Do I need to replace my body protector?

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Gorgeous George

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After yesterday's fall I am now in pain from the base of my neck to my bum and I have a big bruise and friction burn in the small of my back. I was wearing a body protector which probably saved me from serious damage, so do I need to replace the body protector? It is only a year old and apart from a thick layer of sticky clay seems undamaged?

Will be getting back on George tonight after work (the YO has rung to say he is completely sound and not even stiff - phew), but will only manage a walk being led as I can barely sit down, but I need to get back on ASAP!
 
Not sure about the protector but so glad you are getting back on straightaway - you will be fine
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If you can see no damage then I would not have thought so. It is not made of the same stuff as hats (which crack). If in doubt ring up the manufacturers and check.

Hope you are feeling a bit better today.

I am sure you will be ok later, just relax and I am sure George will look after you. He was proberbly just as traumatised as you yesterday.
 
I think with protectors ur meant to change them after a bad fall on a hard surface like the road, otherwise should be ok. Other than that they should be replaced every 5 years (i think) as they don't age well. Prob best to check with manufacturers.
 
I have a feeling that the advice is the same for both body protectors and hats - you may not be able to see any damage but that doesn't mean there isn't any.

I think I'm right in saying that both are made of materials that are designed to absorb impact and the energy that this creates. Once they have done so their structure will be altered and so they may not be as effective, should there be another impact.

I didn't read what happened, but I'm not sure I'd take a chance if I'd sustained a big impact somewhere. If it's stopped you from being seriously injured then I'd guess that it must have taken a fair old beating. We've been told to treat them like our hats - a big impact and you replace it no matter what, as expensive and annoying as that is.

Am very glad that it worked for you, though, sounds like it did its job brilliantly! :-)
 
I am on the BSI (British Standards Institute) Committee for Body Protectors and although you may not see any superficial damage - once it has had an impact it will no longer be effective in absorbing the destructive energy if you suffer another fall so you need to replace it.
 
Everyone says to replace it the same as a hat etc, but in practice I am sure that I wouldnt (and infact didnt after a very bad fall over fixed timber) I am not made of money
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If you are going to be doing badminton or the like then it may be prudent but for general riding I dont think it necessary.

Well done for getting back on, now crawl to the chemist for some arnica pills and muscle rub.

I was in agony after I fell off and went to the docs after 4 days to find I had torn the ligament in my hip!!! Took months to heal and the pain was in the strangest of places
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I though I had trapped an ovary somewhere it shouldnt reach!!
 
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