elmo Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 (edited) Agree with cornerslider, standalone back protector under jacket / suit is worth the minimal cost to protect the spine, may need to up size jacket/ suit. Been down 3 times, the last was 2 years ago with 3-day hospital stay. Since then no crashes, bought the Alpine Stars Tech-Air Race airbag and jacket and pants. High price, and hope I never need it, but much cheaper than hospital bills, surgery's and loss of work. The external air vest are also option for extra protection. 2020 schedule- 60 available track days in northern Cal, Sonoma, Laguna Seca, and Thunder Hill and hoping to get 8-10 days this year. Be safe. Edited January 23, 2020 by elmo edit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fzar Posted January 23, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 23, 2020 48 minutes ago, elmo said: Agree with cornerslider, standalone back protector under jacket Can someone explain what is meant by standalone back protecter, its been mentioned by a few people on this thread and I don't know what it means. The standalone part to be specific. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 11 minutes ago, fzar said: Can someone explain what is meant by standalone back protecter, its been mentioned by a few people on this thread and I don't know what it means. The standalone part to be specific. I believe it is worn like a girdle and goes under the suit or jacket. It is not integrated. Correct me if I’m wrong. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member cornerslider Posted January 23, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 23, 2020 3 hours ago, 1tondriver said: I believe it is worn like a girdle and goes under the suit or jacket. It is not integrated. Correct me if I’m wrong. You are correct 1 ""W.O.T. until you see god, then brake" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossrider Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 You guys got it. The standard foam pads common in jackets and suits are fine and offer a measure of safety but their main benefit is convenience. They are always there and stay in the jacket when you don and doff it, hang it on a chair etc. The stand alone variety is more protective due to their larger more comprehensive design. They are usually a combination of foam lined hard shell exoskeleton and much larger than the standard styles, covering the spine from base of neck to tailbone. In the pic above you can see it under Mitch's suit. Protective but annoying for a street rider in day to day use. Bellow you can see the coverage offered from the outline of the exoskeleton under my wet suit. The yoke keeps the back protector in place and in contact with the body its supposed to be protecting when you're bouncing around in the ditch and the jacket/suit is flapping, twisting and pulling around on your body. Very comforting to know when I throw it all away the skid to a stop becomes part of the fun, not part of a bad ending. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 I found these A*’s SMX 5 on FB marketplace and can get them for $75. Worn only a couple of times and no scuffs or scratches. Good deal? I like the price... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DewMan Posted January 23, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 23, 2020 4 minutes ago, 1tondriver said: I found these A*’s SMX 5 on FB marketplace and can get them for $75. Worn only a couple of times and no scuffs or scratches. Good deal? I like the price... IF they're the correct size and in as good of shape as advertised I'd say yes. 1 DewMan Just shut up and ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fzar Posted January 24, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 24, 2020 21 hours ago, 1tondriver said: I believe it is worn like a girdle and goes under the suit or jacket. It is not integrated. Correct me if I’m wrong. I have something similar, but without the shoulder straps. Its an A* Bionic back protector: Viewing Images For Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector :: MotorcycleGear.com 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member cornerslider Posted January 24, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 24, 2020 17 hours ago, 1tondriver said: I found these A*’s SMX 5 on FB marketplace and can get them for $75. Worn only a couple of times and no scuffs or scratches. Good deal? I like the price... Those are decent boots, and the price is right. Alpinestars makes two versions on the SMX-5, waterproof and vented. Based on the picture, those appear to be the waterproof version. I had the vented version of the previous generation. Even with the "venting", they where still pretty warm in the summer time heat. I personally don't buy boots that aren't vented. I don't ride in the rain either- ""W.O.T. until you see god, then brake" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 1 hour ago, cornerslider said: Those are decent boots, and the price is right. Alpinestars makes two versions on the SMX-5, waterproof and vented. Based on the picture, those appear to be the waterproof version. I had the vented version of the previous generation. Even with the "venting", they where still pretty warm in the summer time heat. I personally don't buy boots that aren't vented. I don't ride in the rain either- Thanks @cornerslider. These are the perforated version so hopefully not too hot. I don’t ride in the rain either if I can help it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Global Moderator sorkyah Posted January 