This is important to note. The air vest goes over a regular eventing vest.
In the UK it is obligatory to wear a body protector of BETA level 3 (which excludes Tipperary) when competing at BE events. Air vests are voluntary and have to be worn on top of the body protector. Probably half or more of the competitors wear both.
I have seen a lot of falls as a fence judge over the past 17 years and seen very few problems with correctly fitted air vests. They are familiar equipment now. The main issue is chest compression in the first 2 seconds before they start to deflate and some people do seem to panic - but this is less of an issue when correctly fitted. Going off accidently can happen, particularly a rider jumping off and forgetting their lanyard is still attached but do that once and the cost of the new canister tends to remind one not to do it again. Going off because the rider is nearly unseated, well seen that too, once, and it was unfortunate but equipment problems are part of the game. No one suggests not using a martingale because it might break at an inconvenient moment. I haven’t noticed big spooks due to the noise as it goes off.
Body protectors are widely used in all disciplines and are increasingly seen as normal riding equipment in the UK. Air vests are growing in popularity, in foxhunting and team chasing.
It is important to have both body protector and air vest fitted by a trained professional and don’t buy one used as, like a helmet, they have a life of about three years and may be compromised in a fall.
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Thank you all for your responses. It really seems like it’s a personal preference. Definitely is clear that more research should be done. That would be great. With any product, there are cons and something to think about. For instance, many people have mentioned the zippers on the Tipp vests breaking.
i would have to go into Dover and actually try on vests to see which is comfortable. I have never actually tried a vest on so the traditional vests “look” stiff and firm so wondered how that would reduce or absorb impact of fall. I’m absolutely ignorant to vests so would love to learn. I’m excited to try some one. The Tipp pro and Charles Owen JL9 caught my eye.
I just ordered a Tip Pro to comply with the new guidelines. I have an older style Tip so i know it fits. I’m a little busty but a “small” and I feel the Tip has more adjustment possibility.
there are several models that are meant to be used alone and this is a common practice in countries outside the USA.
Full disclosure - HJ person visiting eventing forums !
I saw you mentioned you are thinking about heading into Dover - I was just going to suggest that. Not sure about other shops but you should absolutely go in and try on the ‘stiff’ vests, as well as air vests. Have an employee “pop” you in a vest. The manufacturers send the tack store extra canisters for this. You might have to be pushy if there is nobody working that day who has done it before but it’s really important, IMO. It’s a great way to check fit, and we did have a customer who once it was inflated sort of freaked out with the feeling. The company rep was there too, had fitted correctly, she just really didn’t like the feeling once inflated, and was happy to find that out in the tack store vs. after falling off. I don’t work at a tack shop anymore so not as familiar with the brand choices, other posters have that info tho!
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