| Author | Message | ||
     Barkandbite |
How many of you here ride with some form of spine protector? My Alpinestars jacket has a small padded foam section which is about as functional as strapping a pillow to my arse, so yesterday I bought this:  It's not the most comfortable thing in the world and I'm not sure how it's going to wear on long trips, but given my 100 mile commute each day, I want that extra added piece of protection. Thoughts? Chris | ||
| Ingemar |
My gear has got 'knox' protection with kevlar built in. I'm sure it's not as good as what you have there though. I've heard good stories about some of those spine protectors. | ||
| Midknyte |
Mostly yes. A ride out of town has me donning this.  Don't let price be a hinderment. I got this new and cheap off of ebay. And yes, it did/does work. I'll dig up the sellers name if anyone is interested. | ||
| SouthernMarine |
I'm thinking about ordering this: ICON Full Armor Vest   Along with this Jacket: Icon Timax   | ||
| Fbolt |
I think ICON purchased stock in Motorcyclist or Cycle World. They had a 25+ page spread this month. | ||
| Barkandbite |
Southern -- I saw that vest and was intrigued, but it I don't think it will fit under my Alpine Leather...although it could under my AVO ballistic wear. I don't want to look like a power ranger and most of the Icon stuff (I have their pants, however) is either way to Ricey (sorry) or makes one look like something out of an animated series. I can't wait for the first time I see some squid riding down the street with no shirt, that vest, a pair of shorts, flip-flops and a helmet...trust me, it'll happen. Let me know if you get that vest, I'd like to know how it fits (under the arms, especially) and how flexible it is once bent over on the bike. Thanks, CHris (Message edited by barkandbite on October 31, 2004) | ||
| Sandblast |
My Dainese is great, all day comfortable and it appears very protective. I think back protectors are a good idea, I have not had mine long and would not feel as safe without it already.  | ||
| Daves |
I can get you the Icon stuff Southern. Usual 10% Badweb discount too! Dave | ||
| SouthernMarine |
I saw a stunt rider wearing one with a t-shirt on underneath. He seemed to really like it. I'm 5'11" and weigh about 195. My chest is about 44". The guy was smaller than me and it was a little loose on him, he seemed to have good flexibility. I plan on ordering it and I'll post a review of it. By the way, I plan on getting that jacket in black and purchasing their mil-spec vest.   I have to wear a vest, and I like this. | ||
| Barkandbite |
Southern, you and I are thinking alike...and we're about the same size, so I'll be interested in what you find. I looked at the MilSpec vest (I don't have to wear one) and thought that it would certainly increase visibility without looking TOO gaudy. The Dianese looks nice...does it cover your tailbone? It doesn't look like it in the photo. The one downside to the Alpine unit under my jacket is that I'm somewhat stuck in a position and my head can go back all the way...I suppose that's more of a 'feature' than a 'bug' eh? Chris | ||
| Daves |
Hmmm, do I smell another "group" buy here? I'll see what I can do. Who wants in? Dave | ||
| Starter |
My Teknics jacket got a real one built in but the spine protector in squashed now cause I had a stack in it. I would recommend the built in if they are real and have the additional straps for around the waist otherwise they are a waste of time. | ||
| Sandblast |
The Dainese does not really cover my Tailbone, I've been told I have an unusually long body though. | ||
| Henrik |
I wear all gear all the time. Before you run out and splurge on protective gear (which is a great idea btw.), please read this thread and make sure to read the first link in the second post as well. There is a lot of so-called protective gear out there, that has absolutely nothing to back their claims. Buyer beware. Ask questions before buying. Make sure your gear has been tested. You wouldn't buy performance upgrades without a dyno chart - would you? Henrik | ||
| Darthane |
Henrik indirectly beat me to it, but is that Icon vest CE certified? | ||
| Jeremyh |
i just looked at both of those vests saturday, they seem to be built really well. I also have been looking into the red jacket. | ||
| Henrik |
Please! Please! be careful of "looks well made" Many back protectors look like they'd do a fine job, but will not pass EN 1621-2 Level 2 testing. My built-in Vanson back protector is a good bad example. Please also be aware of what kind of injury the protective gear will actually protect against. Henrik | ||
| Austinrider |
