PROJECT CRF50
NECK PROTECTION
PADDED NECK COLLAR:
When it comes to protecting the neck from injury there are a couple of options. Firstly there is the old standby, a neck collar such as the EVS RC1. While this does not provide significant protection from a serious fall it does reduce neck strain from the helmet rocking left and right and back and forth by limiting the range of motion of the head. Also in a fall it prevents the helmet from hitting the collar bone. This type of collar is very inexpensive costing around $35. For any child I would highly recommend always wearing at least a collar of this type. At a minimum it will reduce neck strain during a days ride and may help prevent collar bone injuries.
LEATT TYPE NECK BRACE:
The next and newest type of neck protection is collars like the Leatt Brace, the EVS RC Evolution and the newcomer from Alpinestar (available in November). These collars are designed to transfer the force of a head impact to the shoulder and prevent serious neck injuries. They are being worn more and more by professional and amateurs alike. There have been some instances where they may have caused collar bone injuries. Whether or not it also prevented a neck injury is uncertain. There is still a debate about comfort. Some riders say they get used to it and it doesn’t bother them and some say it is too much of a distraction and choose to not wear one.
One of the drawbacks of these braces is their high cost. The new Alpinestar brace has a retail price of $695 while the Leatt brace goes for $395. The EVS is the bargain of the group costing $169.
The braces can be attached in different ways. They can be attached to an extrenal chest protector or can use their own strap system.
Since many pro racers have suffered paralyzing neck injuries these braces may go a long way to help anyone doing serious motocross racing from getting this type of serious neck injury.
In the end the decision to wear a neck brace is a personal one. I have provided information from each company below to help you make an informed decision.
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ALPINESTAR Bionic Neck Support
Why does the EVS RC-EVO do this better than other braces out there? The EVS RC-EVO offers more effective load transfer to the shoulders, and deals with filling the space between helmet and shoulders more effectively than other devices. It avoids putting unnecessary pressures on the upper body in otherwise benign crashes. Other plusses are the better simplicity of use, the way-easier adjustability, the lower weight, lower bulk (oh, yeah!), and: it works with OUR roost guards, but also with anybody else’s. And did we mention that it looks like a piece of high-tech art, moto jewelry, eye-candy. Stay in one piece, but in comfort and in style. And as usual, delivered to you straight from the leading global protection experts at EVS.
Collar:
.Modular collar for easy ergonomic fit
.TPR frontal closure
.Hook and loop connection for on-the-fly attachment and detachment
.Adjustable height allows a customized fit
Chassis:
•Soft rubberized leading edges for added comfort.
•Structural back and shoulder support.
•Mesh covered vents to increase airflow.
•Light weight design.
•No buckles, bolts or screws involved.
Liner:
.Soft hidden tether for optional chest protector attachment
.Removable so you can pull it off and throw it in the wash
.Vented liner has sculpted contours for breath-ability and airflow
Strap Attachment (removable):
.Reinforced padded straps to keep the system secure
.Buckle-less sternum strap (hook and loop) for micro size adjustment
Sizes:
Large (150-250lbs), Medium (100-150lbs), Youth (50-100lbs)
EVS RC EVOLUTION INFORMATION
The Leatt-Brace(R) is an injection produced glass reinforced nylon or carbon fiber and Kevlar neck brace system designed by medical professionals and motorcycle enthusiasts to help prevent:
Hyperflexion: extreme forward head movement
Hyperextension: extreme rearward head movement
Lateral Hyperflexion: extreme sideways head movement
Axial loading: compression of the spinal column due to the effect of force on the helmet
Posterior hypertranslation: rearward movement of the head/helmet on the neck.
There is currently no other neck protection system available for motorcyclists that can effectively help prevent all of the above potential injuries. The design rationale behind the Leatt-Brace(R) is to bring the head to a controlled stop. This is achieved by providing a padded rigid structure that acts as an alternate load path for neck forces. Helmet impacts otherwise transmitted from the helmet to skull and then to the neck are re-directed from the helmet to the brace to other body structures in a safe way.
