheap. Couple of stitches came apart as I was adjusting the shoulder straps.

All in all, I guess it was an alright purchase. For the price, I would've expected just slightly better, but relative to what else is available out there, I don't think you could do much better than this.

If there's one thing I've learned about A* is that their stuff generally sucks...despite all the racers wearing their stuff. For their high end gear, I'd rather spend the same or a little bit extra for something like Knox or Dainese. I have some el-cheapo mesh A* shorties...which are OKAY, but when I was testing out their full gauntlet gloves, it definitely left something more to be desired.

OT: Saw a guy riding with back/chest/and maybe arm protector? in t-shirt and I think shorts. LULZ.

I don't get these people and their undying desire for skin grafts.

[bcrdukes]

It's all about the StReET CrEd, yo. :buttrock:

[BinsentoW]

Not sure how good a deal this is, but its on "closeout"
KNOX Contour Back Protector from SportbikeTrackGear.com (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=424)

[Gh0stRider]

i like the KNOX Aegis. need to get one

[dru]

Not sure how good a deal this is, but its on "closeout"
KNOX Contour Back Protector from SportbikeTrackGear.com (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=424)

I wouldn't consider that closeout price, but it's definitely a nice piece. If anyone is interested in KNOX gear I would suggest that they check out www.redlinegear.ca

Local company and the prices are comparable to US retailers, so you can save yourself a trip to the states and support a local business! I've bought stuff off Gabe before and he's always been super helpful.

[Gwilo]

+1 on Redlinegear I picked up my Knox protector from them

[LP560]

Alpinestars Bionic

[gdoh]

what do you guys think about one of these??

Alpinestars Bionic 2 Protection Jacket - RevZilla (http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-bionic-protection-jacket-1)

[JeffK]

my only issue with that piece is that will you wear it all the time?

I have a suit of armor like that from my DH mountain biking days, but its not easy to get in and/or out of and I knew that I wouldn't be wearing it all the time.

So i went with the easy back protector.

Also, you still need a good abrasion resistance jacket on top of that suit.

If that suit touches tarmac in a slide it's going to disintegrate in a second, or worse, it'll merge with your skin as it melts :)

[misterGinster]

what do you guys think about one of these??

Alpinestars Bionic 2 Protection Jacket - RevZilla (http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-bionic-protection-jacket-1)


You really gonna wear that?

Like most motorcycle gear, we know we should wear it, yet it stays in the closet.

Carter Honda has the Knox stuff for cheap, Aegis 6/7/8 Plate units were under $150.

[rk604]

Get something like a vest, comes with chest and back protector. I find that it's a tighter snug fit so it feels much more comfortable than just a back piece.

[604STIG]

I've been using the Icon back protector, it was battle tested a few years back and it saved my ass (or my back I should say)

[Gwilo]

One thing I have noticed about the A* protector is that there is a lot of used ones on Craigslist.

Not a good sign.

[gdoh]

You really gonna wear that?

Like most motorcycle gear, we know we should wear it, yet it stays in the closet.

Carter Honda has the Knox stuff for cheap, Aegis 6/7/8 Plate units were under $150.

yes i would really wear it.

for me wearing gear is like wearing a seat belt in a car, a simple thing to save your life or serious injury

[bananana]

I happen to own all of the spine protectors in this thread. For city riding, Knox Aegis is the most comfortable, flexible, lightest and best ventilated. The downside is it's made of absolute shit materials. For hardcore/track use I would probably want to wear the Forcefield L2. It is one of the only spine protectors in the market that actually stays in position at all times.

A* stuff is way too stiff.

[CharlieH]

yes i would really wear it.

for me wearing gear is like wearing a seat belt in a car, a simple thing to save your life or serious injury

i'd just get a good jacket + spine protector. that astars bionic suit thing would look hella gay if you weren't wearing anything over it lol. i've tried on tons of spine protectors and the forcefield l2 kevlar is hands down the best one. no reason to get anything else.

[rk604]

I posted my Alpinestar a few weeks ago, nothing bad about it, I just got myself an Alpinestar vest that had both back and chest protector

[misterGinster]

yes i would really wear it.

for me wearing gear is like wearing a seat belt in a car, a simple thing to save your life or serious injury

Good luck with that then.

It would def not fit under my jacket or suit.

[racerman88]

Forcefield L2 Kevlar

$180 shipped, from Revzilla.com

Forcefield Armor Overview & Guide at RevZilla.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7dcs2qoKvHk)

http://www.ashtonsaccessories.co.uk/image/cache/data/Armour/Forcefield-ProL2-Ride-500x500.jpg

How do you like the forcefield?
How does the sizing go?
I am 5'10" and 183lbs. Kind of in between a medium and a large.for most.

[dn53]

Cant decide on either the Icon Stryker vest or the Alpinestars SMX vest. The smx is about 80 dollars more but i dont know if it's worth it or not. Any opinions? I want something that can also provide some front protection (which is why i'm opting for a vest).

[gdoh]

i didnt like how flimsy the icon back part was so i went with the smx. it gives me a better piece of mind

[misterGinster]

Cant decide on either the Icon Stryker vest or the Alpinestars SMX vest. The smx is about 80 dollars more but i dont know if it's worth it or not. Any opinions? I want something that can also provide some front protection (which is why i'm opting for a vest).


Stryker vest isn't very long, most good ones when ordering the right size will offer some tailbone protection. LOok at the forcefield one.

Icon one is designed to go with hoodies, jeans and sneakers.

[PiuYi]

picked up one of these today: $160+tax at honda centre

http://cdn-5.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/ec0418/703167.jpg

feels great, only problem is its a SMALL and i'm 5'10"... so a bit of a stretch, but they didn't have any other sizes

also when i put it on it doesn't go all the way down to my tailbone :(


other than that, feels very snug, breathable, can wear my jacket over comfortably, and can't wait to try it out on the bike!!

[604STIG]

picked up one of these today: $160+tax at honda centre

http://cdn-5.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/ec0418/703167.jpg

feels great, only problem is its a SMALL and i'm 5'10"... so a bit of a stretch, but they didn't have any other sizes

also when i put it on it doesn't go all the way down to my tailbone :(


other than that, feels very snug, breathable, can wear my jacket over comfortably, and can't wait to try it out on the bike!!

What's the purpose of buying safety equipment that doesn't properly fit you? It's not able to perform to it's fullest thus negating it's use.

[PiuYi]

i know, but my jacket is also a small and that fits me perfect so i'm gonna get a few more opinions to see if i even need to get a bigger one


keeping tags on it for now anyway incase i need exchange

[604STIG]

Every company has it's own sizing specs, so a small in one company won't necessarily be a small for another company. Just because your jacket is a small, doesn't mean your spine protector should be. Go by what you try on and see what actually fits, don't worry about what's written on some tag.