Body Protectors

[Elfin]

I was wondering how many of you have one, and if you do, do you ride in it all the time, or just use it for jumping. What are the cheapest ones to buy, and the best make, I am hopefully going to get one for my birthday.
Thanks luv Elf xXx

[Katharine]

I have an airowear (or something like that) class 3 body protector. I used to wear it all the time but i am getting slack at taking it with me (oops). I (just about) always wear it when jumping and riding young or difficult horses.
Most bory protectors come in three classes. The best one to get is a class3 because they give you the best protection. The other two might be a bit cheaper but I think it is worth paying a bit more for the better protection.
They are very expensive but definitely worth it coz I have fallen off quite a few times with mine on and I dont have nearly as many pains as I would normally!

[ponynut]

Like Katharine I had an air-o-wear level 3. It needed changing after four years and I got a Rodney Powell level 3. My last one had far more care taken at the saddlery on fitting- is this though training like fitting hats?
I prefer this one a zip no velcro. Also comfier! I always ride out in it as I do so much roadwork.
I think if I didn't I would tempt fate.
I do ride out at trekking centres without it and don't miss it!
Jack Ellis ones are also popular. It depends on what your saddler stocks!
Like hats the cheapest aren't always best value!
Mine was about £85

[Speedy]

I've just bought an air-o-wear level 3, so haven't worn it yet! Had loads of help from the saddler though - must have tried on about 20 different makes and sizes. They had a saddle horse all ready and I had to sit on the saddle in each one to check comfort and how long in the back it was. Settled on this one cos it suited my body shape better, so was much more comfortable than the others. Also got it in the January sale so got 20% off - bargain! Make sure you get some help with the fitting as it really makes a difference - I will wear it more often than if I felt uncomfortable in it.

[larri]

I've got an Airowear Class 3, I had a couple of crashing falls in my last one and had no hesitation in replacing it with another.
Very light, moulds well to your shape and saved me from some serious damage!
I wear mine for everything except dressage schooling Merlin ( not far enough to fall off!)

[Elfin]

It seems most of you have the airowear ones. Have you any piccies??? I am hoping to get one for my Birthday, July! But I think we are going to start jumping then.......

[taffy]

mine isnt airowear

i have a rodney powell one and its blue.

[Dice]

Originally posted by taffy
mine isnt airowear


Now that's just being akward! ;)

[RoxR]

I haven't got a body protector although I know I should have one - but they are so expensive! What makes them so expensive? Surely more people would buy them if they were more affordable. A good quality hat can cost about £30, which is more acceptable. I would probably be able to afford about £50 but the thought of spending £80 upwards is just scary!

In some ways it's just me being silly, because when it comes to prioritising my money, there are other things I need which I put first - maybe I shouldn't, but when there's vets' fees and shoeing and hay to pay for.....

Oh well, I feel a bit ashamed now!!! If I did get one I would probably always wear it!! (Well, for riding, anyway!!!)

:rolleyes:

[Speedy]

Try and get one when your tack shop have a sale on - mine should've been over £80, but they had 20% off everything, so I got it for about £67 which made it much more affordable.

[sweetbriar]

I have recently purchased a Rodney Powell body protecter.

I use mine for cross country and for show jumping (sometimes). I too have been a bit lax regarding wearing one for showjumping lately. I think the biggest turn off is that I can't fit my riding jacket around it. Its OK for cross country but trying to squeeze the jacket around it is a real pain.

[muzzy]

Ok, my Mum wants to buy me a body protector and I want to get the best one I can for the chapest price I can! But, this sounds thick but what protection should I go for? Is it always level 3????

[Elfin]

level 3 in best. Hmmmm I am not sure which one to get, I am going to ask Lolli or Sarah, hmmmmmmm.........

[heland]

Elfin

I wish I had a body protector on on Tuesday.. Unfortunately I fell off and I have 2 broken ribs.

I don't feel very well at all at the minute:(

Speak soon

[Elfin]

Oh no, helan, oh god, you poor thing. I can't blame you for feeling ill. Oh dear. I hope that it isn't too painful for you. aw dear.

[heland]

[qwerty]

I never wear one! :o I only do a little jumping and have only ever fallen off twice (and one of those times was when I was 3!) Better touch wood anyway!!!!

