MarinaFazer
Wonderbread
- Joined
- May 8, 2008
- Messages
- 2,259
- Reaction score
- 19
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Santa Monica, California
Link to product: Bionic Back Protector - Alpinestars Official Store
$129 + tax = ~$140-$145
My review:
I like it.
You hardly notice it's there after you put it on, and if you are wearing a backpack, forget about feeling it . I feel much more protected and also, my jacket is a little more filled out since the chest area has stretched with use a bit and now it hugs me nicely when buttoned/zipped snug.
The construction of this back protector seems top notch. The waist straps ride above your waist and are supposed to wrap more around your kidneys than anything else (hence the kidney protection).
The shoulder straps are small and comfortable. I noticed that while walking, the back protector will ride up a little bit, but on the bike, it stays put. It is designed to go under your jacket and the size Medium for my 6'0'', 165lb frame is just right...It could maybe be a bit longer, but definitely not wider (I'm a hard fit being tall without the usual muscle bulk).
I may go back today since I'll be right next door for an appt to try on the Large size. If I exchange, I'll post up here on why, but for now, I like the medium!
While there were others for ~$100 at the store, I opted for A* because I trust the brand (like the rest of my leathers) and it gave me peace of mind over Icon (the only other brand in store) and I didn't want to order online without trying it on.
I'm stoked! I now have a FULL set of gear that I can use on street AND track. And yes, I'll even wear it to Ride Night...
Pros:
- Small
- Light
- Quality Construction from a trusted brand
- CE Level 2 impact performance (the best)
- Soft bottom part near tailbone
- Very comfortable
- Seems to give me a better riding posture
- Easy to put on and fast to put on
Cons:
- Rides up a little bit if not adjusted right before putting on a jacket
- While it does have air venting...let's be serious...it's gonna be a wee warmer with less breathability than just the foam back pad in most jackets.
$129 + tax = ~$140-$145
My review:
I like it.
You hardly notice it's there after you put it on, and if you are wearing a backpack, forget about feeling it . I feel much more protected and also, my jacket is a little more filled out since the chest area has stretched with use a bit and now it hugs me nicely when buttoned/zipped snug.
The construction of this back protector seems top notch. The waist straps ride above your waist and are supposed to wrap more around your kidneys than anything else (hence the kidney protection).
The shoulder straps are small and comfortable. I noticed that while walking, the back protector will ride up a little bit, but on the bike, it stays put. It is designed to go under your jacket and the size Medium for my 6'0'', 165lb frame is just right...It could maybe be a bit longer, but definitely not wider (I'm a hard fit being tall without the usual muscle bulk).
I may go back today since I'll be right next door for an appt to try on the Large size. If I exchange, I'll post up here on why, but for now, I like the medium!
While there were others for ~$100 at the store, I opted for A* because I trust the brand (like the rest of my leathers) and it gave me peace of mind over Icon (the only other brand in store) and I didn't want to order online without trying it on.
I'm stoked! I now have a FULL set of gear that I can use on street AND track. And yes, I'll even wear it to Ride Night...
Pros:
- Small
- Light
- Quality Construction from a trusted brand
- CE Level 2 impact performance (the best)
- Soft bottom part near tailbone
- Very comfortable
- Seems to give me a better riding posture
- Easy to put on and fast to put on
Cons:
- Rides up a little bit if not adjusted right before putting on a jacket
- While it does have air venting...let's be serious...it's gonna be a wee warmer with less breathability than just the foam back pad in most jackets.