I’m on the hunt for the best safety riding vest …I’m a hunter rider who recently had back surgery and looking for added protection getting back in the saddle and show ring…I’m considering Tipperary Eventer, Tipperary Eventer Pro, Charles Owen JL9, and Charles Owen Airoware Flexion Vest…i like the look of the Tipperary but I’m hesitant because they aren’t certified or beta tested
I’m a huge fan of teh champion titanium, blogged about it here:http://bossmareeventing.blogspot.com/2019/06/product-review-champion-titanium-ti22.html
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Thanks …I will check it out !
I’m really happy with my Airowear Outlyne. It’s designed for women and forms to my shape once it gets warmed up. Very comfortable.
I’ve had one fall while wearing it. I landed on my hip/side. The parts of my body covered by the body protector were undamaged, not even a bruise. My hip, well, that’s a different story. 
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I will check that out thank you
i like the tipperary vests - I find they fit me better. The pro is certified, as far as i know the only difference between it and the ordinary tipp is the flap under the lacing to cover any gap.
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I have an Airoware Outlyne as well, and have been very happy with it. A big plus for me was the range of sizes that it comes in, making it easier to get a vest that fits me.
I found that many U.S. sites don’t carry the full range of sizes, though, and I ordered through a British-based site: Amira-Equi. Had a great experience ordering from them, and because I’d measured myself carefully I got the size I needed. Because of the weakness of the British pound, the prices are good as well, even when you add shipping.
https://www.amirashop.co.uk/acatalog/AiroWear---Ladies-Outlyne-Body-Protector--AE545401.html#SID=706
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I have owned and tried out a variety of vests, and the ones that need to “heat up” to be comfortable just aren’t comfortable enough for regular wear, such as for a h/j person who might be schooling over fences several times a week or a person who rides a bunch of green horses all the time. I think if you are looking for something to wear frequently that comfort and wearability are extremely important–otherwise you just aren’t going to wear the vest.
The Tipperary vests are my favorites. The only reason the Tipperary Eventer isn’t fully certified is that the design could potentially allow for a puncture injury. I don’t know what kind of circumstances you ride in, but for myself a puncture injury not my primary worry. I recently tried out the Tipperary Pro, and I found it to have a slightly different cut/feel. I found it slightly bulkier and less comfortable than the regular Eventer model, so I’m sticking with the Eventer.
Side note–some people are really into wearing the “airbag” vests alone, and quite frankly, I would talk to some eventing folks before you consider going that route. Those vests were designed to be worn in conjunction with a regular protective vest, and even in that scenario there is no good data to support their use.
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I don’t know… I think that for a safety vest newbie it’s a much better idea to order from somewhere in the US where the item could easily be returned or exchanged. There are a lot of fit and comfort details to a vest depending on your shape as much as your size, and even a vest that seems to fit well might turn out to unexpectedly be a little too low in back and hit the cantle of the saddle when you ride. It’s possible that I am unusually picky, though.
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Yes, I understand that concern.
Just as an aside, I wear this vest every time I ride no matter what and have done so for the last two years plus. I ride 3 to 4 times per week, and the length of the ride varies from 30 minutes (on very hot days or days that I’m pressed for time) to 2 hours (usually a trail ride). I’ve schooled dressage in it and jumped, although I only do small jumps these days.
My view: when you first make the transition to wearing a vest, and I’m going to say virtually any vest, you’re going to notice it. It is not the same as riding without a vest. But, if you wear it all the time when you ride, it just becomes normal for you, and then it feels weird even to think about not wearing a vest. JMHO.
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You’re overstating the time required for the vest to “get comfortable.” I put the vest and my helmet on last. By the time I lead my horse out of the barn and make my half-turn around the yard, which I always do before checking the girth one more time before mounting, and mount up, my vest is settled. You’re also overstating the level of initial discomfort - the vest is never uncomfortable, it just gets softer and more form fitting after you’ve had it on a bit.
Airowear Outlyne vests are carried by US retailers. SmartPak sells them. Free returns.
However, as @Posting Trot noted, US retailers typically carry only the most commonly purchased sizes. Airowear is relatively unique in that they actually manufacture certified vests in a wide range of sizes, even those required by the short and fat (like me). I also had to order mine from Amir Equi because no US retailers at that time carried any certified vests in my size.
I actually called Tipperary when I was shopping to ask about their Tipperary Pro and received a lesson in economics from the person I talked to. They didn’t feel that the potential profits were worth the expense of certifying vests to fit “unusual” sizes. I don’t dispute that. They’re probably correct.
So, yes, by all means, if you can, order a vest from a US retailer for easier return. But don’t poo poo the value of being able to chose from a wider range of sizes by ordering from overseas.
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Nothing has fit me better than an airowear. I’m hoping to upgrade to the newer mesh one soon! I used to ride in a Tipperary and will never go back. Airowear also has many more sizing options than Tipperary so you’re more likely to find one that fits properly - that’s important! I’d recommend staying away from the other CO vest - if you’re not used to wearing one (and even if you are), it’s A LOT of bulk.
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I have an Airowear Outlyne and Hickstead, both purchased from Amira. I love them both and rode in them 3-4 times a week. I’m a hunter/jumper ammy and actually showed in them. I HATED the new version of Tipp-- the arm holes are awful for any kind of forward movement. Do try it on before committing!
My next vest will be a Racesafe. Think Tipp meets Outlyne in terms of style and comfort. They are quite unobtrusive in looks, too.
I encourage you to go try on as many as you can locally. Take careful measurements if you order one. I am not an “off the shelf” fit so ordering one from AmiraEqui was awesome. Shipping is fast for overseas and exchange rate means a savings.
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I recently got a Charles Owen vest from my coach - it’s a little bit heavy and bulky, but I barely notice it after a few minutes, it becomes fairly flexible. It feels notably different and more substantial than the non-certified Tipperary. The Tipperary feels like a super light, airy, almost styrofoam quality. I’m sure it’s much lighter and less hot… but I would choose the CO every time, it feels like a quality item that will offer good protection in a fall. Champion also makes quality safety gear, I haven’t seen a Champion best in person but I would be willing to bet it’s at least as nice as the CO.
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I love my Tipperary. I have found it to be the most comfortable for myself
I previously had a Tipperary and replaced it this summer after taking a bad fall. Since Equestrian Canada changed the requirements for safety vests, I figured my fall was a good excuse to replace vest. I got a Beta certified Champion Titanium and I will never buy another Tipperary. The difference between my new vest and previous is actually alarming. My new one feels like it would stop a bullet. My old one feels like a piece of cheap foam in comparison.
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The Champion vests put Tipperary to shame for their comfort level too. I always thought nothing was better than a Tipp, but the Champion vests you don’t even realize you are wearing it. Even in super hot and humid days eventing, I stayed comfortable. Normally I am ripping my vest off as soon as I return from XC, now I can wear it after until I am back at the trailer.
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Are the Champion vests certified??
I recently was looking to replace my CO Kontakt 5 vest which is no longer made and did a lot of research. I’ve had the Airowear Outlyne and while comfortable, I’m not a fan of the way the velcro that holds the front and back pieces attaches in the front of the vest. I actually fell and managed to catch the velcro straps with my arm which unfastened it on the side I landed on eliminating the protection. I’m sure it was a freak thing, and couldn’t be repeated if you tried, but took it out of the running for me when I was looking for a new one.
I ended up with the Airowear Flexion. It felt more substantial than the Tipperary vests, still had the same flexible foam as the Outlyne, but the pieces don’t separate due to the outer fabric material.
Champion vests are Beta 3 Certified.
