Body protectors!

[Cob Life]

Okay talk to Me about body protectors!

are the Race-safe worth the extra ££ over the Airowear? Or is there another you’d recommend?

my champion one is Getting old now and doesn’t allow much movement and makes my elbows stick out

 

[Summit]

I bought a Race-Safe because it was the most comfortable for me.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I can't comment on comparison with Airowear but I've just bought a Racesafe Provent 3 - I knew it was a good choice when someone asked me how I found it after my first ride with it on (hacking) and I'd realised I had forgotten I was wearing it! I had a jumping lesson last week too and it was the same, didn't get too hot or feel restricted. If you do go for it make sure you get it properly fitted

 

[The Xmas Furry]

For me there is no comparison between the race safe and the airowear, I've had the latter, then upgraded to the former which is used daily. I find the race safe much more cool, comfortable, lighter and pliable.
You'll get differing opinions tho OP.

 

[Cob Life]

For me there is no comparison between the race safe and the airowear, I've had the latter, then upgraded to the former which is used daily. I find the race safe much more cool, comfortable, lighter and pliable.
You'll get differing opinions tho OP.

Light and cool is what I’m looking for as I will need to wear it every ride with this new horse, with the cob I just managed with my old one as I only wore it jumping

 

[MuddyMonster]

I love my Racesafe and looking to replace it with another Racesafe next year (only as supposed to replace every 5 or so years). I ride all the time in it for flatwork, hacking and jumping.

 

[Roxylola]

Had an airowear and now have a racesafe. Yes it's worth the extra, cooler, more comfortable, better fit as it's more adjustable

 

[Cob Life]

Had an airowear and now have a racesafe. Yes it's worth the extra, cooler, more comfortable, better fit as it's more adjustable

Thanks! I’ll try both but looks like I’ll be getting a racesafe, I looked at some Airowear yesterday and they still seem fairly bulky compared to the racesafe so was already Leaning towards them

 

[Sossigpoker]

The standard body protector don't really do much, as I found out when I broke my back wearing one. I wear an air jacket now every time I ride. It is so worth the expense.

 

[mini_b]

I sold my Airowear outlyne as I felt so uncomfortable in it. Very stiff.
I’d tried the racesafe and it fit me so much better but I couldn’t afford at the time. 100% saving for a racesafe.

 

[2ndtimearound]

The Champion Titanium is worth a look too. They are similar in style to a Racesafe, but slightly less expensive for the same level of protection and may suit a slightly different body shape. I’ve gone from an Aerowear Airmesh to the Titanium, which fits me well. The one time I tried a Racesafe it didn’t fit me properly. The Titanium comes in a nice shade of grey as well as black too.

 

[ycbm]

I wouldn't use a body protector now I've had an air jacket, unless competition rules insist on it.
.

 

[oldie48]

Definitely try before you buy and sit on the sort of saddle that you ride on. Neither the Racesafe or Airowear fitted me because I am very short backed, would have needed to be custom made. I bought an air vest and really like it.

 

[Cob Life]

The Champion Titanium is worth a look too. They are similar in style to a Racesafe, but slightly less expensive for the same level of protection and may suit a slightly different body shape. I’ve gone from an Aerowear Airmesh to the Titanium, which fits me well. The one time I tried a Racesafe it didn’t fit me properly. The Titanium comes in a nice shade of grey as well as black too.

This was my other to look at, I just know they have the race-safe and Airowear in stock But I’m hoping they have others too

 

[Sossigpoker]

Can I ask what you're hoping the body protector will protect you from?
Having had the experience I've had , I really don't feel they have much point. Air jacket is the way to go. I only wear my BP now when my back is hurting as it kind of supports my back in the right area
But I don't think a BP without the air jacket on top achieves very much

 

[Cob Life]

Can I ask what you're hoping the body protector will protect you from?
Having had the experience I've had , I really don't feel they have much point. Air jacket is the way to go. I only wear my BP now when my back is hurting as it kind of supports my back in the right area
But I don't think a BP without the air jacket on top achieves very much

It has stopped me breaking ribs before (according to the doctors) when I had a fall jumping. I was lucky to come away from that with only a concussion

 

[JulesRules]

Depends on your size and shape. I went out to buy a racesafe and came home with the airowear outlyne as ot was much more comfortable for me.

Try some on and then decide

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Can I ask what you're hoping the body protector will protect you from?
Having had the experience I've had , I really don't feel they have much point. Air jacket is the way to go. I only wear my BP now when my back is hurting as it kind of supports my back in the right area
But I don't think a BP without the air jacket on top achieves very much

You are entitled to your opinion but mine differs greatly with regards to protection.
They are mandatory for PC and RC events and other competitive events.
I've never found a BP will support, tho they might make a rider sit up more.

 

[AFB]

I can't comment on the AW but I have a RS and I LOVE it, I only wear it for XC but even so I forget I have it on after a few minutes.

