Klim D3O Viper T5 Pro Back Protector
4.7
5
69
69
Good alternative to (unreasonably) expensive replacement back protectors
Before I even get started, it has to be said: $40 bucks for a CE2 back protector is a steal. That should be enough of an incentive for anybody.
That being said, the pad is heavy. Noticeably heavy. It's a super dense yet workable foam that has almost the same squeeze to it as a stress ball. The fact that's it's just a solid blob of material means that if the pad doesn't fit in your particular jacket, it can be trimmed down with relative ease.
One minor issue I ran into upon unbarring the back protector was that the venting holes were not punched through all the way. I had to take a pen and finish the holes. Not a colossal problem, but I would have thought Kilm's quality control would be a little better.
The pad fits into my Icon Patrol Raiden jacket fairly well. It's hard to tell if it's entirely snug, but it doesn't move around while I'm riding, which is nice. That being said, the wavy pattern on what I'm assuming is the front-towards-rider side is a little uncomfortable because of the 'hardness' of the material. It's not like a spongey, squishy sensation, it's jarring, prominent grooves pressed against your back. I'm slowly getting used to the feeling, but the first few times I rode with it, I put my original back protector in front of the Viper to soften the feeling.
May 20, 2013
Klim D30 Viper T5
Replaced the foam pad in my Tour Master Sonora Air jacket. Barely fits as it is larger than the original. Much better air flow and is very comfortable. Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is because I have not tested the degree of protection.
May 20, 2013
Great fit in Klim Traverse Jacket
Perfect fit in the back protector pouch of the Klim Traverse jacket. Seems to breath well, and doesn't add too much weight to the jacket. Haven't crash tested it, thankfully.
May 14, 2013
good air flow
Great air flow and good flexibility. But they run big and it might not fit your particular jacket. One way to get around this situation is to the trim the padding itself.
May 13, 2013
Unique Back Protector
I bought this because it was a great price and I wanted to try D30 back protection. It fits well in my Dainese Racing Perforated Leather Jacket. It is a little on the heavy side. I would recommend this product.
May 6, 2013
More substantial protection than stock pad.
I installed this in my FirstGear Kathmandu jacket. The Kathmandu comes from the manufacturer with D3O elbow and shoulder pads. But the back pad is just perforated foam, and I wanted complete D3O protection.
I was curious as to the difference between the Klim and the Icon D3O back protector. I emailed Revzilla and they told me the thicknesses where virtually the same, but the Klim had deeper ventilation channels. I wanted the maximum ventilation possible, so I went with the Klim.
As mentioned by others, the vent holes that are molded into the channels were blocked by the mold flashing in about 80% of the holes. I used a sharp #11 X-Acto blade and cut them out in a few minutes. I expected a little better quality control from a Klim-branded accessory, but I wasn't too big of a deal, just a minor annoyance.
I really can't rate the protection level, it's such a subjective thing. It should be better than thin foam, though. The summer riding season is coming, so I'll know how the air flow is soon. It, too, should be better than the stock pad since there is less surface area contacting your back. (The pad isn't really smaller, but the channel "peaks" are all that are really in contact with your back, with nice, deep channels.) If it will fit in my summer mesh jacket, I'll try it in there. And I'll probably order another, too.
In all, it seems like a nice pad. But I hope I never have to test it's protection level.....
April 29, 2013
Comfortable CE level 2 protection at a great price.
Fit easily into my AGV Sport jacket with minimal trimming. It's much thicker than the flimsy foam it replaced, but because it is so flexible it's barely noticeable. It can get a bit sweaty when it's hot out, but it's not as bad as bigger level 2 protection. I had my friend hit me in the back with a hammer and could barely feel it, so I know it works. The only downside is that it doesn't cover as much of my back as other level 2 pads might, but it's fine for street riding. I also had to trim about an inch off the bottom to fit it in my jacket, so that's partially my fault.
April 29, 2013
Klim Back Protector for Icon Overlord Textile Jacket
A few things I would like to point out about the Klim Back Protector.
1. I did have to punch out the air holes, as many have noted previously on the comments section below. I used a tweezers to "pick" the membrane skin off the holes. Took me about 30-35 min going slowly.(See pic of holes I made for air in the Klim)
2. It is VERY lightweight, even when compared to the OEM foam back protector that came with my Icon jacket. I promise that you will not notice the difference in weight. I actually weighed both protectors. ICON OEM FOAM : 72.5 grams, Klim D30 Back Protector (Holes cut out): 469.5 grams. So, it is only making your jacket 397 grams heavier. There is 454 grams in a pound, so we are talking a few ounces less than a pound of difference between the two protectors.
3. The airflow through the backpad is good, but due to the "rubber like" feel of the pad, it is a tad warmer than the stock foam protector.
4. I had a friend punch me in the back using each of the protectors. Using the Icon OEM back pad, I could really feel the punch, knuckles and all. It hurt! Using the Klim, I heard a slap, and felt the impact force, but MUCH less pain. Could feel no knuckles with the Klim and my friend hurt his hand.
In summary, the Klim Back Protector flows air well, is lightweight, and it does seem to provide a superior level of protection from the OEM foam pads. Fits in the Icon Overlord Textile Jacket with perfection. (See fitment pic)
April 27, 2013