Comparative test of back protectors

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Comparative test of back protectors
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Comparative test of back protectors

Comparative test of back protectors
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Pressed, it happened. Often, however, other road users are also to blame when a motorcyclist lies on his back. How well do protectors protect in such cases? 15 models in the test.

Holger Hertneck

01/01/2004

All motorcyclists whose clothing does not have integrated back protection can only strongly recommend wearing a separate protector-
len will be. However, the prerequisite is that the retrofitted back protectors fit perfectly under the existing protective clothing and are firmly in place. Another criterion: The selected back protection should be tested according to the CE standard (see also box on
Page 61). This is ruled out,
that it is just a model
is made of soft foam, which in the event of an accident does not provide adequate protection. If a protector meets the standard, it is important to note: It must cover the entire spine from the neck to the rump without noticeably restricting mobility when driving.
The driver’s clothing that is worn plays a not insignificant role when choosing a suitable back protector. If you try to slip a voluminous armor under your skin-tight, tailor-made leather suit, you will too
Be less satisfied than drivers of wide-cut textile suits who opt for inadequately fixable protection. Therefore, it is essential to show up with a leather or textile suit to try on. Because what for him
Good for a tourer, it can hinder the sports driver. Good example: a wide kidney belt. This protects the touring rider and also ensures that the protector sits securely under the wide jacket. In a sporty sitting posture, it pushes in
wide belt, on the other hand, is uncomfortable in
the stomach. The fixation plays under
a tight leather suit only plays a subordinate role, which is why a wide kidney belt is not necessary at all.
In addition to the subjective wearing behavior, which MOTORRAD determined with numerous test persons, the 15 current back protectors were assessed with regard to safety and shock absorption. While the security criterion took into account, for example, points such as the size and design of the protection zone and the position of the protector, impact absorption is based on the residual force values ​​determined in the Viscotec laboratory (see table on page 61). Here, a five-kilogram falling body with a rounded edge (curb simulator) falls from a height of one meter
on the back protector to be tested, which lies on a slightly curved anvil with an integrated force measuring device. Two candidates were particularly convincing on the test bench: BMW and Jofama. The residual force values ​​achieved for both are very low and surprisingly constant in the range of only
five (BMW) or 6.5 kilo Newtons (Jofama).
The determination of the wearing behavior turned out to be particularly complex. All protectors have been tried umpteen times both under leather suits and under textile suits. Tests on the motorcycle were also part of the program. How good is the agility
on the vehicle? Let yourself head
and move the trunk sufficiently, or is the protector hindering? Pressure points often only appear in a sitting position.
The final MOTORCYCLE-
Judgment for the individual candidates results in equal parts from the three
Criteria for shock absorption, safety and wearing behavior. The pleasing result-
nis: Compared to previous tests, the current models cut clearly
better off. New materials and technologies help to improve the protective effect of the protectors. The only thing missing is a stronger consideration of the comfort factor ventilation, which is currently only Dainese and Rukka with their honeycomb or lattice construction. Then in the future even more people who don’t like protectors would use the back protection that MOTORRAD believes is indispensable.

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Test: Alpinestars Tec Protector


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Alpinestars, phone 0039 / 0423-5286, www.alpinestars.com Price: 139.95 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 1056 (S), 1274 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; elastic shoulder straps; Pro-tector completely covered with perforated plastic shell; Very elaborately processed Shock absorption: satisfactory (residual force * 18.77 kN) Safety: very good to good (very large protective surface, sufficiently long in both the rump and neck area; stable fit) Wearing behavior: good fit despite slight pressure points in the shoulder and kidney area some testers; Shoulder straps cannot be adjusted far enough; very large and thick, therefore only conditionally suitable for leather suits, recommended for textile suits

