Back protectors for kids - should I get some?

A snowHead

We’ve got two boys, aged 13 and 10, very competent skiers, both completed ESF gold over the last year or two. Currently on our first ski trip of the season and noticed a lot of other kids/teens wearing back protectors. Should we get some? Our boys tend to ski reds and blacks (fast) all day long, but no off piste or racing, and aren’t big on snow parks etc. Just wondering if others kit their kids out with back protectors at this stage or if it’s overkill? Google isn’t being massively helpful, Thanks!

A snowHead

I think that's a decision you need to make based on your attitude to risk! And if they'd be happy to wear them Cool

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

One thing to bear in mind....a back protector needs to be a good fit (otherwise is uncomfortable and can limit movement), so your kids will grow out of them very quickly.

In general I think where they ski and how fast they ski, how reckless they are and whether they attempt jumps (unlikely), will have a bearing on the decision....eg. If they do some Park skiing and/or a bit of Freeriding it might merited.

For kids to tolerate it, probably consider a Soft Shell one.

In general, I believe around 4% of ski injuries are back related (not sure how that breaks down for children)....but when it does happen, it can be life-changing.

Back protectors are not something that I have direct experience of - either for me or my kids.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Thank you both. Super helpful. Totally appreciate it’s a risk-benefit decision, and we tend towards being very risk-tolerant so had never considered them. But I’ve seen a lot of (mostly Northern European) older kids wearing them this week which made me wonder if they were similar to helmets- I think back to what I got up to on skis in my twenties with no helmet and it makes me shudder, yet now I wouldn’t go on a piste without one- so it was more about benchmarking our decision not to bother with protectors against others. Thanks again for taking the time to reply, and would be grateful for other’s opinions.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

We have a friend whose son was paralysed at age 14 after a ski crash. Words can't describe how horrendous something like that is.

The vest style back protectors (poc-ito / salomon) etc are low profile and not an inconvenience. Neither of my boys (age 8 & 11) object to wearing them.

You'll need to Register first of course.

@izzym, In northern europe, alot more kids play in the snowparks, fringes of pistes and forests. They are also quite fashionable amongst especially teenage boys ( in Sweden ay least). Maybe they are a badge of how gnarly you are?
I don't think they'd be a bad thing for your son's to wear, but I also wouldn't be worrying if they didn't. Agree with all said above.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Back protectors are required for all French ski races above ski school ones, so most local kids will be used to wearing them.

After all it is free

Do not forget that sometimes its not only how you ski but how the others ski...its not unusual that someone comes from behind and you
I have konperdell protectors for the whole family.
The only thing that i do not hestitate to give some more money , Helm and back protectors

I read once & I have no idea if it’s true or not but the Decathlon Equestrian ones are good for skiing and half the price

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Our kids had them from pretty much when they started skiing properly.
They raced and competed in freeride, so as noted above, mandatory.
Have had POC and EVOC ones, and they've all been good. They are the vest style with D3O or equivalent protector, so you don't even notice it when it's on.
As also noted above, be careful about the size - too big "to grow into" is a probably just as bad idea as too small (or possibly even worse, as it may impact the neck at the top)

I was an early adopter in early 2000s. I back flipped into a tree shortly after getting mine. Shocked

so was quite glad I had it (also saved me from injury in an apres related fall - but suspect that is less of an issue for the kids!

)

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@izzym, yes get them. It’s a must

snow reports

I’ve had a couple of hits from behind so we all wear them now - POC for kids and Salomon for the rest of us. They are super comfortable.

I'd re-emphasise the fit thing. I've worn a Salomon one for about 10 years - the first one was a 'unisex' size small, and it was never very comfortable. I am 5'4", and it was too long, so I was always aware of it at my neck when I sat down, and I wore it grudgingly. Then I got a small women's fit one, and now I barely know it's there, because it fits properly.

You know it makes sense.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

I did this to my back last season on a standard blue/red run. I wear back protection every day now since then.

A snowHead

For piste skiing I reach for the body armour before I reach for the helmet.

I use some old Dainese bike/ski which is pretty light weight but has chest, elbow and shoulder protection.

I’d guess that equine versions from Decathlon would be good option too?

A snowHead

Well that’s apposite … today I was hit from behind -BAM!!! POC back protector and helmet sure worked - shoulder bad, back is fine

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Never worn one, but after the carnage this week I'm definately considering it.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Thank you for the newer comments.
I am convinced. They are on the list to buy.

Help!!

Back protectors for kids - should I get some?

snowHeads Forum Index >>> The Piste