qwertyuiop
Well-Known Member
I had a look at 1 of these new Point Two inflatable BP's yesterday. They look very good. Has anyone got 1? They are pricey, but a new spine costs a fair bit more!
These new inflatable body protectors
- Thread starter qwertyuiop
- Start date
Racing_Gal
Well-Known Member
My friend has ordered one, I will do a post on it when it arrives
I they are expensive but I agree about the cost of a new spine! I think there worth it if your eventing allot
Lippyx
Well-Known Member
How exactly do they work? I thought it was similar to an air bag in a car but, surely its needs contact to explod, and would that not be too late by then?
How much are they then?
How much are they then?
*hic*
village idiot :D
Actually, yes I have.
I've been feeling very guilty recently because I went to the BE and BEOA riders' meeting back in, I think, January and was impressed by the demonstration done then and I've been meaning to get one for my daughter, but being me I haven't got round to it.
Then I panicked last week as she was doing an ODE on Sunday and I managed to get a friend to get one from Aston for me.
It wasn't tested thoroughly, thank goodness - ie she didn't fall off. She found she didn't notice it going XC at all but it did give her a feeling of security. She's not an overly confident rider so this a good thing, not an invitation to go like a nutter.
I'm aware that there are a number of people who don't think that they would save you in a bad fall and I'd agree BUT anything that helps is good. Maybe I'm in an odd situation, my husband and I both used to ride motorbikes, they were a major part of our lives, he raced them fairly seriously and I also had a racing license. They were our main transport for years. Then he had two nasty accidents. In the first his helmet - a decent ie expensive one - saved him a serious head injury and he also suffered a broken leg. In the second his injuries were far more severe; left leg broken in more than 20 places; right with multiple breaks; broken hips; left arm smashed; right arm almost ripped off; bruised heart and lungs; damaged liver and stomach; head injury. I winced in the hospital as more than £1000 worth of leathers were cut off him, again all decent quality racing kit. The surgeon later pointed out that he was only alive because the leather had literally held him together, had he been in jeans and a lightweight jacket he would have been torn to pieces. His helmet, over £300, was squashed out of shape, had it been less good his head injury would have been fatal. I don't always agree with throwing money at a problem, but in this case the £1300 of gear that was destroyed meant that I still have a (slightly battered!) husband. Would I spend it again if he were able to ride a bike again? The question is a no brainer. Those prices are 12 years ago now!
Then he and my daughter were in a head on collision. The guy who caused the crash (three times over the drink drive limit) died. My husband and daughter didn't - they were in a more solid car that had airbags fitted. It is not certain that the other driver was even wearing his seatbelt.
Given those two examples that have happened to my close family in the past few years then this additional piece of safety equipment is an obvious purchase for me. OK so the horse will have to go without a five point breastplate, a posh bridle and leather event boots but actually I'd rather send it out in it's old hunting breastplate, it's secondhand bridle and it's PE sale boots and give my daughter's neck the support it might need IF the worst happens. In a rotational fall it might not make enough difference - although they should provide support for a tonne weight - but every little helps. My husband's kit didn't prevent him have some terrible injuries but had he not been wearing it . . . . . . . .
At the end of the day, it's personal preference. The person who picked up the jacket for me has a daughter competing at a higher level than mine, she doesn't choose for her daughter to wear one. I have no problem with that. Should her daughter ask to try the one we have then she is very welcome. I, however, will be buying a second one for myself. I don't wear a body protector every time I ride, like everyone else I find them cumbersome and hot and also I find that when I land it's invariably on my head or my back, but sort of bum first so a standard body protector doesn't actually help much. If I continue to fall that way the Point 2 jacket should help to save my elderly bones and ligaments - I hope never to test it BUT horses are horses! I intend that it will be as much a part of my riding kit as my hat is now - and remember that I come from a generation where you wore your hat for shows, hunting and PC rallies and a few other times. Nowadays I always wear my hat.
As for "how can air help in a crush situation" - get an egg and a child's inflatable swimming armband. Put the egg in the middle of the armband and inflate the armband. Put the egg in it's air jacket on the floor and stand on it. Whack it with a cricket bat. Provided the airband isn't punctured (they're not designed to be hit with cricket bats!) the egg won't break. Simples!
