Journeys, outings to the hills, short trips. Motorcycle riding is one of those pleasures that, once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to give up. But to live this passion with peace of mind, it’s necessary to take some precautions, especially in terms of equipment and protection. After all, we all know that motorcycle riders, when flanked by motorists and truck drivers, are the weakest link on the road. So, it’s up to the rider (and the passenger) to equip themselves accordingly. The first step is wearing a helmet, but the second most important element is a back protector, which dramatically reduces the possibility of damaging the spine.
The story behind the back protector
It was the 1970s and motorcycles were already quite fast. Riders, then, generally behaved like daredevil heroes, speeding around lamp posts and doing jumps over low walls and on and off pavements. Not all, however, not everyone was racing about like there was no tomorrow. Indeed, those were the times when safety began to become a relevant issue in the racing world.
This sport took its first major step towards modernity thanks to the vision of Lino Dainese and Barry Sheene, who created the first motorcycle back protector in history. Bazza expressed a need for one and Dainese designed a solution that would become a key feature for everyone, not just World Championship champions.
1. Shoulder Protectors – A massive 22% of equestrian injuries requiring hospital treatment are to the shoulders. Shoulder protectors are designed to defend the scapulars and ends of the collar bone. Research into Eventing has shown that wearing BETA Level 3 shoulder protectors can reduce the risk of breaking the collar bone by up to 80%.
2. Outer Material – The foam is normally covered by fabric to keep it clean and protected.
3. Inner Material – Most body protectors have 2 levels of PVC Nitrile foam that are heat sensitive. Many also soften and mold to the riders body. The foam is often perforated to reduce weight, increase flexibility and improve airflow. Always check the foam for dents after a fall, they should vanish within 30 minutes.
4. Weight – The lighter the foam the harder it is when not in use, the heavier the foam the softer.
5. Fastenings – These can be zip, sliding buckle, clip, lace or velcro. This depends on the style and design of the body protector.
6. Lining – Usually made from a breathable mesh.
Recognised as the worldwide industry standard for over 25 years, always choose a product that carries the BETA label. Earning this means the product meets the EN13158 standard and has a CE mark. This is recommended by all leading riding organisations and disciplines.
EN13158 Standard
Provides the technical specification for equestrian body protectors and sets the level of shock absorption required in every garment. This standard dictates the area of the body that must be covered, ensures there a minimal gaps between the foam panels and ensures closures are safe.
CE Mark
The CE Kitemark is a mandatory declaration that the product conforms to the European Directive for Personal Protective Equipment.
Over the years body protector standards have changed, increasing the level of protection offered. The most recent revised standard is from 2018. Garments to the 2009 standard are also still valid, until 2023. When looking at the performance levels, there is no difference in the protection offered and both will be excepted by most disciplines and rider organisations until further notice. Production of the 2009 versions stopped at the end of 2018. Older garments which display BETA 2000, red Level 5, blue Level 7, green Class 1, orange Class 2 or purple Class 3 labels should all be replaced.
There are 3 levels, designed to offer varying levels of protection. The primary difference is the thickness of the foam used to absorb and spread impacts.
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