Body Armor

[hamish200sx]

So I am really unimpressed with the armor in my Alpinestars TZ-1 jacket and don't want to buy a better one for $600. My next thought was to get one of those armor jackets that supposedly can be worn under a jacket. Just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with one of these. Do they actually fit under a jacket? Do you have any advice as to which ones are better and which ones are worse?

[Xusia]

Wow. That looks similar to my Joe Rocket Speedmaster jacket. If it is truly similar, I'm shocked you find it inadequate. I actually went down in mine last September (my 2nd time being down in 16 years of riding), and had exactly 1 small scratch - from the inside of the jacket rubbing my elbow. The jacket was barely even damaged. I still wear it.

[r1speedemon]

you usually get what you pay for... not always, but most of the time

[Monkey Nutts]

Ok, so I wanted to build on this original post for some additional feedback/thoughts.

I too am a little unimpressed with the spine support in my alpinestars leather jacket. When compared to my Joe Rocket, the Rocket jacket had some rigid spine support where the Alpine has basically no protection outside of the leather.

I am looking at some of those strap on (yes I said strap on:rolleyes: ) spine protectors and wanted to inquire if anyone currently uses one or can recommend one. I see that there is a zipper in the back of my jacket that one of these can be inserted one, which I think would make a lot more sense and be more comfortable than strapping one straight onto my back. :idunno:

[Xusia]

Why not just sell it and buy a Joe Rocket then? That sounds less complicated...

[Jane Honda]

I just spent the big bucks on an Icon Timax II Leather jacket, and it seems to be great in about all departments. And like Ron said when he sold me on it, it makes you feel like Batman! lol.

http://www.kneedraggers.com/image_storage/d/b3/db33afb11bc5edc7e895ab9a301a5e09_refined.jpg

[Monkey Nutts]

Great point about just selling the Alpinestars. While Joe Rocket is good gear and completely comfortable, it really just came down to personal preference i.e. fit, style and features that led me to pick up the Alpinestars. :crazy:

Mike, how soon can we expect to see you with little pointers on your helmet and a cape. Would look pretty sweet now that you have an all black set up. True "raven" style just like that old Brandon Lee movie "The Crow".

[Xusia]

Not dissing your choice at all (I like Alpinestar too). Just trying to offer another perspective/alternative!

[Monkey Nutts]

I think more of it is the endless pursuit to be bullet proof by adding more protections.

Appreciate the thoughts, thats why I posted in the first place.

[Xusia]

What we really need is that crash foam from the movie Demolition Man!

[Monkey Nutts]

About the closest thing we could come up with would be good stuff, that builders spray foam.

[Xusia]

Or maybe a jacket with an integrated air bag! THAT's actually plausible with modern technology.

[Monkey Nutts]

I used to have a float coat (life vest) that would actually automatically inflate once it was exposed to water. Used a little CO2 canister and worked quite well. What were talking about wouldn't big of stretch to come up with a airbag jacket.

[Jane Honda]

Mike, how soon can we expect to see you with little pointers on your helmet and a cape. Would look pretty sweet now that you have an all black set up. True "raven" style just like that old Brandon Lee movie "The Crow".
Hee hee...dont think it hasnt been considered! :yes:

[Monkey Nutts]

Now were talking! :rad:

What a kick that would be to see a batman bike rippin down the street with a cape flying in the wind!

[Xusia]

Sweet!

[hrvstar1100]

talk to TOM-CAT he has the strap on spine guard you are talking about

[Monkey Nutts]

I think TRON may also have one but I could be mistaken........


TOM- CAT or Tron care to chime in and give us your feedback?

How comfortable are they and do you think they provide the additional protection worth any discomfort associated with wearing one?

[Fly n Hawaiian]

It fits under almost all jackets and has a spine as well as other protection and goes for around $100.00. It is also very comfy. Hope this helps:yes:
Mason

[Monkey Nutts]

Well, after looking at what was on the market, I picked up a Tecknics spine protector. Price was reseasonable and seemed to provide the additional protection I was looking for. Package is pretty light weight and is breathable under my jacket. I was a little concerned about mobility and any restraints but there doesn't seem to be any yet. That's my :2cents: on a product update.

[Jane Honda]

Hee hee...dont think it hasnt been considered! :yes:


Oh, dear GOD, no!!!! :wtf:

[FatKaw!]

Most jackets you will find do not have very much in the way of back protection. Id rather have the spine protector attatched to my body so it stays with me and not the jacket. Putting an insert in is definitely more comfortable. My textile jacket has a nice back insert. But a full spine protector that goes from top to tail bone and also covers the shoulder blades will provide much better crash protection. I have a fieldshear jacket and use an alpinestars back protector. It has a wasit strap and the top snaps into the top of my jacket.

[Jane Honda]

Most jackets you will find do not have very much in the way of back protection. Id rather have the spine protector attatched to my body so it stays with me and not the jacket. Putting an insert in is definitely more comfortable. My textile jacket has a nice back insert. But a full spine protector that goes from top to tail bone and also covers the shoulder blades will provide much better crash protection. I have a fieldshear jacket and use an alpinestars back protector. It has a wasit strap and the top snaps into the top of my jacket.
Mine has a nice back protector built in. :thumbup:
http://www.kneedraggers.com/image_storage/8/77/8778de104d6e57dafa30b90d0dce2abc_refined.jpg

[FatKaw!]

Thats actually one of the best built in protectors ive seen yet. Good choice Batman! My only concern, (nothing against the jacket) is whether or not the armor would stay where it needs to and not shift around.

[Jane Honda]

Thats actually one of the best built in protectors ive seen yet. Good choice Batman! My only concern, (nothing against the jacket) is whether or not the armor would stay where it needs to and not shift around.
If youve got about 600 bucks and a bike you dont like anymore, it would be fun to test it out. Heck, Id like to know how well it would do in a real world crash. You go first though. :laughing:

[superhawk ben]

:lol: :laughing: :bounce: :laughing: :lol:

[FatKaw!]

Superman doesnt need no crash armor. I can fly!

[superhawk ben]

We can all fly. But can you land:thumbup:

[r1speedemon]

Cycle gear has a few to choose from. I prefer the dainese ones. I rip out the crap that has come in every jacket and suit that i have owned that is claimed to be a "back protector". Use one that staps to your body, fits good, and actually provides some protection. A pice of foam on your back in a loosely fitting jacket is not going to do you much good as soon as it moves. And it will move when you crash. Road rash heals... paralysis does not. It is a worthy investment. :2cents:

[FatKaw!]

Cycle gear has a few to choose from. I prefer the dainese ones. I rip out the crap that has come in every jacket and suit that i have owned that is claimed to be a "back protector". Use one that staps to your body, fits good, and actually provides some protection. A pice of foam on your back in a loosely fitting jacket is not going to do you much good as soon as it moves. And it will move when you crash. Road rash heals... paralysis does not. It is a worthy investment. :2cents:
Agreed! But the protector on the Icon jacket looks to offer good protection, provided the jacket is fitted properly (ie. TIGHT) :bowtie-gu

[FatKaw!]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/Nicegy525/bike.jpg

Wonder how this one ended...

[r1speedemon]

Agreed! But the protector on the Icon jacket looks to offer good protection, provided the jacket is fitted properly (ie. TIGHT) :bowtie-gu
yes, better than most... but when the sizes are in s,m,l... etc proper fit is sometimes hard to get. something is better than nothing though. it is just one of those things i am picky about. my head and my back... certain things dont heal :idunno:

[TigerRider]

Knox body armor is CE rated.
Bohn is not.

However, any body armor is better than none.

Pretty simple, no?