Back protectors – almost invisible protection for your spine
It may be hardly visible, but it’s protecting you! We’re talking about back protectors. Wearing a protector under your jacket or hoodie is pretty standard these days. Whether you’re in the park, backcountry, or on the piste - if you’re out on your snowboard or skis, you should make sure your back is always well protected. The padded and built-in components, which usually overlap each other, hugely lessen your chance of injury to your spine during bails.
Blue Tomato has various models in store for you, but they all have one mantra in common: safety first!
It used to be seen as ‘uncool’ to wear protectors and a helmet. Today, there has been a visible change of mindset in the snowboarding and freeski scenes. In the motorbiking and mountainbiking scenes, protectors have always been considered an essential piece of kit. They offer reliable protection from broken bones and back injuries, which is why wintersports athletes have become more aware of the importance of these invisible helpers. Have you ever slammed right on your back or your coccyx on a rail or box? Then you know, why protectors are is essential!
Unlimited freedom of movement – Excellent Ergonomics
Modern back protectors offer the perfect union of protection and freedom of movement. Their design may remind you a little bit of a turtle. The overlapping sythetic components allow the back protector to adjust to the shape of your spine while keeping your back nice and warm.
There are several different variations of back protectors:
- Back armour: this type of protector offers protection across a wide area, reaching from your collarbone all the way to your coccyx. The overlapping components are flexible enough to keep up with your every move.
- Protector jacket: depending on the model, protector jackets usually also have protection elements in the chest, shoulders and arms,
- Protector vests: A protector vest protects the spine and coccyx. The light weight means that it doesn’t inhibit freedom of movement.
- Protector backpacks: Just as the name implies, a protector backpack is a backpack with a built-in protector.
- Protector shirt: the integrated protection prevents the protector from slipping while keeping up good ventilation.
Air permeable mesh-material and Lycra panels in most models ensure that you don’t unnecessarily break a sweat while skiing or snowboarding. Many brands make it possible to adjust the size of the protector element. However, it is still important to make sure that your entire back is covered, from your coccyx to your neck, when choosing a protector in store.
There are also differences in the materials used. Several manufacturers like Dainese use components made of hard synthetics. They may not be as unnoticeable while you’re wearing them as protectors made with EVA impact foam components, but they will keep their form even during the toughest bails. POC uses VPD-Technology (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough). This material is particularly adaptive, breathable and comfortable to wear. The material stiffens during bails to give you maximum protection.
The certification number CE EN 1621-2 officially marks the protector components as a back protector. You could even use these models on a motorbike and receive the right protection.
No matter which model you choose: try it on! A protector needs to fit properly and feel comfortable. Blue Tomato will help you find the ideal back protector..