Table of contents
- Ten back protectors in the test Shock absorption test and practical test
- Final scoring
- This is how MOTORRAD tests
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18th pictures
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1/18
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2/18
Zandona Shark EVC.
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3/18
Vanucci back protector.
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4/18
Tryonic Feel 3.7.
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5/18
Safemax Aero.
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6/18
Ortema P1.
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7/18
Modeka 069830.
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8/18
IXS Skeleron.
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9/18
Hiprotec back protector.
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10/18
Forcefield L2K.
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11/18
Dainese Shield Air.
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12/18
Tops and flops: Negative – ZANDONA: Some profiles and buttons on the specially designed backrest create annoying pressure points.
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13/18
Tops and flops: Positive – DAINESE: In the backlight, ventilation holes become visible, which are effective for body air conditioning.
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14/18
Tops and flops: Positive – IXS: The hip belt can be completely removed or flexibly adjusted using a very sturdy Velcro construction.
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15/18
This is how MOTORRAD tests: When trying on in racing position, weaknesses in the fit are revealed.
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16/18
This is how MOTORRAD tests: Under the hammer: shock absorption test at TuV Rheinland in Cologne.
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17/18
The final score. Conclusion: No scandal, no consumer warning – the manufacturers have apparently done their homework. With one exception (Hiprotec), all test candidates in the test standard area are on the demanding level 2, and are certified with very decent security values almost across the board. Since security is the main reason for buying, all protectors in the test field with their good results (in the worst case overall grade “satisfactory”) are recommended. But: If the protector is uncomfortable, it will not be worn and will not help in the event of a fall. It is therefore all the more gratifying that most of the candidates also recommended themselves in the comfort rating.
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18/18
Tops and flops: Negative – ORTEMA: The shoulder straps are adjustable with Velcro strips. Unfortunately, they flip off with the slightest movement.
clothing
Ten back protectors in the test
Ten back protectors in the test
Shock absorption test and practical test
Maybe not before the end of the world, but modern back protectors can provide effective protection against serious injuries. MOTORRAD sent ten candidates on the missions shock absorption test and practical test.
Thorsten Dentges
January 31, 2013
Recently, 65 million years ago: a meteorite hit the coast of Mexico, the world is almost going to end, the dinosaurs are gone. In 2013: Humans are still alive, our species even has the freedom to voluntarily put life and health at risk. For example, in so-called risk sports, and this undoubtedly also includes motorcycling, and heating on the racetrack anyway. Now, however, humans are (presumably) smarter than Diplodocus, Brachiosaurus and the like and are seriously concerned about how they can best protect their bodies.
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He is certainly not immune from meteorite strikes, but when he lies down on the flap with the moped, protectors are naturally helpful. After all – almost every tenth injury affects the back and spine – considering the fact that unfortunately many motorcyclists have landed in wheelchairs for life after taking off from the plane, buying a back protector makes a lot of sense. But so as not to raise expectations too high: Even an optimal back protector only protects against the dire consequences just outlined in a fraction of the accidents, because most paraplegia occur due to extreme compression and twisting of the spine. A back protector, on the other hand, protects against impact forces after the flight phase, whether in a blunt, large-scale impact on the asphalt or at the end of the slide phase when impacting on posts, curbs or other obstacles that can lead to serious injuries.
Well-made back protectors can protect against worse evil in such cases and for that reason alone are justified. Unless they reduce active safety. Because if the wearer only concentrates on the pressing and pinching protection, he is not fully concentrated while driving and risks a fall, which is hopefully as rare as a meteorite impact. In short: It is not only the passive safety qualities (good shock absorption, firm fit, sensible coverage of the body areas at risk of injury) that count, but also the wearing comfort. And cheap materials and poor workmanship do not make buyers happy when they have left around 100 euros on average. The test results clearly show the strengths and weaknesses of the individual candidates. Nice to see – albeit rather boring from a journalistic point of view – that there were almost no outliers in the test and that the money is well invested with all protectors.
The bad buy potential is still great, it starts with choosing the wrong size. For certification, the manufacturer should note a recommendation for the torso length on the protector, the so-called hip-shoulder distance (in centimeters or millimeters). This value is measured from the highest point of the pelvic bone crest to the shoulder joint. Listed clothing sizes such as M, L or XL or recommendations for body sizes are therefore only of secondary importance. Example: For tester Jorg Lohse, 1.79 meters tall, the value was measured 460 millimeters, the Safemax protector in M would seem to fit him better, but with a recommended torso length of -maximum 450 millimeters, it does not offer optimal protection. In size L (up to 520 millimeters), the part at Lohse looks like a strapped surfboard and even hits the helmet. As a result, the actually good protector would be the wrong choice.
