Tell me about body protectors

jroz

jroz

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I am thinking about getting a bp for riding. I am mostly a english pleasure rider, with a mix of schooling/hacking. I don't show, or jump - at least not yet but those might be things I do in the future, once I get my own horse. It appears as though Racesafe's & Kanteq's are popular, but I don't know much more than that!

Some general questions...

If you don't have a local tack shop that carries them, how do you go about sizing, etc?

Do you base the sizing on what you'd be wearing it over? What can you wear it over? How does wearing one work in the winter - like when you have several layers plus a heavy jacket on?

If you have a air style vest, is it recommended that you still wear a standard bp underneath?

What brands would you stay away from?

Do they eventually wear down with use and have to be replaced after so many years?

Do you like them with extended protection (say for shoulders, and your tailbone)?

Thanks for any advice!
 
I think your biggest issue will be with sizing. My OH and I went to buy BP's and ended up with completely different makes, mainly because what suited my size and shape was different from my OH (aside from the obvious biological differences). I think you would be best contacting the manufacturers / distributors about sizing, if you really can't get to a shop.

As far as layers are concerned; on the rare occasions when I do wear my BP, I wear it over my normal riding clothes, but under a jacket. So in summer, it would be my outer layer, and when it gets colder I can put a jacket over the top.

Air vest can be worn on their own, but if you are also wearing a BP, then they must go outside the BP. I am not a fan of air vests, but a lot of people feel safer with them on, which has to be a good thing.

Like any item, BP will wear out, or more importantly the foam either becomes stiff or weak. Even for an infrequent user like me, I think I would probably replace the BP after a very heavy fall or every 5 years. Again, I would speak to the manufacturer about this.

Good luck with your search. For what it's worth I have a racesafe, and find that once riding, i really don't notice I'm wearing it.
 
I have a racesafe and absolutely love it, use it for xc, riding out the racers and working with babies.. I would highly recommend them as they are super lightweight and comfortable however Kanteq bps are very popular too; the benefit of Kans is that the foam they use does not degrade the same way the traditional bps do and so they will not need replaced as often. I prefer not to use shoulder protectors. Kans are only manufactured for women at the moment. My racesafe has lace up sides so can be adjusted for wearing more layers if necessary.

Air vests can be used on their own for recreational riding but not for competing under rules (RC/PC/BE/BS). They do not provide the same range of protection as a traditional bp and are a specialised product. Personally I don't own or wear one and have a few reservations about them. They are becoming more popular however, both with pleasure and competition riders.

Look for a bp with a BETA 2010 purple label as the older 2000 ones will become obsolete soon I fear. As far as fitting goes, if you decide which bp you want then if you get in touch with the manufacturers they will probably help advise on size (I ended up with a children's version as I am little). Racesafe and Kan both have fantastic customer service and can be made in a range of sizes and back lengths.

:)
 
I have an airowear slimline body protector, set me back about £110 (actually set my husband back lol :) )

Excellent body protector, i swear by it. Very comfortable and unusally flexable. I always wear it what ever i'm doing, even a few of my firend have brought them too as impressed with mine. They come in various back lengths and sizes meanig u can normally fin one to fit u!
 
I personally really rate the Kan, and although they have the same BETA Level 3 rating as the racesafe I feel they offer better protection. The foam also does not degrade over time, nor does it need replacing after a fall, so if you get one it should last you! With regards to airjackets. Personally I would not wear one on its own with no BP underneath. Having had my airjacket go off a couple of times I have always been glad of my BP aswell, as it does blow up with alot of force!
 
rhino said:
I have a racesafe and absolutely love it, use it for xc, riding out the racers and working with babies.. I would highly recommend them as they are super lightweight and comfortable however Kanteq bps are very popular too; the benefit of Kans is that the foam they use does not degrade the same way the traditional bps do and so they will not need replaced as often. I prefer not to use shoulder protectors. Kans are only manufactured for women at the moment. My racesafe has lace up sides so can be adjusted for wearing more layers if necessary.

Air vests can be used on their own for recreational riding but not for competing under rules (RC/PC/BE/BS). They do not provide the same range of protection as a traditional bp and are a specialised product. Personally I don't own or wear one and have a few reservations about them. They are becoming more popular however, both with pleasure and competition riders.

