Whether you ride a 200hp sportbike or scooter, one essential area of the body that should protected is the spine. This is why we should invest in a good back protector.
While we buy the best helmet to protect our heads, and jackets that protect our elbows and shoulders, we often forget about our backbone. Like your motorcycle’s main frame, the spine is what holds the entire body together and an injury will have lasting consequences. Back injuries are common, thus wearing a decent back protector can massively reduce the chances of a damaged spine if you’re unlucky enough to be involved in an accident.
We can just see how many professional and riders have walked away from horrific crashes since the advent of back protectors in the 80s. Those who unfortunately did not had injuries to other parts of their bodies instead of the spine. (Wayne Rainey broke his spine just below the neck as his head was planted into the gravel, instead of a direct impact.)
Many modern leather or textile jackets and suits already house back protectors but some are inadequate, except if the protector is CE Level 1 or Level 2 certified. As such, we strongly recommend spending a little extra to give yourself maximum protection with a dedicated back protector. These absorb an impact far better than the flimsy piece of foam you find stuffed down the back of most jackets and some racesuits.
So, what should we look for when we buy a dedicated back protector? Here are a few simple tips to bear in mind when buying:
- It has EN 1621:2013 CE-certification or approval to either Level 1 or Level 2.
- Try on the protector with the kit you will be wearing, making sure it does not dig into your neck. Try a smaller one if it does.
- Check the shoulder straps are adjustable for maximum comfort.
- Some back protectors are articulated, while some are one piece. Test them out to see which is more comfortable or suits your needs.
- Most have an adjustable Velcro waistband. Make sure it is a suitable size for you.
- There are that extend to your coccyx (the tailbone at the bottom of your spine), so may try that out, too.