Unfortunately, many salespeople give inadequate advice or do not dare to push the customer’s body to get the right amount. Tip: only determine the torso length at home with your partner, carefully study the information on the protector in the shop, try on and compare different products. If possible, on the motorcycle in all imaginable driving positions, because when racing on a super sports car in full throttle position, completely different impressions result than sitting upright on a travel enduro. Everything fits, strike! And please don’t hit anywhere.
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Dainese Shield Air.
providers: Dainese, phone 089/35396766, www.dainese.com
Sizes: S, M, L, XL (different torso lengths for Shield 7 or 8)
price: 119 euros
Weight (Shield 7, size M): 844 grams
Residual force values:
7.18 kN (averaged),
7.27 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of honeycomb structure polypropylene panels, backrest made of polyester textile
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro
Country of manufacture: Tunisia
Conclusion
A real air number – but in a positive sense. In the test field, the Shield Air lives up to its name and scores with excellent ventilation. And with decent shock absorption values and almost perfect fixation, it is recommended as a very suitable protective shield for sports and touring riders alike. However, it is comparatively difficult.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Forcefield L2K.
providers: Germot, phone 06103/459100, www.germot.de
Sizes: S, M, L (women: M, L)
price: 129.90 euros
Weight (in size M): 826 grams
Residual force values:
6.11 kN (averaged),
6.40 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of PVC foam with Kevlar insert, backrest made of polyester textile
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt made of polyamide with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro. Country of manufacture: Taiwan
Conclusion
The fit is not a revelation when tried on cold, the protector looks bulky and heavy. Fortunately, that goes away with longer wear. The L2K can also convince with good internal values, the residual force values are great, the response behavior of the damping is first class. The hip belt fits perfectly, the workmanship is clean. Great part.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Hiprotec back protector.
providers: Hein Gericke, phone 0211/98989, www.heingericke.de
Sizes: S, M, L
price: 99.95 euros
Weight (in size M): 640 grams
Residual force values:
9.16 kN (averaged),
17.59 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of polyurethane and polyamide applications, backrest made of perforated polyester with textile structure
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro
Country of manufacture: Italy
Conclusion
With an official certification according to the standard, the candidate would have failed, on average the Hiprotec misses the required values by a margin (single stroke well above). Nevertheless, the part – here in the test field the shock absorption loser – still protects better than most protectors certified according to Level 1, especially since the cover and fixation are great.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory
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IXS Skeleron.
providers: IXS, phone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
Sizes: S, M, L
price: 129.90 euros
Weight (in size M): 776 grams
Residual force values:
6.88 kN (averaged),
7.42 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of polyamide panels, backrest made of perforated polyester textile
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic, removable hip belt with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro
Country of manufacture: China
Conclusion
The Skeleron presents itself with a hard shell – the residual force values are good, but the measured force-time curve could be better. Under close-fitting suits, the thick, relatively rigid protector is only moderately comfortable to wear. The fixation, however: exemplary. Overall a solid, albeit not exactly cheap, protector.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Modeka 069830.
providers: Modeka, phone 02521/85030, www.modeka.de
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
price: 69.90 euros
Weight (in size L): 776 grams
Residual force values:
7.91 kN (averaged),
8.17 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of soft foam, cover made of poly-amide-polyurethane fabric
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, wider pads made of breathable mesh fabric in the shoulder area, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener
Country of manufacture: Pakistan
Conclusion
The soft foam protector in a textile cover offers decent, but by no means exhilarating shock absorption values. When it comes to wearing comfort, there are point deductions, mainly because of the poor ventilation, and the slack fixation, which allows the protector to slip too easily under the suit, is really annoying. the Modeka is cheap, but only partially worth the money.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory
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Ortema P1.
providers: Ortema, phone 07145/9153800, www.ortema.de
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
price: from 149.95 euros
Weight (in size M): 820 grams
Residual force values:
6.79 kN (averaged),
7.03 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of soft foam with polyester plate as protection against penetration, backrest made of 3D mesh fabric (polyester / polyamide)
Fixation: elastic, continuously adjustable shoulder straps with Velcro adjustment, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener
Country of manufacture: Italy
Conclusion
Winner of the wearing comfort rating – very comfortable, free of pressure points, all testers were enthusiastic. And the P1 also cut a good figure in the shock absorption test. The pleasantly thin protector is less confident when getting dressed, because when you get into the leather suit it slips easily and has to be readjusted. Annoying.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Safemax Aero.
