Adult Male Body Protector Advice

Doug

Doug

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Good Evening,

I have started jumping in my lessons and as such the riding school has advised that I really need to wear a body protector for them to let me jump in my lessons.

I went to a store today to try a couple on, namely the Racesafe and Airowear Outlyne.

I am looking at advice as to which one people would choose to go with. Or would the consensus be to look at a different brand all together?!

It is to be worn during RS lessons and whilst hacking out etc as if I have it I might as well wear it!

Observations during test fitting:

Racesafe
- Felt light and instantly comfortable
- I would need a custom size as the back pannel is a bit long (needs reducing by 2"). No price change, just a 10-14 day wait for a custom one to be made.
- slight bulkiness under arms which means there is contact and slight pressure between arms and BP when riding normally with hands in correct position. No issue in jump position.

Airowear Outlyne
- Feels much more substantial! Can really tell you are wearing a BP and feel it may offer more protection in a fall.
- Not as comfortable
- Must better fitting under arms and is the perfect back length

So if I were to go with one of them. Would the Racesafe likely 'bed in' under the arms to give a better fit?

The Airowear felt a LOT more rigid. is it likely to loosen up a touch after a few rides?

My aspirations are to go hunting, would either be more suitable for wearing under a hunting jacket?

My head says to go with the Airowear Outlyne as it is a better fit straight away. Although I like the look, comfort and lightness of the racesafe.

Sorry for the rambling post, I believe it is customary on here to offer some eTreat to readers so feel free to have a large G&T if you get this far (but only if you offer assistance :-P )
 
I'm female, but the race safe is really comfortable. It's protected me well during many falls.
Why not have a look at the body protectors worn by male eventers on YouTube? May give you an idea of what is popular and presumably comfortable.
 
Spotsrock said:
My airowear softens after about 10 minutes wear.
Click to expand...

I thought that might be the case. Thank you for the confirmation.

The racesafe seems to have the best response at the moment. I'm wondering if I just dont 'fit' a racesafe as it was too big under my arms. Unless that is something I could fix by tightening up the lacing on the side?
 
Husband chose airowear, I'd suggest going back to the shop and re-trying, but have a Mooch about for 10-15mins in the shop wearing it, his softens but it might help you check fit and comfort? Also sit on a saddle if you haven't already because the position you ride in will be vastly different to standing.

He also tried the race safe with a similar issue of trying to sit with his arms in the right place unrestricted. the foam shouldn't bed in, it would mean the foam is compromised as they little micro bubbles within it are there to absorb shock - it's not like the motorcycle foam which does.
 
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Doug said:
I thought that might be the case. Thank you for the confirmation.

The racesafe seems to have the best response at the moment. I'm wondering if I just dont 'fit' a racesafe as it was too big under my arms. Unless that is something I could fix by tightening up the lacing on the side?
Click to expand...

I have an outlyne and its positively floppy once its warmed up ;)

Do not get one that bothers you under your arms, it will drive you mad.
 
Thank you for the advice guys. I think the Outlyne has won :-)

The saddlery shall be getting a call in the morning.
 
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