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April, 2025

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Back protector recommendations

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foolmetwice
Posts: 616 - Karma: 1,301
Im competing in my first freeride comp soon and they say they require back protectors. First question would be do I actually need one? Are they verifying that each athlete has one for a ifsa fwq? If I do need one I’m looking for recommendations on which is most comfortable and will fit well on a skinny dude. Thanks!
a year ago
4 0
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GITGUDZILLA
Posts: 82 - Karma: 322
I've been using Dainese for years for motocycling and mtb.

They make a ski version of the Rhyolite 2 - but it is the same protection jacket as the mtb version just with white bits instead of black.



If you don't need shoulders and arms then you can get just a back protector. (I have the full thing as am held together with wires, strings and good intentions - like a rusty Robocop)



POC do some proper Gucci looking ones - but I've never tried them.
a year ago
2 5
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brownetown
Posts: 491 - Karma: 4,797
Kinda depends on the comp, I’ve gotten away with not wearing one but it would suck to gamble and lose the $100+ fee. I found a POC VPD for cheap at a gear swap and love it, it’s lightweight, breathable, does the job. I broke my back when I was 16 so I’ll occasionally wear it even when I’m not competing, the thing’s really comfortable. I think any kinda mtb back protector would work so just find something similar in your budget
a year ago
2 0
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egirl.ski
Posts: 379 - Karma: 4,744
sweet protection makes a soft, vest style that is the most popular with freeride people.

yes you actually need one, you’ll want one too if you backslap some rocks.
a year ago
5 0
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cyphers
Posts: 1832 - Karma: 20,943
they don't check. but after watching some kid rake his spine over a bunch of rocks and nearly bleed out i won't ski sharky terrain without one. i like the slytech blue foamy one, hard plastic ones aren't as comfy
a year ago
2 0
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dant02
Posts: 254 - Karma: 2,346
In a lot of cases the event coordinator at the top of the venue will give you a few taps on the back while you are in the start gate. Probably wouldn’t try to ski without one on. I have a shred/slytech one that’s ok. It’s not the most comfortable but I bought it cheap and it works fine. One time my brother did compete with a pizza box up his jacket when he forgot his back protector though though
a year ago
3 0
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 4693 - Karma: 19,952
dainese ftw. I have a bunch of their motorcycle stuff and ski items
a year ago
3 1
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BallClapper
Posts: 3704 - Karma: 16,801
Poc vpd air vest. Love the vest as it fits nice and snug against your body, no wiggling or sliding around like some do. Ate shit into rocks on my back and that saved me from hella pain. If I'm on snow I will be wearing this.
a year ago
3 1
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deadhead420
Posts: 2089 - Karma: 18,415
I use the shred back protector everyday and love it. I prefer the straps to a vest, more durable and cooler on hot spring days

https://shredoptics.com/collections/back_protection/products/noshock-back-protector-naked?variant=48479922913607
a year ago
1 0
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mikem
Posts: 968 - Karma: 9,892
Glock 19 9mm is perfect for protecting your back.

Shoot the rocks. Threaten event coordinators.
a year ago
5 0
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deac
Posts: 853 - Karma: 4,038
mikemGlock 19 9mm is perfect for protecting your back.

Shoot the rocks. Threaten event coordinators.


can hunt the furrys too
a year ago
1 0
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Slowbro
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 24,533
BallClapperPoc vpd air vest. Love the vest as it fits nice and snug against your body, no wiggling or sliding around like some do. Ate shit into rocks on my back and that saved me from hella pain. If I'm on snow I will be wearing this.


Will back the poc air vest I don't really notice mine and I'm pretty sensitive to that kind of stuff.
a year ago
2 0
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mikem
Posts: 968 - Karma: 9,892
i actually tho need a bprotecter if anyone selling. mine no fit from childhood.
a year ago
1 0
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BallClapper
Posts: 3704 - Karma: 16,801
mikemi actually tho need a bprotecter if anyone selling. mine no fit from childhood.


If you are really little the vpd air vest in a small/slim fit is on sale for $90. Msrp is $150. Could be worse, I personally think its 1000% worth it.
a year ago
0 1
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