level 1 body protectors... worth wearing?

Bowen4Horses

Bowen4Horses

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hi all

i need a BP. if i'm honest, i have never ever owned one. have ridden in a couple, hated them. i suspect it's cos i have a large bust (also, being fake, they don't squish in the same way as real ones)

seeing the kanteq thread on here reminded me. now, the lovely kerilli let me try on her kanteq. yes, it was lovely, and yes i would imagine it'd REALLY help protect in the case of a fall. but i can't imagine riding with my back held so rigid.

my friend let me try her airowear one, and again, it felt like it would protect me, but i can't imagine riding in it.

then i tried my other friend's racesafe one (she also has fake knockers) , and i felt like i could ride in it because it is made up of little squares that mould around me... so i go to buy one... it's only a level 1...

is it really worth having a level 1 BP? how much protection would i get from it?

is a level 1 better than none? i guess so...
or should i just get a kanteq/something similar and learn to put up with the bulkiness/rigidity?

xxx

ets: i prefer the kanteq over other level 3 ones as they are a bit more shaped. if anyone else can recommend one that isn't just a flat, boobsquishing board... much appreciated
 
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Why do you want one? That is crucial.

I believe that for most activities where you "NEED" one it MUST be a level three, so a level 1 would be useless.

If you just want one for hacking/lessons then it probably doesn't matter so much, but obviously the level of protection will be less. Although I guess more than nothing at all.

Having said that I thought level one protectors were only for jockeys and couldn't be bought by the general public.

Have you tried a level two protector? Is that any better?
 
Katt said:
Why do you want one? That is crucial.

I believe that for most activities where you "NEED" one it MUST be a level three, so a level 1 would be useless.

If you just want one for hacking/lessons then it probably doesn't matter so much, but obviously the level of protection will be less. Although I guess more than nothing at all.

Having said that I thought level one protectors were only for jockeys and couldn't be bought by the general public.

Have you tried a level two protector? Is that any better?
Click to expand...

initially it'd be for hacking, maybe schooling/lessons. if i EVER got brave enough for jumping/xc i'd defo get a level 3.

haven't even seen a level 2 on my travels, just one and three... hmmm, that's food for thought, thank you! :D
 
I think the reason racesafes arent a higher level is because the little squares have holes between them and arent puncture proof - i.e. you could be skewered if you hit the deck.

Personally, my OH rides in a racesafe and I'm much happier to have him in it than not!! Haha.

Perhaps find the criteria for what makes them different levels, and see what protection you could "live without" and what you NEED. I.e. if you're only popping a few jumps, I'm sure a level 1 would be fine, if you're intending to go through badminton then it probably wouldnt be.

xxx
 
I've got a level 3 racesafe and it does have the little squares and also laces up the side so you get the exact fit.

Go see June Rose at her tack shop in Parson Drove - she has them in stock and is really good at fitting them correctly.
 
The race safe 2000 is level 3, its the light weig vest which is level 1.

You can get a level 2 but they are very rare. Personally I think if you spending the money u'd be better off getting a level 3 as you may want to start juming and then you'd have to buy yet another one. It mat save you money in the long term :)
 
Found this on a website:

BETA 2000 - CURRENT STANDARD
The BETA 2000 Standard came into force in March 2000 and still insists on annual re-testing of garments to ensure consistency of the Standard, a requirement that is not needed for the European Standard and which sets it apart. The level of protection offered for Level 2 & 3 differs little from the BETA '95 Standard. Level 1 provides significantly less protection than a Level 2 garment as it is designed to meet the weight of licensed jockeys while racing. It is not intended for general horse riding.

Hope this helps?
 
I am on the British Standards Committee BSI/3/11 which deals with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes back protectors.
Level 1 Back Protectors for Jockeys where brought in as a result of the request by the Jockey Club as they needed to keep the bulk of body protectors worn by race jockeys down. Race jockeys each have a medical passport so any fall or injury is noted in it. The passport is checked before each race. However Level 1 specifications are far lower than 2 or 3. There are a number of different manufacturers of back protectors so maybe there is a level 2 or 3 that will be more comfortable for you. Level 1 will not provide you with sufficient protection from a fall especially on a fence or a hard surface.
 
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