Anyone used Steeds or Felix Buehler body protectors? (from Kramer)

[EchoInterrupted]

Has anyone use any of these? They all meet BETA Level 3 2018 standards but look quite a bit lighter/slimmer fitting (and potentially more comfortable) than some of the traditional UK brands. Visiting a store that stocks them tomorrow so thought I would try them on in addition to the Airowear Outlyne (it just looks so big and stiff and for me the important thing is that it is actually comfortable enough that I wear it regularly). Store unfortunately does not stock racesafe (which would be a bit over my budget anyways to be honest).

NB just looking for feedback on these options (plus Airowear Outlyne) at the moment, not air cannister vs body protector as I currently specifically need a BP

 

[EchoInterrupted]

Just in case anyone else is considering these in the future:

Note to start - I've never owned a body protector before but want to start doing some proper cross-country and know I will need one. I tried on all three of these (Steeds, Felix Buehler, and Airowear) today at a Kramer shop (Kramer also sells online in the UK by the way). All three are Beta 2018 Level 3 certified.

Airowear - I don't really understand why everyone raves about the Airowear Outlyne; I didn't like it very much. I could not stand the buckles under the arms/armpits and it all felt very bulky to me. Note that I've only ever ridden in a BP once (but didn't like that one either), so I don't have that much to compare it to. I'm sure I would have gotten used to it over time, but it didn't necessarily make me want to buy it. It felt light though and the overall structure felt nice. If only they would move those plastic buckles under the arms...

Steeds - Didn't even bother zipping it up as it was super obvious the back came down nowhere near as low as on most UK back protectors and that made me nervous. The foam was very hard and it didn't feel very comfy/like I would be inclined to use it unless I was required to.

Felix Buehler Anatomic 360 II (manufactured by Komperdell) - I'm in love!! Equal coverage to the Airowear Outlyne when it comes to the back (unlike the weirdly short Steeds) and SO comfy. It feels much softer than the Airowear or Steeds and has no annoying buckles or bits that will rub. I was really frustrated by how some models feel so bulky under the arms, but this didn't at all. I wish they had more sizing options, as for adults they only have S,M,L and then a slim of each version which can make sizing a bit difficult if you have a long torso, since the front part is supposed to come below your ribcage. I ended up with a M Slim (I'm 5'10, skinny, and not a big bust). I imagine sizing may be difficult as bust or waist measurements increase since the other measurements also scale with it unless you're just switching between Slim vs Regular. If this had as many sizing options as Airowear does, I could not imagine a more comfortable fit. The outer shell comes off to wash and you can make small adjustments to the waist and shoulders once you've removed the outer shell. I have been so worried about getting a body protector because I didn't want to buy something that would be uncomfortable and lead to me just leaving it sitting in the closet. I can confidently say I'll wear this not just for cross country but probably for jumping in general and any other time I might be a bit more likely to fall off.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I don't rave about the Airowear. I haven't read many other posts claiming they are fab either.
Racesafe every time for me as that's what fits best ? You don't mention them at all OP, why?

 

[EchoInterrupted]

I don't rave about the Airowear. I haven't read many other posts claiming they are fab either.
Racesafe every time for me as that's what fits best ? You don't mention them at all OP, why?

I mentioned them briefly in my first post - they're unfortunately not stocked anywhere near me in the country I'm in at the moment (currently abroad but will be returning to the UK so needed something that will meet both local and UK standards). Otherwise they would probably have been top of my list! Maybe it's good they aren't stocked locally though because they actually would be a bit out of my budget, so I might've dodged a financial bullet there Besides Racesafe, Airowear seemed to be the one I heard/read most about in the UK and lots of people in other HH threads [typo edit] seemed to quite like the Airowear Outlyne, which I didn't particularly like. Must depend a lot on body shape though I'm sure, as what works for one might not work for another.

ETA - Finding a company where I could buy from locally and try on in person, but also delivers/serves the UK (so I could return/exchange if needed once in the UK) was a challenge, but Kramer managed to fit the bill thankfully

 

[bouncing_ball]

I don't rave about the Airowear. I haven't read many other posts claiming they are fab either.
Racesafe every time for me as that's what fits best ? You don't mention them at all OP, why?

I have ladies fit wide short back airowear. It’s a good fit for larger chest. I don’t notice buckles under arm at all? Mine lie flat.

 

[Skib]

I wear a bp every time I ride. And after the airowear has been on for five minutes to soften up, I dont notice I am wearing it.
I dont feel any buckles under my arms but I do resent the additional padding under my arms as I am narrow shouldered. The thickness of the padding was increased, I think to met a new safety standard so I guess it is the same in most other brands.
The sizing doesnt fit me well as I have a small bust and very square rib cage, but as I dont compete I can adjust the straps to be comfortable.

The old gender neutral airowear fitted me much better than the outline. Maybe I should try a teenage boy's size.