Airowear Outlyne Body Protector
4.6
5
18
18
Feels Solid
I train and compete Arabs for endurance racing and recently incurred a grade 3 separated shoulder after being dumped from a young horse. I decided (after several such incidents) that it's time for some extra protection and chose this vest as it appeared to be designed to withstand some tough treatment and it's certified. I tried it for the first time this week and am very pleased with overall fit and feel. I like the amount of adjustment that's available as I'm 5'8" and very skinny so it's often difficult to get things that fit. I bought an L3 slim regular and it fits great. (I have a 34" inseam so most of my height is there.) It will take some getting used to the bulk under the arms but once the foam reaches body temperature it's not too bad. This is one of the more expensive vests, but it looks to be well worth the money for the extra peace of mind.
June 14, 2013
awkward but effective
I'm keeping it as I think it is the safest thing to ride in when my horse is having one of his "Mr. Hyde" days, but...
I like to ride with my arms close to my body -- the wrap-around layers that overlap under the arm prevent me from doing this. Sitting the canter doesn't work so well either.
I see the pictures in the brochures with the woman stretching in a close-fitting vest. Me not so much. It's supposed to be shaped for a woman, but possibly a flat-chested woman. I'm 38-30-38 and the fit is not at all what I'd hoped.
Bottom line? If you're not too curvy it will probably be everything you want it to be. Not as comfy as a tipperary, but with a lot more safety. I have fallen off in it once -- flat on my back -- and was absolutely uninjured. If you hadn't seen me on the ground you'd never know I'd come off! LOL!!
January 22, 2013
Not good if you need the short back model.
So the BP appears to be very well made, and is reasonably comfortable once warmed up. Sizing is the only reason I gave it 4 stars....
I have a short torso and could not get this adjusted so it would stay put. It kept creeping up above C7, which kinda wierded me out from the standpoint of falling like that.
Sent a pic to the manufacturer, and they agreed that I really needed the short back model - which isn't available in the States.
October 23, 2012
No way
Heavy, stiff, clumsy. i cannot imagine riding in this!
July 31, 2012
Very happy with this vest
I wore this for a week straight to make sure it was what I wanted- jumping, hacking out, dressage, and just plain old flatwork. I feel very safe in it and after a few minutes don't even realize I'm wearing it. I'm 5'9", 145 lbs and the medium was a great length and fit for me.
May 12, 2012
Too Late!
This a serious vest. It'll be challenging to wear it in South Florida in 95 degree weather come summertime. It's solid, and very well-built. Seems to cover the critical areas. Can't say for sure how comfortable it is to ride in, cuz I can't ride due to several fractured ribs from the last time I fell from my horse. Wearing this jacket is far better than this endless waiting time to get back in the saddle. Sigh.,,
March 2, 2012