FAVOURITES + EVENTS

Back protectors rated, plus places to ride in June.

Dainese Wave

dainese.com

The classic built by the people who, along with Barry Sheene, came up with the idea in the first place. It’s a near-perfect piece of design, which is why the Wave has barely changed since I got this yonks ago. The shell is hard plastic with a honeycomb crumple zone behind, and the sections articulate for easy movement. It fits perfectly and is light and vented enough to use on the hottest days. After six years the shoulder straps are losing their elasticated powers but it’s still perfectly serviceable.

Knox Track Vest £179.99

This is Knox’s Aegis CE approved back protector, but worn using a zip-up gilet rather than straps so, unlike other back protectors I’ve tried, it is really comfortable. There are five sizes and varying levels of adjustment to get the fit spot on without the faff of straps. The claims for the protective capability of its hard shell and honeycomb structure are really convincing, though I’ve never had to test them. They are a UK company too, which is good thing.

Forcefield Sport Shirt 2 £140

More than just a back protector, this stretchy blue baselayer has pockets for shoulder, elbow and chest armour too, so you wear the armour in the shirt, not your leathers. Sport Shirt 2 comes with six pieces of top quality CE2 armour. That’s good value and might even suggest a beendoing-big-weights-in-the-gym vibe if you are feeling weedy. I’ve had my Sport Shirt for four years and can happily say it is still super comfy and super safe. It’s a quality item.

Spidi Defender £256.99

I’ve used the Defender for longer than my tired brain can recall. While paranoid enough to want proper protection, I don’t want the feeling of chunky armour so I like how this thin, light stuff slips under leathers, even with post-lockdown tub. Easy adjustment too, plus good vents in the chest. The only downside is cost. It’s effectively the Warrior CE level-two back protector and level-one chest armour strung together, but buying them separately is £30 cheaper.