Jackets and Back protection.

[Penguin250]

So the more and more I think about it, I have issues with my jackets back .. "pad". It feels equivalent to say the foam that is on a Tempur-pedic bed. But its at most 3/8" thick. I'm not too knowledgeable on gear, so I was wondering if I should be at ease that this shouldn't be a problem.



Now if it isn't acceptable, I am also needing advice on if something like this will fit into my jacket

[Powerlogix]

Its an additional cost but I would suggest adding a CE approved back padding if you don't feel comfortable. Thats what I did I did not feel comfortable with the pad I had, there's different levels of back protectors. From the picture I believe there a Dainese version that may fit.

[Enfemus]

Go to your jacket brands website. Find the back protector they suggest or offer. Take that to motorcycle-superstore.com or equivalent and purchase.

[gfloyd2002]

The back protection that comes standard in most gear is not up to standard. Back protection should be CEII rated, and most is CEI or not CE rated at all. I've wondered why jackets from even very good manufacturers are so obviously lacking, and the best I can come up with is ventilation. Backs sweat, and CEII rated armor just aren't as well ventilated as the crap the manufacturers prefer to put in. Real back armor is also a bit heavier, and may make a jacket feel more uncomfortable.

One very good option is the SAS-TEC, which is CEII rated. It also molds to fit your form, and is extremely comfortable, though admittedly not as breathable in hot weather as the standard. It is also pretty affordable, at about $40. Cheap when you are talking about protecting your spine.

[setasai]

I have a scorpion jacket with that exact same backpad. Just checked to see if i was able to switch it out with a knox TP2 and it did not fit. The edges were slightly too wide. If you find a suitable replacement, let me know, i'll be buying one as well.

[TXJ]

I have the SAS-TEC protector in most of my jackets. For jackets it doesn't fit I bought a second one and trimmed it to size with a hobby knife using the standard foam pad as a template.

[kaiserz]

I have a scorpion stinger jacket and I got this and some peace of mind, http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...r-stryker-vest but if i can redo it again i'll get this instead http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...rotection-vest

we're talking about our backs here, so I don't think you want to cut some $ with that.

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by TXJ

I have the SAS-TEC protector in most of my jackets. For jackets it doesn't fit I bought a second one and trimmed it to size with a hobby knife using the standard foam pad as a template.

Just confirming that the SAS-TEC comes in 3 sizes that fit most jackets, and is easily trimmable with a hobby knife. Should fit most jackets out there.

[Penguin250]

I'll go with a SAS TEC then to start with to see how it works out. One question, especially Floyd: You say it gets kind of hot under the pad, would drilling out a few more vent holes weaken it a huge amount?

[gfloyd2002]

Beats me, I'm not aware of any tests or anything on it. I can't imagine it would harm it too much. I left mine as purchased despite heat where I live. It really isn't that bad, just not as cool as the stock pad.

[Penguin250]

Alrighty, I'll trim and leave it as is for awhile, then if it gets to be too much, I'll try out putting some holes in it. And I'll post up how it goes afterwards if I do.

[Honko]

Personally I just went with a stand alone back protector:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...back-protector

It's low profile and fits perfectly under the jacket. You also don't have to worry about buying more armor for other jackets you may buy or having the armor shift around so it's not actually protecting your back anymore if you take a tumble. Obviously it's personal preference but I'm pretty content with it.

[almost40]

Bohn makes good stuff. I use one. Took the crappy foam covered thing out of my jacket.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Honko

Personally I just went with a stand alone back protector:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...back-protector

It's low profile and fits perfectly under the jacket. You also don't have to worry about buying more armor for other jackets you may buy or having the armor shift around so it's not actually protecting your back anymore if you take a tumble. Obviously it's personal preference but I'm pretty content with it.

I like the idea of having the armor in the jacket, one less thing to worry about when grabbing the jacket. However, when I was looking for back protectors, I remember knox having some good stuff as well.

[Honko]

Originally Posted by setasai

I like the idea of having the armor in the jacket, one less thing to worry about when grabbing the jacket. However, when I was looking for back protectors, I remember knox having some good stuff as well.

I definitely understand that side of the argument. There's a lot less chance of forgetting the back protector if it's already in your jacket since you'll never go riding without the jacket (right? RIGHT?). Also, once you get to your destination, it's also one less thing to keep track of as well. As I said, it really just comes down to personal preference.

As for Knox, all of their stuff is definitely highly recommended from what I've seen.

[Yasko]

+1 on the Sac Tec... I wear it in Texas with 100f+ everyday...

[TXJ]

Originally Posted by Penguin250

I'll go with a SAS TEC then to start with to see how it works out. One question, especially Floyd: You say it gets kind of hot under the pad, would drilling out a few more vent holes weaken it a huge amount?

To be honest it's not that bad. You can feel a hot spot when you aren't moving, but when you are it's hardly noticeable. Even though it's a molecular armor I wouldn't put holes in it. The farthest I'd go is trimming off some of the sides/top to make it fit leaving the main body of the armor in tact. When you're upgrading armor you're doing it for the protection.

[heylookitsfranco]

I was thinking about going with the a* bioarmor back insert, but that's CE level 1. I don't race, heck I hardly take this thing into the next county. Is the level 2 certification THAT much more protective for non-track/non-aggressive use?

[Boom King]

Originally Posted by heylookitsfranco

Is the level 2 certification THAT much more protective for non-track/non-aggressive use?

In a lot of ways, the street presents more dangers to the rider than the track does. CE 2 offers twice the protection of CE 1 back protectors. I highly recommend a CE 2 rated back piece if you're already planning to spend the money. Go the extra step and your spine could be thankful if god forbid it comes to that situation. Why cheap out on a piece of protective gear? More info below:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...3&postcount=18

[jamesio]

I'm gonna get the sas-tec for my shift jacket...have been looking for a quality back protector that won't break the bank..and it's ce2 that's awesome

* EDIT

Scratch that, I just purchased the Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector. Figured might as well not skimp out on gear and also I will be able to have one super quality protector that I can use with any jacket instead of having to keep getting back protectors with each jacket.

Not sure if any one here has this but I will put a review up after I get it and get some riding time with it on.