Motorcycle riding is a thrilling activity, but it can also be a dangerous one. Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no protection to the rider in case of an accident. This is why it is crucial to invest in safety gear when riding a motorcycle, and one of the most important pieces of safety gear is a back protector.
A back protector is a piece of protective equipment worn on the back to protect the spine and other vital organs from injury in case of a fall or accident. In this article, we will discuss the importance of back protectors for motorcycle riders, the types of back protectors available, and how to choose the right one for you.
The Importance of Motorcycle Back Protectors for Motorcycle Riders
The spine is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body during a motorcycle accident. Even a minor accident can result in serious spinal injuries that can be life-altering or even fatal. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the rest of the body, and any damage to it can result in loss of sensation or movement in the affected parts of the body.
A back protector can help to reduce the risk of spinal injuries by absorbing the impact of a fall or collision. It is designed to distribute the force of the impact over a larger surface area, thereby reducing the stress on any one part of the spine. This can significantly reduce the risk of spinal fractures or other injuries.
Do back protectors help with motorcycle back pain?
The use of a back protector helps to improve your spinal alignment, resulting in a more upright posture and a reduction in back pain. Some riders with pre-existing back conditions or injuries may find that wearing a back protector can help to reduce discomfort while riding. The added support and improved posture provided by the back protector may help to alleviate some of the strain on the back muscles and reduce the risk of aggravating existing injuries.
Types of Motorcycle Back Protectors
There are two main types of back protectors available: softback protectors and hard shell back protectors.
Soft Back Protectors
Softback protectors are made of a flexible material such as foam or gel. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they offer a good level of protection against impacts. Softback protectors are usually less expensive than hard shell back protectors, making them a popular choice among beginner riders or those on a budget.
Hard Shell Back Protectors
Hard shell back protectors are made of a rigid material such as plastic or carbon fiber. They are designed to provide maximum protection against impacts and are often used by professional riders or those who engage in high-speed riding. Hard shell back protectors are more expensive than soft back protectors, but they offer a higher level of protection.
Motorcycle back protector vests
A motorcycle back protector vest is a piece of protective gear designed to protect the rider’s back in the event of a crash or accident. It typically consists of a vest made of strong, durable materials such as Kevlar or ballistic nylon, with a hard shell back protector incorporated into the design.
The back protector itself is usually made of materials like high-density foam or plastic, which are designed to absorb and distribute impact forces across a wider area of the body. Some motorcycle back protector vests also feature additional armor or padding in other areas such as the shoulders, chest, or ribs.
Motorcycle back protector vests are typically worn underneath a motorcycle jacket and are designed to be comfortable and breathable, allowing riders to wear them for extended periods without discomfort or overheating. They are often used by sportbike riders, track riders, and other high-performance motorcycle enthusiasts, but they are also suitable for everyday riding and commuting.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Back Protector for You
When choosing a back protector, there are several factors to consider, including the level of protection, comfort, and fit.
Level of Protection
The level of protection offered by a back protector depends on several factors, including the type of protector and the materials used. If you engage in high-speed riding or participate in racing a hard shell back protector may be the best choice for you. However, if you are a beginner or ride at lower speeds, a soft back protector may be sufficient.
Comfort
Comfort is another important factor to consider when choosing a back protector. A back protector that is uncomfortable to wear may cause distraction or discomfort while riding, which can increase the risk of an accident. Look for a back protector that is lightweight, breathable, and fits well.
Fit
A back protector that does not fit well can be ineffective in protecting you in case of an accident. Look for a back protector that fits snugly around your back and does not shift or move around while riding. Most back protectors come in a range of sizes, so make sure to choose the right size for your body.
Your sex
There are back protectors designed specifically for women’s bodies. These back protectors are tailored to fit the curves and contours of a woman’s back, and they may offer more support and protection in areas where women tend to have more vulnerable spine segments.
Some brands that offer motorcycle back protectors for women include Dainese, Alpinestars, and Forcefield. It’s essential to make sure that the back protector you choose fits properly and is comfortable to wear while riding. You may also want to consider a back protector that integrates with a motorcycle jacket or vest, providing both protection and style.
The best Motorcycle Back Protectors
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-2i Back Protector
This CE-certified back protector is made of a lightweight and breathable material that provides excellent protection without sacrificing comfort. It features an adjustable waistband and shoulder straps to ensure a comfortable fit for both men and women.
Dainese Wave D1 Air Back Protector
This back protector is designed to offer maximum ventilation and comfort, making it an excellent choice for hot-weather riding. It is made of a high-impact energy-absorbing material and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit. There are different sizes available for men and women.
Leatt 3DF AirFit Body Protector
This back protector is designed to offer full-body protection, including the back, chest, shoulders, and elbows. It is made of a flexible and breathable material that provides excellent impact protection and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit.
Viper Stealth Back Protector
The back protector features an innovative six-layer construction, incorporating a combination of high-performance materials such as EVA foam, polypropylene, and thermoplastic elastomers. This unique design provides a high level of shock absorption, effectively dispersing impact forces across the surface of the protector and reducing the risk of injury. The Viper Stealth Back Protector is also designed with ventilation channels to maximize airflow, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable during even the most intense activities. Additionally, the protector is fully adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your body type and preferences.
Forcefield EX-K Harness Flite
This back protector is designed to provide maximum protection without sacrificing mobility. It is made of a lightweight and breathable material and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit.
POC Spine VPD System Back
This back protector is designed to provide excellent protection in case of a fall or collision. It is made of a flexible and breathable material that conforms to the body and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit. POC also offers a Spine VPD air vest with a back protector for women.
