Ok, I bought a Motoport Ultra II Kevlar Air Mesh Jacket and will be upgrading to the Quad Armor. What is your opinions on an additional back protector-found a Knox Back Protector-Contour Touring for $150. Any of you with the Quad Armor running the additional back protector or is it too much stuff and uncomfortable to ride in? Let me know your thoughts? Most of my riding is on pavement and my plans are an upcoming trip from central US to Alaska-any input would be appreciated.
In an Ultra Mesh 3/4. I do not even notice the back pad. It is a little thicker than an average pad, well because it is.
MLS-do you think a separate knox back pad along with your quad would be a little much-the knox pad straps on you separate from the jacket or a good idea
I have the quad armor and adding a extra back protector would be too bulky at least for me. this is some heavy duty gear and i really dont feel any extra protection is necessary while wearing it. Frank
If you get the quad armor + another back protector, you are adding a lot of weight and bulk. If you were to do this, go with the standard tri-armor, it is a lot less bulky and weighs less and then add the knox. Plus you save 150 bucks.
Quad armor and Knox are both some of of the best armor out there. If you really feel the need to double up you might want to consider a "motorcycle" with four wheels, seatbelts, bumpers, a steel protective cage, airbags.........
I was talking about adding a second piece of tri-armor ($25) instead of buying the quad armor (more $$, I assume). Would that provide similar protection?
I think it is a legitimate question - he doesn't have the jacket yet and he doesn't know how the quad armor feels/weight of it. I am a big believer in getting as much gear as you can to protect yourself without impacting the ride (too much weight, comfort, etc.) If you are serious about impact protection, get a hit-air mlv vest. If the jacket is inflated and you hit your back on the inflated part, the reduction in g-forces is much better than any back protector. There are test results on their website - simple tests showing maximum g-forces with a back protector and without. The airbag vests are the only impact protection i have seen that can dramatically absorb energy way beyond that of traditional armor, plus it has a neck collar that inflates around your neck.
I doubt it- tri armor does not have a hard component to it, whereas quad does. Quad armor has that armor that is flexible until impact. When there is an impact it becomes rigid.
Quad armor is tri armor with dow deflexion sewn to the back of it. Motoport calls it DOW APS. It is the same thing. You are correct, it is soft in its normal state, however it becomes rigid on impact. Whereas, the tri armor has no rigid component to it. It does not become rigid on impact.
Well, more is always better, but that would be too thick and would effect the fit of the coat. That would probably bulge pretty bad. I say go Quad but I am prejudiced because that's what I though was best. YMMV