Spine Protection

#1

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10/27/09 at 6:56am

MattL
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Joined: November 2005
Location: Central PA
Post Count: 1,524

Last year I had a freak accident and landed flat on my back. I was out for the rest of the season and still recovering. I was doing well but then had a set back over the summer so I am feeling vulnerable if I have another hard fall on my back. I am moving forward with this season regardless. Can't wait around forever. So, I am looking into getting some back protection. Wish I was wearing it when I fell! I have been skiing a long time and never had a fall like that. It only takes one time. Good thing I was wearing a helmet or I would have had a serious head injury. That was the first time I had to 'use' my helmet. I have been wearing one for over 10 years.

So far I have been looking into POC and Dainese. I really like the new POC PVD Vest but have heard about some quality issues that need to be resolved and availability is going to be limited for a while so I will probably need to get something else for now. I am also looking at the POC Ergo as an option. Any other manufacturers I should be checking out for comparison? I want to avoid as much movement restriction as possible.

Harrisburg PA Web Design & Internet Marketing

#2

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10/27/09 at 8:09am

ZeroGravity
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Joined: January 2008
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Also look into others designed for downhill biking and freeriding like SixSixOne

#3

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10/27/09 at 9:12am

Woodee
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Joined: October 2004
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I've asked for feedback on this in my very own thread, but the Atomic Air Shock vest looks real promising for total protection and freedom of movement.

I've never used one, but many of the racers are now wearing them - it just makes sense.

#4

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10/27/09 at 9:27am

SkiRacer55
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Location: Berthoud, Colorado
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See what I said, in Woodee's thread on the Atomic Air Shock. I have one, and I like it, but that's just one data point...I really dunno how it compares to the other stuff available...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodee

I've asked for feedback on this in my very own thread, but the Atomic Air Shock vest looks real promising for total protection and freedom of movement.

I've never used one, but many of the racers are now wearing them - it just makes sense.

#5

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10/27/09 at 9:55am

Muleski
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Joined: March 2006
Location: New England
Post Count: 487

I would look into the Slytech. Gets very hard marks. My kids have worn Dainesse, POC, Ortema, and have tried others, and both are huge fans of the Slytech pad. My son {22} wears in almost all the time. Evidently comfortable, allows for good movement, and provides very good protection.

#6

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10/27/09 at 10:30am

tromano
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Location: Logan, UT
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Just curious but how is this even an issue?

#7

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10/27/09 at 10:38am

Woodee
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Quote:

Originally Posted by tromano

Just curious but how is this even an issue?

What, back protection? Some need it whether they're racers or free-skiers ... most people don't.

I guess it all depends on what you're doing, how fast your going, how hard you're pushing it, and how close to the line you like to be ...

#8

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10/27/09 at 10:50am

MattL
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Location: Central PA
Post Count: 1,524

Quote:

Originally Posted by tromano

Just curious but how is this even an issue?

It's mostly psychological.....until I fall on my back again which is not up to taking any more direct hits. Then it becomes a real issue.

Yea, it wasn't "even an issue" ......until it happened. I got hurt bad. I don't want it to happen again or be worse. I'm not getting any younger and healing isn't what it used to be.

How is worrying about head trauma, or blowing out that new ACL someone just had replaced an issue? No different.

Maybe I should just get a full exoskeleton. What do you think?

Harrisburg PA Web Design & Internet Marketing

#9

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10/27/09 at 11:06am

spindrift
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Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 3,357

Obviously there is also discussion of this at TGR and NS. Search around there.

Also, see if you can find a correctly sized Aegix jacket. There seem to be a few floating around for cheap on ebay and maybe a few on closeout at board shop sites. The built in armor (including spine protection) is pretty darn nice. Most of it is the lightweight instant hardening stuff in a removable inner jacket/vest. We recently had Rainy Pass (they are the place that really does most "factory" repairs") in Seattle put in a separate zipper. They did a killer job. The armor can now be worn with pretty much any jacket. Last season, the spine and rib protection turned what could have been a serious disaster for one of my kids into a relatively casual bruised/cracked rib or two.

Overall, the POC stuff seems nice and light too.