Look for a bp with a BETA 2010 purple label as the older 2000 ones will become obsolete soon I fear. As far as fitting goes, if you decide which bp you want then if you get in touch with the manufacturers they will probably help advise on size (I ended up with a children's version as I am little). Racesafe and Kan both have fantastic customer service and can be made in a range of sizes and back lengths.

:)
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I can see how the laces would be a good feature to have, especially if it's a day where you have to switch layers of clothing. Are they easy to adjust, or cumbersome?
 
jroz said:
I can see how the laces would be a good feature to have, especially if it's a day where you have to switch layers of clothing. Are they easy to adjust, or cumbersome?
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They are pretty easy, I have lent my bp to quite a few people (of a very similar size to me) and it allows you to make it fit really well. It's easy and quick to put on though as it is zipped down the front too :)

When I replace it I will get the same one; working on racing yards where you have to wear them it is noticeable that the racesafes are the most popular. Some people dislike them as they are made from discrete panels of foam and therefore if you were to fall on something sharp you may not get the same protection as with a more 'solid' bp. Alternatively, I find them much easier to move 'normally' in, good with the youngsters when you need quick reactions and flexibility :D
 
I've just bought a kan and live it. I needed the extra shoulder protection so its suits me well, BUT it is so light weight and comfortable that I would buy it regardless! It stretches as you breathe and I had line fitted to go over my hunt coat and everyday hoodies. Kan can fit you via the phone but do let them know if you plan to put layers on underneath it. After my accident and a lot of research I felt personally that the kan offered the best protection.
 
I can't remember which one I have - thinks its the airowear.

Just remember in the event of an accident you need to be able to get it off! Mine has velcro on the shoulders and sides - made it so much easier to get off when I injured my back. I wouldn't have been able to get a racesafe off without having it cut!
 
LaurenM said:
I can't remember which one I have - thinks its the airowear.

Just remember in the event of an accident you need to be able to get it off! Mine has velcro on the shoulders and sides - made it so much easier to get off when I injured my back. I wouldn't have been able to get a racesafe off without having it cut!
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It has laces at the sides so can be removed without compromising the spine - even if you needed to cut it you could replace it - it's just nylon lacing :)
 
I absolutely love my racesafe. Following a nasty fall, broken ribs etc I wear it all the time and forget I even have it on, really light and flexible, best one I have worn and they do made to measure, or can alter a standard fit by shortening length at back as necessary.
 
I wear my airowear over a t-shirt (with sleeves, otherwise it chafes the tops of my arms) in the summer. Come winter - or what passes for winter in Portugal - I'll layer t-shirt, BP, jumper/sweatshirt and jacket (if necessary).
 
I know I will want something that doesn't feel too restricting, as I find stuff that gets in the way distracting! Plus hindering movement and all. I will have to add airowear's to my list when I go to do comparisons online. I know bp's will add a layer of warmth during the winter, but how hot are they during the summer? Do you find that they are breathable or do you get more sweaty underneath?

Thanks for all the replies so far!
 
I also have the Airowear Outlyne one and i absolutely love it! In summer its quite breathable but of course not as breathable as a t-shirt so yes you do sweat a bit more than you would without it on but i'd rather sweat slightly more than end up with broken bones. in winter depending on how you want to wear it, it has velcro on the shoulders, and the sides making it soooo easily adjustable. It is very very flexible and light, it moulds to your body and is also shaped for women like the Kan but i think it has the advantage of being easily adjustable which you don't have with a Kan. I have tried on and ridden in the racesafe one but personally i don't like it, i don't feel as comfortable in it as i do in the airowear one, but thats just me. You can buy shoulder pads for the airowear one if you want and they are detachable so say if you're just schooling then you can take them off, but you can them quickly put them on and go xc.
As you can see i can't reccomend it enough, 2 people have bought these because of me now :o and both love theirs as much as i love mine.
Additionaly, theres a funky hi-viz one in my local store! I really want it :D
Good luck with finding your perfect BP :)
 
jroz said:
What are the differences with the labels? Is it to do with ratings?
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the 2009 label is the more up to date one, there were a few changes made to the standard eg no gaps at the zip. Currently events tend to stipulate bp's must carry beta2000 but Im sure there will come a point where they update that rule.
 
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