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Uncomfortable, inflexible and sweaty - there are many arguments against wearing back protectors or protector waistcoats, and some of them are understandable. However, a lot has changed for the better in recent years thanks to innovative materials.
Gamechanger viscoelastic foam
The invention of viscoelastic foams was a game changer in the field of body protectors. In contrast to the classic hard shells, which often made bikers look - and usually feel - like knights in armour, the special foams have properties that make them ideal for use in biking.
High level of comfort thanks to innovative materials
Thanks to their flexibility, they adapt well to the anatomy and movements of the body. Despite their excellent cushioning properties, foams such as D3O or Sas-Tec are considerably lighter than hard-shell protectors. They react spontaneously and without delay to even minor impacts and then return to their original shape - which means they can withstand several falls in the same place without having to be replaced.
Disadvantage: The protectors are only available as individual pads, which are then inserted into the sock of a knee pad or built into the back protectors. This means you are always wearing an additional layer on your body, which is particularly sweaty and uncomfortable on hot days. In addition, the foams often react negatively to heat, become softer and lose some of their protective effect.
More about protection
>> Duel - Back protector test #1: Poc VPD System Torso against newcomer Evoc Torso Protector (just opened)
>> Find out more about protection in our latest Knee pad test: 8 protectors for enduro and bike park use compared
>> Do you want to play it safe on the trail, but are you looking for a protector that is particularly easy to pedal? Then you'll find what you're looking for in our test of 12 lightweight knee pads.
Evoc with new Liteshield Flex material
This is where Evoc comes in with a completely new material. In contrast to the other foams, Liteshield Flex is an injection-moulded protector that is particularly temperature-resistant and retains its protective properties over a wide range.
This also means that Evoc's back protectors do not require an additional layer to be inserted, but instead serve as a carrier for the six straps that are used to adjust them to the body. The VPD System Torso from Poc works in a similar way and, like the Evoc, also fulfils the temperature requirements of the test standard from -20° C to +40° C.
Hardly any visual differences
Visually, there is little difference between the two back protectors: both have a stable chest and a large back plate. These are each held together by six straps, which can also be adjusted to fit the wearer. While Poc relies on classic press studs for the fastening, Evoc has given its Torso Protector innovative and more practical magnetic fasteners. The Evoc waistcoat also offers the option of attaching a small back pocket to the protector - also with a magnetic fastener. Tools or provisions can be stowed here.
Back protectors: Who offers better protection?
A look at the certification reveals the biggest difference between the two back protectors. While the Liteshield Flex protector from Evoc on the back is also approved for both temperature ranges T- and T+ and also fulfils the high protection level 2 of EN 1621-2, the Poc only has level 1 certification.
This is also reflected in the laboratory measurements in our test: with an average residual force of 6.36 kN, the Evoc protector is significantly lower than the Poc waistcoat with a residual force of 11.28 kN. At the chest, the two protectors are at a similar level and both fulfil the Level 1 standard with 11.71 kN (Evoc) and 12.15 kN (Poc)
Evoc vs. Poc: The test impressions of the back protectors
Evoc Torso Protector
- Price 190 Euro >> at Bike Components or Rose
- Weight¹ / Sizes 1111 g / S-M / L-XL
- Made in / Pad removable China / no
- Protection level BACK / FRONT² Level 2 / Level 1
- Residual force¹ BACK / FRONT 6.36 kn / 11.71 kn
- EQUIPMENT Magnetic buckles; 6 variable stretch straps; optional: back pocket with magnetic clip
Conclusion & evaluation
On hot days in the park or on enduro days, back protectors like the Evoc are a blessing - they are well ventilated and do not require an additional layer of fabric. In addition, the Torso Protector delivers excellent values in the laboratory across the entire temperature spectrum - although the injection-moulded material is somewhat less flexible overall than the foams from D3O or SAS-Tec.
Nevertheless, the Evoc is very comfortable to wear because it can be neatly adjusted using six straps. Unfortunately, they are just as heavy as Poc's. However, the magnetic fasteners are much more comfortable and make it easier to put on and take off. If you want, you can attach a small pocket for tools or provisions on the back using additional magnetic clips. We had no problems with pressure points during the test.
BIKE grade³: 1.8
Poc VPD System Torso
- Price 260 Euro >> at Maciag Offroad or Rose
- Weight¹ / Sizes 1116 g / XS-L
- Made in / Pad removable Italy / no
- Protection level BACK / FRONT² Level 1 / Level 1
- Residual force¹ BACK / FRONT 11.28 kn / 12.15 kn
- EQUIPMENT Press studs; 6 variable stretch straps
Conclusion & evaluation
With the Poc System Torso, the Swedes have started the trend towards back protectors that are worn over the jersey. Although the Poc Torso only fulfils protection level 1, it covers an immense area at the front and back. This protection comes at the price of very high weight and somewhat less flexibility, which slightly restricts mobility on the trail.
The breastplate can press on the diaphragm when bent over. Adjusting the straps is very awkward, and fastening them using the press studs, which first have to be threaded through a flap, is quite tedious. The straps are a little close to the neck and cannot be adjusted here. Like the Evoc, the Poc protector is very temperature-stable and fulfils the standard even at T+ (+40 °C) and T- (-20 °C).
BIKE grade³: 2.7
How we tested the back protectors
Laboratory
Shock absorption is the most important criterion for protectors and is therefore included in the assessment with 50 % for knee protectors and 60 % for back protectors. We test on the test benches of Sas-Tec GmbH and Evoc in Munich in close accordance with the motorbike test standards EN 1621-1: 2012 (knee) and EN 1621-2: 2014 (back). For the back protectors, a bar-shaped drop body with a base area of 160 x 50 mm and a weight of five kilograms is also used. The kinetic energy on impact must be 50 J. The residual force is specified in kN. The higher the values, the lower the protection.
Practice
We tested the fit, comfort and ventilation of each schooner with a total of three testers. We covered a distance of approx. 20 kilometres with each model. The individual points are included in the evaluation in different proportions.
¹BIKE measured values. ²The protection level refers to the manufacturer's official specification. The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.
Stefan Frey
Editor
