Forcefield Back Protector

[Britt]

For some time now I have been interested in upgrading the back protection of my riding jacket. I spent many hours reading reviews and specs of various back protectors and decided that rather than buying the backpack style back protector, I would upgrade the back protector in my jacket.

I realize that the backpack style back protector is probably more effective than the jacket type, but I had to be honest with myself in that I would probably not end up putting on this extra item on hot days. I never ride without my jacket, so if the armor is already in it I won't have to think about it.

My research led me to the ForceField Back Insert Pro. Forcefield Body Armour | Forcefield Upgrade Performance Back Inserts

There are several selling points listed on the site:

# Available as a Level 2(Pro) product for ultimate protection, or Level 1 (Sport) product (I bought the Pro version)

# 3 sizes available, giving a choice of 6 variants (I bought Medium)

# Optimum performance

# Repeat performance technology

# Comfortable and non restrictive

# Breathable

# Lightweight

# Flexible

# Moulds to your body shape

By far the cheapest source for this was on Ebay. I ended up getting it for $85.00 from a "Make an Offer" auction - versus $125.00 from several online vendors.

When it arrived I was very impressed with the ruggedness and build quality of the back protector. It feels very tough, yet flexible, and seems like it should hold up really well in the event of a mishap (knock on wood!).



Unfortunately the back protector did not simply drop into the back protector pocket of my jacket. Here you can see the Forcefield back protector next to the Cortech back pad. The Cortech item is a very cheap, flimsy piece of foam that would not do much in a crash. I suppose that if you took a nap on a picnic table the back pad would feel good on your spine....



They are pretty close in size but because the Forcefield is bulkier, the velcro closure for the jacket's back protector pocket would not close. In this picture you can see the pocket closed up with the Cortech back pad inside.



I solved this by trimming about 2 inches from the top of the back protector (the narrow end goes "up" in my jacket but I'm not sure about others). My band saw with a wood cutting blade went through it like butter, but a utility knife could also be used if necessary. Once trimmed down, the back protector fit into the pocket much better. The mesh material that makes up the pocket is snug, but not seam-ripping tight.

This morning was my first ride with the back protector in place, and I have no complaints about the feel. The extra material on my back is certainly noticeable but it caused no discomfort or any concerns. After a few minutes I forgot it was there.

There are lots of stories about riders experiencing back injuries our there on the various forums. Having a high quality back protector makes me feel a little more confident in my protective gear!

[mello dude]

Good review - I have been thinking about buying the same back protector. My #1 all around riding jacket is a Fieldshier and doesnt have a pad, but has a pocket for it.

- So you just trimed it to fit? How is it weight wise? Think Ebay is the way to go?

Thanks,
MD

[bitterpil]

That protector is rated very high. It is also marketed my Joe Rocket in the states. It is a direct swap for Joe Rocket Jackets. There is a version with a belt and shoulder straps that can be worn under any clothing.

[soundmaster31]

Originally Posted by bitterpil

That protector is rated very high. It is also marketed my Joe Rocket in the states. It is a direct swap for Joe Rocket Jackets. There is a version with a belt and shoulder straps that can be worn under any clothing.

I thought it looked like the Joe Rocket pad!!!

[Britt]

Originally Posted by mello dude

Good review - I have been thinking about buying the same back protector. My #1 all around riding jacket is a Fieldsheid and doesnt have a pad, but has a pocket for it.

- So you just trimed it to fit? How is it weight wise? Think Ebay is the way to go?

Thanks,
MD

Ebay was much cheaper than anyone else that I could find. The asking price on the auction was $90 or best offer. I offered $80 and they came back at $85 so I took it. I was seeing $125 anywhere else that I looked.

Trimming was minimal, but it wouldn't work without it. With my small benchtop bandsaw, it took only a couple of minutes to trim it. The back protector is substantially built, and when you take the jacket off a hangar you will notice the weight. I rode for about 90 minutes today and the weight wasn't noticeable on my back.

I'm completely happy with it so far, and I feel like my spine has some nice protection over it.

[Britt]

Originally Posted by bitterpil

That protector is rated very high. It is also marketed my Joe Rocket in the states. It is a direct swap for Joe Rocket Jackets. There is a version with a belt and shoulder straps that can be worn under any clothing.

I could be wrong but judging from the pictures on the Joe Rocket website I think the Joe Rocket version is the "Level 1" version.

JoeRocket.com

The Forcefield that I bought is "Level 2". I can't say that I know the details regarding the difference between Level 1 and Level 2, but if someone has the information on it, I'd be interested to read about it!

[bitterpil]

It could be CE level 1 but I think they are the same piece. It is the JR CE upgrade. I did have a PDF rating the different protectors.

Hell what do I know.

FYI
Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector - webBikeWorld

[soundmaster31]

I did some googling and found the topic on the the gixxer forum. You're right. The JR is only Level 1. They talk about it in pretty good detail a ways down in the thread.

Here is the thread on gixxer: LINKY


Here is the Wiki on CE Armor: LINKY

[Tori]

That is an excellent back protector. Being a member of the "broken back" club via motorcycle. Im a fan of top notch protection. I wear a Knox back protector, and have the Forcefield Armor chest protector.

Good on'ya for making it fit your jacket so you'll always be wearing it. Thats key. !