Hi everyone. I’m in the market for a new APPROVED xc vest. I got a great deal on a champion titanium, but it feels clunky compared to my old Tipperary. Are the new Tipperary event pros as comfortable as the old unapproved ones? Thanks a ton in advance!!
Following. I would like to know this also.
upgraded to the approved tipperary last year, feels the same on. Do find the little flap they added that sits behind the lacing annoying - I have to flip in into place every time, fine once your zipped up.
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It feels the same to me as well.
The approved Tipperary are very comfortable, but they are heavier and denser than the old ones, so they feel hotter to wear. But safety first, so it’s worth it
Are you sure your champion is the right size/done up right? It may feel bigger when you first put it on but once riding you wont know its there. I find mine SO much more comfortable and light than the tipperary. Its the first time I have worn a vest and not noticed it is there. I love my champion vest so so much.
The Tipperary Eventer pro is very heavy and hot. Hard pass for me.
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Be sure that you don’t sacrifice “too much” comfort for safety. Current vest technology is more substantial than the old Tipps that we grew up on, but offer a lot more protection.
Personally, I really like my KanTeq. It feels very stiff when it first goes on and then becomes like a 2nd skin, and I trust its technology.
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Hello. I have never heard of KanTeq before. I am shopping for a vest now. I do not event, but often ride greenies, and/or alone on. roads. I am looking for something I would ride in daily. I would pay the $ if this vest were less hot than the Tipperary pro. How long have you had your KanTeq? Do you use it daily?
Ride Safe, hands down.
I just Googled Ride Safe, no riding vest comes up.
I finally rode in my Champion vest yesterday. Bulky as hell, and hot. It was 60 degrees out! None of the molding or softening that I’ve heard about ever occurred, I had it on about 40 minutes. No way was I ever unaware that I was wearing it.
As every design of body protector is different, it is a really personal choice which works for you. Sadly, if a long way from a store, it means you need to try on several models to find the one you like, the one that suits you and fits you correctly. Doesn’t Kan Teq require personal measurement and bespoke service?
Oooohhhh I wish I had’t seen that, those shirts are cute too. I didn’t need that temptation right now :lol:
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I ended up ordering the Tipperary even pro and it is FANTASTIC!!! It’s SO MUCH more comfortable and less bulky than the champion. It’s a bit bulkier than the old models, but feels very similar. I have a NWT, large, black Champion Ti22 for sale if anyone is interested
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I just ordered a RaceSafe ProVent 3.0 from Redpost Equestrian. It was cheaper than Soteria, even with the international shipping. I’ll post a review once I have ridden in it.
If anyone is considering a RaceSafe, be sure to visit their website. They have a helpful sizing tool where you put in your measurements and it tells you what size to get. They have an extensive range of sizes, including plus sizes.
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The Race Safe vests are great–and jocks wear them, so you know they’re light. I have a Tipp Pro that is no different than my old Tipp in terms of heat, I think.
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Speaking as a combined driver who spends a lot more time in a vest during marathon than an event rider does on xc, RaceSafe is my top choice. Comfortable, and I liked that it was easy to get a shorter back so it doesn’t ride up when I’m in my carriage. Both husband (who is my navigator) and son (who has two mechanical heart valves and a pacemaker) ride in RaceSafe as well.
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I love my Kanteq. I tried it on at a show and was able to walk out with the demo one as it fit perfectly. I wouldn’t call it comfy but it is very protective and honestly I never notice it once I am running and jumping.
I did a mini trial over the weekend in my new Racesafe ProVent 3.0. Temperature was in the low 80s and I wore the vest for both stadium and cross country. I only had a few moments where I noticed I was wearing the vest. It is probably twice as thick all over as my old Tipperary, so I feel the bulk under my arms occasionally. Other than that, it was unobtrusive and not overly hot. I was sweaty when I took it off, but I didn’t feel like I was overheating while wearing it. I wore a technical polo underneath that has wicking and cooling properties, so your choice in base layer might be an important factor. I’m also pleased that I got the right fit with this vest. I used the fitting tool on the Racesafe website and it is spot on. Should I gain weight or require a heavier layer underneath, I have room to adjust with the elastic side laces.
I’m very glad I upgraded to a certified vest. The difference in both the thickness of the foam and the way that the panels fit together so that there are no gaps feels significantly more protective. I will admit that it is less flexible than the Tipperary, but it is flexible enough to be comfortable and I didn’t feel my movement was impeded in the course of riding fences, up and down hills, and mounting/dismounting.
