Body protectors - air jacket type or something more conventional.

[FlorrieBrown]

Sorry if this has been done to death, but a recent fall where I was not wearing a back protector has made me realise that I perhaps should invest in one. Thankfully I was just a bit shaken but un-injured, but I'm getting on a bit, I have a strong and opinionated young horse and think maybe it's time I got a bit more sensible.

I'm not keen on air jackets but am prepared to be convinced. My friend let me try hers on and it felt loose, bulky and intrusive (I am prepared to admit the fit maybe wasn't right) but equally the more conventional foam type protectors feel bulky and restrictive.

All thoughts, opinions and recommendations would be very welcome.

 

[Greylegs]

Not a great fan of air jackets personally as I have a fear of forgetting to unhook it when I get off. I don’t fancy the consequences of that! I would always go with a more conventional fitted style.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I just bought a brand new racesafe body protector. I hate it, i will not be wearing it at all. Too restrictive. The girls cant even breathe

 

[dixie]

The air gilets are very comfortable and look just like a gilet. I’ve ridden in an Helite one for years. It’s also zips into a jacket if needed.

I wear a BP very occasionally, mostly XC, but whilst not as comfortable you do get used to them. They’re a bit warm though.

 

[gallopingby]

Race safe body protectors used to be much more flexible and therefore more comfortable than some of the other makes. Is it worth looking at motor cycle wear, obviously not labelled for riding but usually much cheaper without the equestrian labels?>l fail to see how the basic product ie foam is different assuming your looking at a decent quality Bsp.

 

[Greylegs]

Good idea to look at biking gear.

 

[WestCoast]

The racesafe provent 3 is a fraction of the weight of old body protectors but you need to get it fitted correctly. I used to think they didn’t work for me but I was trying too large a size. I’ve also got a hitair air vest which is the lightest and has better neck and hip protection. I’m used to wearing both and it makes such a big difference when I do occasionally fall at speed from a great height.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Race safe body protectors used to be much more flexible and therefore more comfortable than some of the other makes. Is it worth looking at motor cycle wear, obviously not labelled for riding but usually much cheaper without the equestrian labels?>l fail to see how the basic product ie foam is different assuming your looking at a decent quality Bsp.

The airbags will be similar but any of the other bike gear is nothing like the likes of current equestrian body protectors.
We have race bikes, road bikes and DH is in that industry. He says use the right gear for the job, please.

A Race Safe BP when fitted correctly, is pretty flexible and comfortable and shouldnt impede.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

This came up recently and several people recommended their RaceSafe Provent 3. Me included. I forget I am wearing it. Proper fitting is essential and ideally at a place where you can sit in a saddle (some tack shops have this) to check the back length, different ones are available. My understanding is that they need to be fitted to wear over your thinnest layer of clothing, not over layers or coats/jumpers, so there should not be additional bulk.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I just bought a brand new racesafe body protector. I hate it, i will not be wearing it at all. Too restrictive. The girls cant even breathe

That sounds like it doesn't fit?

 

[Barton Bounty]

That sounds like it doesn't fit?

Its actually a size too big, it feels like im in a cardboard box

 

[HopOnTrot]

I went for a RaceSafe up to current regs in the end, I can’t warrant buying two or three options in case I do want to compete. I would like one of the mini type back protectors (Charles Owen shadow I think?)

 

[Skib]

I wear airowear. Race safe dont fit me. OH wore Race safe. You have to choose what fits you best.

A bp needs to be properly fitted and preferably by a stockist who has various brands. Many saddlers sell one type only.

I wear a bp every time I hack and (touch wood) it has protected me even when I fell onto tarmac. I am not keen on changing to a back protector as last time I fell, I fell over the the shoulder and onto my side.

I am quite set in my ways safety wise. I used to fall off on average once a year when hacking from an RS. But sharing has proved safer, largely because I hack solo. On my old share I never fell off and on my present share I have fallen only once.

 

[Dave's Mam]

I love my Point Two. It's not at all restrictive & has already saved my bacon once, when Dave tripped in canter & we went down. I landed on the side I broke 6 ribs last year & I didn't have a single Ouch.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Point two air jackets are fab! I have a racesafe body protector too but prefer the point two. I wear it all the time without the body protector and you forget you are wearing it

 

[Tiddlypom]

The Racesafe Provent 3 BP is comfortable to wear as long as it is properly fitted.

I trialled the adult medium in store sitting in the demo saddle. It was comfortable, but the store advisor told me that it was not long enough at the back. I orered the adult medium tall which is grand - it nearly but not quite touches the cantle of the saddle when riding an actual horse, so offers good protection.

You can get them made to measure if you are not a standard size.

The advantage of a BP is that once it is on it is on, and you wear it for mounting and dismounting. An air vest can’t be connected until you are already on, and it has to be unclipped before you dismount, leaving you vulnerable at those times. Plus you have to remember to clip it in and unclip it - I won’t be the only one to return from a ride to find that I wasn’t clipped in .