Alpinestars Nucleon KR-3 Back Protector Black/Red

I am surprised how good this back protector feels. Once its warm, I don't even notice it under the suit. That includes the kidney protection! I do recommend putting the protector on a wearing it for 5 to 10 min. before sliding into your suit. Once its warm its surprisingly supple.

I purchased this back protector and also the chest protector suggested in the video. Firstly I want to say that the video description did a great job. I confirm everything said by Bryan. The first few minutes that you wear the armors you can feel it, but while riding you just forget about it. The material takes the shape of your body giving a great feeling of protection but not too bulky. I strongly recommend the product and thanks to the SGT team for their good work of honest reviewing and great customer service.

Nice protector - because of the nucleon material, you do not feel the protector once your leathers are zipped up and you have some body heat in the protector.

The attachment points to the bottom of the back protector means the straps will be pulling into your armpits the entire time. You are forced to loosen the straps too much to avoid cutting off circulation, and then the protector slides up too much when trying to put the suit on. Also $20 for the tiny Velcro-on tail bone protector is too expensive. It is otherwise comfortable, but the strap design will have me looking elsewhere if this thing ever dies. I undestand that it is not on the kidney belt so that the protection can freely slide but, the pads could also be held in place by velcro just as the straps could

Purchased this back protector to replace a Knox Aegis 8 plate protector, I ordered a size large and length wise it is very similar to the 8 plate which is what I was looking for. This is by far the most comfortable protector I have ever worn, it does seem to disappear while riding the bike and the temperature sensitive foam really does make a difference in how the protector conforms to your body and movement. Now, there is one thing that I do have an issue with which is minor but worth noting. Where the straps connect at the top you can see in the pictures that there are two little padded wings that extend off the back protector. It seems as if they have slightly changed this design on the later models as compared to what is pictured and the lower part of the flap is a very flexible foam covered in cloth that for me catches on the neck of my suit when I try to put it on and requires that I do some serious reaching or ask for help from someone to unlatch the flaps from the neck of the suit so I can get it over the back protector. I am still giving this 5 stars because once its on it is fantastic but I do want to at least make it known that this is an issue I have experienced which is a minor annoyance when first suiting up for the day and would be worse if you like to get out of your suit between races (I generally do not).

Disclaimer, My previous back protector was a 15 year old universal 7 plastic plate armadillo style with a Joe Rocket Logo moniker. Never crash tested, very light would offer better than nothing protection. the Joe Rocket Fit very well under my high end 7 year old RS Taichi Suit. The Nucleon KR-3 is much heftier in weight and about a 25% thicker. It fits me well, is the same length as the Joe Rocket. It also fits well in my RS Taichi suit. Next month I start a 10 day summer track schedule where I will get to fully test the comfort. I believe it will, due to the fact Brain Van endorsed the comfort and construction.. I did after the fact order the matching integrating Alpinestars chest protector which is in route to my address. Although I already had a nice RS Taichi chest protector, I thought the matching chest protector would make it fit even better and allow me to use the combo in some of my street and adventure tour gear. The reason for the 4 star is due to my long torso. I would prefer it to be a few inches longer. The up and down belly adjustable strap help with my fit. I am 6' 2" 190 lbs. if your fat to muscle ratio is high for your weight, be advised to get the one with the longer belly strap. You're going to need it. I really like it, its very cool!

No Expert on back protectors, but this fits well (ie the sizing is closer than the guess you always seem to get). It looks big but fit under my leathers, not sure about the kidney/spleen/love handle protectors... might try with and without on the track (after all weight savings).

I had the Dainese Manis D1 so for me in comparison I think the D1 is lighter, probably given the memory foam present in this A.Stars which weights a bit. It feels more comfortable than the Dainese (atributed to the memory foam) and I really like the rips/ribs protector (depending of the way you set them). Actually that is why I bought this one. I had a high side and felt on my left rip and shoulder. Did not break anything but it hurted for a month. So if you are looking for extra side protection better get this one.

Great back protector. Comfortable.