Back Protectors

I will be missing my ski trip this year as I have had a second spinal fusion.
After my last operation 3.5 years ago I have since, when skiing, used a kevlar back protector from the days when I had motorbikes.
I still want to ski once I have the all clear but will probably give The Hahnenkamm/Streif at full tilt a miss from now on. :roll:
I intend to buy a new back protector as the other one is now quite a few years old and has probably deteriorated from its best and science moves on.
I am looking at CE EN 1621-2 level 2 kit.
Anybody like to share their experiences of any such kit please as I will look to buy in the spring sales 2018 ready for 2019.

Cheers

I guess my first question is what caused the need for spinal fusion. Normally this is not the result of an impact rather degeneration / bulging typically from a desk job. If that is the case whilst it might give you some psychological support the back protector is probably useless. My advice listen to the body quit the day job, become a ski bum and inspiration for us all.

That would be the desk job of active service in HM Forces then working as a joiner & builder then.........

The requirement/causes for both fusions are a combination of factors with which I won't bore anyone but suffice to say that should I ski, fall and land on my back then it makes perfect sense to me that the various screws, bolts, rods and cages are less likely to be knocked out of kilter if afforded some impact protection that reduces the force upon them.

Rather than discuss my medical history in depth my main question was about other people's experiences of back protectors regarding comfort, performance etc.

Much as I would love to be a 12 month p.a. ski bum apparently funding that lifestyle, family and home bills get in the way................

I have been using a Back Protector for skiing for many years. Started off with the Dainese Nextwave. Easy to wear, light and not sweaty. If you take a hard hit, needs replacing because the honeycomb inside collapses (on purpose) The Velcro goes on the waist belt. I am now using a Forcefield Carve Back Protector. Nice fit, moulds well to body shape, more sweaty than a Dainese, but the major + is that it is built to deform in a prang and will go back to it's original shape. I also have a Dainese vest with a front zip, which integrates the back protector, it also has side rib protection with soft armour. Comfy to wear, but I've had to repair the hem stitching, a weak point. All skiers back protectors need to be flexible or hinged to stay close to the back. With all, I've been able to leave off a layer of clothing, keep me toasty. I also Wakeboard, Impact Vests are essential, though it still knocks the breath out of you when you take a big fall. The Forcefield Carve meets your performance specs http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/carve/2432

Sounds daft, but make sure it fits well. No point having one that is not providing protection in the right places.

Thanks Bandit & Dobby, some good info and advice; I had seen some of the vest incorporated protectors and the Forcefield ones online but the web photos and sales blurb / real life usage are obviously 2 separate things.
Would appreciate any other reviews from those who have used back protectors to try and obtain a consensus, cheers.

Really depends what you hope it will do for you?

They are designed to protect you from impact which may be useful for a downhill racer, snowboarders and skiers doing park riding where your back may well hit something hard.

Will it do much for a recreational skier probably not.
Presume the fusion was because of a disc issue and it's unlikely to do much to prevent it from happening elsewhere. It is possible the device may make you more aware of your posture but that's a different thing.

I've been using Forcefield for two years now, it's great. I recommend the Race-Lite Vest model
https://www.remsport.pl/kamizelka-ochronna-race-lite-vest-forcefield-p-2257.html
I had two skiing accidents and practically nothing happened to me.