Wednesday, 29 March 2023 00:57

Best Motorcycle Back and Chest Protectors

Crashing sucks, but getting hurt because you weren’t wearing the right gear stings just a little bit more.

You all know to wear your helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots – but what are you wearing under all that? If you’re not wearing at least a back protector then you’re missing out on a relatively inexpensive piece of kit that can make a big difference. Add in a chest protector, and you have two components that can further absorb some of the impact energy of hitting the ground before your body does.

If you aren’t familiar, back and chest protectors are basically plastic exoskeletons with multi-density, impact-absorbing padding. Back protectors look similar to an armadillo’s shell, with numerous layers that articulate with the movement of your back, but also are difficult to hyperextend or bend backward. Chest protectors are basically trapezoidal pads that rest between your jacket and chest.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of back and chest protectors you might want to consider before your next ride. While these products are highly rated, they are just a sample of what’s out there. Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that, if you have the means, we recommend wearing an airbag vest instead of a back and chest protector. The level of protection from an airbag is far superior. We made an airbag buyer’s guide to show you what options are currently on the market if you’re interested. Can’t pop for an airbag right now? No problem. Here’s the next best thing.

FAQ

Are back protectors worth it?

Absolutely. With the caveat that no amount of gear can prevent serious injuries 100% of the time, a back protector is cheap insurance to give yourself the best chance of reducing the amount of injuries to your back and spine in a crash.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 back protectors?

It boils down to how much impact force a protector can take. Level 1 protectors can only transmit a maximum force below 18kN. Level 2 protectors can only transmit a maximum force below 9kN. Like golf, the lower the number, the better.

Are chest protectors worth it?

See the answer to the back protectors above. If you only have the means for one or the other, then go for the back protector. But chest protectors are worth it if you can afford it. Not only do they distribute impact energy in a crash, but even if you don’t fall down, they are underrated in protecting your chest from rocks and debris that can fly up from bikes and cars in front of you.