Tekvest questions
- Thread starter dcsnomo
- Start date
I love my tekvest and it actually feels uncomfortable when I don't wear it. I feel like it has saved me a broken rib or two. As far as helping your back I don't really think it would give you much support. I would advise some type of back support. Of course it depends on which part of your back specifically needs the help. A friend of mine rides with a lower back support and it really helps him.
600_RMK_144
Well-known member
Out west last season was the first time I had ever wore one, so I'll give you my perspective as a new wearer of them... If you make lots of stops, it is an extra layer you'd be peeling off and putting back on every time which can be a bit of a hassle. But the obvious question is are you willing to deal with that in order to feel more protected? I do feel like it keeps me in an upright riding position better, but that may not help the back problems and also depends a lot on the type of vest. I did take a header over the bars and although it was a minor event, I felt like I probably would have been in at least some pain had I not had it on. My take is that if you are considering it for "safety" reasons then heck yes. I think I'm going to start wearing mine on all trips for this reason. But if you are considering it for "back" problems, then I'd say there are better options to consider like a back brace or something as mentioned above.
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It won't help your back however, it does help keep you in a more upright position if it's on tight. That could prevent the slouching effect. I wear a good back brack brace and a Tekvest. Once you get used to them, you won't want to ride without it.
I don't find it a hassle at all to take it off at stops. Just part of the drill.
They are a bit pricey but, shop around. I ended up getting mine off Ebay for $90.00, new with tags.
I don't find it a hassle at all to take it off at stops. Just part of the drill.
They are a bit pricey but, shop around. I ended up getting mine off Ebay for $90.00, new with tags.
I have worn a tekvest the last two years. I feel naked without it. I used to wear a kidney belt years ago but the new suspensions made for that. Now my problems are recovering from open heart surgery last month. Has anyone been through this and still ride, Iam still a young 57 years old.
600_RMK_144
Well-known member
That is young. My father in law still rides and he's 72! Keep it up!!!
I used a handy back support called "The Back Thing". It's designed for lower back support. I loved it, and sold it to the guy that bought my sled. I would highly recommend one if you have lower back support issues and back pain. Easy enough to take off during warmup stops too. I've never worn a vest, so I can't offer much on that, but it seems to me the vests are made to protect your front side.
Google Fox racing vest. A lot of options and won't break the bank . Go to your local motorcycle shop and try them on with your gear. You won't wear it,if it doesn't fit right. I do own one with a built in belt,but I think they call it a kidney belt? You can decide how much protection you need,simple vest to back,neck,arms ,chest and shoulders. The one I bought for my son is for street racing.he likes it,because it's less bulky. My vest saved me twice,both low speed mishaps.
All good advice, thanks. I really don't have back problems, I'm just getting older and the miles tend to wear on me a bit more than they used to. I saw the Klim Tekvest and it said "excellent back support" but maybe I am looking for something else. I just want some support. Maybe I should just wear the cheapie "Home Depot" style suspender back support.
If you're not worried about protection, just the back, that's what I would do. Just don't go cheap. You get what you pay for.
I find a few flexeril and some anti inflammatory washed down with a beer works until lunch then repeat until a few days after the trip.
have u looked in to the back thing?
http://www.ruoutside.com/backthing-perforated.html
have u looked in to the back thing?
http://www.ruoutside.com/backthing-perforated.html
I'm older than you & wear a sixsixone coreprocter with spine protection it has a rinky dink back belt built in which I use to keep the protector in place then I take my back thing & wrap it around the coreprocter belt...keeps my back & organs in place & I still bang trails with the guys in their 20s. For knees I weal wear Mueller knee braces with metal hinges then at about 3PM I take a 1 Lortab just to take the edge off & complete the last 75 to 100 miles. I have to ride unplowed FRs, ditches & lake to & from home to trails so finish hard & alone so have to protect the body for the big finish. Usually ride 200 to 275 miles a day mostly UP trails & stay off grades prefer twistys so no easy grade miles. I have been wearing the backthing for 20+ years & a must have for older guys. I have the the perferated black backthing so breaths....I think RUoutside sells a battery heated back thing if that appeals but not good for me since I use back thing for watersports as well. Lots of back supports out there but backthing works wears like iron once you buy one you will wonder how you rode without 1?
I bought my "Back Thing" from RUOutside. It offered great support!