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Knox Aegis Back Protector Review
By Sharon Parker
Review Date 20/05/14
I had developed a pain in my shoulder when ever I put my back protector on. The top corner seemed to be pressing on a nerve and as time went on the pain got worse. So it was time to look for a new back protector.
I wanted to get the best protection I could for my back. Having endured a spinal tumour and subsequent surgery to remove it I am all too aware of how any spinal injury or problems can have a massive impact on your life.
I am only small being just 5ft so I also needed a back protector that would be available in different sizes.
My research led me the the Knox Aegis. Knox have an excellent reputation for their safety products and safety wise this fitted the bill. It was also available in 7 different sizes. The size is measured by the length of you back, with extra plates being added the longer your back. The smallest being 4 plates in length and the largest being 9 plates. A race option with additional coccyx protection is also available.
It also promised to be lightweight and flexible so it was time to go and have a look and try one on.
Now Knox supply a measuring guide for the Aegis. I measure from my nape of my neck to my waist 380mm. According to their guide that would mean a 5 plate size for me. I tried on the 5 plate but it felt a little short. The 6 plates covered more of my back without being too long on me. So I would suggest that you use the measuring guide as a starting point only and actually try on the size above or below the guide size so you can be sure the get the perfect fit for you.
My Aegis 6 plate
Once on the back protector felt incredibly light and its flexible sliding spine worked a treat. However I moved the back protector just flexed and moved with my body. To add even more comfort the adjustable shoulder straps are flexible too, inserted into a little integral sliding device they also move and adjust with your body movements.
Super flexible spine
Slider for shoulder straps
The waistband is also multi adjustable. It provides 5 different height positions to ensure the perfect fit. This fit was also further enhanced by the Velcro waistband with extra side adjustment straps to give a real snug fit and therefore the best close protection against the spine.
Multi-positional height adjustment on waistband
Side adjustment straps
There is simply no doubt that the Aegis is just packed full with adjustable options to give a custom fit to this back protector. These adjustments ensure the most flexible and comfortable feel I believe a back protector can provide. I was most impressed. Did I buy one ? You bet I did.
Soft padded comfortable interior
Now for the technical details -
Flexible sliding spine protection moving freely over the shock absorbing honeycomb ensuring maximum coverage.
The Aegis has a superior air ventilation system.
Open cell technology for superior air flow to keep riders cool.
Multi position waist strap system to give the best individual fit.
Extra side adjustment straps give a more secure fit against the spine.
Quick release soft shoulder straps can cross over for increased comfort. They also give a fitting system for an optional
Low profile design constructed to be lightweight and breathable but without loss of performance.
Kidney pads for added performance.
CE approved - EN1621- 2
I have had my Aegis for just over 12 months now and I have not one single complaint about it. It is an absolute joy of a back protector to wear. No more painful sore pressure points. No discomfort at all when wearing it. The fact that all the superior protection it affords is encased in such an incredibly light, flexible, comfortable and custom adjustable fit is design at its very best. I cannot imagine ever wanting to own any other back protector than a Knox Aegis. It is simply perfect.
I purchased my Aegis in 2013. There is a new 2014 version out now. The new model now also includes -
A new inner layer of EVA foam that Knox says provides even extra spinal protection.
Removable breathable liner for extra air flow and performance and machine washable for freshness.
Proof then that Knox can actually improve on perfection.
Expect to pay around £100 for the new 2014 model.
My Knox Aegis rating is -
10 out 10. I will even give it an extra special GOLD STAR award
Reader's Comments
Borsuk said :-
Like yourself Sharon I too have spinal problems and after reading your review I looked closely at the Knox systems and eventually decided on the Meta-Sys Back Protector. It has the same adaptability and ventilation as the Aegis, the main difference is fewer spinal plates, only 4, but has 2 scapula plates at the shoulders and it has a greater impact dissipation than the Aegis.
It has been very comfortable to wear, you hardly notice you are wearing it, even after 4 hours of continuous riding and a half hour of pushing my bike up and down the hill trying to start it. Too many years with fuel injection, I have forgotten the quirks to using a choke.
So thank you for an excellent review. The Knox is an excellent piece of kit and the D30 back armour that came with my jacket is exceptionally good at keeping my bum from freezing when I am drinking a cuppa at a roadside cafe.
20/02/2017 20:01:29 UTC
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