Sorry for essay.
*goes off for coffee, fully expecting a wealth of "waste of money" posts when she returns*
I've been feeling very guilty recently because I went to the BE and BEOA riders' meeting back in, I think, January and was impressed by the demonstration done then and I've been meaning to get one for my daughter, but being me I haven't got round to it.
Then I panicked last week as she was doing an ODE on Sunday and I managed to get a friend to get one from Aston for me.
It wasn't tested thoroughly, thank goodness - ie she didn't fall off. She found she didn't notice it going XC at all but it did give her a feeling of security. She's not an overly confident rider so this a good thing, not an invitation to go like a nutter.
I'm aware that there are a number of people who don't think that they would save you in a bad fall and I'd agree BUT anything that helps is good. Maybe I'm in an odd situation, my husband and I both used to ride motorbikes, they were a major part of our lives, he raced them fairly seriously and I also had a racing license. They were our main transport for years. Then he had two nasty accidents. In the first his helmet - a decent ie expensive one - saved him a serious head injury and he also suffered a broken leg. In the second his injuries were far more severe; left leg broken in more than 20 places; right with multiple breaks; broken hips; left arm smashed; right arm almost ripped off; bruised heart and lungs; damaged liver and stomach; head injury. I winced in the hospital as more than £1000 worth of leathers were cut off him, again all decent quality racing kit. The surgeon later pointed out that he was only alive because the leather had literally held him together, had he been in jeans and a lightweight jacket he would have been torn to pieces. His helmet, over £300, was squashed out of shape, had it been less good his head injury would have been fatal. I don't always agree with throwing money at a problem, but in this case the £1300 of gear that was destroyed meant that I still have a (slightly battered!) husband. Would I spend it again if he were able to ride a bike again? The question is a no brainer. Those prices are 12 years ago now!
Then he and my daughter were in a head on collision. The guy who caused the crash (three times over the drink drive limit) died. My husband and daughter didn't - they were in a more solid car that had airbags fitted. It is not certain that the other driver was even wearing his seatbelt.
Given those two examples that have happened to my close family in the past few years then this additional piece of safety equipment is an obvious purchase for me. OK so the horse will have to go without a five point breastplate, a posh bridle and leather event boots but actually I'd rather send it out in it's old hunting breastplate, it's secondhand bridle and it's PE sale boots and give my daughter's neck the support it might need IF the worst happens. In a rotational fall it might not make enough difference - although they should provide support for a tonne weight - but every little helps. My husband's kit didn't prevent him have some terrible injuries but had he not been wearing it . . . . . . . .
At the end of the day, it's personal preference. The person who picked up the jacket for me has a daughter competing at a higher level than mine, she doesn't choose for her daughter to wear one. I have no problem with that. Should her daughter ask to try the one we have then she is very welcome. I, however, will be buying a second one for myself. I don't wear a body protector every time I ride, like everyone else I find them cumbersome and hot and also I find that when I land it's invariably on my head or my back, but sort of bum first so a standard body protector doesn't actually help much. If I continue to fall that way the Point 2 jacket should help to save my elderly bones and ligaments - I hope never to test it BUT horses are horses! I intend that it will be as much a part of my riding kit as my hat is now - and remember that I come from a generation where you wore your hat for shows, hunting and PC rallies and a few other times. Nowadays I always wear my hat.
As for "how can air help in a crush situation" - get an egg and a child's inflatable swimming armband. Put the egg in the middle of the armband and inflate the armband. Put the egg in it's air jacket on the floor and stand on it. Whack it with a cricket bat. Provided the airband isn't punctured (they're not designed to be hit with cricket bats!) the egg won't break. Simples!
Sorry for essay.
*goes off for coffee, fully expecting a wealth of "waste of money" posts when she returns*
*hic*
village idiot :D
[ QUOTE ]
How exactly do they work? I thought it was similar to an air bag in a car but, surely its needs contact to explod, and would that not be too late by then?
How much are they then?
[/ QUOTE ]
There is a lanyard attached to your saddle at one end and to a gas canister in the jacket at the other. When you part company with the horse you pull the pin that sets the gas canister off releasing the compressed gas to inflate the jacket. Full inflation is in less than .2 of a second, hence the name.
