Racesafe Provent BP :(

[Junebug44]

The zip on my Racesafe Provent bp has fallen apart after 18 months' use. Called Racesafe and they weren't brilliantly helpful - just said that the zips can't be replaced in this model. it took a second phone call to establish that they might be able to replace the vest within the first year after purchase if I had the receipt, but lady was fairly noncommittal about that.

Disappointed as I like my Racesafe, but now I'm not sure I want to buy another of this brand to replace it now.

Has anyone else had this experience with Racesafe body protectors?

Thanks

 

[poiuytrewq]

No but similar just recently. I bought a Pikeur coat in a sale about 18 months ago so same kind of time scale. I’d only worn it over this last winter so not like I’d used it solidly since purchase by any means. The zip broke.
The shop were unable to help but have referred it to Pikeur as obviously if you buy quality (is racesafe) you reasonably expect it to last longer than 18 months.
Pikeur have asked me to post the coat to them to see if they can repair it. I’ve yet to do so as I need an order number to create a return label and if course it’s too old 😩 but I’d certainly expect more from Racesafe in this case even if just as above a gesture of goodwill.

 

[Fiona]

My son has had his for 2 years (worn every time he rides) and its still in great condition.

My friend has had the zip replaced on a much older racesafe by her local saddler

Fiona

 

[Junebug44]

Thanks both. Yes, they did say the older one can be repaired, just not the Provent. I am disappointed they couldn't be a little more helpful, but I'd take this on the chin and buy another if I trusted it to last, but they're a reasonably pricy option and I don't want to have to renew it again in another 18 months! Hm, will have to think!

Ps what I like about the Provent its the shorter back doesn't bump the cantle - I wouldn't mind trying another make, but it's so difficult when you can't try things on! Going to Hickstead later this month though, so maybe I'll have a look around then.

 

[Junebug44]

No but similar just recently. I bought a Pikeur coat in a sale about 18 months ago so same kind of time scale. I’d only worn it over this last winter so not like I’d used it solidly since purchase by any means. The zip broke.
The shop were unable to help but have referred it to Pikeur as obviously if you buy quality (is racesafe) you reasonably expect it to last longer than 18 months.
Pikeur have asked me to post the coat to them to see if they can repair it. I’ve yet to do so as I need an order number to create a return label and if course it’s too old 😩 but I’d certainly expect more from Racesafe in this case even if just as above a gesture of goodwill.

Oo - i hope you can sort something out about that jacket - Pikeur stuff is lovely - I'd expect it to last!!

 

[milliepops]

forgive my ignorance, but is there something special about it that means a local seamstress wouldn't be able to put a new zip in?

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Deleted.

 

[Junebug44]

forgive my ignorance, but is there something special about it that means a local seamstress wouldn't be able to put a new zip in?

Thanks, yes, it's a good point - the lady from RS said basically its about how the zip is embedded quite close to the foam blocks - I've had a look and I can imagine it might be difficult as the fabric the zip attaches to is stretchy nylon and not much spare material there. Worth popping up to the menders to check I guess!

 

[milliepops]

sounds like you haven't got anything to lose

 

[albeg]

Thanks both. Yes, they did say the older one can be repaired, just not the Provent. I am disappointed they couldn't be a little more helpful, but I'd take this on the chin and buy another if I trusted it to last, but they're a reasonably pricy option and I don't want to have to renew it again in another 18 months! Hm, will have to think!

Ps what I like about the Provent its the shorter back doesn't bump the cantle - I wouldn't mind trying another make, but it's so difficult when you can't try things on! Going to Hickstead later this month though, so maybe I'll have a look around then.

RS shortened the back on my RS2010, so that's an option if you end up back with RS.

 

[ester]

sometimes people won't put new zips in on 'safety equipment' so you might need to ask around, someone indepdent and local best option

 

[criso]

Interesting as I noticed when I upgraded to the 2010 from the 2000, the zip on it is distinctly less sturdy looking than the old one, positively flimsy in comparison. Not had problems yet as I only use it for xc and don't get a chance to do that very often but I wonder how long it will last.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

I love my Provent - this is very worrying news 😖

 

[Junebug44]

RS shortened the back on my RS2010, so that's an option if you end up back with RS.

Thanks - I hadn't thought of that!

 

[Junebug44]

I love my Provent - this is very worrying news 😖

Yes, I like mine too - I'll update thread if I get any luck with repairing locally.

 

[Junebug44]

Interesting as I noticed when I upgraded to the 2010 from the 2000, the zip on it is distinctly less sturdy looking than the old one, positively flimsy in comparison. Not had problems yet as I only use it for xc and don't get a chance to do that very often but I wonder how long it will last.

Interesting, thanks.

 

[Reacher]

Not had problem with the zip, but the plastic holder for medical card on the shoulder protectors went brittle and disintegrated within about 12 months. I didn’t get around to contacting race safe though.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Yes, I like mine too - I'll update thread if I get any luck with repairing locally.

Thank you - best of luck 🍀

 

[MagicMelon]

I would definately demand they repair it. It should not have failed so soon (if at all). I love my Provent and have never had any issues. Id demand they either repaired it or replaced it.

 

[Junebug44]

Hello all, Thanks for your replies. Just to update: I have been to my trusty menders - lady took one look and said immediately no, they would have no way to access the zip. She said I might be able to get someone to do it by hand, but was dubious. I don't have time to faff with this if it won't work and I'm not sure it will be safe that way, so at least I know now... which leads me to my next question: Is there an environmentally friendly way to dispose of a used BP or anything else the bits could be used for?? Just a thought! (Hate throwing things away. )

 

[Littlefloof]

You could try a specialist mender like Lancashire Sports Repairs - they mostly repair walking boots, tents and outdoor clothing but also offer a repair service for motorcycle clothing so will be used to working around fiddly bits of body armour. Although their website appears to be offline at the moment, ho hum...

 

[Junebug44]

Ah, that's really useful to know - thanks so much!

 

[VeeB]

The zip on my Racesafe Provent bp has fallen apart after 18 months' use. Called Racesafe and they weren't brilliantly helpful - just said that the zips can't be replaced in this model. it took a second phone call to establish that they might be able to replace the vest within the first year after purchase if I had the receipt, but lady was fairly noncommittal about that.

Disappointed as I like my Racesafe, but now I'm not sure I want to buy another of this brand to replace it now.

Has anyone else had this experience with Racesafe body protectors?

Thanks

The zip on my Racesafe Provent 3 has given up too! ~Very disappointing as they are an expensive item. I've just ordered a different brand replacement

 

[Junebug44]

The zip on my Racesafe Provent 3 has given up too! ~Very disappointing as they are an expensive item. I've just ordered a different brand replacement

Oh dear! Don't think I updated my original post to say that after my usual menders said it wasn't possible to fix, my lovely tack shop proprietor sent mine off to her rug repairers and they did a super job replacing the zip with a much sturdier one for £40.

 

[Keith_Beef]

Don't forget that just about everything you buy new has a statutory two-year guarantee against defects in materials and manufacturing (unless it is specifically specified that the item is a reject, second, defective, etc.).

 

[Reacher]

Am resurrecting this thread as the zip on my racesafe Provent has broken now. It is outside the 2 year period . I will try the rug repairers though not optimistic.
Won’t be buying another!

Oh dear! Don't think I updated my original post to say that after my usual menders said it wasn't possible to fix, my lovely tack shop proprietor sent mine off to her rug repairers and they did a super job replacing the zip with a much sturdier one for £40.