providers: Polo, phone 02165/8440200, www.polo-motorrad-.de
Sizes: S, M, L
price: 79.95 euros
Weight (in size M): 694 grams
Residual force values:
6.53 kN (averaged),
7.31 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of polyurethane and polyester, backrest made of breathable polyester Airmesh fabric
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener
Country of manufacture: Italy
Conclusion
Low weight, good mobility and presentable shock absorption values with an exemplary force-time curve. Plus a more than fair price. The protector is a good choice, but we recommend trying it on before buying. Depending on the hip-shoulder distance, the recommended size is comparatively large, which means that the Aero does not fit everyone well.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Tryonic Feel 3.7.
providers: Rev’it, phone 0031/412696740 (NL), www.revit.eu
Sizes: S, M, L
price: 149.99 euros
Weight (in size M): 774 grams
Residual force values:
5.80 kN (averaged),
7.70 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of polypropylene plates with a styrofoam core, backrest made of polyester, polyethylene and polyamide
Fixation: elastic shoulder / abdominal belts with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro
Country of manufacture: China
Conclusion
Allegedly, the Feel 3.7 should be best in its class, the manufacturer claims to have measured residual force values well below four kilonewtons. In the MOTORRAD test, the protector falls short of the high expectations, even if the residual force values, the response behavior and, above all, the ventilation are very good. However, the fit is poor and the additional fixation is unnecessary.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
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Vanucci back protector.
providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Sizes: S, M, L
price: 99.95 euros
Weight (in size L): 790 grams
Residual force values:
5.30 kN (averaged),
5.45 kN (worst individual value)
materials: multi-layer soft foam protector, cover made of polyester, backrest made of polyester 3D mesh fabric
Fixation: elastic shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles and wider shoulder pad, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener
Country of manufacture: Italy
Conclusion
High comfort, best shock absorption values in comparison, first-class coverage of the back – test victory absolutely deserved! But the best can also be optimized. When you slip into close-fitting sports leather suits, the hard-to-fix protector slides up, and a clean fit can only be achieved with outside help. That should work better.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
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Zandona Shark EVC.
providers: Modeka, phone 02521/85030, www.modeka.de
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
price: from 109.90 euros
Weight (in size L): 1018 grams
Residual force values:
7.50 kN (averaged),
8.68 kN (worst individual value)
materials: Protector made of polypropylene plates and polyurethane core, backrest made of polyamide
Fixation: elastic, detachable shoulder straps with plastic adjustment buckles, elastic hip belt with Velcro fastener and width adjustments on the hips with Velcro
Country of manufacture: Italy
Conclusion
Clear test loser and yet not a bad protector. The heavy, bulky Zandona loses many points due to its moderate wearing comfort and annoying pressure points. The shock absorption values: in the green area, the force-time curve: rather weak compared to the competition, the coverage: sparse on the shoulder blades. Positive: the good fixation.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory
Final scoring
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The final score.
No scandal, no consumer warning – manufacturers seem to have done their homework. With one exception (Hiprotec), all test candidates in the test standard area are on the demanding level 2, and are certified with very decent security values almost across the board. Since security is the main reason for buying, all protectors in the test field with their good results (in the worst case overall grade “satisfactory”) are recommended. But: If the protector is uncomfortable, it will not be worn and will not help in the event of a fall. It is therefore all the more gratifying that most of the candidates also recommended themselves in the comfort rating.
This is how MOTORRAD tests
mps photo studio
This is how MOTORRAD tests: When trying on in racing position, weaknesses in the fit are revealed.
TuV Rheinland in Cologne checked the shock absorption values of the protectors together with MOTORRAD. During the test, each candidate faced five hits within the safety zone defined in accordance with the CE standard EN-1621-2, two of which were for weak points to be assumed (recesses, ventilation, zones with thin material). An impact body weighing five kilograms falls from a defined height onto the protector resting on an anvil and introduces kinetic energy of 50 kN at the previously marked measuring points. The average value of the residual force from five test impacts should not be more than 9 kN (single impact: 12 kN). The testers then rated the coverage (the area of the body to be protected) and fixation (does the protector slip?). Wearing comfort (fit, ventilation, weight) and quality were other criteria that made up the overall result.
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