Test: Axo Back-Protector


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Axo, Telephone 07145/93620, www.axosport.de Price: 99.90 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 580 (S), 712 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with perforated plastic shell; Lumbar joint; good workmanship shock absorption: good (residual force * 13.11 kN) safety: good to satisfactory (for large sizes narrow protective surface; sufficiently long; sharp-edged plastic parts) wearing behavior: very light, therefore comfortable to wear; good fit despite slight pressure points in the lumbar region in some testers; high mobility; too small Velcro strap on the waist belt; suitable for leather and textile suits

Test: BMW back protector 2


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: BMW, Telephone 089 / 382-0, www.bmw-motorrad.de Price: 129 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 992 (S), 1026 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Collarbone protection with click fastener; Plastic shell along the spine; Very good workmanship Shock absorption: very good (residual force * 4.94 kN) Safety: very good (large protective surface with even, outstanding shock absorption values; stable fit) Carrying behavior: very comfortable to wear in the back; smart collarbone protection, which, however, leads to pressure points under tight suits; very extensive coverage, therefore requires a lot of space; overall good fit; only partially suitable for leather suits; especially recommended under textile suits

Test: Buse Bodyguard


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Buse, Telephone 02471/12690, www.buese.com Price: 49.90 euros Sizes: uni Weight in grams (size): 834 (one size) Features: double, elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector covered over a large area with a plastic shell; neatly processed shock absorption: good (residual force * 14.19 kN) safety: good (spine broadly covered, next to it only little damping; kidney area well covered) wearing behavior: proper fit, but quite inflexible, therefore restricted mobility; bad: straps attached to kidney belt, the latter is too wide for sporty driving (pushes); large and thick, therefore more recommended for textile suits

Test: Dainese Wave


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Dainese, Telephone 089/35827270, www.dainese.com Price: 124.90 euros Sizes: M, L Weight in grams (size): 552 (M), 666 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with a perforated plastic shell; Protective element made of aluminum honeycomb construction; Lumbar joint; Very good workmanship Shock absorption: very good to good (residual force * 10.24 kN) Safety: good (spine broadly covered, next to it only little damping; sufficiently long; hard shell with sufficient overlap) Wearing behavior: very light and, thanks to the honeycomb construction, breathable protector that particularly comfortable to wear; very good fit and high mobility; narrow kidney belt, therefore also suitable for sporty driving; Highly recommended especially for leather suits

Test: Erbo P5 ?? P8


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Erbo, Telephone 05274/489, www.erbo.de Price: 69 to 79 euros (depending on size) Sizes: S to XL (P5 to P8) Weight in grams (size): 778 (S), 960 (XL ) Features: elastic waist belt; adjustable shoulder straps; removable protector is in a washable textile cover; good workmanship shock absorption: very good to good (residual force * 11.37 kN) safety: very good to good (shoulders and spine very well covered; sufficiently long in both the rump and neck area) wearing behavior: great fit despite slight pressure points in the rump area; Straps difficult to adjust, also attached to the waist belt; narrow belt ideal for sports use; very good mobility; Highly recommended for leather suits

Test: Gotz Giali Full


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Gotz, Telephone 07476/933150, www.goetz-motorsport.de Price: 79.95 euros Sizes: S, L Weight in grams (size): 672 (S), 784 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with carbon / kevlar plates; Satisfactory processing Impact absorption: very good to good (residual force * 11.9 kN) Safety: good to satisfactory (spine broadly covered, but protection zone comparatively narrow and too short for tall people) Wearing behavior: moderate fit; bad: straps attached to kidney belt and only minimally adjustable; equally suitable for leather suits and textile suits

Test: Hein Gericke Hiprotec Backpack


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Hein Gericke, Telephone 0211/98989, www.hein-gericke.de Price: 29.95 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 382 (S), 532 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; the removable styrofoam protector is in a washable textile cover; Easy to use Shock absorption: very good to good (residual force * 9.05 kN) Safety: satisfactory to sufficient (evenly high damping over the entire protective surface, which is comparatively small and much too short; unstable fit) Wearing behavior: small and light, therefore comfortable wear but poor fit; The adjustment range of the kidney belt is far too small, cannot be adjusted tightly enough; overall much too short; Despite good damping values, it does not inspire much confidence