24, 2020 Global Moderator Share Posted January 24, 2020 i need to sell off those supertech r's that i have now, gonna post up an ad here soon... cant decide on a price... sorry i highballed yout without realizing it there @1tondriver 2 ATGATT... ATTATT, two acronyms I live by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 18 minutes ago, sorkyah said: i need to sell off those supertech r's that i have now, gonna post up an ad here soon... cant decide on a price... sorry i highballed yout without realizing it there @1tondriver All good @sorkyah I have not picked up the A*’s yet. Tossing around the idea of newer (better protection) gear due to circumstances. Still haven’t figured out how to explain to my wife yet without giving her the full story I just started doing some research and damn some gear is expensive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 24, 2020 Author Share Posted January 24, 2020 Does anybody have any experience with airbag gear of any kind? Likes/dislikes and god forbid have you been in a wreck with it? There seems to be a better selection but still a big investment from what I have seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fzar Posted January 25, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2020 5 hours ago, sorkyah said: i need to sell off those supertech r's that i have now, gonna post up an ad here soon Do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 25, 2020 Author Share Posted January 25, 2020 I picked up the boots today and I think I got a real good deal, they are in great shape and fit well. So now I am thinking about upgrading the suit some and have been looking at these two. The Cortech is about $150 less that the Alpinestars. The reviews said the armor in the Alpinestars is better than the Cortech but both are CE. Both got great reviews. I am also thinking this spine protector would be a good idea. I would like to wear on the street sometimes as well but not look like Ricky Racer if possible. I don’t need every Mustang and Corvette wanting to “race” me. Any first hand experience or thoughts are appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DewMan Posted January 25, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2020 42 minutes ago, 1tondriver said: The reviews said the armor in the Alpinestars is better than the Cortech but both are CE. They may both be CE but are they of the same level of CE? I replaced all the pads in my jacket and pants with CE level 2 pads for more protection even when my riding style is non-aggressive street riding. 1 DewMan Just shut up and ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 25, 2020 Author Share Posted January 25, 2020 6 minutes ago, DewMan said: They may both be CE but are they of the same level of CE? I replaced all the pads in my jacket and pants with CE level 2 pads for more protection even when my riding style is non-aggressive street riding. I upgraded my back protector to level 2 on my street jacket, but that’s it. It does not specify which level on both suits so I will assume level 1. I really would like something that heavily protects the collar bones but I suspect only the airbag gear will do that. Thanks @DewMan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DewMan Posted January 25, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2020 1 minute ago, 1tondriver said: I upgraded my back protector to level 2 on my street jacket, but that’s it. It does not specify which level on both suits so I will assume level 1. I really would like something that heavily protects the collar bones but I suspect only the airbag gear will do that. Thanks @DewMan I could be way off but from what I've read, I compare CE level 1 vs 2 the same as DOT vs SNELL in my mind. Level 1 is bare minimum pad and level 2 offer a much greater degree of protection. I'm sure the real track riders here can tell you better than I the difference between the two levels. 1 DewMan Just shut up and ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossrider Posted January 25, 2020 Share Posted January 25, 2020 Just now, 1tondriver said: I upgraded my back protector to level 2 on my street jacket, but that’s it. It does not specify which level on both suits so I will assume level 1. I really would like something that heavily protects the collar bones but I suspect only the airbag gear will do that. Thanks @DewMan First off, I'm no expert on squat. But I do see a lot of these various Leatt type restraint devices at all the tracks I frequent. They are designed to protect the C-spine and in doing so transfer crash energy over/around the collar bones to the chest and torso. I also know that the collar bone is one of the most common injuries (broken bones) at the race track. Many of my friends where one of these and they can be seen in many of the pics I post on this site. They are very common at trackday events and in club racing but as you move up to MotoAmerica, WSB, MotoGP for instance you don't see them as much, I suspect because you see many more airbag suits and vests and the like at the higher levels, presumably due to cost. I can't remember any of my buds going down and ending up with a busted clavicle while wearing one of these but I certainly have had numerous friends snap one while not wearing one. Food for thought. Leatt Stx Rr Neck Brace Black Carbon Purchase the Leatt STX RR Neck Brace Black Carbon from SportbikeTrackGear.com. Get the lowest price, free shipping deal, easy exchanges and no restocking fees - Guaranteed! The airbag stuff is still rather new to the local track scene and the prices, user friendliness and availability are getting better. They are also now rechargeable trackside by the user which is a nice feature. In the pic bellow you can see the 2 racers on the left wearing Leatt's waiting in pit zero to go on track And here you see one in motion on track, I'm told they are quite comfortable and you actually have no idea it's there once you start off. Brian Van does a nice video on the Leatt's in that STG link I posted too. Just some random safety info. Addendum, CE level 2 is basically an uprated progression of CE level 1 to meet newer, updated safety specifications found in Europe. