What back protector are you running? Want something slimmer.

[u/Standup313]

Been running this A Nucleon KR1-Cell back protector have 11 TDs on it this year and still feel restricted. My neck gets super sore trying to keep my head up. Admittedly my A* GP Plus is a bit snug in the shoulder area, the back protector makes it worse. I’d love a custom suit with airbag but that’s not in the budget right now. I do have a single snap in the back of the suit but no pocket or anything.

Any advice on a slimmer or even smaller? Back protector?

[u/CoolBDPhenom03]

Airbag with integrated back protector

[u/Standup313 → u/CoolBDPhenom03]

I’d love to but have seen them in person and don’t have the room.

[u/CoolBDPhenom03 → u/Standup313]

As a self-proclaimed professional at punching my TechAir frequent flyer punch card, they’re well worth it, and well worth getting a new suit to accommodate.

[u/amusedmisanthrope → u/CoolBDPhenom03]

They should definitely have a frequent flyer program 😅

[u/TheSlipperySnausage → u/CoolBDPhenom03]

I literally won’t buy a suit or road jacket anymore without an airbag. The extra protection is outstanding and at this point it’s just dumb to not have one.

[u/Slmcc → u/TheSlipperySnausage]

I'm on the lookout for a new airbag road jacket with holiday sales, etc hopefully coming. What jacket do you have? Do you like it? Wish you would have gotten something else? Thanks!

[u/TheSlipperySnausage → u/Slmcc]

I have an alpinestars tech air jacket. It’s fully mesh with the tech air 5 (I believe) zipped in. I can’t tell you the exact model of jacket but it’s close to the viper jacket that I found online. I love it. Very comfortable, turning the vest on is just zipping up the jacket and the indicators light up.

It basically makes it where the vest is zero extra steps other than putting on the waist strap so there is no excuse to not use it.

Be prepared to pay out the ass for them. But in my opinion everyone’s safety is worth it. On track I’ve been running a Helite GP air vest for ~5 years. Gone down with it ~4 times all low sides but some decently fast ones and I come out with zero issues. No soreness or anything. Now I’m sure a massive high side would not have the same results but my previous low sides without the vest I was at least slightly banged up. The vest really does help

[u/Slmcc → u/TheSlipperySnausage]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it! I'll look into it. That arming system sounds like a nice convenience to have. Nothing really extra to remember. Fortunately I haven't gone down on the track yet. I just started track days this year but I got a Bison Thor 2 with the built in airbag for that. Figured if I'm spending custom leathers money I'd go all out and be done for that my current street jackets are just passive armor.

[u/Polar_bear15 → u/Standup313]

It’s about the same size as a regular back protector. You have more room than you think (if you can stick a golf ball and roll it around your suit you’re good)

[u/archercc81 → u/Standup313]

The new plasma is basically like 3 layers of tech fabric and a back protector. Just make sure your suit is designed with expanding panels to accommodate it.

[u/Odin-ap → u/Standup313]

Go try a plasma 5 - I bet it fits. I didn’t think I would have room either but it works great.

I also went down a few days ago. Braking drills at a track school, over cooked it and brought the rear tire up. Then had to avoid another bike - I went up and over the bike and landed on my side.

My hip and up to the airbag line has a huge nasty bruise. Rest of me is fine. Didn’t even feel the impact on my upper body.

It’s the single biggest thing you can do for safety.

[u/archercc81 → u/CoolBDPhenom03]

This

[u/Top_Custard_4322]

Nucleon Flex Pro Vest. I just cut the velrco waist band(same with yours).

[u/pakindamew]

Suit with it all built in, including airbag. RST v4.1

[u/Lumpy-Succotash-9236]

Dainese Pro-Armor 2.0 for me, very slim, good airflow, been down with it once, did the job well

[u/Overlord7987]

RST essential airbag. Slimmer than the KR1 back protector and benefits of airbag. How you put your helmet on can effect how much you need to crane your neck as well, could be part of your issue.

[u/Polar_bear15]

I used this exact one until I upgraded to a tech air 5 plasma

[u/Possession_Loud]

Look, im going to be honest and ask you to just get an airbag vest.

[u/winterninjazx10rr]

I run the pro armor g2 from dainese on my track suit and the d-air vest from them under my street gear.

[u/m0emura]

Knox Aegis comes in different lengths based on different numbers of segments, I have the 9pc but they go way smaller. Could do that for a shorter overall length? I imagine it's still the same thickness though.

[u/MountainsSands_2024]

I've got the same, indeed a tad heavy/blocking, but am happy to continue using it (as it saved my back on a nasty high side 2y ago)

[u/Pitiful-Weird4778]

Dainese wave3, got it gifted from my neighbor because ther son died😬. But it fits perfectly and already served it's purpose without complaints

[u/SzogiBro]

I’ve got KR-1 and nucleon plasma and the former is quite stiff but I don’t even feel it while wearing my jacket but plasma is way more conformable like a Haribo gummy and thin.

[u/roy_westlander]

Dainese wave 11

[u/ViperThreat]

Forcefield.

[u/Turbulent-Suspect-12]

What helmet are you running? I use a AStars KR3 back protector and rib protector and dont have any issues with restriction. I normally push it down in my suit to make sure it doesnt feel uncomfortable. 

I was having issues with minor neck pain and keeping my head up too and I was told it was due to my helmet being a sport touring style one (LS2 Citation II). There isnt enough room like in more sporty helmets.

I tried on a few helmets (Bell Race Star, A* SR7) and they felt much better in regards to my neck and visibility.

[u/CulturePristine8440]

Tech 10. 

[u/DrGarbinsky]

Tech air 7x

[u/littlemacftw]

I'm running the Knox Aegis back protector. I've yet to try in in my race suit but wore it with my textile jacket and that was no problem.