How exactly do they work? I thought it was similar to an air bag in a car but, surely its needs contact to explod, and would that not be too late by then?
How much are they then?
[/ QUOTE ]
There is a lanyard attached to your saddle at one end and to a gas canister in the jacket at the other. When you part company with the horse you pull the pin that sets the gas canister off releasing the compressed gas to inflate the jacket. Full inflation is in less than .2 of a second, hence the name.
WoopsiiD
Well-Known Member
Did you watch Country File last night?
Rider in that was wearing one and it 'opened' (its too early and lack of coffee for right word-deployed thats it!
)
She was sitting up and talking. As for Jemima_too-hell if my daughter was competing she'd have one too!!! You are spot on!
Just to add JT - I hope your daughter never has to use it!
Rider in that was wearing one and it 'opened' (its too early and lack of coffee for right word-deployed thats it!
She was sitting up and talking. As for Jemima_too-hell if my daughter was competing she'd have one too!!! You are spot on!
Just to add JT - I hope your daughter never has to use it!
k1963
Well-Known Member
I think they're a great idea . They offer some neck protection which is one of the hardest parts of the body to protect .
From the ads I've read , they are not designed to give you total safety ( esp. in the case of a rotational fall ) , but what could you get to be 100% safe ?
Just remember to detatch the cord before dismounting , otherwise you will do a Michelin man impersonation
& need a new gas cannister ( about £12 , I think . )
From the ads I've read , they are not designed to give you total safety ( esp. in the case of a rotational fall ) , but what could you get to be 100% safe ?
Just remember to detatch the cord before dismounting , otherwise you will do a Michelin man impersonation
charlie55
Well-Known Member
I think they are a brillient idea, and if i done xc i would definetly buy one! Although ive been told to wear one doing dr as my boy likes a good buck at any given chance lol.
lauraandjack
Well-Known Member
I can't believe how much people are bashing this product. I have never tried one personally but having had a couple of nasty falls in my life I generally think anything that is available that can potentially reduce serious injury can only be a good thing.
Especially when you read Jemima_too's post and get a first hand account of how having the proper gear can save your life.
People seem to be bashing them because 'they won't stop the horse crushing you in a rotational fall.' Well, what % of all rider and/or horse falls are of the rotational nature? Not many I don't think, and the jacket offers protection in all incidences of parting company with horse! And is there really anything available that can guarantee to protect against crush injuries? Has anyone wearing an exo ever been involved in a fall where the horse ended up on top of them? Lab tests are one thing but it's the real world that counts!
Especially when you read Jemima_too's post and get a first hand account of how having the proper gear can save your life.
People seem to be bashing them because 'they won't stop the horse crushing you in a rotational fall.' Well, what % of all rider and/or horse falls are of the rotational nature? Not many I don't think, and the jacket offers protection in all incidences of parting company with horse! And is there really anything available that can guarantee to protect against crush injuries? Has anyone wearing an exo ever been involved in a fall where the horse ended up on top of them? Lab tests are one thing but it's the real world that counts!
glamourpuss
Well-Known Member
I agree these do seem to have had a bit of a bashing on here
it seems to be the exo or nothing doesn't it?
As well as the support it provides to the spine it does act as an airbag. My husband is a surgeon and did try and explain it to me, I apologise now if I get it all wrong
In the event of a crosscountry fall the body travels at speed through the air and then hits the ground hard and fast. These forces within the body cause the internal organs to jar and there can be 'shearing' movements within them. This shearing can cause fractures to bones but can also mean that blood vessels tear within vital organs causing internal bleeding.
The air bag slows down the speed at which the body hits the ground and therefore reduces the shearing movements within the body.
They are a good idea. Ok they don't protect for everything but the only way to do that is to never get on a horse.
As well as the support it provides to the spine it does act as an airbag. My husband is a surgeon and did try and explain it to me, I apologise now if I get it all wrong
The air bag slows down the speed at which the body hits the ground and therefore reduces the shearing movements within the body.
They are a good idea. Ok they don't protect for everything but the only way to do that is to never get on a horse.
