Howard B
Atlanta, GA
too thick
I had to return it - it's about an inch thick and solid i.e. not flexible so it won't fit under a jacket
Ton
Lewisville, TX
Back Protector
Ordered a medium to go with my small AStars AirFlo Sniper Jacket. Fits perfectly. Very sturdy, like a board as others have mentioned, but it doesn't bother me any. When you "hunch" over a bit, you can tell, but no biggie. Good purchase!
Grant
Castro Valley, CA
Worth the Extra money.
If you buy an Alpinestar jacket, do yourself a favor and get the spine guard. It just might save your back.
Melinda
Newport News, VA
It is what it is
I bought this for an alpinestars jacket, but the jacket didn’t fit, so I put this in my Fieldsheer that only came with a soft foam in the back. Hope to never have to really find out how well it works, but it’s there if I need it!
GSXR Rider
Bronx, NY
Great addition for more protection
I added this to my RC1 jacket & after a few rides I hardly noticed it. When you feel this piece in your hand versus the once that comes with most jacket, you'll immediately realize the value your safety. I have not crashed with this piece but for the price, it's well worth it.
Divino
NY, NY
Peace of Mind
The product seems to be good. However, I hope to never find out on a field test. It fit right into my Astars jacket. Offers peace of mind at the least.
Tony M
Chattanooga, TN
comfortable
I barely notice that this back protecting insert is in my jacket. It is soft and pliable enough that it molds to my jacket and back.
corey
hempstead, NY
RC back protector
great price for the protection..very inexpensive compared to Joe rockets..U can almost buy a jacket for the price of there back protector...but in all I’m satisfied...
doug
Seattle, WA
RC back protector
I got this to replace the wimpy foam pad in my Alpinestar Spinner jacket. Its kind of a slab of hard foamcore, but its definitely more protection than what it replaced. Hope to never test it.
kgutierrez
Greeley, CO
Peace of mind
I added this back protector to my A* RC1 airflow jacket, and fit perfectly. Seems that it would give the protection that would be needed ... hope that I never have to find out. Is very stiff/not flexible, so took some getting used to.
Irek
Schaumburg, IL
Safety in exchange for comfort
The protector is stiff and feels secure. It fits very well in my NYC Jacket. The only con is, that it makes the jacket very stiff and a bit uncomfortable. As I said safety in exchange for comfort. It's your choice.
Andrew Joe
Vancouver, BC
Comfortable fit and good protection
Despite some reviews that suggested they were like wooden planks, I found them to be very comfortable. Much better protection than the original foam that came with my Alpinestars - GP Plus Leather Jacket. I suspect people who hunch over during riding find it uncomfortable but you should always keep your spine straight even on a sports bike.
Mike
Houston, TX
Get the job done
Not a lot of suprises here as the back protector comes as described. The added protection doesn't really seem like it would protect your back in a bad accident but at the same time not much will. It's not a bad addition for a compatible Alpinestars Jacket.
Mike
Olympia, WA
Alpinestars RC Back Protector
The protector is very stiff and does not get any better with time. I wear an AGV Sport jacket and replaced the foam pad with the Alpine Protector – with some care in the install it fit perfectly. It most definitely offers more protection for the serious rider. Worth the money.
gillman
Elizabeth City, NC
RC Back Protector
I purchased the back protector to go with my Alpinestars Spinner Jacket. The protector fits into the jacket perfectly, as one would assume. This is a stiff addition to the jacket which is quite noticeable the first time you put the jacket on when compared to the foam that comes as standard. The stiffness isn't really noticeable when riding, though it does seem to cause the jacket to ride up a bit higher than with just the foam.
Michael
Terre Haute, IN
Nice upgrade for Rhoma Drystar Jacket
This is a far better back protector than what comes with the Rhoma from the factory. It’s not the end all for back protection but for the price, it’s a welcome upgrade to the A* jackets
Chris Crenshaw
Cary, NC
Very Stiff but Seems Effective
This pad looks and feels as though it would perform great if you needed it; however, with an airflow jacket it is very uncomfortable. It feels as though you have a plank of wood on your back. Even with extensive breaking in, it still doesn't really contort to a comfortable form. Also, if you're a sport rider it may prevent your helmet from rocking back when you're looking up as you're tucked...not good. I recommend buying on the small side for this reason; only if you decide that the safety bonus outweighs the comfort factor.
Matt
Milpitas, CA
Better than nothing...
I ordered this protector a while back to replace the foam pad in my Alpinestars Sniper jacket. I ordered a large protector since I wear a large jacket. While it seemed to be the same size as the foam pad, it was rather bulky and a bit uncomfortable, especially at first. It took a little breaking in to make it a little flexible, however, do not expect this to really change. The shape of the protector does really show in my Sniper jacket, but it appears to be some good protection. This is of course more important than looking good.
Zeb
sacramento, CA
Better than nothing
Bulky but inexpensive fits my Alpinestar jacket fine and is better than nothing.
thomas maraschiello
lockport, NY
Neccessary
I have all Alpinestars gear and the medium RC protector fits great in my large spinner jacket and medium T-Breeze jacket. In my leather its not noticeably stiff because the leather is thick, but in the airflow jacket its stiff, but I had back surgery and feel safer with it on. It’s easy to remove for a night out too. Would buy this again.
randy meliota
rancho palos verdes, CA
Alpinestars-RC Back Protector
These are well built back protectors (I bought 3) that fit perfectly in my 3 Stunt Leather jackets that I use for track days. These are approved. The price was excellent also.
Sean Tempesta
San Francisco, CA
Seemed a little large, but cheap CE protection
I ordered a medium to put in my medium Alpinestar's 7-10WP jacket -- and when I lean over I can feel it poking up within my jacket. So, minus the minor shoulder hump that this adds, it seems like great back armor at a great price.
MH
Yardley, MI
Back Protector
This piece is EXTREMELY hard and rigid, as noted above. I would only find myself wearing this when doing serious long rides or even track days. I feel it makes the jacket too cumbersome for "quick" rides.
JC
Granbury, TX
MUST HAVE!!!!
I can't believe that this is not a standard part of the AS jackets. If you are going to spend the money to buy a good, armored jacket, then it only makes sense to spend a little more to get this back protector. Installs in 2 minutes and gives you protection in the most important part of your upper body. I'd recommend installing it before you ever wear your jacket so you won't feel that it is slightly stiffer. However, it has no effect on my movement. This is a MUST BUY! Without it, it'd be
Dave
richmond, KS
RC back protector
I got this as a replacement for my Alpinestars ice jacket's dinky foam piece. This armor is tremendously thick and tough, in a good way, but that's also the problem, it's like wearing a surfboard on your back. Does not bend or contort in anyway, so it takes some getting used too.