http://vfrworld.com/forums en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:08:45 GMT vBulletin 60 http://vfrworld.com/forums/red2black/misc/rss.jpg http://vfrworld.com/forums http://vfrworld.com/forums/apparel-reviews/27139-forcefield-back-protector.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:24:14 GMT 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... 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! ]]> Apparel Reviews Britt http://vfrworld.com/forums/apparel-reviews/27139-forcefield-back-protector.html http://vfrworld.com/forums/apparel-reviews/27046-anybody-tried-yoshimura-pants.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:12:07 GMT I'm trying to purchase protective gear as soon as I can afford it, and pants are next. I came across these pants today on kneedraggers.com:
Yoshimura S1 Pants
I'm seeing a sale price at $201, which is 60 less than the cheapest I could see on other sites. I was looking at other pants around the 200 range. What do you guys think? ]]> Apparel Reviews j2aquabot http://vfrworld.com/forums/apparel-reviews/27046-anybody-tried-yoshimura-pants.html