Body Protectors - over or under jacket?

[DappleDown]

I am about to buy a new (Level 3) Body Protector. It is one (of my choice of two) of the more expensive makes so I need to choose wisely.

I have looked in a couple of tack shops and the fitters seem keen for me to have a fitting without a riding jacket (and so wear it underneath one when I need a jacket in colder weather). I like the idea of not seeing it but that means that all my riding jackets/coats would have to be replaced (yikes!) with some at least two sizes larger to fit over it. Or I ride in all weathers in a Polo Top (brrr).

Am I missing something?

What are your thoughts, and what do you do?

 

[BandL]

I've always worn my body protector over my competition jacket or a thinner fleece in colder conditions. I don't find it alters the fit just feels a little more snug!

Out of interest what Level 3 are you going for? I'm looking to get a new one over the coming months and I *think* I'm going to go for the Racesafe Provent.

 

[Nasicus]

Always wear mine under a jacket, means I can take the jacket off it I get too warm without having to take the body off.

 

[tashcat]

I always wear mine over a show jacket! I can't imagine wearing a jacket with one underneath - you'd have to buy a new show jacket!

I also wear mine over fleeces and rain sheets but in terms of really thick coats, I normally wear mine underneath (especially if raining!)

Seeing how adjustable body protectors are these days I would think a tack shop could fit one that could go over lighter items such as a show jackets, but might have to go under thicker coats.

I would suggest taking all your coats and layers and trying them on with the back protectors available and seeing what fits best and is most comfortable for you.

 

[DappleDown]

Out of interest what Level 3 are you going for? I'm looking to get a new one over the coming months and I *think* I'm going to go for the Racesafe Provent.

The Racesafe Provent 3 is one of my two choices. It is my cheaper choice (both are Level 3) and it is adjustable at the sides (my other choice has no adjustment), so is top of the list at the moment.

 

[be positive]

If you wear it all the time then it should go under a casual/ warm/ waterproof jacket, it should not make a huge difference unless your jackets are really snug, it should go over a jacket when competing and I would expect the bp to adjust enough to accommodate this.

 

[FfionWinnie]

They are adjustable. The right one can be worn on top of just a xc shirt or on top of a jacket.

 

[AFB]

Personally I'd go for under so it fit me all year round (i.e. not too big when I only want to wear a t-shirt in summer), however if you're going RS they laces will give enough adjustability (I think) to allow for either

Edit - just looked & they've changed to bungee sides now so not sure this is the case anymore

 

[Lanky Loll]

If you wear it all the time then it should go under a casual/ warm/ waterproof jacket, it should not make a huge difference unless your jackets are really snug, it should go over a jacket when competing and I would expect the bp to adjust enough to accommodate this.

This. Mine goes over my SJ Jacket, or my XC colours, and fits under all of my waterproofs - I don't even go up a size in a coat unless they are really snug fitting but mine even fits under my hi vis, cycling coat (for hacking out youngsters) which is snug fitting but has a bit of stretch to it.

 

[GoldenWillow]

I've a Racesafe Provent and there is enough adjustment in it to fit just over a t-shirt and over a show jacket. I wear it under winter coats.

 

[cobsarefab]

I always wear mine under my jacket but when I used to do dressage competitions I wouldn't wear one so it wasn't an issue with my tweed jacket.

 

[albeg]

Personally I'd go for under so it fit me all year round (i.e. not too big when I only want to wear a t-shirt in summer), however if you're going RS they laces will give enough adjustability (I think) to allow for either

Edit - just looked & they've changed to bungee sides now so not sure this is the case anymore

I have the Provent (with the bungee sides) and it's great. I've found the elasticity allows for putting it on over a show jacket without having to adjust the fit. And the bungees are a lot easier than the strings to adjust if needed.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I too have the new pro-vent.
Its fitted to me when wearing light longsleeved top.
I also pop it over the top of anything thicker. Would never put it under a Jacket etc, with the exception of a waterproof if going schooling.