Couple jacket questions

Message

FlyerPhil · Mon Mar 20, 2006 11:35 am

I've been looking for a jacket and found several I like except they come with EVA foam back armor. I'd really like to get something with an articulated back protector (or one that could be installed later) without paying Vanson jacket prices.

I found some Firstgear, Alpinestars, and Olympia jackets that I like with foam backs and I was wondering if something like this: http://www.newenough.com/vanson_back_pr ... s_page.htm
could be installed instead of the foam?

The other question was whether I should buy the best fit in terms of across the chest and shoulders or in terms of height. I'm kinda between sizes with a 45" chest. The 44 jackets fit perfect across my upper body but seem a little short, 46s are a little longer but a bit looser up top.

Joe Rocket=> · Mon Mar 20, 2006 11:52 am

Ever thought about having a back protector that is not part of your jacket?
There is a brand out there called Dainese they have got some great back protectors. They have a belt like strap that goes around your waist and usually have suspenders that go over your shoulders (<sp?). I hope I spelled that right

. Anyway I think that the those will protect you better than the ones that stay in the jackets.

And about the jacket you can usually take the foam back pad out of most jackets.

FlyerPhil · Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:29 pm

Ever thought about having a back protector that is not part of your jacket?

I've thought about it but I don't know whether I'd actually wear it much. I'm taking the advice "the best protection is the what you actually wear" and trying to get a jacket to do it all.

Joe Rocket=> · Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:48 pm

Yeah I can understand where you are coming from, having to lug around a big back protector around with you everywhere you go. But I still think that if you want real protection you have got to have a "real" back protector.

I guess having a little protection is better than none at all.

VermilionX · Mon Mar 20, 2006 1:47 pm

how about these?

Speedmaster Jacket

S-MX Airflow

Bora

Sev · #6 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 2:13 pm

None of those have articulated spine/back protectors, just pads that cover the spine.

kabob983 · #7 Unread post by **kabob983** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:11 pm

Joe Rocket=> wrote:There is a brand out there called Dainese they have got some great back protectors.

Yeah, Dainese is great...and EXPENSIVE! Drastically overpriced gear...

Most jackets that have a foam back pad will allow you to switch the foam pad out for a CE back protector. Most major sides (kneedraggers, newenough) will carry the back protector and they aren't terribly expensive.

Dash Riproc · Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:47 am

Check out this page...and the rest of the site. Bohn makes some real quality stuff...huge selection.

...well damn, guess I could post the jump, huh?

http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/products.php?id=16

FlyerPhil · #9 Unread post by **FlyerPhil** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:42 pm

Dash Riproc wrote:Check out this page...and the rest of the site. Bohn makes some real quality stuff...huge selection.

...well damn, guess I could post the jump, huh?

http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/products.php?id=16

Thanks, that's a VERY helpful link. The Defender and Cruiser protectors look like feasible solutions.

I also went by a couple of dealers (there are only a couple places I've found on Manhattan with motorcycle specific stuff: the Harley store, and Motorsports on 46th+11ave) and saw a couple foam CE back protectors. They seemed MUCH more substantial in person. Looking at pics they look flimsy, they aren't.