What are back protectors actually meant to do?

HD · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Karma :

Obviosuly they are meant to protect your back/spine but I recently saw the "Knox Kompakt" and though hang on, you can bend yourself around a tree because it is so flexible.

This leads me to the question, are they for impact? Are they for stopping you arching backwards? Are they for both*?

Thanks Thumbs Up

*Then the Knox Kompakt fails miserably.
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Its supposed to reduce the amount of energy transfered from impact to spine.... thus in theory preventing breakage.

It does reduce some impact damage as I was being beaten up in Azerbaijan my back was not as bruised as the rest of me after they started kicking me about.
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woll · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2010 Karma :

I thought it was so that if you were sliding down the road on your back it got worn away instead of your spine. Could be wrong though.
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deleted111 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Never worn one or even looked into them tbh but I was always of the impression that they're designed to spread impact?

Like, instead of BANG (a blow to a specific location in the back)

its more like DUFF (a blow to the back with impact evened out so it's the same 'smaller' impact all round instead of a BANG in one place).

Sorry, I'm tired.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

I think the name gives it away slightly. Idea

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Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

They absorb energy and distribute it over a large area rather than a single impact point.
If I am going in a straight line I am bareback, Hill Climbing I wear a protector.
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deleted111 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

My textile winter jacket has a big piece of high density foam built into the back. kind of feels weird when I first put it on but if it stops my skin from turning to mush if i fall off then I'm fine with it.

Back protector..... does exactly what it says on the tin Laughing

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TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

I would of imagined they protect your fucking back by absorbing impact and keeping your back straight. Confused

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HD · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Karma :

So they aren't really designed to stop you flexing but to absorb the impact? Thanks guys. And what does everyone think of the knox kompatkt? Do people wear them on a day to day basis or just long rides? How many people wear neckbraces/when?

Mr. Green

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Paxovasa · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Karma :

I wear my back protector every time I go out on a bike.

If I was able to foretell the future then I would only wear it when I know I would need to. But until I can foretell the future I will continue to wear it every time I ride a bike Thumbs Up

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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Well there are two schools of thought about that though pax Gaz never wore anything other than a helmet. He said if you wear anything else you are tempting fate because you risk compensate. Much like people in 4x4s drive like cnuts because they don't think they'll be hurt when they crash.
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