The design of the Leatt-Brace(R) prevents the helmet/head from projecting over the brace and therefore prevents a fulcrum action, which has been documented in literature pertaining to the use of collar devices. The Leatt-Brace(R) MOTO GPX works with most types of body armor and chest protectors. It is also suitable for use by Superbike riders. Over long distances, the Leatt-Brace(R) will also offer some relief from neck fatigue. Only leathers with a hump require minor modification.
The X-Strap (for upright riding position) and GP-Strap (for Superbike leathers with a hump), included with the MOTO GPX, are designed for the extreme rider who may experience 'float' at high speed (Superbike) or in a big air and flat-out whoop situations (motocross). Note: Not all riders will find the X-Strap and the GP-Strap necessary.
The Leatt-Brace(R) MOTO GPX is compatible with all motorcycle helmet types and our design allows riders an adequate range of movement. The Leatt-Brace(R) MOTO GPX is designed for use on all motorcycles and ATVs for competition use, recreational riding and daily commuting. Leatt-Brace(R) has been tested by BMW Munich, KTM Works Riders, the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards). It is also endorsed by MSA (Motorsport South Africa).
LEATT GPX INFORMATION
The Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is a structure which is designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck injury (i.e. a paralyzing injury) while riding motocross or off-road. While no product can guarantee protection from all motorcycle injuries, due to the varied dynamics of accidents, the BNS is designed to substantially reduce the likelihood of a career ending neck injury although it must be stated at the outset that it, as with other such systems, may not prevent injuries occurring in all cases. The BNS comes with its own carrying bag for extra convenience.
ALPINESTAR BIONIC NECK SUPPORT INFORMATION
The BNS functions by providing an alternative load path for the energy that compresses the neck.
If the helmet is in contact with the Bionic Neck Support at the moment of impact the overall load passing through the neck can be reduced, which may prevent a fracture from occurring.
The BNS also helps reduce the chance of muscular injuries associated with extremes of head movement.
While it is not possible to eliminate the risk of any form of injury, the BNS is designed to help prevent the most serious damage and minimize the risk of collateral injury as the impact load is channeled away from the neck.
When compared to soft ‘neck roll’ devices the protection afforded is significantly better because being soft, these devices simply deform, offering no protection against the damaging compressive forces.
As with any riding equipment, fit is critical to ensuring the most effective protection possible and riders should choose the equipment that is best suited to their body. No neck device should roll around over the shoulders.
Pivot Key system: A special magnesium key located at the rear allows the convenient front opening of the device while also allowing it to be dismantled in an emergency.
Fitting System: Fine adjustment of the shoulder height allows a more personalised fit – particularly for individuals who have a shorter than normal neck.
Rear Stabilizer Failure system: In the event of large loads being channeled onto the rear stabilizer (the part that sits on the back) there are a number of deliberate bending and fracture points designed to relieve extreme loads that may be transmitted down the back. These include:
1.Deflection of foam tail.
2.Grooves to allow deflection of support structure tip.
3.Fracture area of support structure tip.
4.Fracture of supporting members (also fracture if subject to side loads that could cause a large rotation to the head).
Collar Bone preservation 1: All parts in contact with the body use an expanded foam compound to distribute the impact force over the widest area yet remain light in weight.
Collar Bone preservation 2: A continuous frame member runs over the shoulders – this means there are no weak points in a critical part of the frame and that there are no metal pins or screws sitting directly above the shoulders which could be dislodged into the shoulders or collarbone during an accident.
Choice of Strap Systems. The BNS is supplied with the X-Strap System which allows a small, light strap (worn over or under the jersey) to secure the device to the rider. The larger A-Strap assembly (available as a separate accessory) provides a traditional chest strap for those who like to wear the protector tight to the body.
Carbon Composite frame to maximize frame stiffness and minimize weight.
Mounting points for accessories: Assist the integration of the BNS with your own Alpinestars accessories.
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