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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 (ie. A paralyzing
injury). 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 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
Blend of reinforced Polyurethane main frame material - extensively
impact tested at varying temperatures to ensure neck ring stays intact
Two different densities of EVA foam are used in the BNS SB: firmer EVA
in the shoulders and softer EVA in the front and back for comfort
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 Stabiliser Failure system: In the event of large loads being
channeled onto the rear stabiliser (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:
Deflection of foam tail
Grooves to allow deflection of support structure tip
Fracture area of support structure tip
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
Mounting points for accessories: Assist the integration of the BNS
with your own Alpinestars accessories |
Bionic Neck Support Selection and Fitting
The table below provides a guide
to the fitting process. Find your corresponding jacket size in the
left columns of the table, compare to your chest circumference
measurement, and then select a size of Bionic Neck Support frame on
the right depending on how thick or thin (T) your chest is.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 9-11 years old |
72 (28.3")
|
-
|
XS
|
XS
|
| 12-13 years old |
76 (30.0")
|
XS
|
XS
|
XS
|
| 14-16 years old |
80 (31.5")
|
XS
|
XS
|
S
|
|
42
|
32
|
85 (33.5")
|
XS
|
S
|
S
|
|
44
|
34
|
88 (34.6")
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
46
|
36
|
92 (36.25")
|
S
|
S
|
M
|
|
48
|
38
|
96 (37.75")
|
S
|
M
|
M
|
|
50
|
40
|
100 (39.4")
|
M
|
M
|
L
|
|
52
|
42
|
104 (41.0")
|
M
|
M
|
L
|
|
54
|
44
|
108 (42.5")
|
M
|
L
|
L
|
|
56
|
46
|
112 (44.1")
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
|
58
|
48
|
116 (45.75")
|
L
|
L
|
XL
|
|
60
|
50
|
120 (47.25")
|
L
|
L
|
XL
|
|
62
|
52
|
124 (48.8")
|
L
|
XL
|
XL
|
|
64
|
54
|
128 (50.4")
|
XL
|
XL
|
-
|
|
66
|
56
|
132 (52.0")
|
XL
|
XL
|
-
|
|
