The importance of a body protector at all times

[Booboos]

Probably would - but that isn't what they are designed to do, nor is there any evidence (other than common sense) that they would. To be honest, my points here are mostly pedantic - they shouldn't be referred to as back protectors (as some have on this thread) and it shouldn't necessarily be assumed that there will be any significant benefit in terms of preventing spinal injuries. Broken ribs, internal soft tissue injuries etc are more relevant.

There is no evidence either way on any of that. The BETA advice is very vague. If you think that spinal cords may be injured by the high levels of energy caused by falling and BPs may provide protection from those high levels of energy then BPs may protect from spinal cord injuries. That is all I can find evidence of, in light of which it is wisest not to make claims about the inability of BPs to protect against injury. If there is no evidence either way then it seems irresponsible to suggest a safety piece of kit does not work based on personal and anecdotal experience - that was the point of my post.

Do you have any evidence on how spinal injuries are caused during riding falls and/or on what BPs are designed to do that shows that the two have no connection?

 

[JFTDWS]

Do you have any evidence on how spinal injuries are caused during riding falls and/or on what BPs are designed to do that shows that the two have no connection?

No - as I said before the onus is on the manufacturer to prove protection, not the other way around. Whether or not you agree, bps are in fact sold (in the UK) with the disclaimer that they aren't necessarily protective against spinal injuries. Because there is no evidence...

(and at no point here have I shared any personal or anecdotal evidence - all I have stated is that bps are not marketed or designed to protect the spine. Again I think you must have me confused with someone else)

 

[Daytona]

I always thought a back protector is to protect the rider's backbone, back and ribs and to distribute the forces generated in a fall over a wider surface area. For instance if you land on a object. I landed on a jagged stone dyke once and had terrible pain and bruising to my ribs , I'm convinced without it I would of broke them. Even being saved from a broken rib is very much worth it.

The pain and time off work etc is worth preventing.