Body protector help!

[SK123]

Just trying to gather some more opinions! I currently have a race-safe body protector, and I do really love it...however due to a medical condition I often find it is a bit restrictive for my breathing - I have tried other size and adjusted the sides however it just isn't very flexible.

I do mainly showjumping so I was looking into a more flexible body protector that would still be suited for that, however a lot of them don't come with sufficient protection around the rib area which I need (many just come with back protection).

If anyone knows of a more flexible body protector (with good protection on back and ribs area) please do let me know! I can't afford to go completely without one, but if I can just keep my race safe for a one off xc day or something, that would be more comfortable in terms of every day.
I was looking into the Stubben back protector pro, or the Komperdell body protectors, but I do just want to see if people know how good the protection is

Many thanks for anyones help!!!

 

[ycbm]

Have you thought of an air jacket?
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[Sossigpoker]

I'd go for an air jacket

 

[poiuytrewq]

Isn’t the idea of an air jacket to wear over a normal BP?
I’d have thought Racesafe one of the more flexible though so maybe just an air jacket would be the way forward.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Which model of RaceSafe do you have? I have heard their latest (provent 3?) is their comfiest (more so than their previous models)
I have the older model but will be upgrading this year

 

[Tiddlypom]

The Racesafe Provent 3 does give good protection, is breathable and is pretty flexible. I bought one recently and am a convert. It felt tight at first, but I now forget that I'm wearing it.

If that is too restrictive for you, then an air jacket might well suit better. In my avatar I'm hacking out with an air jacket on and no body protector (didn't own one then).

 

[Skib]

I have ridden for years in an airowear. It softens as it warms up - Race safe dont fit me but OH wore one. It is important to choose the brand that fits your body shape best. But although they should be well fitting so as not to ride up in a fall, they should not restrict one's breathing.

 

[ycbm]

Isn’t the idea of an air jacket to wear over a normal BP?

No that's just regulation for eventing cross country and belt and braces for those who require every ounce of protection they can get. They are very protective on their own and if it's a case of either/or, an air jacket is far easier to wear.
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[poiuytrewq]

No that's just regulation for eventing cross country and belt and braces for those who require every ounce of protection they can get. They are very protective on their own and if it's a case of either/or, an air jacket is far easier to wear.
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Ah ok! Thank you, In which case definitely the air jacket sounds the best comfiest idea then.

 

[Skib]

No that's just regulation for eventing cross country and belt and braces for those who require every ounce of protection they can get. They are very protective on their own and if it's a case of either/or, an air jacket is far easier to wear.
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This is not entirely so. Air jackets are liable to mechanical failure. That is why eventers wearing an air jacket must also have a bp as reliable backup. Eventers are allowed to wear an air jacket in addition to the bp if they choose. But it is not a question of either or. Private riders, not in an official competiton can wear whatever protection they choose although on almost all yards hard hats are now required.

 

[MuddyMonster]

If restricted breathing is an issue in a BP, I'd definitely see if you can trial an air jacket before buying to see if it going off affects your breathing even more.

 

[ycbm]

If restricted breathing is an issue in a BP, I'd definitely see if you can trial an air jacket before buying to see if it going off affects your breathing even more.

It can be undone if it isn't deflating quickly enough.
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[ycbm]

This is not entirely so. Air jackets are liable to mechanical failure. That is why eventers wearing an air jacket must also have a bp as reliable backup. Eventers are allowed to wear an air jacket in addition to the bp if they choose. But it is not a question of either or. Private riders, not in an official competiton can wear whatever protection they choose although on almost all yards hard hats are now required.

I don't think you've said anything different from what I did.

Both are required in competition but only on the cross country phase. You can do dressage and show jump in the air jacket alone.

Air jacket failure is relatively rare, which is why in a non-competive setting most people choose either an air jacket or a body protector and very few people use both.
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[MuddyMonster]

It can be undone if it isn't deflating quickly enough.
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Handy to know! The feeling of it inflating quickly has always put me off wearing one as I think it would trigger me - but I might look again

 

[Skib]

non-competive setting most people choose either an air jacket or a body protector and very few people use both.

You surprise me. I am a RS rider. So only see average RS riders and their teachers. Some of the staff evented at a low level, may be not affiliated. Yet I personally never saw any rider in an air jacket without a bp. as well, either in the RS nor out competing.
And when my elderly OH was fitted for his air jacket, it was fitted over his bp.

 

[Sossigpoker]

If restricted breathing is an issue in a BP, I'd definitely see if you can trial an air jacket before buying to see if it going off affects your breathing even more.

A correctly fitted Air jacket won't restrict your breathing. They explode outwards anyway.
As part of the fitting , the store should make it go off so you'll get to feel what it's like when deployed.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Handy to know! The feeling of it inflating quickly has always put me off wearing one as I think it would trigger me - but I might look again

It inflates in a fraction of a second.
The HitAir will hold the pressure for a bit before slowly deflating, in case the horse is still on top of you. It absolutely won't restrict your breathing if correctly fitted.

 

[ycbm]

You surprise me. I am a RS rider. So only see average RS riders and their teachers. Some of the staff evented at a low level, may be not affiliated. Yet I personally never saw any rider in an air jacket without a bp. as well, either in the RS nor out competing.
And when my elderly OH was fitted for his air jacket, it was fitted over his bp.

I mix with riders extensively in the Cheshire/n. Derbyshire/n. Staffordshire area and I have never seen anyone outside a competition cross country wear an air jacket and a body protector at the same time.
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[Sossigpoker]

You surprise me. I am a RS rider. So only see average RS riders and their teachers. Some of the staff evented at a low level, may be not affiliated. Yet I personally never saw any rider in an air jacket without a bp. as well, either in the RS nor out competing.
And when my elderly OH was fitted for his air jacket, it was fitted over his bp.

Because that's the gold standard.
I find the BP uncomfortable and too hot so only wear my air jacket for daily riding.
Once I'm brave enough to start jumping , I will probably wear both.

 

[SK123]

Have you thought of an air jacket?
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I hadn't thought of that thank you! Will look into it

 

[SK123]

Which model of RaceSafe do you have? I have heard their latest (provent 3?) is their comfiest (more so than their previous models)
I have the older model but will be upgrading this year

I believe I have my current one for about 2 years so maybe I will try the updated one and see! Thank you

 

[SK123]

I have ridden for years in an airowear. It softens as it warms up - Race safe dont fit me but OH wore one. It is important to choose the brand that fits your body shape best. But although they should be well fitting so as not to ride up in a fall, they should not restrict one's breathing.

Thank you!!

 

[ycbm]

Handy to know! The feeling of it inflating quickly has always put me off wearing one as I think it would trigger me - but I might look again

If this might be an issue for you, and the P2 and Helite do hug tight, then don't go for one of the designs with a zip, but the 3 clips you can just squeeze and they will pop open.

The Hit Air might suit you better but do check out the other thread running at the moment about the fact they they don't replace their air bags on a service, and that they won't repair 5+ year old jackets with a hole in the air bag.
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