Ludi-doodi
Well-Known Member
Is it meant to totally replace the body protector or is it in addition to? Only reason I ask is that whilst watching Badminton someone took theirs off (can't recall who it was and whether it'd been activated or not) but I seem to think they were wearing a normal BP underneath.
If it's pretty lightweight to wear I see no reason not wear both but just wondered how it's meant to be used really.
How much are they btw?
If it's pretty lightweight to wear I see no reason not wear both but just wondered how it's meant to be used really.
How much are they btw?
glamourpuss
Well-Known Member
It has to be worn over a body protector. It doesn't have a BETA standard and it is designed to be used alongside a body protector.
Nosey
Well-Known Member
Think they are late £200's?! You are meant to wear both a BP and the Pt 2 as they provide different types of protection EG the Pt 2 is not meant to cover the impalling type injuries. Pt 2 covers higher and lower up the back whereas you couldnt have a std BP doing this or you wouldn't be able to move. Also Pt 2 not approved as a BP and I don't think they want it to be.
I agree though nothing is fail safe but the Pt 2 seems to have created another level of protection without being cumbesome. Seems to be a VG product.
I agree though nothing is fail safe but the Pt 2 seems to have created another level of protection without being cumbesome. Seems to be a VG product.
Ludi-doodi
Well-Known Member
mmmh interesting and agree it's a useful product, but just wonder whether it's in the price range of normal/everyday riders like myself who jump/XC only a few times a year. But I guess, as other's have said, what price a new spine? Certainly gives me food for thought
Dutch
Well-Known Member
I think they look great. They make one hell of a popping noise when they are activated though which could scare a horse and make it worse. I would invest in one if I was jumping, although they look pretty comfortable for hacking etc too.
Dutch
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Actually, yes I have.
I've been feeling very guilty recently because I went to the BE and BEOA riders' meeting back in, I think, January and was impressed by the demonstration done then and I've been meaning to get one for my daughter, but being me I haven't got round to it.
Then I panicked last week as she was doing an ODE on Sunday and I managed to get a friend to get one from Aston for me.
It wasn't tested thoroughly, thank goodness - ie she didn't fall off. She found she didn't notice it going XC at all but it did give her a feeling of security. She's not an overly confident rider so this a good thing, not an invitation to go like a nutter.
I'm aware that there are a number of people who don't think that they would save you in a bad fall and I'd agree BUT anything that helps is good. Maybe I'm in an odd situation, my husband and I both used to ride motorbikes, they were a major part of our lives, he raced them fairly seriously and I also had a racing license. They were our main transport for years. Then he had two nasty accidents. In the first his helmet - a decent ie expensive one - saved him a serious head injury and he also suffered a broken leg. In the second his injuries were far more severe; left leg broken in more than 20 places; right with multiple breaks; broken hips; left arm smashed; right arm almost ripped off; bruised heart and lungs; damaged liver and stomach; head injury. I winced in the hospital as more than £1000 worth of leathers were cut off him, again all decent quality racing kit. The surgeon later pointed out that he was only alive because the leather had literally held him together, had he been in jeans and a lightweight jacket he would have been torn to pieces. His helmet, over £300, was squashed out of shape, had it been less good his head injury would have been fatal. I don't always agree with throwing money at a problem, but in this case the £1300 of gear that was destroyed meant that I still have a (slightly battered!) husband. Would I spend it again if he were able to ride a bike again? The question is a no brainer. Those prices are 12 years ago now!
Then he and my daughter were in a head on collision. The guy who caused the crash (three times over the drink drive limit) died. My husband and daughter didn't - they were in a more solid car that had airbags fitted. It is not certain that the other driver was even wearing his seatbelt.
Given those two examples that have happened to my close family in the past few years then this additional piece of safety equipment is an obvious purchase for me. OK so the horse will have to go without a five point breastplate, a posh bridle and leather event boots but actually I'd rather send it out in it's old hunting breastplate, it's secondhand bridle and it's PE sale boots and give my daughter's neck the support it might need IF the worst happens. In a rotational fall it might not make enough difference - although they should provide support for a tonne weight - but every little helps. My husband's kit didn't prevent him have some terrible injuries but had he not been wearing it . . . . . . . .
