MikeT
~SPONSOR~
- Jan 17, 2001
- 4,112
- 11
.
I finally had a chance to ride with the AP Back Guard from Sportprotection this past weekend. This back guard is, I believe, designed to protect your spine from impacts from either something hitting you or you hitting something. Also if you were to get run over by another bike I think it would help. I am 6'3" with a 34" waist and was wearing the "Big Seinor" size ($79). I have not cut or altered the guard in any way for this test. The guard is simple and not bulky. From the website "We have sold over 100,000 units so far and received many hundreds of letters over the years from riders that are convinced that our product prevented serious injury. However, like with any safety gear, we cannot guarantee 100% prevention against all injuries." That said, here are my riding impressions.
First, I was riding on a outdoor mild SX type track with many tight turns, uphills, down hills, doubles and lots of jumps. When I first put the guard on I had it layered as follows. A T-shirt, a jersey, the back guard, another jersey (it was cold that day), my kidney belt, then my O'neil rock block chest protector. I immediately noticed how the guard made me have a little better posture however it lifted my CP up a little, but not much. I walked around and loosened the Back protectors (BP) waist band a little so it wasn't so tight and went riding. I liked how the BP hugged my spine and gave me a little more security in that area. I only noticed it a little while riding. THEN, I came in and decided to slide the BP down a little (1 inch or so) so it wasn't pushing on my CP anymore. WOW! did that make a difference. Now the BP complimented my back and fit perfectly without touching my CP. It also did not interfere with my seat when I sat down. I went out on the track again and didn't even notice it at all. I am really impressed with the fit and feel of the protector. I hope I never have to have it do it's job but I really like knowing it's back there. I also would say that when you get one of these things, slide it up and down a little to make sure you have it in the right spot. The positioning of the BP makes all the difference in the feel and comfort.
This is a piece of protection that I think you should all try and wear. When I was in the pits, I noticed that no one else had one and many riders had only front chest protectors which was a little scary. I know that MX is not the safest sport to be in however I will still ride, but be prepared for the worst.
I am the sole bread winner in my family and have a wife and two little boys. I don't want to take the chance of something bad happening because I didn't want to spend $79. I think it's money well spent and I hope you guys take a look at this product.
MikeT
I finally had a chance to ride with the AP Back Guard from Sportprotection this past weekend. This back guard is, I believe, designed to protect your spine from impacts from either something hitting you or you hitting something. Also if you were to get run over by another bike I think it would help. I am 6'3" with a 34" waist and was wearing the "Big Seinor" size ($79). I have not cut or altered the guard in any way for this test. The guard is simple and not bulky. From the website "We have sold over 100,000 units so far and received many hundreds of letters over the years from riders that are convinced that our product prevented serious injury. However, like with any safety gear, we cannot guarantee 100% prevention against all injuries." That said, here are my riding impressions.
First, I was riding on a outdoor mild SX type track with many tight turns, uphills, down hills, doubles and lots of jumps. When I first put the guard on I had it layered as follows. A T-shirt, a jersey, the back guard, another jersey (it was cold that day), my kidney belt, then my O'neil rock block chest protector. I immediately noticed how the guard made me have a little better posture however it lifted my CP up a little, but not much. I walked around and loosened the Back protectors (BP) waist band a little so it wasn't so tight and went riding. I liked how the BP hugged my spine and gave me a little more security in that area. I only noticed it a little while riding. THEN, I came in and decided to slide the BP down a little (1 inch or so) so it wasn't pushing on my CP anymore. WOW! did that make a difference. Now the BP complimented my back and fit perfectly without touching my CP. It also did not interfere with my seat when I sat down. I went out on the track again and didn't even notice it at all. I am really impressed with the fit and feel of the protector. I hope I never have to have it do it's job but I really like knowing it's back there. I also would say that when you get one of these things, slide it up and down a little to make sure you have it in the right spot. The positioning of the BP makes all the difference in the feel and comfort.
This is a piece of protection that I think you should all try and wear. When I was in the pits, I noticed that no one else had one and many riders had only front chest protectors which was a little scary. I know that MX is not the safest sport to be in however I will still ride, but be prepared for the worst.
I am the sole bread winner in my family and have a wife and two little boys. I don't want to take the chance of something bad happening because I didn't want to spend $79. I think it's money well spent and I hope you guys take a look at this product.
MikeT
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