Henrik can you expand on that Vanson comment? I have a Vanson leather jacket that I always wear, it has the Vanson back protector in it, and Im curious what you mean by that. Thanks, Phil | ||
| Henrik |
Phil; what I meant was, that just because a back protector consists of "some type of foam" and some hard shells, there is no saying how, if at all, it will work for you, if you put it to the test. The problem as I see it, is that anyone here in the US can make a "gadget" and call it protective. Vanson for example. I think their latest iteration is called GP protectors, but do their "protectors" actually protect? Well, common sense would say yes. And the name they chose as well as how it's described in their brochures certainly would lead you to believe so. However, without testing no one knows for sure. In Europe they have standardized testing and advertising rules, so that you can't mention or even imply protection in any way, unless you have had the equipment tested, and proved it will comply with certain standards. You can claim comfort, look, coolness factor etc. but not protection. Having done some research on the web, I think it's time these things are standardized - especially considering the very simple test and the relatively reasonable cost involved. Without testing and certification, we're stuck hoping the manufacturer claims are correct .... which is unfortunately not always the case. Personally I don't use the Vanson back protector anymore. I used a Bohn back protector for awhile, until I found out they lied about their CE testing and approval, and will never do business with them again. Right now I'm shopping for a back protector replacement, and have narrowed it down quite a bit, since I won't buy anything less than EN 1621-2 Level 2 certified. I still use the Vanson shoulder/elbow/knee/hip "protectors"  , but am looking for tested replacements for my 1-piece suit. Henrik | ||
| Jeremyh |
Leather or no leather, carbon fiber, kevlar, hell even titanium, i still consider myself literally Fuquerd if i go down. | ||
| Henrik |
Leather or no leather ... literally Fuquerd Granted  but I'll take even the slightest change of the odds in my favor. And I will *not* line some dishonest p#@^%'s pockets for no gain or worse.  Henrik | ||
| Ted |
probably a good idea. all my equipment is at least 20 years old.  | ||
| 99buellx1 |
I have one Red Icon TiMax Mesh Jacket in stock, size XL. One Blue in stock, size L. One Black in stock, size XXL. 10% discount. Craig Buell Cycle Center 800-342-7539 | ||
| Bomber |
I've got the one in my Vanson jacket, which, as H sez, may or may not be worth the weight -- was considering buying the Aerostich one for my door gunner suit, but, again, without any testing data, I don't that it's worth while my gut tells me that it's a great deal like helmets -- a 50 buck lide is so much better than nothing . . . . . . but i continue, Like Henrick, to search -- just don't want to get into analysis paralysis | ||
| Court |
I have been wearing the one Henrik gave me when he found out they'd lied, he wanted it our of his sight. I agree the folks are slime at least, dangerous at worst. Salient point is that the few times I have ridden with it I have already fallen into a "can't leave home without it" sort of feeling. Then again...this *IS* New York City. | ||
| Ted |
you could also pass as a ninja turtle ! | ||
| SouthernMarine |
I contacted a dealer of ICON gear and they said they know of no certification of their gear, didn't know of any certification of spine protectors or protective gear at all. I have made multiple attempts to contact ICON and I am awaiting an answer from them. I still think I'll order it, whether or not they are certified. I figure with the protection in the jacket and the extra protection that it would offer, it's better than not having it at all. | ||
| Keith |
Leather or no leather, carbon fiber, kevlar, hell even titanium, i still consider myself literally Fuquerd if i go down. I have low sided twice on the street and twice on the race track- all while wearing full protective gear. I have become a loud proponent of wearing it after walking away from them all with minor bruising being the worst of it. Keith | ||
| Skunk160 |
I wear a Knox Race back protector, absolutely superb and now its getting colder I wear Knox "Cold Killer" again top gear.....and no im not on a commision www.planet-knox.com (Message edited by skunk160 on November 02, 2004) | ||
| Nick |
I wear a smaller Dianese that fits in my jacket. It's like an armadillo. It doesn't cover my tailbone. It's comfy and it offers more protection than a foamy one I'm sure. I thinks it's a 'G2'. |
