Hunt for a new jacket integrated back protector. Pictures!!

[Veloce-Fino]

Current jacket that I am wearing and looking for a replacement back protector for.


I have been wearing this jacket for quite some time and feel that I should upgrade from the stock back protector. The attached picture shows the stock which is just a piece of cheap foam, not very protective.

Stock:


Center width = 12" = 304mm
Length = 18.5" = 470mm

Those measurements are accurate to the size of the stock pad. Alpinestars offers an upgraded pad that is only level 1 protection. I feel that this is not much of an improvement over the stock and have been looking for some time for a properly fitted protector.

A* RC back protector:

Info about RC pad.
http://www.motostrano.com/alrcbapr.html

Does anyone know of any other aftermarket back protector manufacturers that may have a quality protector that will fit in the compartment inside my jacket? I tried the Tpro from monstrano in medium but unfortunately it was too long.

[DesmoDiva]

Why not wear a stand alone protector??

I have worn one for the past two seasons and love it.

It flows air nicely when its hot, and keeps my back warm in the cold.

The waist belt helps to provide some lower back support.

I'm so use to it now, if I put a riding jacket on without it, I feel naked.

YMMV.   

[Veloce-Fino]

Why not wear a stand alone protector??

I have worn one for the past two seasons and love it.

It flows air nicely when its hot, and keeps my back warm in the cold.

The waist belt helps to provide some lower back support.

I'm so use to it now, if I put a riding jacket on without it, I feel naked.

YMMV.   

Hmm, good suggestion, however my bike is my main transportation. I ride everywhere so taking a back protector on and off dozens of times a day might be a bit of a pain in the ass.

[sbrguy]

t-pro makes an insert that is basically the same size and should fit in and is a level 2 back protector and is a quality brand.

[Veloce-Fino]

t-pro makes an insert that is basically the same size and should fit in and is a level 2 back protector and is a quality brand.

Which t-pro? I tried the shape A in medium and it was just a bit too long. (the sizing on monstrano are incorrect)

http://www.motostrano.com/tpfobainshb.html

Do you know off hand what shape and size?

The measurements listed on monstrano are incorrect....
Found the correct ones
Small Shape A(10.5"W x 16.5"L)
Small Shape B (11.5"W x 15.5"L)

Medium Shape A (10.75"W x 20.5"L)
Medium Shape B (13.5"W x 18.25"L)

according to this the closest match is a medium shape B. I'll give it a try.

[He Man]

an A-Star Level 1 will offer way more protection then your normal padding. I dont think there are any Level 2 pads that are inserts. Win some lose some like your name says. if you Level 2 protection go with a full external one.

[Slide Panda]

T-Pro does make Level 2 insert protectors. They are (big shocker here) about twice as thick as the level 1
http://www.forcefieldperformance.com/product/upgrade-back-inserts/2361

"The Forcefield Upgrade Back Inserts are designed to replace existing back inserts and are available as either Level 1 (Sport) or Level 2 (Pro) protection."

[Monster Dave]

Try this:



http://www.revzilla.com/product/dainese-wave-g-back-protector?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=Not%20Apparel&utm_keyword=dainese-wave-g-back-protector#

[He Man]

T-Pro does make Level 2 insert protectors. They are (big shocker here) about twice as thick as the level 1
http://www.forcefieldperformance.com/product/upgrade-back-inserts/2361

"The Forcefield Upgrade Back Inserts are designed to replace existing back inserts and are available as either Level 1 (Sport) or Level 2 (Pro) protection."

well in that case, can your jacket even hold it without mods?

And you still dont get protection for your shoulder blade, kidneys or tailbone. but i guess thats just "extra" when ti comes to back protector since the main thing is they protect your spine.

[Veloce-Fino]

Try this:



http://www.revzilla.com/product/dainese-wave-g-back-protector?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=Not%20Apparel&utm_keyword=dainese-wave-g-back-protector#

Any idea on the dimensions?

well in that case, can your jacket even hold it without mods?

And you still dont get protection for your shoulder blade, kidneys or tailbone. but i guess thats just "extra" when ti comes to back protector since the main thing is they protect your spine.

The T-pro has "wings" at the top that extend over your shoulder blades. Not as protective as specific shoulder blade protection, but better than nothing. 

[R0CKETMAN]

Any idea on the dimensions?

This is what I was thinking. They come in two or three different sizes.

[gregrnel]

I have the GP-2 model here, seems to offer a lot of protection.....

http://www.eggparka.com/english/lineup/gp2/index.html

[R0CKETMAN]

I have the GP-2 model here, seems to offer a lot of protection.....

http://www.eggparka.com/english/lineup/gp2/index.html

Those are so cool, but I'm doubtful the "protection" is smart enough to know when the rider is "thrown". Believe it when I see it.

[Veloce-Fino]

I like the "sleeve detaching" function. Should come in handy when your arm pops of in a wreck. 

[gregrnel]

If you do some research on airbag jackets, they are much more popular in Europe and Japan and have been proven lifesavers, or at least saving people from wheelchairs. They're now almost as common as helmets in equestrian events and have no doubt been a great safety asset in that sport. As for knowing when the rider is thrown, you obviously didn't really look into it. You're tethered to the bike, when you're thrown it goes off within a quarter second, like a rip chord. It takes a 40lb pull, so if you forget to un-tether, you'd really have to pull hard for it to go off.  After about 2 weeks, clipping in becomes as unconscious as buckling up in a car. The way I figure, it's a nice textile jacket to begin with, those are $250, for another $250 I get the best back, neck, and chest protection available. It's worth it to me.