Body Protectors - advice?

[tishtashtosh]

i have decided that i have put it off for too long and i will be buying a body protector!

just looking for any advice as i havent bought one before, i will of course be going to get one properly fitted just wanted to know any thing i might need to know.

i mainly drive so generally hack for pleasure or sometimes in the school, dont compete riding really apart from odd show mostly ride for fun with some jumping over what ever we find in the woods/paths and a bit in the school. ride a variety of horses some being young.


Thanks in advance

 

[smiffyimp]

i have racesafe - its great seems much more flexible than most with its segmented panals

 

[ThePony]

One that fits well is really the most important thing, and really the only thing to consider! I would assume you would be wanting a level 3 (the most protective, and the one recommended for non-professional riders). Ideally find a stockist near you that stocks a few different brands and see which ones fit and feel comfortable. Everyone has different opinions for which feel the most comfortable, but it is just down to your preference. The person fitting you will ensure it fits and is the right measurements for you. They should have a saddle you can sit on with it on so you can check it won't catch the back of your saddle. Some you can get coloured covers for or even get made in your cross country colours. But if you want it for normal everyday riding then I would just get a comfy one! You can spend from around £50 right up to about £250, then add on more if you want a point two! There should be several choices around the £50 - £90 price brand so you don't need to spend the earth to get good comfortable protection.

 

[teddyt]

Go for a make that offers more sizes than just s, m, l, xl. many people need a short or long back (for example) than a standard length

 

[Cuppatea]

i have racesafe - its great seems much more flexible than most with its segmented panals

yep, agree with this! far less restrictive. Racesafe 2000 is level 3 protection but the jockeys ones (even more comfy) are only level 1 so look closely at the labels!

 

[saraho]

I bought a racesafe for XC, I find it comfy and light to ride in.

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

I have a racesafe and it's fab, light and you almost forget you're wearing it.

 

[tishtashtosh]

just googled racesafe and that the one my friend has and she loves it! i just couldnt remember what it was called!

thanks everyone

 

[Lotty]

I have a Racesafe, I went to Treehouse with my saddle and they did a fitting - lovely people.

 

[night_mare]

Check that any body protector you buy is certified to the new European Standard EN13158:2009 ie carries the 2009 standard label, not the old 2000 standard label.

For example the Racesafe 2000 (certified to the old 2000 standard) has been replaced by the Racesafe 2010 (certified to the new 2009 standard).

 

[Chopandchips]

Go Outdoors have all riding stuff 1/2 price this week - including the Champion BP, thinking of ordering one.

xx

 

[aro]

I like racesafe and prefer it to other types of body protectors I have previously owned.