Summer of Safety - PART 2

All about body protectors and how to fit correctly

We understand that choosing and buying the right body protector seems to be a daunting experience. There's so much to consider, from riding disciplines, safety standards to fitting and personal preference. We hope these guidelines from the best brands in the business help with your choice.

 

Racesafe

Racesafe offers a wide range of body protectors that are synonymous with safety, comfort, weight levels, and style. As British manufacturers, they offer the latest European and BETA standards of protection. However, we understand it can be difficult to choose which is best for you, or which you prefer.

                                        

 

https://youtu.be/mjYAS1wcw0Q

 

Sizing & Fit Guide

To begin with, it's always best to find a body protector with the optimal fit, just for you. To ensure a body protectors performance, it's vital the fit is correct - if a measurement is invalid if the back is too long, shoulders are gaping, etc will all affect how much a body protector, protects you in a riding accident. Not to mention, it may be uncomfortable to ride in!

How to measure for your size

If you aren’t able to get fitted at a stockist, we have a handy article and video that guides you through the process of taking the 3 important measurements and finding the best size for you.

1. Chest: measuring around the fullest part of your chest/bust, will give the base size that will fit best around you.
2. Over the shoulder: measuring your torso length, from waist to waist, will recommend a front length option, which we call the standard or tall fits.
3. Back: measuring down to where the body protector will finish on your back, will suggest one of the 4 back length options for each size.

https://youtu.be/AObDwPzivH0?list=TLGGfPWK1yigqqoxMjA4MjAyMQ

 

How to check the fit of your Racesafe body protector

Step 1. Chest & Waist - Within the range of side adjustment, you should be able to achieve a snug, yet comfortable fit over a light layer of clothing. If the body protector is tight and restrictive, you probably require a larger size. It's important to know that with all the size variations, you can move up in chest size without having to have a longer fit.  If the body protector is still loose when adjusted or moves whilst riding, the size is likely too big. All current Racesafe models use an elastic adjustment system at each side, the benefits of which are two-fold. The stretch allows you to breathe and move easily whilst having a snug fit. It also allows you to easily self-adjust the fit depending on what you're wearing.

Step 2. Body Length - Feeling for your bottom ribs, they should be covered by foam panels. If they're exposed then the fit is too short in the body. Likewise, the front should not come down too far and beyond your natural tipping point, or it's likely to become restrictive whilst riding.

Step 3. Back Length - Sitting in your saddle, use your normal range of movement whilst riding and check if there is the necessary clearance. A hands width between the body protector and the seat of the saddle is a good guide to use. Traditionally there was a tendency to fit body protectors too long in the back and some people thought they were designed to cover coccyx, but that isn't the case! Most of the issues we see from badly fitting body protectors come from them being fitted too long.

                                               

Source

Airowear

Airowear body protectors have been manufactured and tested to meet the requirements of the European standard and are also CE marked to show their confirmation to the Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC. In addition, their styles, the Outlyne, AirMesh, Flexion®, Reiver 010 body protectors, and the foundation layer for the AyrVest are tested to the BETA Level 3 2009 Standard, which have specific tests to establish their performance under impact.

                                           

 

Fitting - How to measure and fit your Airowear body protector

As you know, if your body protector doesn't fit properly, it won't be able to offer the optimal protection it's designed to. Airowear offers gender-specific sizing for riders of all ages, making it easy to find the most comfortable, correct fit for you. A properly fitted body protector reduces injury and protects against soft tissue injuries, including bruising, lacerations, and contact burn. It will also protect the liver, kidney, and spleen.

Measuring

Step 1. Waist - Measure the circumference of your was by wrapping the tape measure around your waist. This is vital to ensure the body protector does not shift on the body.

Step 2. Chest - Again, measure the circumference of your chest, under your arms, around the widest part. This indicates which sizing range you fall into (Women's or teens etc).

Step 3. