Favorite Safety Vest

[Always_WIP]

I have the Airowear Airmesh and I love it. It’s basically the Outlyne but with more ventilation. It’s Beta 3 certified. I have a large chest and a long torso. All of the other vests I tried rode up in front (like a poor fitting turtle shell), interfered with my arm movement, or weren’t long enough. Airowear had the most customization options and my vest fits really well. I got measured in my local tack shop then they placed a custom order for my size. If your tack shop carries them (or any brand) that can be a really good way to get the sizing you need while also getting the support of a locally based shop.

Buy whatever fits you best. In my opinion it’s important to get a vest that has been certified, but many people ride in vests that aren’t. Personally, I like the assurance that my vest has been rigourously tested to meet a certain standard. I don’t really see the point of purchasing non-certified ones, but I’m not an expert.

I ride with my vest every single time I ride and you get used to it quickly. I feel naked when I ride without it in dressage tests.

[RAyers]

@Always WIP

…

Buy whatever fits you best. In my opinion it’s important to get a vest that has been certified, but many people ride in vests that aren’t. Personally, I like the assurance that my vest has been rigourously tested to meet a certain standard. I don’t really see the point of purchasing non-certified ones, but I’m not an expert…

Rigorous testing means that they only look at puncture resistance. The standards can only go that far. There is no conceivable test that would be done to examine any additional protection. All else is marketing. I used an uncertified Tipperary for 20 years.

The ONLY vest ever proven to protect against internal injury was the EXO (magnesium exoskeleton). It was designed to protect against a horse falling on the rider. I have one still - used it when I rode upper level eventing - but now use a custom made CO Kontact 5.

And I am an expert (member of ASTM).

[outerbanks77]

I’ve had a Charles Owen and Airowear Outlyne and sold them both. I have a RaceSave Provent 3.0 now and love it. I’m tack-walking my horse who’s explosive from stall rest, so I wear it every day and forget I have it on. Glad I spent the money!

[Jealoushe]

@ladipus

Are the Champion vests certified??

Yep! I had to get a new vest because Equestrian Canada mandated eventers to have BETA 3 certification.

[greysfordays]

I would love to learn more about anyone’s experience with the airbag vests, particularly those that are built into a riding coat, like the Dada Sport or Horse Pilot.

https://www.dadasport.com/en/airbag/519-2126-catapulte-airbag-jacket

https://www.horsepilot.com/en/compatible-range/551-air-motion-protect-jacket-femme.html

There’s a timely article with Martin Fuchs today where he talks about riding in the jackets with the airbag liners.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/ringside-chat-with-martin-fuchs

I’m turning 39 this month and have a young baby at home… this thread and the MIPS helmet thread have definitely got my attention.

[MuddyHalter]

@Jealoushe

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.

Could you post a link to the vest you have? I have the approved Tipp. It’s a little stiff and I do get hot in it.

Greysfordays, I did not consider an airbag vest. There was a woman at my barn who came off wearing one. It deployed, but she still had numerous broken ribs and I believe a punctured lung. She was out of the saddle for a long time. I figure there’s a reason you must wear one over a certified safety vest for eventing.

[Jealoushe]

@MuddyHalter https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/champion-titanium-ti22-adult-vest-21069

[Jealoushe]

@greysfordays

I would love to learn more about anyone’s experience with the airbag vests, particularly those that are built into a riding coat, like the Dada Sport or Horse Pilot.

https://www.dadasport.com/en/airbag/519-2126-catapulte-airbag-jacket

https://www.horsepilot.com/en/compatible-range/551-air-motion-protect-jacket-femme.html

There’s a timely article with Martin Fuchs today where he talks about riding in the jackets with the airbag liners.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/ringside-chat-with-martin-fuchs

I’m turning 39 this month and have a young baby at home… this thread and the MIPS helmet thread have definitely got my attention.

There are a lot of threads in this forum about air vests. Basically, there is 0 testing nor any scientific evidence they are safer, in fact anecdotal evidence shows they seem to encourage more severe injuries, specifically punctured lungs and broken ribs.

[MuddyHalter]

@Jealoushe

@MuddyHalter https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/champion-titanium-ti22-adult-vest-21069

Thank you!

[juststartingout]

Has anyone tried these – we seem virtually invisible and come in show coat or casual jacket style
http://oscaretgabrielle.com/en/31-competition-jackets

[Sing_Mia_Song]

I have an old Tipp that I love, but am intrigued by some of the others discussed here. That said, when it comes to physics and biomechanics, I would follow @RAyers through fire and ice. Reed knows his $h!+.

[Always_WIP]

@RAyers

Rigorous testing means that they only look at puncture resistance. The standards can only go that far. There is no conceivable test that would be done to examine any additional protection. All else is marketing. I used an uncertified Tipperary for 20 years.

The ONLY vest ever proven to protect against internal injury was the EXO (magnesium exoskeleton). It was designed to protect against a horse falling on the rider. I have one still - used it when I rode upper level eventing - but now use a custom made CO Kontact 5.

And I am an expert (member of ASTM).

Thanks for the info, that’s good to know! I’m still new at this eventing thing, just bought my vest earlier this year. I assumed it was more like ASTM certiification.

[Dewey]

I have a Racesafe vest that I have worn for several years for everyday riding. I bought it from an online tack shop in the UK because they offered many more size options.

For showing I wear a black Tipperary. It’s less obtrusive. I wear it over my jacket.

[ladipus]

I ended up with the Racesafe Provent 3.0 …it seems to fit well and much more substantial/sturdier feel to it than the Tipperary which felt flimsy compared to the racesafe…I couldn’t find an airowear to fit me in the store and it felt heavy and bulky to me … going to ride in it today for the first time !

[Calvincrowe]

I’m so glad you found one that fit well. Let us know how it works!

[ladipus]

@Calvincrowe

I’m so glad you found one that fit well. Let us know how it works!

So …at first I felt suffocated …keep in mind I’ve never ridden in any safety vest before …but after a few minutes the vest must have warmed up to my body and I barely noticed it! So far so good!