Best back protection inserts or full back protector?

[Grendel]

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?

[Snaphappy]

Depends on the jacket size, I reckon a back protector might stay in place better during a slide.
Either way I do not want to try them.
Personally I have the jacket inserts and hope I never need them

[Sharribee]

I use a full back protector (not sure where it is at the mo though.)

I reckon it gives more protection from the twisting forces as it runs from the top to the bottom of the spine where as the inserts usually just cover from shoulder to end of the thoracic spine.

I kind of like my spine, it does a good job and would like to keep it intact if at all possible. So the best possible protection is a no brainer really

Just my opinion though

[stageonesimmo]

I remember a thread on here a while back informing us that back protectors aren't really up to the job as they protect you from impacts to the spine - whereas in the majority of crashes any back injuries are usually from compression - i.e. your head or arrse hit something and stop but your body keeps going and compresses your spine - something a back protector can't prevent.

I have an insert (well 2 really, a thin one closest me and then a whacking gert one outermost - all held in place with sticky velcro strips from Tesco!) in my jacket and I like it purely from the lazyness aspect - its in the jacket so even if I'm just nipping to the Co-op, its on and wont be left behind in a fit of misguided laziness.........

[Sharribee]

I remember a thread on here a while back informing us that back protectors aren't really up to the job as they protect you from impacts to the spine - whereas in the majority of crashes any back injuries are usually from compression - i.e. your head or arrse hit something and stop but your body keeps going and compresses your spine - something a back protector can't prevent.

I have an insert (well 2 really, a thin one closest me and then a whacking gert one outermost - all held in place with sticky velcro strips from Tesco!) in my jacket and I like it purely from the lazyness aspect - its in the jacket so even if I'm just nipping to the Co-op, its on and wont be left behind in a fit of misguided laziness.........

You are quite right, as with all of this protective gear it depends on the mechanism of injury, so things like speed, direction of impact, what you hit on the way and with what part of your body are going to dictate what injuries you walk away with. The protective gear is about risk managment and risk reduction, if you hit armco with your head having good boots are not going to do you much good.

The spine protectors are just one part of how we protect ourselves.

[stageonesimmo]

The spine protectors are just one part of how we protect ourselves.

Agreed - thats why I wear mine at all times............

[Grendel]

Well i know from experience my Forcefield Pro L2 back protector worked well when i bounced down the road in June.
So the basic answer is jacket inserts are more convenient but don't offer as much protection as a strap on back protector.

[Recycler]

if you hit armco with your head having good boots are not going to do you much good.

Good quote!

[Slimie]

Well i know from experience my Forcefield Pro L2 back protector worked well when i bounced down the road in June.
So the basic answer is jacket inserts are more convenient but don't offer as much protection as a strap on back protector.

Yep!!

-Simon

[raymo]

agree to all thats gone before, I got a lower back protector/kidney belt thing for the longest day , as I read somewhere that it help ease the lower back pain from long rides.. it was brill..
also moved the wee beer belly up the way so wear it all the time

Belstaffs trousers have inserts too...

My son has a full spine Dionese back protector he uses for snow boarding , until he has perfected the mad trick, then dispenses with it as it is restricting ( confidence and control of his risk.. i.e. no nutter in a van on the slope ).. tried it once but felt 'wrong', to long and restrictive...

its a balance between ease, comfort, and effectiveness, try one, you may like it, but agree with having them in the Jacket too , as we all have our lazy moments

ray