Body Protector

[Baileyhoss]

Hello there - I am new to this forum, but seems like much helpful advice being passed about, which is always good.

I am in a quandry and wonder if i can solicit your opinions on a forthcoming BP purchase - have a deadline of 6th April for our first xc this year!

I am upgrading from an ancient jack ellis, which I was lucky not to be picked up on in tack inspection, but plan to try BE this year, so need to sort myself out.

I have narrowed down contenders to a racesafe or a zippa. Which would you go for and why? anybody with experience of both? and most importantly - which looks best? It'll only be used for xc.

Thanks v much.

 

[kerilli]

you need to go to a big tack shop that stocks both and try ones of the right size on, and walk around in them, pretend to be in riding position etc, and decide which feels best.
for e.g. i have a rodney powell bp and love it, and lots of other people on this forum are the same, but others can't stand how they feel. it's very much down to personal choice.

 

[JustKickOn]

Racesafe.
you can buy the additional shoulder pads for it too, and if you put one on order you can have it made in your xc colours, though that's not so practical if you'd like it for other use

I love mine as it's flexible + breatheable and has a zip up the front so when I'm done just unzip and have a bit of freedom

 

[Baileyhoss]

Hi there - thanks for the tips. problem we have here is lack of great saddlery stores up very north. quite a limited range to try on within a 60 mile radius!.

it's a hard one, I was erring on the airowear zippa sport for the looks of it, but have only heard glowing reports on the RS2000.

Would just want plain black as normally wear bp over plain white polo shirt for xc

Hmmmmm

 

[angieandstar]

i would recommened my racesafe after trying many on i found this to be the most flexible and comfortable they are very helpful at the manufacturers and will make one to measure if neeeded, i wear mine for endurance riding and apart from being a bit warm after having it in for 3+hrs it causes no discomfort but then if only having it on for short periods of time the zippa may be fine they certainly look nicer!

 

[Janette]

Racesafe! I've got a Rodney Powell, and it tips me forward. I got fitted for a Racesafe at Olympia and it feels so much better - flexible, but firm.

 

[air78]

I've got a racesafe and wear it for about three hours a day; it's v comfy, i can do everything in it inc grooming, tacking up, boots etc with out feeling restricted.

I'm 5' 2'' and have a childs XL

 

[Lucy_Ally]

I too have a racesafe and really like it, it's very comfy and I soon forget I am even wearing it. I have a child's extra large and also extra long and I am 5'7" and about a size 10 and it was professionaly fitted.