Not to start a huge debate on safety equipment, but I got a fun question:
“Should I wear a back protector? My friend says they don’t do much…”
To answer that, let’s look at what a back protector actually does.
What does a back protector do?
Basically, a back protector distributes impact pressure to your back. Instead of taking a sharp hit to one specific spot when you fall, a back protector will absorb some of that pressure and distribute it more evenly. This helps you to avoid broken back bones.
What a back protector WON’T help you with:
A back protector will not stop spine compression injuries that result from being compressed too far forward. I’ve had multiple compression injuries from being compressed forward while wearing my back protector, none of which were stopped by me wearing the back protector.
My current back protector.
It will however help with compression injuries where you get folded/compressed backwards.
So should you wear one?
Well, that’s really up to you. Unlike a helmet, which I wear constantly when I snowboard, I don’t wear my back protector at all times. I personally don’t feel like I need it unless I’m doing freestyle.
I find back protectors a little annoying and uncomfortable while sitting on chairlifts and I’ve never had a fall outside the park or backcountry which would have been aided by a back protector. That said, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t wear one.
If you find yourself landing on your back or you just want more peace of mind, by all means wear one. I love my back protector when I’m in the park or hitting backcountry jumps. I definitely think it’s a good idea to wear one when doing freestyle.
Obviously, they’re not compulsory and I’m not going to say you must wear one, it’s certainly your own choice, but I do think they are a good idea if you do a lot of freestyle, maybe not so much if you never do anything outside of groomed runs.
Hope that answers your question!
ps – Go enter the October giveaway that’s running right now if you want some free swag 😉