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RC Back Protector?

HumboldtReign

HumboldtReign

make wheelies
Joined
Nov 3, 2007
Location
Petaluma
Moto(s)
2003 CBR 954RR
I own an A* RC jacket and have been considering buying a back protector.

I've seen the A* Bionic back protectors that is a separate unit, but then have also seen the ones specifically for the RC that slide into the lining.

Price difference from $100+ to $30.

I almost answered my own question right there, but...which do you think would be better? You get what you pay for and all...but? Thought i'd at least get some other people's opinions...

Thanks!
 
I think the $30 back protector you're talking about is just a padded insert for your jacket whereas the $100-$200 bionic is pretty much a webbed jacket that comes with chest and back protector, shoulder and elbow armor, and kidney belt all wrapped into one.

I've tried an older alpinestars bionic jacket and it does really feel like it'd be good protection in a fall. If you wear the bionic under your riding jacket, you might want to remove the redundant shoulder and elbow guards that come with most jackets though, as it could probably get uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Also, the bionic's back protector can be unzipped from the rest of the jacket to be used as a stand alone plated back protector that you can strap on like a backpack.

Edit: I just realized that you're looking only for the back protector.. the wearable back protector does seem to offer more coverage than the inserts for your jacket, but it tends to add quite a bit of bulk to your back and if you're wearing a tighter fitting jacket might make you look like a hunchback.
 
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I would recommend the full back protector. More coverage, tied more closely to your body, and you can wear it with any jacket or suit.

The Bionic Race Shield is CE level 2; I doubt the drop-in protector is (although you can check).
 
Check out knox contour.It's the most protective back protector I have found. Don't believe the hype on tpro.
 
it's proven. No need to back it up :laughing
 
I haven't seen convincing evidence that one CE level 2 back protector is better than another. I went with Tpro because they make a size that fits me, where most don't.

What we can probably all agree on (although - this is BARF, who knows) is that a full level 2 back protector is better than a slip-into-pocket piece.
 
burman said:
Check out knox contour.It's the most protective back protector I have found. Don't believe the hype on tpro.
Click to expand...

+1

Tpro offers no structural rigidity against bending forces that cause vertebra to shift, collapse, and cause possible paralysis. It is good at reducing impact force on soft tissue, but a direct blow onto a jointed hard surface like your back bones IMO just doesn't offer enough protection. I've owned almost every BP on the market and agree the Tpro's Forcefield type armor is the most over hyped BP out there. Knox Contour, Impactarmor, even Dainese, Spidi, Alpinestar offer better protection for the spine area. Another top BP...Helimot though its bulky it does work excellent.
 
If all you can afford is the RC, buy it. It's actually CE approved and will do what it's designed to do...protect your back. I don't think there is another out there for $30 with its quality.

By the way...T-Pro IS the best protection on the market. Believe the hype.
 
Pauly G said:
If all you can afford is the RC, buy it. It's actually CE approved and will do what it's designed to do...protect your back. I don't think there is another out there for $30 with its quality.

By the way...T-Pro IS the best protection on the market. Believe the hype.
Click to expand...

Wait til your footpeg stabs you through your welcome mat back protector :rolleyes
 
Can't see how the TPro could possibly be more protective than the A* bionic. It's like an old timey leather helmet vs. a new shoei.
 
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