New airowear shadow, thoughts/experiences please

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P.forpony

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A combination of a recently bad back and a lovely new TB straight off the track has got me thinking.
I really struggle with the bulk and impediment of traditional body protectors and only wear one when I absolutely have to eg at events where its compulsory.
I've just seen the new airowear shadow and it seems to be a good compromise, obviously not the same level of protection as my current level 3 but if its as comfy and flexible enough for everyday use as the write up promises, then I'm thinking better some protection than nothing. With the added bonus of being able to fit it under my hunt coat.
If anyone has got one yet or tried one on I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback ?
 
P.forpony said:
A combination of a recently bad back and a lovely new TB straight off the track has got me thinking.
I really struggle with the bulk and impediment of traditional body protectors and only wear one when I absolutely have to eg at events where its compulsory.
I've just seen the new airowear shadow and it seems to be a good compromise, obviously not the same level of protection as my current level 3 but if its as comfy and flexible enough for everyday use as the write up promises, then I'm thinking better some protection than nothing. With the added bonus of being able to fit it under my hunt coat.
If anyone has got one yet or tried one on I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback ?
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Dainese did a similar one, I liked it but it was pricey. I bought one for skateboarding, it too just had tyhe back part, with a waistband that was also like a lumbar support. I would at least wear it!
 
There is another thread on this. I wear a bp (currently airowear) every time I ride and have always done so, as I am an older rider. I dont notice it. I rode in it when I had dressage lessons too and there was lots of canter. If I were riding a youngster I would wear OH's air jacket but my current share is not a spooker.
 
I wear a Dainese level 1 most times I ride. The one I have has all round protection but it is only level one. I can't find it online - they only seem to advertise the vest one with only back protection now. Mine is lightweight and the design means it's super flexible so you hardly know you are wearing it. You can also bung it in the washing machine on a low temp.
 
I looked at it but bought an air jacket instead - the gilet one as I'm vain and it almost looks like a normal gilet. It's made up of an air jacket that zips into an outer layer so you can chop and change it (if you're related to Jeff Bezos or don't care about eating or being warm) to suit what you're doing. There's a gilet, a soft shell jacket, a show jacket and a hunting jacket. I just have the gilet as i'm not doing anything to warrant a pretty one yet. If I start saving now, by the time Charlie and I are competing in about 3 decades time I might be able to afford a show jacket outer.
 
Following, I'm looking at back protectors now. I have a body protector but hate it and save that for the occasional XC school/play date. Would like a liitle something extra but not full BP...I like the Komperdell ones and am considering one of those models.

I really liked the idea of the air jacket gillet (I, too, am vain and they look great) but I'm getting jumped out of the tack like crazy right now and with my luck it would go off when I'm still on the horse.
 
I really like the idea of this for me, just to give me a bit of confidence. I do so little in the way of fast work or jumping that it seems more appropriate that a full spec body protector.

But no bigger than a 10/12! Annoying. Most of me is a 12 but my boobs are not.
 
Yes that's exactly what I'm looking for. A bit of extra protection just in case, instead of the full belt and braces.
Fortunately I'm not at all gifted in the boob department but they do say they're lady shaped, and having a deeper v neckline than standard may help?
I think I need to find somewhere that has them in stock to try on before I take the plunge.
I have looked into the air jackets and lobe the idea but I'm terrible at remembering anything so I know full well I'll blow up regularly just by forgetting to unclip myself!
 
There is a myth among race safe fans that they are best for everyone.
They do not fit everyone. I have a smallish bust and narrow shoulders and Race safe experts at Olympia confirmed they dont fit me. Not even the one designed for teenage boys. The size of race safe panels makes it hard to make small adjustments.
 
Skib said:
There is a myth among race safe fans that they are best for everyone.
They do not fit everyone. I have a smallish bust and narrow shoulders and Race safe experts at Olympia confirmed they dont fit me. Not even the one designed for teenage boys. The size of race safe panels makes it hard to make small adjustments.
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They don't fit everyone, but they fit an awful lot of people who struggle to get a decent fit. They are also much more lightweight and flexible making them more wearable.

I was resistant until I was fitted into one and felt it! I'd tried things like Dianesse, Rodney Powell, Champion and airowear and found them absolutely hopeless, I was expecting to have to get a Kan as the only option.
 
I have the dainesse back only one. It’s great. I wear it for hacking a young pony. I’m short with big boobs and even a made to measure bp I find uncomfortable and restrictive . This is really lightweight, flexible and short. Yes it’s no where near as good as a normal bp, but given my bp would otherwise be on the floor in the tack room, it will actually be a lot more protective!
 
D1 used to ride in a Kan. It was the only one I didn't have to get at her to put on! She had an Exo(?) for cross-country, as I was paranoid about rotational falls, though these days I'd go air jacket. I think I have a Racesafe somewhere. Don't remember it as being super comfortable though it fitted well.
 
Skib said:
There is a myth among race safe fans that they are best for everyone.
They do not fit everyone. I have a smallish bust and narrow shoulders and Race safe experts at Olympia confirmed they dont fit me. Not even the one designed for teenage boys. The size of race safe panels makes it hard to make small adjustments.
Click to expand...

agree with this.
I do love my racesafe and don’t notice I’ve got it on once it’s warmed up but I feel it’s not 100% a great fit. It’s the best fitting thing I could find though.

didn’t know there was one designed for boys as I think this would have been a better fit. Kids ones were too short in the body.
 
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