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T O P I C R E V I E W
MirandaToo
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 9:33:38 PM Hi everyone
Sure this has probably been done to death!! Managed a stylish unplanned dismount last night and although I was bloody glad I had my body protector on, I can't help thinking I may NOT have actually come off had I NOT had one on! Mine is so restrictive and like a plank of wood over my back, which I felt, made me unable to move quickly enough to save myself..... although that could very well be my age making my reactions somewhat slower !!
I also find my BP is the MOST uncomfortable instrument of torture ever invented for a woman - lets face it we do have boobs and I personally rather prefer not having mine squished flat!!!
Anyway, I was wondering who wears a body protector on a day to day basis?
And can anyone recommend a really good comfy one designed for the female figure . I've had a look at a couple, but given the price I would really like to know it will be comfortable and not likely to boil me alive, before parting with my cash!!
Thanks in advance! x
13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
MirandaToo
Posted - 29 Mar 2011 : 8:59:34 PM Thanks for all the replies. Think I need to do a bit of shopping around and trying things on - it's difficult when your local place only stocks 2 or 3 makes
I'm trying to train myself to wear one all the time, instead of just for jumping and faster stuff. I wouldn't dream of letting my daughter get on without one and she seems to ride quite comfortably with one on, so I'm hoping I can just get used to one! Like Eeyore says I don't want to be thinking 'if only'!
Hopefully I'll find a boob friendly one..... wonder which one Jordan/Katie Price uses!!!
Thanks again all x
phoenixbruka
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 7:33:44 PM since my accident I wear my airowear daily and its comfy now Im used to wearing it
I LOVE the Kanteq ones but was to impatient to wait for them to alter one as Im a short arse and needed the short one shorter! (which they were happy to do at no extra charge)
Honestly, being self employed, Ill NEVER hack out again without one, its just not worth the risk
susie
Arachnid
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 3:21:28 PM I have an Airowear one which I wore religiously every time I rode last year but I've sort of got out of the habit. I dont find it uncomfortable though it is a bit hot sometimes. I managed to break a rib whilst wearing it though so they dont make you entirely invincible
zooscat
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 3:13:02 PM I've got a Rodney Powell (small adult one)back protector. I wear it all the time and it's very comfortable! The fix mechanism is by sticky velcro,on each side which are on panels which attachs to the back and then fasten round to the front (NOT a good description!!) I bought it when I had Ryazan (RIP) and I was feeling that, at some point - I was DEFINATELY going to come off him! I didn't, but I felt better about the possibility! I think it is a confidence thing and feeling that I won't bounce so well at 65. I ride with it on with Aragon because he's an unknown quantity, still,much taller and narrower and because he is so different to Ry and has a huge elevated stride and ditto spooks! I dont have the squashy boobs prob, because they are practically non exixtant, which suits me!
Eeyore
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 11:40:31 AM I'd never had one until recently but decided that it would be sensible for road work and try to make myself wear it every day. I have an airowear outlyne, which for me was the best I could find but still far from comfortable. Having not ridden in any others I can't say if it's better or worse than average lol. The others were discarded in the shop the fit was that bad! The real plus point with the outlyne is the short back length that you can choose which I definitely needed. I'm petite with boobs and unfortunately my boobs still get squashed in the outlyne.
I find it restrictive and don't feel that I ride as well in it but do think that it's important because I never want to have to say 'if only' to myself. My neighbour is paralysed from the chest down after a fall from her horse and that really brings it home to me.
TAE
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 10:28:14 PM I had a serious accident a few years ago, not doing anything particularly dangerous only cantering round a corner. thankfully I was wearing a back protector. It was very old, one of the first made, it was jointed and very comfortable. My mare fell and rolled over me, the back protector definately helped spread and absorb the impact and my hat took much of her weight as she lay on my head.
Unfortunately after that fall I felt I needed to replace all my safety gear and it has taken years to find another comfortable back protector. first two were well known names (sorry I can't remember which ones) single layer of foam very stiff and uncomfortable.
Third was relatively cheap Requisite, 2 layers of foam and much more flexible and comfortable, velcro tabs did wear out and had to be replaced, but again not shaped for a busty lady.
Last year got an airowear, the one shaped for a bust, a lot more expensive but so far seems worth it, far more comtortable than the stiff single foam. Now the muds going I cant wait to start using it and start my boy again.
Basically there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between back protectors, try on as many as you can before parting with any money. Back length can also be as big a problem as squashed boobs. when trying on, sit on a saddle and lean back as if going down a very steep hill. You don't want the cantle to hit the back of the BP lifting it so that the front hits you in the face, it's not fun.
THEY DO help to prevent serious injury in an accident. Many of the worst accidents happen when your not doing anything "Dangerous".
Sorry for the essay but I've had and seen some nasty accidents, Good luck finding one thats right for you.
debsnboz
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 10:10:11 PM I always ride in my rodney powell, and the bit i like least is getting the damn zip done up. But i think i would feel naked without it now - hubby made me buy it for backing Borris!A bit restrictive when turning saddle to look for cars etc behind, but i don't bounce like i did as a teenager so worth wearing! But as for fitting the boobs in, well eherm, it is not really an issue for me as not really blessed in that department
sab2
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 6:27:06 PM Can second the Kan ones my pal has just had one fitted and she loves it
Kharidian
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 10:03:05 AM I have never ridden in one; and when I (occasionally) do an unplanned dismount at speed, I always seem to land on my derriere, so a BP wouldn't help!
Having said that, I may invest in one in a couple of years when I back Chips; not that I'm expecting any problems, however I will be 50 by then so I ought to take a modicum of care of myself!
I haven't got the "boob problem" as they flatten out to fried eggs without the aid of a Wonderbra!
Caryn
Callisto
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 09:40:38 AM I have a Kan Teq one - it feels a bit heavy and cumbersome until you are in it - but it is definitely female shaped (has preformed boobs), I bought it because I nearly suffocated in my previous conventional one. Must admit I don't ride in one much anyway, but I would be happy to ride in this one if I felt the need (i.e. started taking Lily cross country, or just falling off a lot). I found it pretty comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They come in 2 different body lengths as well, which is useful to help a good fit.
HORSE
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 08:36:11 AM Me too but always make my kids don't get on otherwise.
jacki
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 08:20:13 AM I don't wear them! Like you say too restrictive!
Zannyzan
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 9:59:46 PM I've ridden in my mums airowear outlyne a few times which is really comfy and flexible for a BP and i have just got a racesafe rs2010 for myself but haven't ridden in it yet.
and although I was bloody glad I had my body protector on, I can't help thinking I may NOT have actually come off had I NOT had one on! Mine is so restrictive and like a plank of wood over my back, which I felt, made me unable to move quickly enough to save myself..... although that could very well be my age making my reactions somewhat slower 
!!
