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Can You Recommend A Safety Vest?

6K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  poppy1356 
#1 ·
I'd like to buy a safety vest and would appreciate advice. I know they are expensive and its something I don't feel comfortable cutting corners on. However, money is very tight for me so I want to make sure I make the wisest choice before I purchase.

Can anyone here help me? What brand do you have? What style? How do you like it? Have you actually fallen while wearing it? Pros? Cons?

Thank you!
 
#2 ·
The eventers at my barn seem to really like the Charles Owens products. They also all use Hit-Air safety vests. They've all taken spills with them and seem to like them well enough. You just have to make sure they're connected properly or they won't inflate.
 
#3 ·
If you are going to invest in a good vest - make sure it is ASTM certified and meets BETA level 3 standards of safety.

Tipperary Vests and other vests that are designed in the same way (individual panels) do not meet either standards. They are not Certified, nor do they even reach level 3 of BETA's standards of safety.

I have the Flex Rider - and I really like it. It is the cheapest of them all, and meets BETA Level 3 standards, and is ASTM Certified.

There is also the Aerowear vest that has become very popular, and of course the very popular Rhodney Powell.

The Inflatavests, IMO are not necessary until you reach Prelim or bigger. But again, that is an individual decision.
 
#9 ·
I know someone that has an inflatable one and loves it. They're pretty simple, a thing is attached the the saddle and the vest. When you fall off the thing is detached and the vest quickly inflates, kind of like an airbag. The cord stretches while you ride and needs a certain amount of force to actually release, probably around 60-70 pounds. They're actually modeled after motorcycle safety vests, though I'm not 100% sure what they're made of I know they're hardy. However, they're very expensive and you need to replace the CO2 things every time the jacket inflates. For some people it's worth it, the woman I know who has one had a major fall that broke multiple ribs and I think damaged her spine, she's fallen in this vest without further injury to it, but if money is tight then this might not be a good option since the CO2 things are like $75 each.

BETA is the association who sets the safety standards for the vests. I believe it's the British Equestrian Trade Association.
 
#10 ·
And sorry for the double post, but I can't edit the last one:
BETA: British Equestrian Trade Association
ASMT: American Society for Testing Materials

I wouldn't worry about ASMT for a vests, as BETA is more strict with their requirements, but you really want to make sure it meets BETA 3, which means it's approved for general riding and competition.

The BETA website might be worth looking at:British Equestrian Trade Association - Body protection made easy
You can also download the list of vests that currently pass level 3 BETA.
 
#12 · (Edited)
#13 ·
i have a rodney powell that i LOVE. if you are looking on the less expensive side, flex riders are great. some people think they are uncomfortable, but i really didnt. you get used to the feel of a safety vest on !
 
#14 ·
#16 ·
safety vests

I am currently the President of the EMSA (Equestrian Medical Safety Association-www.emsaonline.net). We are a 501c(3) organization interested only in equestrian safety. Currently there are padded vests (ASTM certuified) and the new wave of air vests. Of the latter there is not yet any scientific dats supporting them although they make intuitive sense. They came from the marine world via motorcycles to the equestrian world. The 2 models currently sold in North America have different deployment speeds & costs. They both are currently deployed via a lanyard mechanism attached to the saddle thus if one is separated from the saddle the device is activated. There will be an informative article on their history & technology in the upcoming EMSA newsletter available on the website.
 
#17 ·
Tipperary vests are about the worst you can buy as they offer no protection at all only a cushion. I have the Flex rider vest and I absolutely love them. My first one was stolen but before it was I had my horse rear up and go over backwards. The EMT's said if it wasn't for the vest the saddle horn would have most likely gone right through my ribs. I think they are quite comfortable and for only around $80 I can definately get over the fact it doesn't bend. When I had to replace my stolen vest I looked at many many reviews and specs about different vests and always came back to the Flex rider.
 
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