On the Kan stand at Burghley ...

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Burnttoast

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I don't often post in here, not being a CR, but thought I would pass on my fun experience with the hammer on the Kan stand today in case it's of interest to anyone! I haven't worn a BP for years (been doing pretty low-risk things, as am boring!) but I have heard good things about the Kan - mostly here, tbh(!) - and liked the look of it, so I went to be fitted in case I sit on my friend's youngster next year. While I was there I did the little experiment with the hammer (which those of you who are familiar with the website will doubtless know about!). Normal BP foam on right thigh, the knox foam on the left. I still have a little 'hot spot' on the right leg, and really felt the impact of the hammer go wham on that spot (I did do it with some enthusiasm :o), but on the left all I felt was a wave of vibration, if that makes sense, travelling across my thigh - and then absolutely nothing. So there certainly seems to be a qualitative difference between the two, and if that translates to the same result when hitting the ground then there is no contest. Will start saving up now!
 
I bought a new one right there today. Have to say I was v v impressed with it. I did wonder if it would be heavy and restrictive but it's def lighter than my racesafe (which i have adored for a v long time) and far more comfortable. Looking forward to XCing in it :)
 
My last BP was 15 years ago and probably not a brilliant one, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was impressed too with the fit and feel - and with being able to breathe so easily!
 
I'm so pleased you've both been impressed by the Kan. I've been a wearer for some months now, and I can tell you it's worth it's weight in gold. I've never worn a bp so comfortable, been able to get into one on my own or even tack up my 17.2 dinosaur in one, but in the Kan I can do all of the above! Not to mention how it is protection wise - I took a rather unfortunate spill in a water recently, where my horse lost his footing down a step, plummeted and I was catapulted out of the saddle and landed on my shoulder; because I was wearing my Kan I didn't even feel it.

There was a lady who came to the stand today who had a nasty rotational fall recently. She, I believe, sustained a broken leg and pelvis, but was totally unharmed on her torso because she had been wearing her Kan. She bought it along for us to see; her horse had landed on the front of her bp with it's shoulder, and then caught her with it's foot when it stood up. When we took the elements of the Kan out to inspect them, they were all completely undamaged, you could have confused them with the brand new ones right out of the packaging. It was truly amazing! It goes to show that the foam really does work, it doesn't morph in heat, under pressure or after impact. A bp for life, I find!
 
Treated myself to a new BP 2 yrs ago, now seriously regret not buying a Kan. Daughter has one and loves it, I will be buying one at Burghley next year.
 
alwaysbroke said:
Treated myself to a new BP 2 yrs ago, now seriously regret not buying a Kan. Daughter has one and loves it, I will be buying one at Burghley next year.
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Great to hear :) if you attend any other shows around the UK (Badminton, Your Horse Live, plus smaller BE events eg. Stafford and Oasby) then she'll be there, Kans-a-ready!
 
I know I harp on (on so many things :eek::D), but the Kan is the one BP I don't have to hound teenage daughter to wear :D. Shes happy to put it on and keep it on.

When I reach my target weight, I want one. My RP saved me from being paralysed, and I'll always be thankful for that (!), but it's restrictive in comparison to the Kan.

Just to qualify: I have to admit to making D1 wear her Exo for cross-country as I have a fear of rotational falls. Yes, over-protective mother, etc. etc. etc. :cool:
 
If you look back a few weeks you'll find a post I wrote, I had a horse fall at Blair this year and walked away with just concussion. All the bits that were covered by my Kan were 100% fine, not even a bruise on my body at all (arms and legs yes but no BP can stop them)

I've worn mine since the start of 2008 and I love it.
 
So what are the differences between the Kan and say the Rodney Powell with shoulder protectors? The shoulder protectors on the Kans that I have seen seem to sit quite high, almost as if they are not quite wide enough for the shoulders if you see what I mean....
 
Fourlegsgood said:
It's ok for you ladies but we men are denied the luxury of a Kan.
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A men's one is planned when enough of the female ones have been sold, I believe.

Swirlymurphy, the Kan shoulder protectors are extra-thick smartfoam stuff, and designed to sort of squish out to protect the shoulder joint which will sort of nestle into them upwards in a fall. the RP ones (which i rode in for years) are flatter and sit on the outside more (no the top of the shoulder) and protect the upper arm rather than the shoulder joint imho.
 
smurf said:
I bet if you asked Wendy she would see it as a good challenge to make one for a man if she had someone willing to trial it :p Obviously you would need the accessories at the front altered :eek:
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The friend who was with me on Saturday (and was egging me on, Kerilli - that's why!) is *very* tall and the back part didn't fit her as a result. There was some discussion about a man's version and the upshot seemed to be that Wendy was keen to get on with the man's one asap, and that my friend would end up with a man's back and - er - a lady's front, if I can put it like that! So in the future they will be even more adaptable, hopefully.
 
DarkHorseB said:
Ooh really? When did those come out?
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very recently, they had them at Burghley, with matching stretchy shirts. lovely bright colours, a choice of about 8-10 different ones iirc. umm, baby pink, bright pink, turquoise, bright red, emerald green, maybe pale green (i didn't pay the greens a lot of attention, sorry!), white, red... can't remember the others, sorry.
the only thing is that the medical card holder is still only available in black, because that's a far superior fabric (like the blue that the Kan covers are made of) whereas the snazzy shoulder-pad coloured ones are a less hard-wearing fabric.
 
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