which back armour???

[arcdef]

hi all, pretty much i want to upgrade the back armour in my new bike jacket as it only has a thin piece of foam, i emailed frank thomas and they do offer an upgrade back armour to come inline with the elbows and shoulders however was looking at other options on the net and really need some advice, i have come up with 4 options and would like to know the pros and cons and essentially what you guys would do!! here we go.....

1 - frank thomas upgrade

2 - Knox back plate - clicky

3 - Forcefield back insert - clicky

4 - Forcefield complete back protector - clicky

im guessing its obvious that option 2 and 4 will give better protection or will the inserts be enough??

if there are any other options feel free to let me know!!

cheers

Ash

[Itchy]

I have the full forcefield one...

as with straps it stays in position the problem with inserts is that they are a small area and only cover a comparatively small area of your back , inserts move around with your jacket unless they are tight leathers will move...


But the forcefield one is comfy I managed 5000 miles in roasting spain with it on , a local courier with the Knox constantly takes his off and has started to wear it outside his jacket.

YMMV of course
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I use the Knox Contour for track and road, it's not let me down. Got it cheap at the London show last year.

NEC's rolling around so may be worth having a look there.

Inserts are useless for the reasons described above.
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[dodger]

I've had a Knox Ricochet for almost 2 years and rate it. Is comfortable and doesn't become uncomfortable/sweaty whilst blasting around the continent.

It did feel weird wearing one at first but you quickly become accustomed, so bare with it...
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Europe 2008

[LeeR]

I have a Knox Ricochet 8-plate, it's 2 years old and cost around £80 from the NEC BikeShow.

Comfortable and functional though the velcro could be better and in my naivity I didn't realise it was only rated to EN1621-2 level 1.

It performed well in my accident last year and as I lay awaiting the arrival of the ambulance I remember thinking, "Hey, this is really comfortable".

The Knox Contour is level 2 but costs a bit more as does the Knox Aegis which replaced the Ricochet.

However, I believe the Forcefield came top in the RiDE review earlier this year, though they didn't test the Aegis as it wasn't released.
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[Oliver_FF]

I've got the Knox Aegis - its amazing! They sell it in the local Heine Gericke shop.

It fits me really well, if in doubt find a shop that sells one and try it on
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[LeeR]

Bought a Knox Aegis 8-plate yesterday for £80 from the local Honda dealer.

Excellent upgrade to the Ricochet: less bulky, lighter, a better profile shape, better velcro, better strap positions, kidney protectors, and due to the new plate system flexible in all directions, not rigid like the Ricochet.

Also as mentioned earlier it offers a higher level of protection at EN1621-2 level 2


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[dodger]

Seems like the Aegis is a worthwhile upgrade. Might look at buying one after Christmas, thanks for the feedback...
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My Bikes: Piaggio NRG| Aprilia RS 125| Suzuki GSX-R 600|Yamaha Fazer Ducati 848
Europe 2008

[daz_d_biker]

Forcefield Pro l2 seem to be the best from what I can see. tested in Ride and came out on top, theyre 79.99 on ebay. They aren't made out of plastic like other manufacturers, so when you come off it doesn't crack like the plastic ones so you don't have to replace it!

I tried one on at the NEC and it seems to mould to your back and seemed comfy!

Daz.
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[Catalyst]

Are back protectors practical at all? I.E. you they could fold up or something, i want one but i feel i'd never wear it as i don't have a locker or anything for when i'm at college.
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[Itchy]

[LeeR]

While the Forcefield Pro did come out top in the RiDE review, the Knox Aegis wasn't on sale at the time.

The Knox Stowaway has also been upgraded as the Kompakt and also meets EN1621-2 level 2.
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[fra-zzr]

the knox stowaway is quite good actually. I got one of ebay for a £20. Really good coverage, need to tuck the bottom into my leathers. Fairly comfy, and it rolls up into a bag

keep an eye on ebay, especially not its winter
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[Cannon]

I had the same problem with the same brand of jacket and after much searching and deliberation I went with the Forcefield L2. Seems to be very comfy and as stated it moulds itself to you back. I have more confidence in that than I did with my old jacket with a built in (upgraded) back insert.
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[MinhDinh]

[LeeR]

Found out another good feature of the Knox Aegis today when I used it for the first time, it's very efficient at keeping you cool, which will be excellent come the summer.

On the downside it meant it was really cold this morning.
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[MinhDinh]

[LeeR]

Evidently...
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[KATO]

Ive got the Tpro and the Aegis the Tpro gets really hot once it starts to heat up it feals like you have a steam iron on your back. Its starts off nice but once you feal it starting to get a bit of heat in it well it just keeps on getting hotter.The Aegis is a lot cooler and you can actually feal the air flow. I wear a 2 piece leather suit and its slightly purfed on the chest and arms. Next suit will be a one piece fully purfed.

[LuckyDip23]

I got the knox 8 plate from the NEC on saturday for 55 quid and its spot - thin enough to fit under anything but an ultra tight jacket but really comfy and its shaped so it doesnt hit you in the back of the helmet.
Not done that that many miles with it yet but am impressed so far.
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[LeeR]

Another good feature I discovered completely by accident is that, the waist straps are height adjustable, this thing just gets better and better. So I've adjusted the straps the cover my kidneys and now I warm again, yay!
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