body protector technology - Danaise,RS etc

[NeverSayNever]

can some more technically minded person than me answer a question?

I have an ongoing ‘debate’ with OH about BP’s. He insists I always wear one. I get this, Im happy to. I have also got a hitair and tbh i far prefer wearing it going out for hacks etc on it’s own.

Now... looking at the BP’s on the market today which are all at BETA level3, I really really like the look of the Danaise Balios. Iv’e had the RaceSafe in the past and currently have an airowear outlyne. I tried the Danaise and found it instantly more comfy and flexible. Although it’s possibly heavier, I found it looks a bit more slimline when on too, due to the fact its so flexible and neat fitting you dont have the same ’hump’ across the shoulders. I also tried a kan a couple of years ago and really hated it, it felt very rigid and cumbersome. However, my OH is firmly of the belief that being more flexible means less safe. If it was up to him Id have a rigid board strapped to me. Obviously the Danaise has passed beta 3 so much be comparable to the others? Help please.

 

[Red-1]

I would say that less flexible is only more safe if you wear it!

A few years ago I invested in a proper Jockey vest, I think it was racesafe. It was the little sections, but on the jockey one it had holes to make it lightweight, but it also added ventilation. It was a level 1.

I still used level 3 for competition, but for hacking a level 1 that you actually wear is better than a level 3 that stays at home!

If you already have the Racesafe and Outlyne could you keep this for competing, and have the one that you find more comfortable to hack?

 

[PeterNatt]

I sit on the BSI Personal Protective Equipment committee which covers equestrian back protectors and my advice would be to always wear a class 3 (purple label) back protector even just for hacking as this will give you the highest level of protection.