Neck Brace for Daily Commuting?

[raristy1]

Some of my riding buddies and I were thinking of ways to reduce injuries in the event of a fall or crash. One of the ideas was to use a neck brace for daily commuting. I have seen some basic neck braces that are no more than a wedge-shaped rubber ring, as well as some very well-designed (A.K.A expensive) carbon-composite neck graces. I want to know if anyone here as actually used a neck brace for daily commuting. I also want some serious input on this subject. Thanks

[stuck-to-the-seat]

I can't see it offering any more protection than against blunt trama. It isn't going to stop compression and offer little if anything against side loading. If will restrict your range of motion and any fine shifting of center of gravity.

[08GSSteve]

^^^+1

Range of motion is greatly reducerd so you become lazy and look less when lane changing.

Do a search as from memory some members have used/are using these new style jackets that have built in air bags.

[raristy1]

I can't see it offering any more protection than against blunt trama. It isn't going to stop compression and offer little if anything against side loading. If will restrict your range of motion and any fine shifting of center of gravity.

In my discussions with my buddies I brang up the same point. I was arguing that being alert will do you more good than another piece of equipment that may lull you into a false sense of security or limit your movements and cause a secondary danger.

[raristy1]

^^^+1

Range of motion is greatly reducerd so you become lazy and look less when lane changing.

I totally agree. This was my argument against the brace.

Do a search as from memory some members have used/are using these new style jackets that have built in air bags.

Hey great idea! Thanks.

[PachmanP]

it might be a little over kill to do the neck brace, but you might look into riding jackets that have air bags that inflate on impact to support your neck.  I think somebody did a review/crash report on a jacket like that on the forum you might be able to find though searching.  

If you're going to go the brace route though probably the best be would be to look at racing braces.

[Alphamazing]

If it ain't required for racing, it probably isn't a good idea.

[DoD#i]

Huh. Missed this the first go-round, but here's one:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=45260.0

[BaltimoreGS]

"Neck braces are more useful in motocross racing than in road use where you are likely to land headfirst when you have a jump go wrong.  Road riders usually don't hit the ground head first at an acute angle and if they do their higher speeds make it more of a glancing blow than a direct hit."

Paraphrased from this months issue of Sport Rider magazine.

-Jessie

[bill14224]

I'm having a hard time believing you're seriously considering riding around town wearing a neck brace.  Why not just take the car?  I mean if you're that worried about the dangers of motorcycling maybe you shouldn't be riding.  I don't know how long you've been riding, but wearing a neck brace has never occurred to me in 30 years.

It's not wise to be a careless rider, but being timid also adds to the danger.  There is a balance that needs to be struck there, and it comes with experience.  There are advocates of gearing-up every time you ride, but that robs me of comfort and enjoyment when I ride in hot weather.  I do gear-up when temperatures allow because it is a good idea, but the rest of the time I don't worry about it.  We take chances every time we get out of bed, and if I can't enjoy my life I'd rather die.

[ineedanap]

I used to wear the Leatt neck brace when I was racing motocross.  I can't see any feasable way to adapt the current design to the street or the track.  It's designed to sit on your body a certain way to allow a transfer of forces.  They'd have to come up with something completely new or heavily modify our current safety gear.  

[raristy1]

I'm having a hard time believing you're seriously considering riding around town wearing a neck brace.  Why not just take the car?  I mean if you're that worried about the dangers of motorcycling maybe you shouldn't be riding.  I don't know how long you've been riding, but wearing a neck brace has never occurred to me in 30 years.

Please do not misunderstand my original post. The conversation that brought up the subject of neck braces was one that a buddy of mine brang up. He was talking about a very bad accident on a major route that we all ridden at on time or another in which the rider was killed when he broke his neck. I have been riding since '85 and have never felt the need for wearing anything other than my regular gear. I posted the question in order to get unbiased opinions and responses so that I can prove a point to some of my friends.

[raristy1]

It's not wise to be a careless rider, but being timid also adds to the danger.  There is a balance that needs to be struck there, and it comes with experience.  There are advocates of gearing-up every time you ride, but that robs me of comfort and enjoyment when I ride in hot weather.  I do gear-up when temperatures allow because it is a good idea, but the rest of the time I don't worry about it.  We take chances every time we get out of bed, and if I can't enjoy my life I'd rather die.

I cannot agree more! This is almost word for word what I was trying to convey to a couple of my paranoid bike buddies. Thanks for for the vindication! 

[raristy1]

Huh. Missed this the first go-round, but here's one:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=45260.0

Wow! That's a good link and that airbag jacket sounds fantastic! I will pass this on for sure.

[bill14224]

It's not wise to be a careless rider, but being timid also adds to the danger.  There is a balance that needs to be struck there, and it comes with experience.  There are advocates of gearing-up every time you ride, but that robs me of comfort and enjoyment when I ride in hot weather.  I do gear-up when temperatures allow because it is a good idea, but the rest of the time I don't worry about it.  We take chances every time we get out of bed, and if I can't enjoy my life I'd rather die.

I cannot agree more! This is almost word for word what I was trying to convey to a couple of my paranoid bike buddies. Thanks for for the vindication! 

I don't think I misunderstood the question.  You weren't necessarily talking about yourself.  I hope you can teach your buddies some philosophy, because being paranoid on a bike is not a good place to be.  Prudent is smart and wise.  Paranoid is crippling, in more ways than one!