Body protectors - advice please!

Spot_the_Risk

Spot_the_Risk

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 May 2007
Messages
7,582
Location
Devon
www.animalcrackersdevon.co.uk
I'm going to be buying a BP soon, as we'll be starting work on backing our youngster. I've tried on the Champion Flex Air (had it fitted) but it didn't fill me with confidence. It just felt as if it wouldn't actually help in a fall - can anyone explain how a BP should feel when on, should it be snug? The Champion felt as if there was too much space between it and my body, and whilst I understand that having a BP too long means it'll catch on the cantle, surely they're meant to protect your cocyx? In short, I tried on another couple of makes and none felt like they'd actually help much - I haven't tried on the Racesafe, or the new 'lady' one, begins with a K but I can't remember the full name!

All help gratefully received!
 
Not helpful I know but I hate mine. It catches on the cantle of my Wintec saddle and my friend's Bates saddle.
Although I have come off when wearing one (we were jumping a log at the time) and I believe it helped save me some brusing. They should feel quite snug and they ideally shouldn't come down low enough to catch on the saddle. Get one propperly fitted and try on as many as possible. Try sitting on a saddle (as clost to the one you will be using) in store before purchase too. :)
 
The BP certainly should feel tight. If it's not it will bob up and down. Ask the shop you have it fitted in if they are actually trained to fit them.

I have an Airowear Zippa. I find it very comfortable.

No it shouldn't be so long that it will cover your cocyx. If it did it would hit the saddle. When I was trained we were taught to sit the person on a seat and the BP should be about one hands width higher. Make sure they also check that it covers your bottom rib and that is sits nicely over your shoulders/collar bone. then it's a case of the BP being the right "width" for you. Most BPs have safety markers that have to be covered, but if it is too wide there will be too much bulk under your arms.

Hope that helps!
 
I have been looking for a BP recently and have found it quite a pain! I have a 'shapely' figure (;) !) and always found the boob area really uncomfortable. I tried the Airowear Outlyne, which is SUPPOSED to fit a lady's figure, but it did nothing for me!

I always thought the Racesafe looked better - more able to fit 'round' the curves and so I tried on my friend's - brilliant! I have ordered one online (in the post as we speak!) - I have ordered the 'short' back as a previous hard one banged on the back of the saddle and was pushed up, so I'm very aware of this. I think the short back should fit me perfectly - they have a good measuring guide on line. Although you could always get one fitted in the shop and order it cheaper on line!
 
I just bought a racsafe bp from Treehouse online. They were really helpful and friendly, we ended up ordering quite a few different ones before I found the one that fit the best but just sent the rest back with no problem. I haven't had a chance to ride in it much yet, but it's very adjustable and comfy :)
 
I have the Airowear Outlyne and I love it and both my friends who have borrowed it have been out and got the same one :)

Mine feels snug/tight when i first put it on but after a few mins i dont even notice its there :) Have had 2 falls from in it and it still looks brand new and works fabulous deffiately prevented lots of injury.

It is made of 4 individual layers of foam/polystrene (what ever it is) that have small holes in to allow you to breath and it not to get sweaty. It also really molds to your individual shape. I LOVE IT :)
 
Thanks everyone for your advice. I went to local fabby saddlers this afternoon, was fitted, and general opinion (including mine) was that the Kanteq was the best fit, it certainly felt the most comfortable, and held me snuggly. The very best bit... it was in the sale, so instead of £225, it was £149! Feeling very pleased with myself!
 
No, it was so comfortable that I didn't notice the weight at all. But, I am a feed merchant, and lift 25Kg sacks all day long, maybe that's why I didn't notice it! The others I tried rode up, the Airowear one finished just (and I mean less than two inches) below my boobs, but rode up so high I could tuck my chin in by the zip - no good!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top