Icon Stryker Back Protector
This back protector is designed to offer maximum protection to the spine and other vital organs. It is made of a high-impact energy-absorbing material and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit. Icon Armor Stryker is also available for women.
Rev’it Seesoft Back Protector Insert
This back protector is designed to fit into the back pocket of most motorcycle jackets. It is made of a flexible and breathable material that provides excellent protection and features adjustable straps for a perfect fit. Rev’it Seesoft Back Protector Insert is offered in different sizes for men and women.
Oxford unisex adult – Ce Level 2 Insert Back Protector
This back protector is made with a combination of high-quality materials such as Kevlar, Nitrex Evo, and M15, ensuring maximum safety and durability. This back protector has been certified to meet the latest CE Level 2 safety standards, which means it offers excellent protection against impact and abrasion injuries. It is suitable for use by both men and women, and its unisex design ensures that it fits comfortably on any body type.
The Oxford unisex adult – Ce Level 2 Insert Back Protector is designed to be inserted into a compatible motorcycle jacket or suit, providing an extra layer of protection for the rider’s back. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to wear and move around in, and it also features an adjustable waist strap for a secure and comfortable fit.
Scorpion EXO SAS-TEC Back Protector
This back protector is made of a high-impact energy-absorbing material that provides excellent protection to the spine and other vital organs. It features adjustable straps for a perfect fit. Scorpion SAS-TEC Back Protector is available for women as well.
| Model | Features | Price |
 Alpinestars Nucleon KR-2i Back Protector | – Lightweight, flexible pu-injected impact foam – Contoured for an anatomical, Adaptive fit – Perforated for breathability and comfort | $69.95 on Amazon |
 Dainese Wave D1 Air Back Protector | – Type 11: 40-45 cm shoulder to waist – LG: 91-97 cm waist measurement – Back protector certified to EN 1621.2/2014 Standard (Lev. 2) – External polypropylene plates with perforated and corrugated structure – Lumbar band with double adjustment strap | $21.00 on Amazon |
 Leatt 3DF AirFit Body Protector | – 3DF AirFit ventilated soft impact foam – 3D design ensures a great fit that is very comfortable – Easy-to-wear, zip-up compression sock design for maximum evaporation – Flank protection – Extra upper-chest impact protection layer for non-neck brace users | $299.00 on Amazon |
 Viper Stealth Back Protector | – Airwave Technology for improved airflow – Ergonomic design for comfort and protection – Full back protector offering maximum coverage – Thickness: 11mm – Available in four different sizes, determined by torso length (cm) | $49.99 on Amazon |
 Forcefield EX-K Harness Flite | – Unique ‘open’ harness system – Heat-activated body molding – Reinforced with Kevlar thread – Vented for improved breathability – Improved ergonomics and ease of use – RPT (Repeat Performance Technology) – Fully adjustable fit – Soft, flexible, and comfortable – Available in 3 sizes: Small, Medium, and Large | $370 (£297.09) on Amazon |
 | – the highest level of certified protection balanced with complete freedom of movement; Combines the impact absorption of VPD 2.0 with the breathability of VPD Air – With a minimalist design and construction, the VPD System Back allows full freedom of movement while providing bulk-free protection; Certified to EN 1621-2, Level 1 standards – Change the attachment points of the shoulder straps and waistband for a comfortable, secure, and individual fit – The perforated design of this modular protector reduces weight and keeps you cool all day long | $176.35 on Amazon |
 Icon Stryker Back Protector | – The Field Armor Stryker Back Protector starts with a custom-molded bio-foam chassis. – Designed to mold to your back, air channels within the foam allow heat to escape resulting in reduced fatigue. – Secured to the chassis are three layers of impact-absorbing foam which are capped by an articulated reinforced plastic shell. – The reinforced shell helps diffuse impact forces. – In addition, the shoulder and waist straps are removable providing you with the option of installing the back protector into certain Icon jackets. | $50 on Amazon |
 Rev’it Seesoft Back Protector Insert | – The highly impact-resistant blend of Nitrile and Polynorbornene rubber results in a memory foam that is multi-impact rated and CE Certified to the highest level of prEN 1621-2:2010 level 2. – Memory Foam layers – The Seesoft back protector performs extremely consistently in all weather conditions and is unaffected by temperature ranges from -4° F to +104° F (-20° C to +40° C). | $60.00 on Amazon |
 Oxford Ce Level 2 Insert Back Protector | – CE Level 2 back protector – Flexible and lightweight – Comfort and security in equal measure – Fits all jackets in Oxford’s Riderwear range – Slots straight into the compartment in the back of your jacket | From $35.00 on Amazon |
 Scorpion EXO SAS-TEC Back Protector | – Cordura / Kevlar Single Layered Weave Provides 7x The Abrasion Resistance Of Typical Denim – Adjustable Armor Pockets At The Knees For Optional, Form Adaptable, Sas-tec Armor – Hip Armor Pockets For Optional Form Adaptable Sas-tec Armor – 3m Reflective Swatch At The Lower Hem – Single Layered Construction Drastically Reduces Bulk And Adds Breathability | $59.99 on Amazon |
3 of the best models listed are:
| Overall Best | Best Value for Money | Users Choice |
Viper Stealth Back Protector $49.99 on Amazon | Oxford Ce Level 2 Insert Back Protector From $35.00 on Amazon | Dainese Wave D1 Air Back Protector $21.00 on Amazon |
A back protector is an essential piece of safety gear for motorcycle riders. It can help to reduce the risk of spinal injuries in case of an accident, and there are several types of back protectors available to suit different needs and budgets. When choosing a back protector, consider the level of protection, comfort, and fit to ensure maximum safety while riding. With the right back protector, you can enjoy the thrill of motorcycle riding