[taffy]

Originally posted by Dice


Now that's just being akward! ;)

hehe

i didnt like the airowears, or any with velcro fastenings. they dont feel safe

[kaykell7]

i have a just togs one its class 3 as well it has a zip and velcro and feels very comfy i wear it all the time and it was that expensive £74

[muzzy]

I hope you feel better soon Heland!:D You have convinsed me to buy a body protector now....what happened??:eek:

[crazy horse]

I wanted to buy one for a long time,but never seemed to have enough money.
My question is:How long should the back be ?What should it cover?
I'm only asking because I have a long back,and would'nt want to buy one that's too short.
Thanks,crazy horse.

[Sapphire]

I have just bought one Crazy Horse. Ask the saddler if you can get on a saddle and you can tell if it will be too long test in forward sit, jumping seat and whatever weird positions.
Does anyone own A rodney Powel (sp?) I have just bought one, it's like a slab of concrete!! Do they soften up? Also, I can take a fairly deep breath but not a complete lungful, is this ok? I find it a little weird wearing it, but I suppose I'll get used to it. Can anyone give me any advice? I also noticed that when I take a jumping position the back on my hat meets my body portecter, and I like a tad down. What do I do, is this natural for a body protecter that is like concrete and will it soften?

[ponynut]

Rodney Powell ones come in loads of sizes. Saddlers are now excellent at fitting them.
I would not buy one mail order first time just to avoid guesswork!

I think both hats and bps should be VAT free as protective hence not a luxury!!! Also hi-viz stuff!

[Yann]

Just invested in a couple of Jack Ellis BP's for Nat and I. They are the type that come apart with velcro at the shoulders and down the sides, so the fit can be varied to suit what you're wearing and take up any quirks in conformation. The main part runs to the bottom of the rib cage and there is a detachable tailbone protector which can be swapped for one of a different length if necessary. Have worn it a couple of times already and found it very comfortable.

Not put it to the test for real yet though!

[Dice]

Originally posted by taffy


hehe

i didnt like the airowears, or any with velcro fastenings. they dont feel safe

Well, I'm not at that stage where I feel that I need to go out and purchase my own Body Protector - so at the moment, they're all the same to me! :)

Heland - So for how long are you going to be 'out' for then? (I take it you've been advised to take things easy for a good while?)

[Elfin]

I like the look of this one. Its a hows racesafe. Has anyone got one??? and what do the Rodney Powel (sp?) look like??

[lleeaannee]

That's what I've got. They're not as expensive as some other and still class 3. They're a bit uncomfortable but I believe that's the case with most. They do mould to your body eventually. I'm getting lax with mine now. I tend to only wear it for jumping and if I am going to be doing any fast riding on hacks. Naughty me:rolleyes: :o

[ponynut]

For a bp the Rodney Powell is very flattering! Convert to zip fronts!
Available in navy/black but can be made to order in other colours for a small charge!
I love mine!

[crazy horse]

Has anyone heard of a Harry Hall "Valentine II"?
What's it like?Is it good?

[Elfin]

Would anyone be able to post a picture of the Rodney Powell ones?? Because I like the sound of them. I also though like the look of the Harry Hall one, I quite like the look of zip fronts, but I think the velcro looks nicer.

My friend is going to let me try hers on next weekend.

[lizzy]

Here's my thoughts on body protectors.

I bought a phoenix body protector which is a class 3. It's made in Canada, but it has a BETA level 3 certification mark.

I bought it because I was going to do some jumping, only 1ft mind, and I thought it would be safer.

It's like concrete! It has quite a long back, but that's not really a great problem. The lady in the shop said that I could cut it down if necessary - surely you shouldn't do that? Any comments anyone?

My friend says I look like a turtle in it! I cannot dismount with it on, and because it's got velcro on it, even the quietest horse jumps in the air if you try to take it of before you jump off. I tend to catch it on the sadde and it smacks me in the mouth so hard I thought I'd knocked my teeth out the other day. Needleless to say I don't wear it as often as I should. It may have an outing in the new forest on the 23rd though.