At the end of the day, it's personal preference. The person who picked up the jacket for me has a daughter competing at a higher level than mine, she doesn't choose for her daughter to wear one. I have no problem with that. Should her daughter ask to try the one we have then she is very welcome. I, however, will be buying a second one for myself. I don't wear a body protector every time I ride, like everyone else I find them cumbersome and hot and also I find that when I land it's invariably on my head or my back, but sort of bum first so a standard body protector doesn't actually help much. If I continue to fall that way the Point 2 jacket should help to save my elderly bones and ligaments - I hope never to test it BUT horses are horses! I intend that it will be as much a part of my riding kit as my hat is now - and remember that I come from a generation where you wore your hat for shows, hunting and PC rallies and a few other times. Nowadays I always wear my hat.
As for "how can air help in a crush situation" - get an egg and a child's inflatable swimming armband. Put the egg in the middle of the armband and inflate the armband. Put the egg in it's air jacket on the floor and stand on it. Whack it with a cricket bat. Provided the airband isn't punctured (they're not designed to be hit with cricket bats!) the egg won't break. Simples!
Sorry for essay.
*goes off for coffee, fully expecting a wealth of "waste of money" posts when she returns*
[/ QUOTE ]
I really like this post, thanks for sharing that very personal information with us too.
I work for the NHS, and report cases of severely injured patients to TARN (Trauma Audit Research Network) I haven't come across any riding injuries yet and I hope I never do but I think the air would really help someone in a fall, and give someone confidence and yet not make someone go mad.
Actually, yes I have.
I've been feeling very guilty recently because I went to the BE and BEOA riders' meeting back in, I think, January and was impressed by the demonstration done then and I've been meaning to get one for my daughter, but being me I haven't got round to it.
Then I panicked last week as she was doing an ODE on Sunday and I managed to get a friend to get one from Aston for me.
It wasn't tested thoroughly, thank goodness - ie she didn't fall off. She found she didn't notice it going XC at all but it did give her a feeling of security. She's not an overly confident rider so this a good thing, not an invitation to go like a nutter.
I'm aware that there are a number of people who don't think that they would save you in a bad fall and I'd agree BUT anything that helps is good. Maybe I'm in an odd situation, my husband and I both used to ride motorbikes, they were a major part of our lives, he raced them fairly seriously and I also had a racing license. They were our main transport for years. Then he had two nasty accidents. In the first his helmet - a decent ie expensive one - saved him a serious head injury and he also suffered a broken leg. In the second his injuries were far more severe; left leg broken in more than 20 places; right with multiple breaks; broken hips; left arm smashed; right arm almost ripped off; bruised heart and lungs; damaged liver and stomach; head injury. I winced in the hospital as more than £1000 worth of leathers were cut off him, again all decent quality racing kit. The surgeon later pointed out that he was only alive because the leather had literally held him together, had he been in jeans and a lightweight jacket he would have been torn to pieces. His helmet, over £300, was squashed out of shape, had it been less good his head injury would have been fatal. I don't always agree with throwing money at a problem, but in this case the £1300 of gear that was destroyed meant that I still have a (slightly battered!) husband. Would I spend it again if he were able to ride a bike again? The question is a no brainer. Those prices are 12 years ago now!
Then he and my daughter were in a head on collision. The guy who caused the crash (three times over the drink drive limit) died. My husband and daughter didn't - they were in a more solid car that had airbags fitted. It is not certain that the other driver was even wearing his seatbelt.
Given those two examples that have happened to my close family in the past few years then this additional piece of safety equipment is an obvious purchase for me. OK so the horse will have to go without a five point breastplate, a posh bridle and leather event boots but actually I'd rather send it out in it's old hunting breastplate, it's secondhand bridle and it's PE sale boots and give my daughter's neck the support it might need IF the worst happens. In a rotational fall it might not make enough difference - although they should provide support for a tonne weight - but every little helps. My husband's kit didn't prevent him have some terrible injuries but had he not been wearing it . . . . . . . .
