Hello, I'll be heading to my first track day soon and was researching info for newbies. I've read quite a few posts and everyone's recommending a back protector when doing track days. I'm going with a rental 1-pc which I think comes with a foam back insert. Should I be wearing additional back armour? I have an Icon vest which has a hard back and front (although the front is not CE certified). or should I be looking at some of the other racing brands such as Dainese which has both front and back? Any advice is appreciated.
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Back Protector
- Thread starter EC2010
- Start date
If the Icon vest fits under the leathers you should be good. If not, some of the Icon stuff is made so you can take it apart and put the back protector in the back pocket of the leathers, replacing the foam insert. Not sure what Icon vest you have.
I have been checked before. Usually 1st and 2nd session the marshall waving you onto the track will smack you on the back to check if you're wearing a back protector.
I don't know how anyone could venture out onto a race track without one.
Mr.Azim
Well-known member
one-piece race suits do not come with a back protector.
wear a proper back protector...like Murf says: it's mandatory for any track day I know of.
This is an excellent back protector for the size, weight and cost:
+1 I love my Forcefield back protector.... extremely comfortable, light and sturdy... doesn't feel clunky like some of the all plastic ones. Bluestreak sells them, just measure up so you get the right size.
The picture above is the L2 version.
AFAIK only Pro6 and Rider's Choice require them, but I agree that it's mandatory whether the track day hosts require it or not.
I've got a Dainese and find it very comfortable, as in I don't even notice I have it on once I'm on track. You may want to remove the foamy thing to make more room in the suit for the proper hard back protector. The foamy thing makes a very good kneeling mat in the garage
I'm surprised. That's the first I heard of one. But why would you want to bother with the soft foam pad anyways?
Why hard? the one I have "Forcefield L2" (same one Bob posted) is by no means hard, and is well reviewed.
I know it sounds stupid, but would you wear a soft helmet? You spine is very nearly as important as your head.
Ahh, okay. I've never ridden their days, so my bad.
I would if there was empirical data to support that it was in fact better.
This is arguably one of the best back protectors available --> http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/pro-sub-4-back-protector/2339
And it's not hard.
And this comparison test is putting the soft ones first. --> http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/Ride Magazine/Product test pdfs/6 JUN08 Back protector test.pdf
The Forcefield T-Pro L2 soft back protector actually has a very good rating.
According the John Bickle the plastic plates in hard back armour will actually do very little to prevent a hyper-extension injury to the back. What is more important is blunt force impact protection, and the L2 performs very well in this regard. That's why he carries them.
Wow, that test is a real eye opener. I stand corrected. As it turns out, the Dainese I have is the worst of the lot! Where do I sign up to get on the waiting list for a CE/DOT/Snell approved toque?
Next time I see John I'm trying on a Forcefield.
Next time I see John I'm trying on a Forcefield.
The brand, probably. The Dianese Wave back protector - don't think so.
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