Last thoughts. My instructor prefers the zip ones, she feel that the velcro ones may come apart, but she also says that a body protector saved her life during a fall once.:rolleyes:

[Elfin]

There is too much choice! I am liking the zip up ones even more now!:rolleyes:

[muzzy]

mmmm....Zips do kinda sound more comfy, but I dunno!:rolleyes: :p
I'm still in need of guidence!
Lol, muzzy:D

[Elfin]

Originally posted by lizzy
My instructor prefers the zip ones, she feel that the velcro ones may come apart, but she also says that a body protector saved her life during a fall once.:rolleyes:

Was that Sarah??

[ponynut]

I was told at my saddlery today why they now only stock zip-up ones. (like the RP).
Protectors are designed to only go over one layer of clothing eg a t-shirt or a rugby shirt.
Some people have been known to readjust their velcro oni t to go over the top of several layers negating its use.out? Can't do it with zip one!

[Elfin]

I suppose a zip one it is then!:) Has anyone got any piccies of the RP ones?? Sorry to ask again...

[muddyjumper]

OK, I'm not Dolly Parton when it comes to the bust department but I still find body protectors don't seem to make any allowance for my boobs. So, girls, (or boys) can anyone recommend a body protector with feminine proportions?

[Elfin]

hehe, yeah they make you look like an ironing board!:D

[Mazpup]

I've grown out of mine but I did have a Harry Hall Valentine level 3
** right about the velcro ones, they can kinda come apart especially when the velcro loses its "stickiness" if I get another I'll try for a zip one!

[Elfin]

What are they like Maz???

[Mazpup]

Umm there alright velcro at the sides and on the shouldders, it was fairly comfortable tho! not at all like concrete!

[crazy horse]

Mazpup :is Valentine 3 better than a 2 ?
What does it look like?And what size is large?
I'm sorry for all the questions but I found one for sale and have no idea if it's good or not.
Thanks.

[ponynut]

I am pretty voluptuous! RP suits me fine!

[Elfin]

Where do you get these RP ones then?? Are they expensive?? I looked on Ride-Away, but I don't think they have them:)

[ponynut]

They have them in their catalogues but local saddlery's tend to be cheaper plus they can fit them properly!
They are abourt £80 ish. But well worth it.

[Elfin]

Ooooo £80!! I am hoping for one cheaper than that! But I suppose if they are as good as you say, then I will fo into the saddlers and see what they have, hopefully RP!! But not until June or July. Why did I post it now then??? :rolleyes:

[Sapphire]

Crazy horse, make sure you get a body protector that has been fitted by someone qualified!! It makes a huge difference. Usually when we say something fits nicely and is comfortable, it's usually too big!! A RP one will be VERY tight at first, in fact you need someone to help do it up!! So hunt around for a riding store that fits them, if you're not sure ask!! Happy hunting!:D

[fizz21]

With velco bits

[muzzy]

What type is it then Fizz?? Is it any good??
:p

[fizz21]

But it is good

[Elfin]

Has it got a zip??

[fizz21]

No zip

[Elfin]

Here is a picture of the Rodney Powell ones.......

[muzzy]

Thats' mine!! lol! I don't look like that in it though....:rolleyes: :p

[Casper]

i have a race safe level 3 got it when i started getting lessons but now I'v started wareing it at home (it would be just my lucy that i don't ware it and then fall off and break something while it is hanging up safe in my tack room!!!) -it's has a zip and cost IR£120. expensive but you can't put a price on safty can you!!!!!!!!

[Casper]

what happened to your smiely face?????

[muzzy]

Originally posted by Casper but you can't put a price on safty can you!!!!!!!!
you sound like my Mum! But I was v. grateful for the body protector when I fell off on Tuesday!
so I guess it's true!:D

[Casper]

well saying that it was my mom that bought it!!!!!!

[Mark Swales]

Hi! Just a quick word of warning. At a local yard there was a break-in a few days ago. All of the body protectors were stolen they were in a range of all sizes and makes. Nothing else was taken excet from these. There were at least 15 body protectors and as you all know how expensive a body protector can be, they amounted to quite a sum of money!

Thankfully mine was not taken as i had brought it home to be cleaned after a fall.

By the way mine is a Rodney Powell one, in light and dark blue. After trying severall different makes on i found this to be the most comfortable one with the Jack Ellis pro vest with a nappy strap being very close as well.

Safe and happy Riding.

:(

[Mark Swales]

My second most comfortable body protector only the version with the nappy strap. The one i have is the same as posted a few replies ago.

[fizz21]

Elcipse(sp) made by a company called Beta