Best Motorcycle Back Protectors: Ultimate Buying Guide

Key takeaways:

• Motorcycle back protectors are an effective way to reduce the severity of back and spine injuries.
• CE certification for back protectors ensures the armor meets European safety standards.
• The best protector for you will depend on your riding style, the type of jacket you wear, and your budget.

A helmet is the most important safety tool for every motorcyclist. A back protector is a close second. 

Quality safety armor for your back can save you from serious spine injuries, so you should choose your gear carefully. Pick a back protector that’s durable and comfortable, so you can enjoy rides safely – and without even feeling that the armor is there.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Back Protector

Protecting your spine during a crash is critical as injuries to the area can be serious, life-changing, or even fatal.

Motorcycle back protectors effectively reduce the severity of back and spinal trauma during a crash. Imagine a cushion attached to a fragile item thrown onto a hard surface. The cushion can protect the item from breaking – that’s how back protectors work. 

Back protectors are like a larger-scale version of a cushion. They’re made from shock-absorbing materials that can effectively absorb the impact and spread energy over a wider area to reduce the damage to the spine.

Some back protectors may look like simple foam pads, but always check what they’re made of and look for CE-rated armor. CE ratings indicate that back protectors meet safety standards set by the European Union. EN1621-2:2014 standards are specifically written for back protectors and cover the minimum requirements these protectors have to meet in order to be CE-rated.

Keep in mind that while back and chest protectors cannot prevent all damage during a crash, they still effectively reduce the severity of injuries.

Understanding CE Ratings: Level 1 vs Level 2

CE certification is a European regulatory standard, verifying that the product meets safety, health, and environmental requirements and can be sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). In short, it confirms the product meets European safety standards.

When it comes to back protectors, there’s a specific standard that the armor needs to meet in order to get CE certification. The two levels of CE armor rating indicate the effectiveness of back protectors:

• CE Level 1 indicates a slightly lower protection, which also means that the gear may be thinner. Choose CE-1 for shorter rides.
• CE Level 2 means better protection, and that the armor may be thicker. A better choice for longer rides in harsher and potentially more dangerous conditions.

CE Level 2 always means greater protection, but it’s not necessarily always better. Which CE Level-rated armor to choose will depend on the level of comfort you’re aiming for and your riding conditions.

Best Motorcycle Back Protectors

Pando Moto offers one of the best back protectors on the market — Quatroflex. It’s certified to CE Level 2 (highest protection) and lets your body breathe while riding, which makes it a top choice for all bikers looking for comfortable and effective spine protection.

Quatroflex is made from four layers of high quality materials that create a highly resistant and shock-absorbing armor. Inside the protector is a durable blend of nitrile and polynorbornene rubber with the outside covered with memory foam. The combination ensures the armor stays lightweight and flexible without compromising safety. 

Everyone can use Quatroflex – the back protector is unisex, comes in sizes from M to XXL, and is designed to fit inside the back pocket of your Pando Moto or other motorcycle jacket. Quatroflex is built for maximum safety while keeping the protector flexible so you may not even notice it’s there. The four-layer construction also includes airflow technology, ensuring comfort and allowing you to ride safely and in style.

Key Features to Look for in a Back Protector

First and foremost, back and chest protectors should be CE-certified so you can be sure they meet mandatory security standards. Once that is out of the way, the other aspects you should consider when choosing back and chest armor are:

1. Fit and Comfort

While protective gear is essential, it shouldn’t take joy away from riding a motorcycle. The last thing you want to feel while riding is the discomfort caused by your clothes.Choose gear that fits your size — check manufacturer labels and recommendations to ensure the back protector is the right size for you. Properly chosen gear will not only help with comfort but also ensure the protector will do its job to secure your spine in case of a crash.

2. Ventilation and Breathability

Back and chest protectors cover a sizable part of your body. You want to ensure these parts can still breathe underneath the gear so you can stay comfortable even during a longer ride. Choose protection that allows proper breathability and airflow.

3. Material Types

When choosing a back protector, check what materials it’s made of, but don’t just trust fancy words. Try to understand what each material is contributing to your safety. 

Most back protectors use viscoelastic foam, widely known as memory foam. Viscoelastic armor is body-forming and soft in regular conditions, but at impact, it reacts quickly and hardens. 

During a crash, the protector with memory foam absorbs the shock, delaying the transmission to the rider’s body and dissipating the impact over a larger area.

4. Strap-On vs Insert-Style Protectors

One of the main differences between strap-on and insertable protectors is coverage. Strap-on protection covers a wider part of the upper body in one go. With inserts, you can choose what protectors you want to add to your jacket and swap them whenever needed. 

In short, insert-style protectors give you more flexibility, but when it comes to effectiveness, both options provide back safety.

How to Choose the Right Back Protector for You

When choosing a back or chest protector, you may want to compare a few options. Based on our experience, we listed the main criteria that will help you find the best armor for your individual needs.

1. Riding Style

Are you a casual commuter or an aggressive track rider? If you’re riding a motorcycle to get from point A to point B, a CE Level 1-rated back armor may provide enough security for you. Track riders, who usually ride at higher speeds, may consider Level 2-rated gear for better protection.

2. Jacket Compatibility

Not all motorcycle jackets support insertable back protectors. Most models do have an inner pocket for the back armor, but some older or budget jackets may not have it. 

If your favorite motorcycle jacket doesn’t have a pocket, you may consider wearing a strap-on back protection or a vest. They may not be as comfortable as an insert, but it will save you from buying a new jacket.

3. Budget Considerations

Back protectors come in many different shapes and sizes, and their price also varies greatly. You can find good quality protection for around $50, but you’ll also find $200 armor that offers the same level of protection. 

Think about your budget in advance and decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Quality Protection for Your Ride

As a motorcycle rider, you should definitely consider getting a back protector. This piece of armor can define the outcome of a crash and make a massive difference. 

Choose armor that is CE-certified to ensure you’re investing in the best protection. Modern safety gear like Pando Moto’s Quatroflex is flexible, lightweight, and breathable, so you won’t have to compromise comfort for your safety.