back protectors

[GZEPPE]

Hey All;

I'm looking for a reasonably priced back protector...what do you guys recommend? I have Teknic Lightning leathers if that makes any difference. Many thanks for any helpful input. Ride safe!

[hank]

Search old posts.... there have been several outstanding threads about this very topic.

[beansoup]

My neighbor has a Teknic jacket and the dealer sold him a back protector that fit right in. I use a Dianese; why screw around w/ cheap stuff when you're dealing with your spine?

[GZEPPE]

I totally agree bean...didn't say cheap, just reasonable

Seriously considering the Spidi Airback...Parts411 has them on sale for $129.95...not bad

[beansoup]

You might also check ebay for the Spidi item; Lockhart-Phillips regularly jettisons new Spidi gear there dirt cheap. I've got a Spidi jacket (among others) and it's great.

[GZEPPE]

sweeeeeeeet. I am, admittedly, an eBay junkie and have found some ridiculous bargains on there...good call Check out New Enough as well...they have amazing deals on closeout gear

[Jet City Racer]

My personal favorite is the TLV made by Helimot. It has totally new thinking in its design, plus unfortunately I have tested it many times as the crash test dummy. I highsided at about 100MPH and landed almost squarely on my back and it didn't even knock the wind out of me. I couldn't say that if I was wearing my old Dianese Gilet.

I won't ride without my TLV!
This coming from someone who broke his back wearing a Dianese.

Bell helmets used to have a motto: If you have a $10 head where a $10 helmet.
Please don't skimp here!

[GZEPPE]

spidi air back vs. alpinestars tech series??? anyone have feedback on either one of these for use under a suit?

[GZEPPE]

Thanks much Don! Glad you are ok after such a nasty shunt. I would say that is a pretty damn good testimonial for any product. Thanks for the heads up. The Helimot is not ridiculously priced either....hmmmm, could be a winner

[stoneflylama]

I got a Spidi Airback off Ebay for about $80 after shipping. It was from LP USA, they were blowing out 10 of them at one time a few months ago on Ebay. It is a sweet back protector. Very comfortable and flexible. The design makes sense. The belt is very comfortable and supports your lower back. It is thin enough that if you take the back pad out of your jacket it shouldn't fit any different. It does extend down into your pants though if you zip your jacket to them. So it does make waist slightly tighter. If you have a 1-piece or adjustable waist on 2-piece should be fine. I can wear it under my 2-piece and the pants were kinda tight around the waist but stretched and now its perfect.

* The Helimot looks like it offers more protection than the Spidi or A-stars. Looks like a serious race protector like the Bohn or Knox race protectors. Those cover more of your shoulders and sides than the spidi/astars type. Possible trade off in bulk and flexibility.

[Jet City Racer]

What I like about the TLV is it uses memory foam which really absorbs impacts as well as disbursing it. It does not interfeir with movement at all really.
It is slightly raised in ther spine area which helps with cooling and has a mesh liner too that helps keep you cool(er). If your current jacket is tight no REAL back protector will fit, you will have to buy one anyway.
You can get more info @ www.helimot.com
He really makes some of the best and safest stuff on the market.
Good Luck!

[Folgore]

I have to agree with the Helimot stuff.
Top notch stuff at a very reasonable price.
That said, I actually own a Bohn unit (birthday gift from my wife).
The one thing that I liked about it over the Helimot is better tailbone coverage. My friend crashed with the Heli, and as they say anything you can walk away from is a good thing. He thinks the fit is great. Prior to my Bohn, I had a Dainese 6 plate unit.
Both the Bohn and Heli fit better.
I unfortunetly high-side last year withe Dainese on.
It does protect the spine but .....
To my experience the hard "shells" that make up some of the units flaten on impact into your back. Your spine is protected but the edges being hard plastic dig in and give your back one hell of a bruising.
Maybe I just have a whimpy back.
Th soft style protectors, like the Heli and Bohn, distribute the force of impact more evenly through the armour giving you less localized trama.
My 2 cents.
Jeff

[Smoke Eater]

I like my Bohn. They have a new one that flows air better to keep you cooler. Stay away from the combo front/back protection. I tried one on with my leathers because I thought it would be a good idea. The front protector really, really gets in the way crouching over the tank.

[GZEPPE]

Great feedback, Guys! I truly appreciate it. My 2-piece Teknic suit is adjustable and I think I'll have enough room for a decent back protector. Thanks again and Ride Safe!

[Bill in OKC]

One of my buddies crashed in Jan. and broke his back - no back protector. Luckily after $80K in hospital bills he is walking again. He wants to ride again but his "history" might force insurance out of sight. It just happens so fast. I have a Dainese back protector in my Dainese jacket and a Vanson back protector in my Vanson jacket (now). The Helimot TLV looks good - never heard or seen them before. I'm going to check them out - Thanks!