Back protectors.

[Spiritedly]

Hi,

I've just had back surgery and I'm wary of falling and undoing all the work that's been done so, whilst I don't want a full body protector...I already have a BP and an air jacket...I was looking at back protectors both for protection and some support.

I've narrowed it down to the Champion Sculpt or Airowear Shadow but can't make a decision so I'm hoping ladies on here can help with their experiences. Especially as to the fit in the bust department. My girls are a 36E and object to being turned into pancakes! But I'm a size 12 around the waist so would really like something that doesn't make me look like a brick

 

[Skib]

Why dont you want a full bp? They are more likely to remain in place in a fall than a pad down ones back. And if one rolls as one falls or as one hits the ground, then all round protection is better. I post this as someone who has never hacked without a bp. I fell regularly while learning to ride, but have never been injured.

 

[CarlungM]

I use motorcycle gear regularly when i ride due to spinal issues. Knox do a very high level one now although its over £300 so you may want to stick with level 2 . I find them easier to ride in than my BP ( but as a keen biker i am used to wearing the stuff).

 

[Skib]

but as a keen biker i am used to wearing the stuff).

Isnt this the significant thing? I am not conscious of wearing a bp when I ride because I have never hacked without a bp, nor since 2008 even ridden in the school without one.

 

[scats]

I got a sculpt but honestly I find it too ‘loose’ if that makes sense. I wear it and don’t feel it would do anything at all to protect me. I got the smallest size but it still feels too baggy on me. The back of it doesn’t actually sit against my back.

 

[Rose24]

I use motorcycle gear regularly when i ride due to spinal issues. Knox do a very high level one now although its over £300 so you may want to stick with level 2 . I find them easier to ride in than my BP ( but as a keen biker i am used to wearing the stuff).

Just started a thread re wireless motorcycle airvests (which consensus is probably wouldn't work for equestrians), but on my travels researching this I have to say, motorcycle safety gear looks much more sophisticated and comfortable. I also need a body protector - if you have recommendations from the motorcycle world that work for equestrians, I'd be very grateful.

 

[dougpeg]

I've got the sculpt. I'm fuller figured and it's roomy. Probably size down. It's comfortable and light weight. I wish the front gillet section was longer though. It's quite short and rides up a bit when I ride - still functional but not flattering

 

[Rose24]

I've got the sculpt. I'm fuller figured and it's roomy. Probably size down. It's comfortable and light weight. I wish the front gillet section was longer though. It's quite short and rides up a bit when I ride - still functional but not flattering

Ah, this is helpful to know, thank you! I was thinking about fuller figure fit issues - if you've got a lot of frontage, your over shoulder to waist measurement and chest measurement may well be in the range for a bigger size whilst the waist is in the range for a smaller, so I think you're right, size down might be the way to go!

*Edit for typos!

 

[Spiritedly]

Ah, this is helpful to know, thank you! I was thinking about fuller figure fit issues - if you've got a lot of frontage, your over shoulder to waist measurement and chest measurement may well be in the range for a bigger size whilst the waist is in the range for a smaller, so I think you're right, size down might be the way to go!

*Edit for typos!

I went for the Sculpt in the end and could definitely have a gone down a size and my girls are larger than most
It's very comfortable though and I forget I have it on and it's also not as hot to ride in as my other BP's

 

[Rose24]

I went for the Sculpt in the end and could definitely have a gone down a size and my girls are larger than most
It's very comfortable though and I forget I have it on and it's also not as hot to ride in as my other BP's

Kind of imagining zipping it up and ending up with a regency corset style situation around the top, with everything hoinked skywards.

 

[Spiritedly]

Kind of imagining zipping it up and ending up with a regency corset style situation around the top, with everything hoinked skywards.

It might slow the traffic down

 

[Rose24]

It might slow the traffic down

Now there's a novel road safety solution!

 

[ThreeFurs]

I've got the Champion Ti22 which fits well, though my boobs aren't big. It feels like armour when you first put it on but after it warms up it moulds a bit to the body. Front zip but there are laces on each side to make it more bespoke. Beta 3 rated.

 

[CarlungM]

Just started a thread re wireless motorcycle airvests (which consensus is probably wouldn't work for equestrians), but on my travels researching this I have to say, motorcycle safety gear looks much more sophisticated and comfortable. I also need a body protector - if you have recommendations from the motorcycle world that work for equestrians, I'd be very grateful.

I will dig out the ones I tried and bought and let you know. I do like Knox gear , but there are others

 

[Fieldlife]

IMO you absolutely have to go and try body protectors on and see what works. I didnt end up with the size my measurements indicated.

Though I have a few years later lost weight and borderline need a smaller one.

My bodyprotector doubles as a sports bra too, and I only wear a standard bra when using it. Versus a decent sports bra when not using it.

 

[Rose24]

I will dig out the ones I tried and bought and let you know. I do like Knox gear , but there are others

Amazing, thanks so much.