Body/back protector for +size rider

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thefluffyviking

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Does anyone have a suggestion for a back/body protector for a plus size (18ish, ahem :()rider that doesn't require a third mortgage? I've been looking at <£50 ones for motorbike riding, because the one I have at the moment, fits poorly, and is so bulky that I have absolutely no freedom of movement! My reasoning for looking at the motorbike ones was that when falling off one of those, you're likely to do so at much higher speeds than I will ever do out hacking on my one-speed plodder. TIA

ETA Also looked at Kramer and the Steeds Back Protector Pro (I'm liking the sub £50 ones :D)
 
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Have you tried Airowear? I think I paid about £125 for it but you can get some good offers on them if you keep an eye out. I wear mine hacking but it is reasonably easy to move in and they come in loads of sizes.
 
I think there was a thread a while ago on the kramer ones, might be worth searching the forum for it but I think the response was fairly positive for the price.
 
With a motor bike protector you fall at a higher speed but from a much lower height and with nothing that will kick you, stand on you or roll on you on the way past. They are really not suitable for a fall from a higher mount onto a rougher surface with the possibility / likelihood of fences, hooves and horse bodies also in the mix. I sympathize with price. But there is a reason for the higher testing standard.

As an 18+ person... You fall from a motor bike you will fall 3'. You will fall fast and you will slide along a hard, friction sensitive surface. The protector is designed to protect from that sliding / abrading force. There is no suggestion it is supposed to protect you from the car that hits you.

In contrast on a horse you will fall about 5'. You will fall at a much lower speed meaning you will not slide. All concussive force is distributed downward - little or none is wasted in sideways force. Nor will you fall (mostly) on a friction sensitive surface so you will remain in the immediate proximity of what you fell off. Which may fall with you, kick you as it struggles free or roll on you. You may also fall into a fixed object - an fence - before you hit the surface to slide. Yes bike riders do that too - its called a car mostly - and the protector is not designed to protect in that instance.

If you want protection - I'm sorry you are going to have to pay for it. Otherwise ride without and accept the risk. Don't delude yourself that you can ride with protection intended for a very different sport and have it make a difference.
 
I had a foster daughter who used a Motorbike back protector for a while. She was (is) plus size - as indeed am I (and I wear an Aerowear on the rare occasions I still ride - broke my back in a fall where a BP might have lessened the injury) so absolutely no size-ism intended. The mechanism of injury is the same regardless. But it is a true that the heavier you are the harder you fall - "Ye canna change the laws of physics!!"
 
What's the verdict on the Point Two Air Vest, then? Suitable for chunkies like myself? Although saying that, I've decided to go back to Weight Watchers (lost 3 st with them two years ago), so it might be worthwhile sticking with the one I've got for the moment, and use that time (and money I don't spend on chocolate, haha) to save up for an Air Vest as a prize for losing say, two stones? What do you lot think?
 
Big fan of airvests! (Bit more expensive than a BP though.) Ideally they should use used over a BP - but an air vest alone is better than nothing. Get them fitted to suit your back length otherwise the neck collar can force your head forward and cause further injury. Different body types / lengths suit different makes. I fit the new Point 2 better. My daughter prefers the Helite. If you are longer in the back the hit air might suit.
 
I'll be looking at going to one of those regular event/show things where lots of equestrian manufacturers gather to sell their wares. Like a fair. I went to one just before Christmas, and I'll be aiming to lose enough weight in time for the next one. Hopefully there'll be someone there that can fit it properly - I feel that's better than going to the local tack shop. I know they're a lot more expensive (or can be) than a BP, but like someone said, you get what you pay for.

I was eyeing up a Champion BP for about £50, but I'm not sure about the quality.
 
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