air jacket advice please

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Chloesmum

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I have recently taken a tumble - off my own two feet rather than off my horse - and broke both of my wrists. The wrists are mending and I hope to be back on board for hacking and dressage in a few weeks time. As a result of breaking them I have been told I have a problem with my bone density and could suffer from further breaks particularly spine and hips from falls - I am not one for falling off horses if I can help it. A friend suggested I look at getting a point 2 air jacket which might help if I did part company with my horse.

I would be grateful for any feedback regarding these, particularly how comfortable are they and do people use them for everyday riding etc. They look quite impressive on the website. Also would it be acceptable to do dressage in one - I am hoping to do some local shows for the first time this summer.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
 
I would highly recommend one of the Kan Teq body protectors. They are amazing and are basically custom made to fit the female shape! They feel heavy but fit perfectly and are not at all restricting, in fact you soon forget you are even wearing one. The technology is really advanced, the material they are made of hardens upon impact and then softens back into shape so although they are relatively expensive to buy (about £250), they are much more cost effective in the long run. They also are no bulkier than a body warmer. Could not speak more highly of them, and the lady who owns the company is lovely, and really helpful.
 
I have one and would not ride in any situation without it, I tend to forget i have it on its so comfy.

When I looked at purchasing it the sales assistant inflated on so i could see and feel how much support it give and to be honest i was so impressed i purchased mine there and then, i potter about school hack and anything else wearing it.

You could also look into the hybrid verion i have not tried one so cannot advise.

But in my personal exp i think its fantastic
 
Thanks Louise, I have an older body protector that is a little shaped but I found it very restricting and stopped wearing it very soon after buying it - about 5 years ago. It's good to know that there are new varieties out there. I will include your suggestion in my research for something wearable out hacking, checking the website is next on my to do list.
 
Thanks Piccy, I have seen the advertising for the point 2 air jacket and really appreciate some first hand experience from you - I have been duped before by great advertising!!
 
Just a thought do you have anywhere you can go local to try some versions on ? Best way to know what suits you personally. ESP as they are costly
 
Be a little careful...my friend is selling hers after having it a month!

She has metal in her spine...she was not asked about this when sold the jacket and has since found out it is dangerous to wear one in this situation. She has bone density issues and was told the jacket could actually cause harm....please do some investigating....I think they sound a fab idea but I would want to research them thoroughly.

If you want one 2nd hand pm me! its not on ebay yet!!
 
I know that the websites offer sizing info etc. but I think that I will follow advice and find stockists where I can try before I buy. They seem to be getting a general thumbs up from users here. Thanks for the advice.
 
Chloesmum said:
I know that the websites offer sizing info etc. but I think that I will follow advice and find stockists where I can try before I buy. They seem to be getting a general thumbs up from users here. Thanks for the advice.
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Yes definitely do try some on, I have taken ages deciding which brand to buy and I work somewhere which sells 2 main branded ones, they do have differences with sizing and protection. If you decide you want to wear it with/without/sometimes with a body protector the sizing is an issue. One make is easier when it comes to change the cannister. I changed my mind about the original one I wanted and has taken me weeks to make my decision as they are so pricey. I am so glad mine is in the post as I type, although everything is cancelled at the mo!:)
 
I'm the same, looking into buying a point 2 in the next couple off weeks due to on going back probs. So watching with interest.
 
I think you are allowed to wear the air jackets on their own for dressage and sj but for xc must be worn with a body protector. I must admit if you have it inflated over a body p, the body p does spread the pressure better. But I'm sure this would be the last thing you would be thinking if you went flying!

I would always wear mine with a body p for xc/schooling. On its own for hacking and dressage.
 
I would seriously consider the Hit Air jacket over the point 2.

They are cheaper, more discrete and inflate outwards not inwards, a huge bonus.

I took ages considering and have no doubt I made the right choice in choosing the Hit Air.
 
Parker79 said:
Be a little careful...my friend is selling hers after having it a month!

She has metal in her spine...she was not asked about this when sold the jacket and has since found out it is dangerous to wear one in this situation. She has bone density issues and was told the jacket could actually cause harm....please do some investigating....I think they sound a fab idea but I would want to research them thoroughly.

If you want one 2nd hand pm me! its not on ebay yet!!
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where do you have the science to back this up, i sell these jackets and certainly have not heard this???

ps, dont go for a non- brand version, they have not been as rigirously tested. Better to pay a bit more and know your in good hands!
 
I hunt in a Point 2 and I really like the loose fit, but if I was buying now I would be tempted by the cheaper Hit Air and the way the tail is tucked up on the Hit Air. It can catch your cantle in the P2.
 
I researched and researched and researched - eventually went for the Hit Air as it inflates outwards, has more neck protection and the tail area tucks up out of the way - it is cheaper too but I didn't base my decision on price.

I absolutely love it - I only use it for hacking in and used to wear a Racesafe but got very hot in it if I did anything even remotely active in it! Its very light, cool and I got mine in HiViz so I don't have to wear yet another thing - the Hit Air does both jobs.

I haven't yet tried an unplanned dismount with it on and am doing my best not to, so I cant comment on how it actually is when you do hit the deck!:)
 
Thanks for all the replies, I think the Hit air and point 2 will b the ones I try first, I have a "short waiste" and always have problems with jackets etc being too long so catching the cantle can b an issue. the Hit Air does seem to deal with that problem a bit better than the Point 2. I know of someone local who has a high viz one and I she might lend it for a ride to see how it feels although everyone seems in agreement on it being easy to ride in. I will be checking with drs re problems with my spine but I am inclined to think that the air cushion would be better than the hard ground, esp the hit air version.

I read the BP thread regarding wearing one for hacking as well as for compulsory activities and will definitely b wearing something when i am able to get back on in a few weeks.

My cob is lovely and doesn't spook at tractors etc but "nothing in the hedge" does catch him unawares sometimes!

Here is a piccie of him with a friend who is schooling him and doing dressage whilst I am restricted to the ground.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/picture.php?albumid=4858&pictureid=16867

Hope you like him as much as I do.
 
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