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member blackout Posted January 25, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2020 I wear a Hit-Air Race air vest. I like it, but have not had to use it. 1 Craig Mapstone Upstate New York Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 26, 2020 Author Share Posted January 26, 2020 5 hours ago, mossrider said: First off, I'm no expert on squat. But I do see a lot of these various Leatt type restraint devices at all the tracks I frequent. They are designed to protect the C-spine and in doing so transfer crash energy over/around the collar bones to the chest and torso. I also know that the collar bone is one of the most common injuries (broken bones) at the race track. Many of my friends where one of these and they can be seen in many of the pics I post on this site. They are very common at trackday events and in club racing but as you move up to MotoAmerica, WSB, MotoGP for instance you don't see them as much, I suspect because you see many more airbag suits and vests and the like at the higher levels, presumably due to cost. I can't remember any of my buds going down and ending up with a busted clavicle while wearing one of these but I certainly have had numerous friends snap one while not wearing one. Food for thought. Leatt Stx Rr Neck Brace Black Carbon Purchase the Leatt STX RR Neck Brace Black Carbon from SportbikeTrackGear.com. Get the lowest price, free shipping deal, easy exchanges and no restocking fees - Guaranteed! The airbag stuff is still rather new to the local track scene and the prices, user friendliness and availability are getting better. They are also now rechargeable trackside by the user which is a nice feature. In the pic bellow you can see the 2 racers on the left wearing Leatt's waiting in pit zero to go on track And here you see one in motion on track, I'm told they are quite comfortable and you actually have no idea it's there once you start off. Brian Van does a nice video on the Leatt's in that STG link I posted too. Just some random safety info. "> Addendum, CE level 2 is basically an uprated progression of CE level 1 to meet newer, updated safety specifications found in Europe. @cornerslider says he wears this and it is comfortable. I am going to look into further. 4 hours ago, blackout said: I wear a Hit-Air Race air vest. I like it, but have not had to use it. Going to check this out as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Global Moderator sorkyah Posted January 26, 2020 Global Moderator Share Posted January 26, 2020 1 hour ago, 1tondriver said: @cornerslider says he wears this and it is comfortable. I am going to look into further. Going to check this out as well hit air, or there was another one that used to sponsor the forum.... Helite but experienced a demo they did at a local shop here.... I would probably buy one if i had the money...... 1 ATGATT... ATTATT, two acronyms I live by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member cornerslider Posted January 26, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted January 26, 2020 1 hour ago, 1tondriver said: @cornerslider says he wears this and it is comfortable. I am going to look into further. Going to check this out as well I'm biased on this... I bought the top-of-the-line "carbon fiber" road race version that works in tandem with the speed hump on most leathers. I spent more on this than I did my helmet. I took the time to properly set it up with my helmet & leathers (this took close to 45 minutes). My wife helped me out, as it is a 2-person job.... Once you get it properly set-up, you don't even know it's there- (until you need it). I haven't crashed with this on, and hope I don't ever need it... If I do, I have no doubt this it will work as it is designed to- 1 ""W.O.T. until you see god, then brake" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1tondriver Posted January 27, 2020 Author Share Posted January 27, 2020 I went ahead after searching for “good” deals and pulled the trigger on gear that will get me by for a while and hopefully keep me somewhat protected on the track as well as the street. I am going to get a air vest (probably Helite) in the spring to round it out. I went with a 2 piece as it will serve me better until I get into more advanced riding and because it will get used on the street. I didn’t want the boy racer look (yet ). I am all in for $565 total so that leaves me some money towards an air vest. Joe Rocket Blaster X 2 Piece Suit ForceField Pro L2K Evo Back Protector Alpinestars GP Plus R Gloves Alpinestars SMX 5 Boots I think I did pretty well cost wise and only the boots and back protector were slightly used. Get the air vest and I should be good to go 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossrider Posted January 27, 2020 Share Posted January 27, 2020 Ubee in good shape now 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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