Why should you have a good back shield?
The most important reason is to take care of yourself, your body and your family. There are many accidents on skis and snowboards every year, but some of the major accidents often happen off-piste. You can be unlucky and it can happen anywhere on the mountain.
Professional or beginner, there's no difference, if you're a pro you'll probably drive more safely, but often much faster. If you're a beginner, your technique isn't super good, which is why you'll probably fall over quite a few times.
So anyone can be involved in a crash, you can also be unlucky enough to be hit at high speed, which means you couldn't have done anything yourself.
From my own experience, I would say that all snowboarders should snowboard, as anything else is irresponsible.
Ride with a back protector for your own health and for the sake of your family and friends. The investment can pay for itself very quickly and I think most people who have been in a skiing accident would recommend everyone to spend the money on a back protector to keep themselves safe.
Back shields can be purchased at: BNA Boardshop
1. Cairn Pro Impakt D3O Back Shield
Best Back Shield for the price
Price: 799 kr.
This back shield is designed for skiers/snowboarders who want to take care of themselves, especially in the snowpark. The back shield is made with their D30 shock absorption technology, which works in such a way that when the impact comes, the material becomes completely rigid.
If you're a snowboarder, it's very important to use a back protector as you often land on your back. If you're brand new to snowboarding - this Pro Impakt D30 is the safe choice. You can also choose to go with cheaper models, but we don't recommend them - the reason for this is comfort, flexibility and performance.
Important - Make sure you choose the size that fits you.
The benefits
- Weighs a little
- Comfortable
- Fair price level
- Adjustable
Disadvantages
- No disadvantages
How to choose the right back shield?
There are two things to think about when buying a back shield. There are 2 types of backshields, the first we call oldschool, it's the slightly older backshields where you have 1-2 hard plates that sit in the backshield, they are quite stiff, but take the big impact. The second we call newschool, it contains material that adjusts to the body and the heat in the body, it gives a much better comfort and more freedom of movement. Newschool is a kind of foam that means that when you fall, it "squeezes" a little and then expands again.
2. POC VPD System Vest
Best Carapace overall
Price: 1,699 kr.
POC is another brand in ski holiday protection. Their POC VPD ski back protector with vest wins as "Best back protector overall" for the reason that a back protector with a vest doesn't move around on your back like one without a vest.
If you love the snowpark and backcountry skiing - and know you go several times a year, I would definitely go with the POC VPD System vest.
For this vest to fit properly, you need to choose the size that suits you right now. You wear the ski undershirt under the vest, of course.
The benefits
- Fits snugly
- Breathable mesh material
- Freedom of movement
- Weighs incredibly little
Disadvantages
- Vest may seem more warm
Features you should be aware of
Breathability is important for how your day on the slopes turns out, which can mean a very hot day on the slopes if you don't choose a back shield with good breathability.
Flexibility is worth thinking about, but most are quite flexible if you choose one that costs from 600 and upwards. When you're getting on the lift or having a cup of cocoa, you want to be able to move around, especially when you're going out in the park and doing evil tricks.
Size is important. If it's too big, you risk it sitting awkwardly and shaking around on your back. If it's too small, you'll find it sits too tight or sits up in your neck and the breathability will be poor. Most importantly, you run the risk of it not protecting you properly.
The fit, if you don't choose the right size, you won't get the right fit on your back shield. That's why it's also important if you have a growing child that you don't buy it too big.
3. cairn Proride D3O
Best Back Protectors for kids
Price: 649 kr.
Cairn Proride D30 is the back protector that fits your child on skiing holidays, once your child gets the hang of skiing, they typically seek new challenges that are often related to steeper slopes, the park or maybe a trip off-piste.
If you know people who have been injured while skiing, you know how important ski helmets and back protectors are.
If your child chooses to try snowboarding, get a back brace one way or another. Most back injuries on ski holidays happen on snowboards.
As a disadvantage we have written "it won't fit for many years", which means - you have to choose the size that fits now and here. A back shield of this quality can easily be sold for 50% of the original price.
The benefits
- Great material
- Good breathability
- Fits close to the body
- Minimize chances of injury
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for many years
Cheap or expensive back shield?
Expensive back shield - What you get when you buy an expensive back shield is that it's very flexible, it sits well on your back and it's easy to adjust, you can probably zip it up too. It works like a vest that you put on over your ski undershirt. The breathability is good so you can get rid of the sweat.
Cheap back shield - You can buy a good back shield for around 5-700kr, you'll be able to wear it as a vest without anything under the sleeves and the shield in the back will be a bit more rigid than the more expensive models. It will probably have to be closed with Velcro.
Which one should you buy? - With so many different models, brands and prices for back protectors, it can be a bit of a jungle. Most importantly, make sure you buy one.
Who makes the best Back Scalds for skiing?
Recommendation
Here at www.skier.dk we recommend that you buy a back shield to take good care of your back or your child's back. Many people choose to go without as they see it as a slightly expensive investment for ski holidays. But you minimize the chance of getting back injuries that can affect you for the rest of your life.
It provides security for yourself and your family, it doesn't bother you on the slopes, it gives you freedom because if you have an accident, you won't hurt yourself as much as if you weren't wearing it.
