Product name: Knox back protector, £99.99
Miles covered/time: 10,000/six years
Contact: www.planet-knox.co.uk

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What’s good? Unlike other back protectors I’ve worn, this big old beauty covers the kidney area with hard armour, wraps half way round your body and really does give a feeling of utter protection should the unthinkable happen. I’ve never crashed while wearing it (touch wood), but comfort under leathers is pretty good. 

What’s not? It can be a little restrictive. Tipping into Park corner at Cadwell recently I couldn’t get right off the bike because it felt like I had a concrete slab tied to my back. Although the fit is good, it does have a tendency to ride up and poke out the top of my one-piece suit.  

Stars (out of five): ***