Sport-bike riders, mountain bikers and other extreme sports enthusiasts often wear extra protective gear during events and practices. Accidents and falls are inevitable in action sports, and the right gear can help prevent serious injuries. The best back protectors provide a solid but supportive structure, good back coverage and ample padding to protect all areas of the back, including your tailbone and vital organs.
Construction
When selecting the best back protector for your needs, consider your type of sport, usual speed, performance level and potential accident impact intensity. Although you can't predict accidents and falls, it's always best to prepare for worst-case scenarios. You'll feel most secure in a back protector with a sturdy but flexible shape and design that covers most of your back. Look for one that follows the contour of your spine, provides good air flow and feels comfortable while in typical positions, suggests SportBikeTrackGear.com. The best back protectors are also lightweight --- around 1.5 pounds. Try on different back protectors in the store before purchasing one. Move around and simulate various positions you'll experience during your sport to test a back protector. If it pokes or rubs the back of your neck, its straps hurt or confine your arms, or you feel any other type of discomfort, don't buy it.
Back Coverage
Back coverage should be a key deciding factor when it comes to purchasing the best back protector for you. Not only should a back protector cover your entire spine, but it should also cover your shoulder blades and pad your kidneys. Some back protectors provide only spine coverage, which is not sufficient. The best back protectors include wide coverage and protect your shoulder blades, kidneys and tailbone, says SportBikeTrackGear.com.
Straps
Back protector shoulder straps go over your shoulders and cross over your chest and core to attach to a waist-strapping system. Look for back protectors with adjustable shoulder straps that don't dig into the armpit areas or other parts of your arms or shoulders, recommends SportBikeTrackGear.com. Some models allow you to crisscross your shoulder straps over your chest and abdomen, which leaves ample room for arm movement. Don't choose a back protector that inhibits your arms or shoulders in any way. If straps are too tight on your arms, for example, it can affect area blood flow. Waist straps should also be adjustable and comfortable. The best back protectors have a double-strapping system around the waist and allow you to make adjustments both vertically and horizontally. For extra protection, you can add a chest guard that attaches to the back protector straps.
Manufacturers and Best Brands
Well-known back protector manufacturers include Alpinestars, Bohn, Forcefield and KNOX. Make sure a back protector has European safety standards certification or EN Standards: EN1621-2:2003, which is a secure rating for "motorcyclists' protective clothing against mechanical impact," according to MackiDo International Standards Catalogue. SportbikeTrackGear recommends the KNOX Contour Back Protector, KNOX Aegis and the Bohn Cool Air ProRacer as the best back protectors available.
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