At the end of the day, it's personal preference. The person who picked up the jacket for me has a daughter competing at a higher level than mine, she doesn't choose for her daughter to wear one. I have no problem with that. Should her daughter ask to try the one we have then she is very welcome. I, however, will be buying a second one for myself. I don't wear a body protector every time I ride, like everyone else I find them cumbersome and hot and also I find that when I land it's invariably on my head or my back, but sort of bum first so a standard body protector doesn't actually help much. If I continue to fall that way the Point 2 jacket should help to save my elderly bones and ligaments - I hope never to test it BUT horses are horses! I intend that it will be as much a part of my riding kit as my hat is now - and remember that I come from a generation where you wore your hat for shows, hunting and PC rallies and a few other times. Nowadays I always wear my hat.
As for "how can air help in a crush situation" - get an egg and a child's inflatable swimming armband. Put the egg in the middle of the armband and inflate the armband. Put the egg in it's air jacket on the floor and stand on it. Whack it with a cricket bat. Provided the airband isn't punctured (they're not designed to be hit with cricket bats!) the egg won't break. Simples!
Sorry for essay.
*goes off for coffee, fully expecting a wealth of "waste of money" posts when she returns*
[/ QUOTE ]
I really like this post, thanks for sharing that very personal information with us too.
I work for the NHS, and report cases of severely injured patients to TARN (Trauma Audit Research Network) I haven't come across any riding injuries yet and I hope I never do but I think the air would really help someone in a fall, and give someone confidence and yet not make someone go mad.
Dutch
Well-Known Member
It sounds good to me! Anything to help must be a good thing.
k1963
Well-Known Member
I can't understand why many people are against them
I didn't think the EXO was still in production , but remember reading in H&H quite recently about a woman who had , I think , a rotational fall whilst wearing one & is still alive & well .
I didn't think the EXO was still in production , but remember reading in H&H quite recently about a woman who had , I think , a rotational fall whilst wearing one & is still alive & well .
blackmagic
Well-Known Member
I read that the patent for the exo has been given to someone else i think??? So they may be back in production again soon.
MrsMozart
Just passing through...
I believe the Exo production is still with Woof Wear.
My daughter has an Exo. She's doesn't yet event, but dangers are all around when with horses, so she wears it every time she rides.
I'd like to see a combination of the neck protection of the inflatable, with the crush protection of the Exo
.
I'd have an Exo if I could fit into one
.
If you have a look, there was quite a debate in Comp Riders regarding the inflatable, and the various options.
My daughter has an Exo. She's doesn't yet event, but dangers are all around when with horses, so she wears it every time she rides.
I'd like to see a combination of the neck protection of the inflatable, with the crush protection of the Exo
I'd have an Exo if I could fit into one
If you have a look, there was quite a debate in Comp Riders regarding the inflatable, and the various options.
canteron
Well-Known Member
Picking up on the post of the popping noise when they inflate and spooking the horse ... I know that was a problem with the early ones but is it still such a problem?
*hic*
village idiot :D
If you've already fallen off and the horse is spooked unless you are trapped in the stirrup it's not going to be much of a problem.
However apart from that slightly flippant reply I was in the room when they were demonstrated. It was a largish conference room with a low ceiling height. The noise was not terrifyingly loud, it made my daughter jump slightly but she was nervously expecting a loud bang which is her only experience of car air bags - I suspect most of that was the impact of the other car hitting the car she was in.
Do remember that these are designed to go off after you have left the saddle, the chances of it going off whilst you are still on board are zilch - provided you have adjusted the lanyard correctly. If by any chace you are fired out of the saddle but upwards and land back on the horse you would have had to exert a pressure of more than six stone to activate the air jacket.
I guess it's a risk you have to calculate for your own individual circumstances.
However apart from that slightly flippant reply I was in the room when they were demonstrated. It was a largish conference room with a low ceiling height. The noise was not terrifyingly loud, it made my daughter jump slightly but she was nervously expecting a loud bang which is her only experience of car air bags - I suspect most of that was the impact of the other car hitting the car she was in.
Do remember that these are designed to go off after you have left the saddle, the chances of it going off whilst you are still on board are zilch - provided you have adjusted the lanyard correctly. If by any chace you are fired out of the saddle but upwards and land back on the horse you would have had to exert a pressure of more than six stone to activate the air jacket.
I guess it's a risk you have to calculate for your own individual circumstances.