Test: Ixs Pro Back V


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Hostettler, Telephone 07631/18040, www.ixs.com Price: 99 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 654 (S), 956 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with a plastic shell and slightly preformed; Well made Impact absorption: very good to good (residual force * 9.04 kN) Safety: very good to good (very large protective surface; sufficiently long in both the rump and neck area; stable fit) Wearing behavior: good fit when seated, slight pressure points when standing on the rump; due to the stiff construction only moderate mobility; very large and thick, therefore only conditionally suitable for leather suits, highly recommended for textile suits

Test: Jofama Track


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Jofama, phone 0561/470835, www.jofama.se Price: 125 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 904 (S), 1024 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector covered over a large area with a honeycomb plastic mat; Very good workmanship Shock absorption: very good (residual force * 6.44 kN) Safety: very good (very large protective surface with excellent damping values ​​over the entire surface; sufficiently long in both the rump and neck area) Wearing behavior: very good fit, lies evenly and large area; narrow kidney belt suitable for sporty driving; Shoulder straps cannot be adjusted far enough; little breathable; Highly recommended for leather and textile suits

Test: On Two Wheels Zandona X7


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: On Two Wheels, Telephone 07476/933130, www.on2wheels.de Price: 79.95 euros Sizes: uni (with different belt lengths) Weight in grams (size): 804 (one size) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with scale-shaped plastic shells; perforated foam for better ventilation; good workmanship shock absorption: satisfactory (residual force * 21.17 kN) safety: good to satisfactory (spine broadly covered, next to only little absorption; too short for tall people; hard shell with sufficient overlap) wearing behavior: proper fit, but too short; Pressure points in the area of ​​the (inflexible) kidney belt; good mobility; relatively breathable; equally suitable for leather and textile suits

Test: Polo ProLife


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Polo, Telephone 0211/9796699, www.polo-motorrad.de Price: 49.95 euros Sizes: M, L Weight in grams (size): 750 (M), 752 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector completely covered with a plastic shell and slightly preformed; properly processed Shock absorption: very good to good (residual force * 10.44 kN) Safety: good (especially in the shoulder area very wide protective surface; a bit too short for tall people) Carrying behavior: good fit when seated, slight pressure points on the shoulders when standing; due to the stiff construction only moderate mobility; very large and thick, especially in the shoulder area, therefore only conditionally suitable for leather suits, highly recommended for textile suits

Test: Rukka Air Power


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Rukka, Telephone 040/5511055, www.rukka.com Price: 94.95 euros Sizes: M, L Weight in grams (size): 1078 (M), 1120 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; two elastic crotch straps; removable, grid-shaped protector is in a washable textile cover made of Cordura and Outlast fabric; very well made shock absorption: good to satisfactory (residual force * 15.59 kN) safety: good (very large, uniformly wide protective surface; somewhat too short for tall people) wearing behavior: large and heavy; Elaborate tightening procedure due to the crotch straps, but good fixation as a result; proper fit; quite inflexible ?? “Board feeling”; bad: the straps are attached to the kidney belt, which is also very wide, therefore not suitable for use in sports; very good breathability; especially recommended for textile suits

Test: Spidi Airback


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Spidi, Telephone 0039 / 0444-436411, www.spidi.com Price: 159.90 euros Sizes: M, L, XL Weight in grams (size): 832 (M), 902 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Air-filled chambers, which are covered by a large plastic shell, serve as a damping element; Lumbar area articulated; very elaborately processed shock absorption: good to satisfactory (residual force * 16.06 kN) safety: good (spine broadly covered, next to only little damping; rubber flaps in rump and neck without noticeable damping, therefore too short overall) wearing behavior: fairly stiff; proper fit; Shoulder straps cannot be fixed tightly enough; wide kidney belt, therefore limited comfort in a mocking posture; equally suitable for leather and textile suits

