I just picked up a back protector.  It was an impulse purchase - I was wanting to get one for a while, and it was on sale big time. 

So I was wondering... how many people here wear one?  Track vs. twisties vs. commuting?  Anyone have specific models they love or hate?

I bought mine when I picked up my 1-pc suit. I wear it ALWAYS on the track and with few exception (very few exception) in the twisties. I dont commute.

A Dainese Wave 2 protector always has my back (neck to tailbone). It's surprisingly comfortable, even during hot weather. I haven't experienced any downside yet--they don't restrict your breathing or movements while riding. So wear the damn thing!

Always, feels like riding without a helmet if its not on.  My A* is somewhat uncomfortable, but it protects well and the price is right.

which did you get...pics???

hmm. does anyone know of any real data out there on these things. I"m just curious as to how effective they are.  --Please don't misinterpret this post as me saying I don't belieive in them or anything. This is purely for my own Epidiemiological interest.

Jake

QuoteBack protectors and lumbar protectors (EN 1621-2) are intended to provide protection against impacts against edges such as kerbing. However, while some 13% of motorcyclists sustain back injuries in crashes, the majority of these injuries are due to blows to the head or to bending and twisting of the back. A back protector will not prevent these types of injury. Less than 1% of injured riders suffer serious injuries from direct blows to the spinal area, however back protectors will provide protection from more minor injuries such as bruises and strains (EN 1621-2, p. 4).

http://www.roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/77.html

I'm sure there are others.

I picked up the Dainese Back Space 2.  Comes down to the tailbone, fits under my jacket comfortably, and on today's 2 hour ride in the twisties, I barely noticed it was there.  First Dainese product, too, and I love the fit and finish.  If only they were always on sale...

All my Jackets have some degree of back protector in them, So I always wear one.
The Dainese jacket's protector looks a lot like the one Sanjay has, but only comes down to the small of the back.

The other jackets have padded foam with plastic inserts in them, they are less rigid than the dainese one, but far more comfortable.
I have heard that the cupped hard back protectors save your back the best but do tend to break ribs around the edge of the cup.

That said I think I'd rather break 20 ribs than 1 vertibrae.

I have an older Dainese, similar to the above. But it only had a 1" nylon waist strap, so I added a lifting belt which holds it in place. I always wear it, track & street, but then I never commute on a bike.

my jacket has one and i always wear it. i ride 60 miles round trip to work