Body Protector Replacement?

[JenEM]

It’s been about 4 years since I’ve last evented (BN level) and am possibly dipping a toe back in it this coming year–probably not even at BN, certainly no bigger than that. Though I’ve not worn it while huntering or dressaging, I’ve hung on to my Tip body protector (I think I busted it out once for a foxhunting clinic) because I wasn’t sure if I’d go back to needing it or not. Now it’s looking like a maybe, and while it still fits, I’m wondering if I really should replace it.

Do those break down and need replacing like helmets do? Is there a number of years recommended for them to stay safe? This is one of the unapproved models, and I really do like how it fits, but is there something that IS safety approved that people like and find fits similarly? I have a nearby Dover, so going and trying things on is not a problem (other than that it will lead to buying other things :D).

[24eventer]

USEA doesn’t require approved vests, but strongly recommends them. My vest is at least 4 years old, but still falls into the approved category. In my opinion, if the vest isn’t up to safety standards, is it really going to do what you need it to do, or does it just keep you legal in the eyes of the rule book? My suggestion is upgrade to something that is made to the safety standards. It may not be as comfortable, but is it worth the risk? They don’t have a recommended expiration date on them that I know of like helmets, but if you’re not sure it will do the job, replace it. I prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to safety.

[MsRidiculous]

Yes they do have an “expiration date” much like helmets. There is a lot of good info here: http://www.beta-uk.org/pages/safety-equipment/body-protectors.php

You’d get much better protection from a vest with a BETA 3 rating. There are several segmented-style vests similar in design to the Tipperary that meet that standard now… Racesafe, Champion, and USG are the first few that spring to mind. However there are a lot of nice vests out there now that are way more comfortable than the typical BETA 3 vest used to be, and a lot more fit options.

[sherian]

I replaced my old tipperary this year as certified is now a requirement in Canada for eventing. I did go with the certified tipperary vest. I must admit when I got my new one I was rather shocked at how broken down the foam in the old one felt in comparison so I would think they should have an expiration date.

[JenEM]

@MsRidiculous

Yes they do have an “expiration date” much like helmets. There is a lot of good info here: http://www.beta-uk.org/pages/safety-equipment/body-protectors.php

You’d get much better protection from a vest with a BETA 3 rating. There are several segmented-style vests similar in design to the Tipperary that meet that standard now… Racesafe, Champion, and USG are the first few that spring to mind. However there are a lot of nice vests out there now that are way more comfortable than the typical BETA 3 vest used to be, and a lot more fit options.

Thanks so much for that link, a lot of good info there! While odds of a particularly shocking fall at 2’ on an 18yo veteran show horse seems low to me, I’d rather replace than ride in something past it’s usefulness, because weird things do happen.

[MsRidiculous]

@JenEM

Thanks so much for that link, a lot of good info there! While odds of a particularly shocking fall at 2’ on an 18yo veteran show horse seems low to me, I’d rather replace than ride in something past it’s usefulness, because weird things do happen.

Totally! You never know, I once got stepped on after a really silly fall out on XC and my ribs were glad I had a good vest on.