Who rides with a backbrace?

[arctic matt]

I've got a messed up lower back, and it only gets worse as I get older. I'm not old enough for surgery just yet though. So does anyone ride with a back brace? I ride up in the mountains so I'm curious if a brace would even stay put while throwing the sled around all day, or if it would just get in the way. Please let me know if you have any experience with this, both good and bad. Thanks.

 

[skippyh2o]

I dont, but I wear a FOX RACING kidney belt. It really does help

 

[Tommy72]

Kindey belt

Ya I had snowmobile related back problems as well, and had a back surgery a decade ago.. not fun. I've tried many different belts in the past but the best one I had was the leather one. I couldn't find a leather one so got a fox belt this year....seems to do a good job. Plus makes me look thinner! I should wear to the bar! take care of your back, you only got one. Learn how to lift correctly too!

Good luck

 

[xcrash911]

RU Outside Backthing for me, I definitly felt it the one time I forgot it! Works great

 

[xfiredude]

I broke my back riding about 9 years ago. I wear kidney belt and Tekvest. Backthing is best I think.

 

[w8tn4u]

This is what we use riding, has a built in kidney brace that supports the lower back. no more lower back pain after riding hard all day. Also pick yourself up a set of shin/knee gaurds.

you can find them at parts411.com in the dirt section
BJ22 BALLISTIC JERSEY BLACK XL EVS

Part Number: 72-3038-TR
RETAIL: 170.00
PRICE: 134.30

 

[longtrack156]

I've had a bad back for 40 years, I found a back brace to be useless, surgery isn't a good option, fusing is a last resort. The best thig I have found for my back is to always ride standing, I only sit on the seat when parked.

 

[Tommy72]

Tekvest

Hey w8tn4u,

How do you like your Tekvest? I been thinking about wearing a protective vest, only makes sence with the available horsepower these days. Do you find it too cumbersome? Do you find it restrictive and stuffy? Do you wear it under your jacket? A flatland rider friend recommended the Tekvest but I wonder if that's ideal for moutain riders. Love to hear your opinion.

Thanks,
T

 

[Ex-Member]

Hey w8tn4u,

How do you like your Tekvest? I been thinking about wearing a protective vest, only makes sence with the available horsepower these days. Do you find it too cumbersome? Do you find it restrictive and stuffy? Do you wear it under your jacket? A flatland rider friend recommended the Tekvest but I wonder if that's ideal for moutain riders. Love to hear your opinion.

Thanks,
T

If you've been thinking about it, do it. Best investment i've made. I won't ride without it, even loading/unloading.

 

[Vertical_Escape]

I'm with Mule, I don't even crank sleds until TekVest is strapped on. Feel like I'm missing something if it's not there. Wear it under jacket, never notice it being cumbersome or in the way.

I also wear a back/kidney belt to help support lower back. I fell on an offshore rig some years back and broke 3 vertebra in lumbar area. Not going thru that again. Learn how and what to lift and back will be fine. Mine is healed and stronger than ever, even though years are catching up now.

Oh and buy plenty of Advil .....lol

 

[Double A]

When your friends get stuck. Stop, relax and have a candy bar while they dig out. Its easy..try it.
Just don't get stuck yourself!

 

[TIM]

I have used a kidney belt for years.

 

[Lt Rascal]

I got my back brace from wally world years ago. I hate to ride with out it. I have forgotten it a couple of times and regret it all day long.

 

[arctic matt]

Thanks for all of your opinions, and I hope to hear from more people! If I could ride all day without sitting, that would be great because I really do like the look of my sled without the seat, plus it would lose what, twelve or so pounds! But when I stand for long periods of time, my legs go numb due to compression Anyway, keep it going here, I appreciate all the comments. Thanks

 

[w8tn4u]

the vest I wear is not a tekvest, it is made by EVS model # bj22 .They make others but some do not have the kidney belt The kidney belt is built into the vest so it does not roll up like most kidney belts. The evs is very comfortable I wear a tee shirt and a shell coat. If really cold put a sweatshirt on over the vest. We road till July 15th last year and wore the vest in the 70 degree heat no problem. The back pack fits no problem. Usually the last thing i think about as I am going azz over tea kettle is "glad I got the vest on" .look the vest up on line to see what they look like. Best $135 mod you can make. I've hit trees and have watched buddies hit trees that should have broke bones, just get back on and try it again.

 

[absoluteapex]

i'm there,check out some new shocks i.e fox floats or a m-10 rear suspension if you plan on keeping your ride

 

[turbolover]

BackThing

RU Outside Backthing for me, I definitly felt it the one time I forgot it! Works great

I use one of these also. they are all neoprene and dont bind or pinch and they stay put.

 

[Tommy72]

protection

thanks for the feedback guys. Looking back, I have knocked the wind out of me few times by chest bumping handle bars. Protection makes lot of sense to me. EVS model # bj22 looks great but I think I'll go with straight chest/back plate and no shoulder pads. Hopefully I won't be too restricted under the jacket.

T

 

[Timber700RMK]

I've had one of these for a couple years now & my back feels fine now after every ride I also wear it working around the house. Worth it to me.
http://www.backaline.com/ArticleOffRoadSnowMobile.htm

 

[ouch]

fox kidney belt has worked fine for me..