body protectors - tips and reccomendations

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narkymare

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Im not loaded but have decided ot buy one - i think it will help my confidence riding - im 43 so no spring chicken and i need ot work to support my horse and family - illness, breakages not allowed!!!
So - ive been looking but there are so many!!!!
Different prices from affordable to ridiculous.
So any tips please - i just want something to protect me in my lessons should i tumble and out hacking - nothing silly, just happy hacking stuff xxx
 
Spend a bit more, because then it will be comfortable and fit properly - and if it fits well and is comfortable, then you will be more likely to wear it all the time. If you are wearing it all the time, then you'll be wearing it when you need it!

I originally had a "solid-style" Rodney Powell BP, which I found very constrictive and hot, and which I tended to avoid wearing. It did wonders for my sitting trot, but that was it. As a result, I wasn't wearing it when I had my rotten fall that sent me off to Casualty with broken bones (only ribs but it still hurt).

I now have a Racesafe RS2000, which fits like a dream and is SO easy to wear. I got mine from Treehouse, and they were absolutely amazing. I rang them and gave them my measurements on the Tuesday lunchtime, and it was delivered on Wednesday afternoon.
 
ty both - so you can order online?
I thought id have to go to a local tack shop but yes, i suppose if you give your measurements - thanks xxx
 
I was sure I wanted a Racesafe, but nowhere round here stocks them, so I took a punt and bought online. If you look on Treehouse's website, it gives very clear directions on how to measure yourself, and they are really helpful over the phone.

I was in the same boat as you, BTW - I'm 37, not the best (or most balanced) rider in the world, and have a shedload of family responsibilities so can't afford to get badly hurt.
 
I've got a L3 Just Toggs BP, Ok so it's not top end of price bracket and won't be as 'high tech' as many others on the market but it does what it was tested for and is tested to the highest level in order to prevent brusing and soft tissue damage.

Sometimes you pay for the name, other times you pay for comfort and better individual fit, but they still do the same job, and that's to add that little bit more protection when you fall.

I can't tell I've got it on to be honest when I'm riding, although in summer it does get a bit sticky but it's lightweight, not too clumpy, I'd certainly have another.

Priced at around £85.00 give or take a few pounds, seems more than reasonable and mine does get some hammer as I use it practically every day, it gets zipped and clipped on and off more times than you can imagine, all the stitching, the zip and the velco and plastic clips are all in great working order and I've had it years.
 
I've got a charles owen one as I couldn't justify spending big money on one for the amount of riding I was doing when I bought it.

It has air vents in it to help keep you cool, so the foam has sort of holes punched through it.

It is velco fastening (no zip to break) but also has a big chunky plastic buckle/clip on the front so the velcro can't unfasten itself.

Don't buy one that fastens with velco alone, lots of people on our yard have them (and the ones you can borrow are like this) and they are good at not staying fastened very well.

Do get it fitted well so that it is comfy and buy a couple of tops made from coolmax or merino or some other breathable wicking fabric to go underneath so that you don't get all sweaty and damp (cotton will leave you feeling wet and miserable).
 
Yes have a racesafe Treehouse BUT I'm 5'5'' and its too long. They didn't tell my OH that there were 2 lengths. It bangs the back of my saddle and so I don't wear it. Must sell on e-bay soon (but will be getting a shorter one).
 
I'll throw a spanner in, and suggest a Kan! Incredibly comfortable, shaped for ladies, and although more expensive than some others, doesn't need replacing three or so years down the line, as the foam doesn't age and deteriorate. (There is another word, but my brain won't let me find it!)
 
Another vote for Racesafe.
I'm no spring chicken either and I do feel reassured when riding with my BP on.
They are comfortable and really flexible too, I hated the thought of a rigid BP. They lace up down each side so they are easy to adjust too.

Ebay is worth a look.
 
Groom42 said:
I'll throw a spanner in, and suggest a Kan! Incredibly comfortable, shaped for ladies, and although more expensive than some others, doesn't need replacing three or so years down the line, as the foam doesn't age and deteriorate. (There is another word, but my brain won't let me find it!)
Click to expand...

What she said ^^^^^^^
 
Mine is a Rodney Powell, not the most recent one but the one before that. I wear it for xc and I don't notice that I'm wearing it if you know what I mean so for me that's a good body protector!

My advice is try on as many different brands and styles as you can, as some may not fit your body shape and length (Champion ones aren't long enough in the rib cage area for me). That way you'll know what you find comfortable and what you like/don't like.
 
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