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Back Protector?

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lildicey
Posts: 27 - Karma: 109
So today I had a fall on a rail and it made me consider getting a back protector. I've tried searching ns to see whether people wear them but I can't really find any threads. Do many people wear back protectors? Do the pros? Do they affect tricks in any way (ie make them harder). I feel like with a back protector on you would be less flexible to spin and flip. Anyone got any knowledge they can drop my way? Much appreciated.
Feb 26 2015 11:55AM
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yungcigsmoker
Posts: 785 - Karma: 5,922
I started wearing a back protector after I tore a muscle in my back a couple of years ago. It has helped tremendously. I've had several hard falls straight to my back, and have skied away from them. I still have a full range of motion as well.
Feb 26 2015 11:58AM
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lildicey
Posts: 27 - Karma: 109
MTNSI started wearing a back protector after I tore a muscle in my back a couple of years ago. It has helped tremendously. I've had several hard falls straight to my back, and have skied away from them. I still have a full range of motion as well.


Do you feel it makes any difference to park skiing? is it harder in any way?
Feb 26 2015 12:13PM
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Pac2
Posts: 794 - Karma: 2,861
I'm pretty sure I saw Henrik wearing one once but I'm not really sure if he does a lot.
Feb 26 2015 12:19PM
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johnnyBuz
Posts: 1438 - Karma: 1,270
I started wearing a back protector after smashing my spine on a radical repost
Feb 26 2015 3:15PM
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Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
I hear lots of good things about them, I just haven't gotten one yet because they're so expensive, and not usually top on my list of stuff I need to get for skiing
Feb 26 2015 3:45PM
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filipoio
Posts: 293 - Karma: 1,569
I always wear one.

I wear a Sweet Bearsuit, which is soft and comfortable unlike those back protectors with a plastic shell. It gives great protection and i don't even notice that i wear it.

So get yourself a back protector ASAP.
Feb 26 2015 3:49PM
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yungcigsmoker
Posts: 785 - Karma: 5,922
lildiceyDo you feel it makes any difference to park skiing? is it harder in any way?


Nope.
Feb 26 2015 3:57PM
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250r
Posts: 2276 - Karma: 1,013
My poc vpd vest is great. It's made out of a non Newtonian solid which is normally soft and flexible, but stiffens instantly upon impact. Hardly even know I'm wearing it. I've landed on roots and rocks and rails with that thing. Saved my back a bunch of times
Feb 26 2015 4:36PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,366
I have a Poc VPD 2.0 (just the back protector, not the vest; this one: http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1655/spine-vpd-2-0-back). I love it. I hardly notice I'm wearing it, it doesn't interfere with movement at all. And yes, to my understanding they are pretty commonly used among professionals, at least big mountain pros, not sure about park. Make sure to look up the size chart before buying.
Feb 26 2015 4:55PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,366
Sorry, NS software thought the parenthesis and period were part of the URL. This should work: http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1655/spine-vpd-2-0-back
Feb 26 2015 4:56PM
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snowmosexual
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 10,020
I use one for racing and ski with it every once in awhile, I crash hard and don't even feel it. My big piece of advice is buy used and save some money, but figure out what size you are first
Feb 26 2015 10:34PM
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jellomellow
Posts: 961 - Karma: 3,562
ski-hippieI use one for racing and ski with it every once in awhile, I crash hard and don't even feel it. My big piece of advice is buy used and save some money, but figure out what size you are first


If I were you I would not buy used. I am saying this because you don't know what the back protector has been through. It's kind of like buying a helmet. You may think it looks good but it could have some damage that you can't see.
Feb 27 2015 2:12AM
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IKEA
Posts: 622 - Karma: 3,111
One of my old friends wouldve been dead or paralyzed if he didn't wear one, last time I talked to him his back was like a 70 yr old man and he was 14. I believe its better now though.
Feb 27 2015 11:48AM
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RRhighrider
Posts: 2141 - Karma: 1,141
I found a Poc one at a thrift store. I never ski without it now.
Feb 27 2015 12:02PM
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yungcigsmoker
Posts: 785 - Karma: 5,922
BearGrillsOne of my old friends wouldve been dead or paralyzed if he didn't wear one, last time I talked to him his back was like a 70 yr old man and he was 14. I believe its better now though.


What happened
Feb 27 2015 12:13PM
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RDem
Posts: 646 - Karma: 183
I purchased this back protector from Salomon and I love it. You definitely notice it the first day but by the second day its completely comfortable. now it feels weird if I don't wear it. It also doesn't affect your range of motion at all.

10/10 would recommend.

Oh and here's the link. ---> http://www.salomon.com/us/product/flexcell-men.html?article=367029
Feb 27 2015 12:23PM
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IKEA
Posts: 622 - Karma: 3,111
MTNSWhat happened


He bailed hard on a backflip, in moguls
Feb 27 2015 12:25PM
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muFFn
Posts: 1040 - Karma: 74
I have been personally using them since I was 14. I have taken so many hits to my spine over my years and I personally think they have prevented some serious injuries. I currently rock a full jacket by POC. It's super bulky, its heavy, and gets really sweaty, but it gives me so much confidence when I try new tricks or hit big booters. I also have the baggiest set up, so you can't even tell that I'm wearing it unless you have someone get up close and personal.

http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1392/spine-vpd-2-0-jacket

This is the suit I have. It's really pricey (I got it on pro-deal luckily) and a bit excessive, but the chest, shoulders, and elbow protection is awesome. I definitely would have a broken elbow this year if I wasn't wearing it.

I can supply pictures on how it looks in person or what I wear over it if needed.

On another note, do not buy a used one. They should be treated like a helmet and bought new to guarantee that there is no damage.
Feb 27 2015 1:09PM
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