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Back Protectors


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I took a fall last week, not that big, but I landed on my back on a rock. A week later im hobbling round and it made me think about getting a back protector for trying new lines that are a bit sketchy or when I'm out in the wet. I mainly ride natural.

Has anyone ever tried using one?

cheers

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I had a bad fall about 6 months ago, landed on my back wasn't right for a few weeks.

I was thinking about getting one for this very reason. Was looking at something like these.

Didn't bother though so I couldn't recommend one, the only issue is that they may restrict you a little bit.

Edited by AndrewEH1
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In my experience its really not worth it, picture your position on a trials bike, your lent forward with your back arched. All the products are designed for DH riders who hold a lot more upright position, that's why they work a lot better in other disciples where you don't need to move your back as much. Just keep your front end lower and you won't loop out.

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Cheers Andrew

Yeh I was thinking similar. I don't want something that will restrict me. I had one years ago when I raced MX, but it was a right big clunky thing. They have improved loads. From what I remember the kidney belt was the restrictive bit, but a lot of the ones around today seem to make this part detachable. I was looking at this POC bloody pricey, but can't put a price on your back.

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you dont need a fancy POC back protector or overpriced downhill setup. I had a bad back from a motorcycle accident and wore my motorbike back protector on the trials bike for a few weeks, it was fine, no restrictions and curves with your body. its a knox aegis motorcycle back protector, you need to make sure you get a well fitting one though, they come in different plate sizes. hope this helps.

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picture your position on a trials bike, your lent forward with your back arched.

No, that's just riders with bad posture! :turned:

I've been speaking with a company called Forcefield who produce the best body armour in the world. I've tried some of their kit on and it feels amazing - just like you're wearing a soft long-sleeved tee, with full range of motion.

The Sport Lite 1 back protector is perfect for what we do (http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/sport-lite-1-back-protector/2345), but check out their SL1 combo, that's what I'll be wearing! http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/action-sl1-combo/2383

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Thanks folks for the responses. Some more musing on back protectors for those who are interested to discuss (or for those who are just bored of Ryan).

Firstly ..thanks Mike for the links. I had seen the Forcefield back protectors when looking round the internet. They look good, not sure if the full jacket type thingy would be a bit warm!!

Back protectors seem to be popular with the snowboarders, mx'ers, and DH MTBers. Apparently there are tow types of injury sustained, direct impact and hyper-flexion of/to the spine. Or something like that, please correct me if i'm wrong. Something like the Leatt neck brace protects against the latter and that type of injury is more usually sustained in higher speed sports than trials. Soooo i think a protector designed for direct impact is more suited to trials? any thoughts would be welcome.

As i said it may not be something I wear all the time, just put on when trying a new tricky line or if the weather/conditions are a bit foul. If I hardly noticed i had it on, then I may probably wear it more. Apparently they have improved loads in recent years, and a lot of people other non trials forums clan to hardly notice they are wearing them. I suppose the key would be to try a few on, if anyone knows of somewhere?

Tarty don't stock any, so I guess they are not that common in trials. Which is a bit mad considering the risky situations we put ourselves in. I suppose it may be related to the age of the average rider. I thought I was invincible at 16!!! But now knocking the shit out of my back and hobbling around for a week whilst trying to run a business has made me think otherwise. But not riding is NOT and option.

Cheers.

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