 

[Sossigpoker]

It has stopped me breaking ribs before (according to the doctors) when I had a fall jumping. I was lucky to come away from that with only a concussion

They are not marketed as preventing broken bones though and aren't designed for that. All im saying that if safety is of concern , wear an air jacket over the body protector. They may be mandatory in certain disciplines but for safety they actually do very little.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

They are not marketed as preventing broken bones though and aren't designed for that. All im saying that if safety is of concern , wear an air jacket over the body protector. They may be mandatory in certain disciplines but for safety they actually do very little.

Where do you get the 'do very little for safety' from? I'd be very interested to know, there are plenty of links on the web in favour including test results, but I've not seen anything accredited to decry this.
What do you consider they are designed for then?

 

[ycbm]

*body protectors* may be mandatory in certain disciplines but for safety they actually do very little.

I don't think this is true, SP. They will prevent severe bruising, broken ribs, internal organ (kidney/ spleen) damage, crush vertebrae damage from a tread or a backwards swing into a fence.

Like you I much prefer an air jacket, and the gold standard is of course both, but if it's one or the other I'm air jacket every time.

Willy Carson owes his life to a 1996 version Racesafe. He was kicked in the paddock and the horse got his liver and nearly killed him, but the force was distributed by his body protector, which saved him. And after 24 years, they are now much safer materials.
.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I don't think this is true, SP. They will prevent severe bruising, broken ribs, internal organ (kidney/ spleen) damage, crush vertebrae damage from a tread or a backwards swing into a fence.

Like you I much prefer an air jacket, and the gold standard is of course both, but if it's one or the other I'm air jacket every time.

Willy Carson owes his life to a 1996 version Racesafe. He was kicked in the paddock and the horse got his liver and nearly killed him, but the force was distributed by his body protector, which saved him. And after 24 years, they are now much safer materials.
.

They are designed to distribute the force of the impact as in your last example there. Having had a high speed falk and have my HitAir on I just wouldn't ride on a BP alone. They certainly, I n hindsight, gave me a false sense of protection.

https://www.kanteq.com/differences-body-protectors-air-jackets/

 

[Translationsneeded]

I’ve said it on here before but please do your research if you’re only wearing an airjacket (so you can make an informed choice). I did a nasty injury wearing mine when I fell off. I was told by the doc that they should only be worn over a back protector. I tend just to wear my back protector now. I like the racesafe and find it comfy.

 

[ycbm]

I’ve said it on here before but please do your research if you’re only wearing an airjacket (so you can make an informed choice). I did a nasty injury wearing mine when I fell off. I was told by the doc that they should only be worn over a back protector. I tend just to wear my back protector now. I like the racesafe and find it comfy.

There is no doubt that the gold standard is both. But from experience, if it is a choice between one or the other, I am certain that the air jacket i wear is more protective than any body protector for the falls I am likely to have.

I'd be very surprised if your doctor has the experience to make the judgement they did.

What was your injury?
.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I’ve said it on here before but please do your research if you’re only wearing an airjacket (so you can make an informed choice). I did a nasty injury wearing mine when I fell off. I was told by the doc that they should only be worn over a back protector. I tend just to wear my back protector now. I like the racesafe and find it comfy.

I came off at speed wearing just my air jacket , wasn't hurt really but must have landed on something that pressed on my side/ribs as it was very sore for ages.
The BP would have been useful in that so now that weather is getting cooler, I will be wearing both for sure.

 

[Translationsneeded]

There is no doubt that the gold standard is both. But from experience, if it is a choice between one or the other, I am certain that the air jacket i wear is more protective than any body protector for the falls I am likely to have.

I'd be very surprised if your doctor has the experience to make the judgement they did.

What was your injury?
.

Broken back it was something to do with the airjacket protecting one bit and the back protector protecting the other bit. Physio (who was a rider) said the same.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Broken back it was something to do with the airjacket protecting one bit and the back protector protecting the other bit. Physio (who was a rider) said the same.

Sorry to hear that. Has it healed ok? Mine is physically fine but I'm struggling mentally. I was only wearing a BP when it happened.

Will be wearing both from now on especially if hacking as the BP will help to protect you from puncture wounds and other injuries if you fell on something protruding.

 

[Translationsneeded]

Physically pretty good thanks. I don’t think it’ll ever be 100% ok but manageable. Mentally it wasn’t too bad but that’s probably because mine was actually a silly little accident that 99.999% of times wouldn’t have caused any injury so I didn’t get too worried about getting back on. Worth speaking to someone professional if you’re struggling though. The mind is a funny thing ?

 

[Sossigpoker]

Thanks I've just ordered some self help books , looking into some hypnotherapy at the moment.
I was lucky with my break in that it doesn't affect any nerves so I've not been left with any issues now that I'm 9 months post break. I know someone who also fractured their L2 and she gets pins and needles in her hands and feet now 2 years after it. So on that way I was very lucky.