#10

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10/27/09 at 11:49am

MattL
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Joined: November 2005
Location: Central PA
Post Count: 1,524

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindrift

Obviously there is also discussion of this at TGR and NS. Search around there.

Also, see if you can find a correctly sized Aegix jacket. There seem to be a few floating around for cheap on ebay and maybe a few on closeout at board shop sites. The built in armor (including spine protection) is pretty darn nice. Most of it is the lightweight instant hardening stuff in a removable inner jacket/vest. We recently had Rainy Pass (they are the place that really does most "factory" repairs") in Seattle put in a separate zipper. They did a killer job. The armor can now be worn with pretty much any jacket. Last season, the spine and rib protection turned what could have been a serious disaster for one of my kids into a relatively casual bruised/cracked rib or two.
Overall, the POC stuff seems nice and light too.

I really like the 'wearable' (shirt/vest) concept. I looked around at some motocross stuff and it was all overkill. The price was overkill as well LOL. The POC vest looks promising. Hopefully they will work out the quality issues with those (threading is single stitch and weak & sizing is off).

The Sweet Protection Grinder looks pretty good.

I need something that isn't overkill and doesn't even feel like it's there. Like a rec version of the racing stuff.

Harrisburg PA Web Design & Internet Marketing

#11

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10/27/09 at 5:55pm

mntlion
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Joined: July 2002
Location: Banff
Post Count: 2,545

I have used them daily for 3 years. Best to try lots on and see what works best for you. For my long body, skinny waist, and wanting to protect the lower back (L4/5) and wanting a full kidney style belt.

Protec was what worked for me.

YMMV

#12

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10/27/09 at 6:28pm

pacski
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Joined: June 2009
Post Count: 19

go for Dainese, but if the deal's right go for poc, but the quality is lower like some people have said...
I've heard good things about the poc VPD spine - not restricting and comfortable...as long as the size is right.

has anyone tried the spine ergo? looks like something that would be in a space movie.

well i guess this goes for most of poc.

#13

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10/28/09 at 7:19pm

Yo Momma
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Joined: December 2008
Location: VT
Post Count: 94

I have to second on the Slytech 2nd skin. I tried on a few others including the Poc and it was Slytech, hands down. It is simply, MUCH more comfortable than the others. It was like a Benz vs a Kia. As it warms it molds to your body. I sometimes forget I have it on. Google it and read about the tech behind it. It's pretty impressive. It is made with a type of foam that has air cells in it. These cells "act as a progressive shock absorber and actually adapts itself intelligently to different forces and speeds. The shock absorption increases proportionally and the body is protected thoroughly at any impact level"

I don't use it all the time, just on "intense" days if ya know what I mean. I think these guys are on the cutting edge of body armor technology.

#14

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10/28/09 at 7:30pm

chanwmr
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Joined: September 2004
Location: Central Upstate New York
Post Count: 1,208

Anyone has experience with UFO Plast? They also make very similar product. It's more of the Slalom jacket that I'm interested in knowing.

#15

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10/28/09 at 8:06pm

CR0SS
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Joined: June 2009
Location: in a hand basket
Post Count: 209

When it comes to protection you really can't beat Dainese. I have worn multiple companies armor over that past racing DH mountain bikes. Dainese has the best fit and protection for a price. It always surprises me how other protection starts to look more and more like what Dainese offers. No matter what armor you wear you notice having it on at home or in the parking lot. It is completely different once you are out doing the activity you are wearing it for. Spine protection always bugs you when you stand straight up, but you do not ski in this position. Keep that in mind when you are trying things. Move yourself around in the positions you will be in while using the stuff.

I am considering getting some of the lighter protection gear for skiing this year. I know I will be aggressive and I want to be prepared.

Things I am considering:

661 Assault Pressure Suit

Dainese Multi Sport Air

POC VPD Tee

I will most likely go with a full upper body suit for pure comfort. They move around less and the chest protection is just as important as the spine.

No one cares that you tele.

#16

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10/29/09 at 10:32am

Timr1
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Joined: March 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL
Post Count: 112

I got this one to wear under my jersey when racing off-road motorcycles. I've yet to wear it for skiing though. It is comfortable, but a tad hot during the summer. Heat's not an issue when skiing though. It looks very similar to the Dainese Multi Sport Air.

http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=BGCRBK

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