Built-in vs. strap on back protector

[jraice]

How much of a difference is there in safety and effectiveness between these two types of back protection?

To be specific, I have both the HPC G1 back protector insert, which goes into my Dainese Zen jacket, as well as the Forcefield Sub-4 Pro.

Looking into getting some pants to go with the Zen jacket and ditching the (bit too tight) small piece for good. I know the answer to my question is that the Sub-4 is better, being one of the best on the market. I am more interested in whether it is a big gap.

Does anyone do serious track/race riding with an insertable protector or is it considered inadequate?

My Forcefield fits in the Dainese jacket tightly but the insertable unit is leaps and bounds more comfortable, not to mention I could sell the Sub-4 to recoup some of the cost of the pants.

 

[Spec-ECU]

My favorite and current track suit (see avatar) is a Hein Gericke Celtic suit. Its removable back protector was touted as one of the best back protector offered in a suit when I was reading up on the suit pre-purchase.

I've actually personally tested the whole suit via high-side out of Turn 6 of Infineon three years ago, and I walked away unscathed in every sense of the word.

 

[jraice]

Looks like an awesome suit, but I already have the back protector I'm curious about.

About to go try on some Delta Pro pants at Cycle Gear, been trying to find them used to save some money but think I deserve a present for a lot of hard work this summer and that it'd make a good investment...

Selling my one piece if I get the pants as well so that'll recoup some money but they aren't in perfect condition so selling the sub-4 would help even more. Having said that, I don't want to sacrifice too much safety for a few bucks and a much more comfortable fit.

 

[FXCLM5]

it depends on how well the jacket is fitting to your body

just keep your forcefield, buy a chest protector and your good to go,

i neglected to buy a chest protector for the last 5x years ive been riding, bought one a few months ago, my front ribs are just as important as my back ribs

 

[jraice]

it depends on how well the jacket is fitting to your body

just keep your forcefield, buy a chest protector and your good to go,

i neglected to buy a chest protector for the last 5x years ive been riding, bought one a few months ago, my front ribs are just as important as my back ribs

My one piece and the Dainese jacket are already a bit snug with the forcefield installed, no way a chest protector will fit. The Dainese jacket with G1 inserted is a really nice comfortable yet snug fit, I don't think the protector will move around much. It locks into my shoulder blades nicely. The Sub-4 on the other hand is bulky, hot and digs the jacket into my neck.

 

[FXCLM5]

loose weight, i thought no way in hell could i get a chest protector in my 1pc a* suit,

i put it in, it compresses and morphs into my ribcage, i dont even feel it there at all, and when i lean on the tank i have cushioning LOL

THE ONLY negative thing is my suit is perforated, and where my chest protector is i dont get airflow doh

 

[Roadstergal]

I've never heard of the HPC G1. Unless it has comparable numbers to the Tpro, it'll be a big gap; most inserts that come with jackets aren't serious protection.

You can get back protector inserts from Tpro that fit the pocket in your jacket; Johnson has them in stock. They won't provide the same coverage as the Sub4.

I run the full-size back protector m'self. If the jacket won't work with the back and chest protectors, consider a better-fitting jacket.

(One plus about the T-pro stuff - it really molds to fit your body over time. My back and chest protectors were really stiff and tight at first, but after some wearing, it now fits much better.)

 

[V4]

it depends on how well the jacket is fitting to your body

just keep your forcefield, buy a chest protector and your good to go,

i neglected to buy a chest protector for the last 5x years ive been riding, bought one a few months ago, my front ribs are just as important as my back ribs

ding ding ding...

winnah....!!!

 

[jraice]

I've never heard of the HPC G1. Unless it has comparable numbers to the Tpro, it'll be a big gap; most inserts that come with jackets aren't serious protection.

You can get back protector inserts from Tpro that fit the pocket in your jacket; Johnson has them in stock. They won't provide the same coverage as the Sub4.

I run the full-size back protector m'self. If the jacket won't work with the back and chest protectors, consider a better-fitting jacket.

(One plus about the T-pro stuff - it really molds to fit your body over time. My back and chest protectors were really stiff and tight at first, but after some wearing, it now fits much better.)

Its just the specific model of a Dainese insert, nothing special. I might hold onto the Sub-4 for track day use, I'll see what its like in the jacket/pants combo when I get them.

 

[KTMKen]

I use a built in, but my girlfriend likes a strap-on.......can't understand why it took so long for the thread to sink to the lowest common denominator...

 

[jraice]

I use a built in, but my girlfriend likes a strap-on.......can't understand why it took so long for the thread to sink to the lowest common denominator...

Nicely done Ken...

Would love to get a ride in with you before I head back to LA in mid August.

 

[KTMKen]

Been doing the Hamilton/Mines/Del Puerto thing a lot lately. Gonna' ride Sunday like usual...Maybe Monday too.

 

[jraice]

Been doing the Hamilton/Mines/Del Puerto thing a lot lately. Gonna' ride Sunday like usual...Maybe Monday too.

Road to the Junction and back the other day, good ride. Was also planning to ride Sunday.

 

[KTMKen]

Road to the Junction and back the other day, good ride. Was also planning to ride Sunday.

Let me know what you're planning and I'll do the same...Got a friend that want's to ride Sunday, But I was thinking of doing Newbee's Hamilton ride super early Sunday before it gets too hot, then?

 

[AkatomboRR]

strap on works better since they don't move around too much... hehehe..

 

[phocup]

i neglected to buy a chest protector for the last 5x years ive been riding, bought one a few months ago, my front ribs are just as important as my back ribs

I bought a Knox front chest protector as a set to go with the Knox back .. decided to ride without it as my last track day since it felt too bulky .. really wish I had it on when I went down.

Few things makes you feel as dumb as buying safety gear and not wearing it when you need it.

 

[dmeezy916]

I replaced the stock insert in my jacket and it works just fine. As long add you are wearing the trio piece and zipped in to the pants the back protector shouldn't move. However the insert won't give you much of a tail bone protection since it doesn't go that far down.

 

[Archimedes]

Same dilema here. Have a Forcefield insert as well as both a Helimot strap on for the track and a Dainese strap on full back and chest for the street. IMO, the jacket insert back protectors are almost worthless, both due to their small coverage area relative to the larger, strap on protectors and the fact that they are more likely to shift around in an accident. I've come to accept the fact that when I only have the insert in, I'm reallly not protected there.