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 Bionic Neck Support 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.
Both the Carbon Bionic Neck Support and the Bionic Special Blend Neck Support are designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck injury (i.e. 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 serious neck injury, although it must be stated that the BNS, as with other such systems, may not prevent injury from occurring in all cases
Functions by providing an alternate load path for the energy that compresses the neck
If the helmet is in contact with the BNS at the moment of impact, the overall load passing through the neck can be reduced which may prevent a fracture from occurring
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 provided is significantly better because being soft, these devices simply deform, offering no protection against damaging compressive forces
Fit is critical to ensure the most effective protection possible and riders should choose the equipment size best suited for their body; the BNS should not roll around over the shoulders
Pivot Key System: A special magnesium key located at the rear allows the convenient front opening of the device and allows for quick dismantling in an emergency
Fitting System: A fine adjustment of shoulder height allows a more personal fit particularly for individuals with 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: deflection of the foam tail (grooves to allow deflection of support structure tip), fracture area of support structure tip and fracture of supporting members (also fracture if subject to side loads that could cause a large rotation to the head)
Collar bone preservation: All parts in contact with the body use an expanded foam compound to distribute the impact over the widest possible area yet are still light in weight
Collar bone preservation 2: A continuous frame member runs over the shoulders which means there are no weak points in a critical part of the BNS frame and that there are no metal pins or screws sitting directly above the shoulders that could come dislodged into the shoulders or collarbone during an accident
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
Carbon Bionic Neck Support
Carbon composite frame to maximize frame stiffness and minimize weight
Carbon Bionic Neck Support comes with its own carrying bag for extra convenience
Weight is approximately 850 grams
Bionic Special Blend (SB) Neck Support
Special blend of reinforced polyurethane main frame construction for a high strength yet forgiving design that transfers high impact loads effectively
Differing EVA composite foam pads form comfortable support with firm pads in the shoulders and softer pads in the chest and back for comfort and adaptability
Weight is approximately 970 grams
Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) 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.
