03-03-14, 09:35 AM
I thought many jackets just stuffed a foam insert in as a placeholder, it isn't actually armour per ce. This was the case with my Hein Gericke jacket, had to buy a £25 proper insert that was CE rated armour and swap it in.
I like the convenience of armour in place in the jacket, as you're more likely to wear it all the time. With a separate back protector, there's going to be days when you say arse to it, I'm only popping down shops for 5 mins, I'll be alright... However the armour inserted into jackets is often pretty basic, and will only be effective if your jacket is a good fit and they stay in position. Separate back protectors usually offer a lot more protection, especially for the lower part of the spine. Horses for courses, swings and roundabouts etc.
I like the convenience of armour in place in the jacket, as you're more likely to wear it all the time. With a separate back protector, there's going to be days when you say arse to it, I'm only popping down shops for 5 mins, I'll be alright... However the armour inserted into jackets is often pretty basic, and will only be effective if your jacket is a good fit and they stay in position. Separate back protectors usually offer a lot more protection, especially for the lower part of the spine. Horses for courses, swings and roundabouts etc.