Test: Stadler Knox Stoway


Comparative test of back protectors

Provider: Stadler, Telephone 08543/96200, www.stadler- bekleracht.de Price: 110 euros Sizes: S, M, L Weight in grams (size): 474 (S), 608 (L) Features: elastic kidney belt; adjustable, elastic shoulder straps; Protector consists of numerous plastic-coated EPS (Styrofoam) segments; can be rolled up for transport; well processed shock absorption: satisfactory (residual force * 19.35 kN) safety: good (very large, wide protective surface with uniform damping values; too short for tall people) wearing behavior: flexible and light, therefore comfortable to wear; very large area; great fit; thanks to the narrow kidney belt suitable for a sporty sitting posture; Recommended for leather and textile suits alike

Interview: Dipl.-Ing. Florian Schueler, Institute for Forensic Medicine

Dipl.-Ing. Florian Schueler, Institute for Forensic Medicine,
Department of Technological Biomechanics and Accident Research at the University of Heidelberg, on the subject of back protectors.

What are your findings from investigations into motorcycle accidents with and without back protectors? We mainly investigate very serious accidents in which even good back protectors reach their limits. Lighter accidents, against the effects of which protectors offer efficient protection, usually do not reach us. In order to be able to make exact statements, we would have to have comparable accident events with and without a protector? but they are very rare. In which accidents are back protectors particularly beneficial? Especially in accidents with a free fall space and when the motorcycle is hit from behind. When falling on the street with rollover and long slide? possibly over smaller paragraphs? A back protector can effectively protect against severe abrasions with heat generation and moderate impact impacts. If a vehicle drives up from behind, it becomes apparent that protectors can be very useful components of personal protective equipment, especially on lighter motorcycles and scooters. What are the limits with regard to the protective function in the event of a possible accident? These are roughly where even good protective helmets are reaching the limits of their capabilities today, even though the mechanical injury processes are fundamentally different. In which direction should it be further developed? A secured list of requirements would have to be created with regard to clarification of the likely effects of the accident and the consistent implementation of the mechanical injury occurrence. The system properties and the choice of materials can then be derived from this. Furthermore, individual adjustment and fixation are essential. As an element of passive safety, the protector should be comfortable and should not be a nuisance. The feel-good factor is an important aspect of active safety and, in critical situations, a prerequisite for concentration and presence on the motorcycle. In your opinion, what does the ideal back protector look like? In addition to the criteria mentioned above, the protector should give me a pleasant breeze on hot summer days. Such an expansion of functions would certainly also benefit general acceptance.

CE standard


Comparative test of back protectors


Hertneck

Gerry Buttner from Viscotec at the computer-aided impact test bench.

Just as there is a CE standard for joint protectors (EN 1621-1), there is also one for back protectors. This is specified in draft prEN 1621-2 of the European Committee for Standardization. Various definitions and requirements apply to this standard, which were created with the cooperation of the national standardization institutes, for example Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and many other European countries. The selected performance requirements are considered to be the best compromise between protection, wearing comfort and ergonomic requirements. A person’s hip-shoulder distance is an important parameter. It is a measure of the size of the protection zone stipulated in the standard. A cross-shaped area can be calculated from this length. The protection zone of the back protector for the specified hip-shoulder distance must be at least as large as the corresponding template (see photo on the right). Manufacturers of tested back protectors must therefore label them with the size (hip-shoulder distance) of the product. They are also obliged to visibly affix the CE standard (prEN 1621-2) and the performance level. The performance level indicates which protection class the protector corresponds to. Level 1 means that the average maximum force from the shock absorption tests must be below 18 kilo-Newtons (kN) and no individual value may exceed 24 kN. For level 2 protectors, the average values ​​must be below nine kN, and individual values ​​must not exceed the twelve kN mark. The values ​​result from measurements that have to be carried out on a certified test bench. Of the five mandatory impact points (all of which are located within the protection zone), at least two must be at potential weak points that result from the previous survey. In addition to the shock absorption tests in the laboratory, various practical tests on and next to the motorcycle are also part of the test.

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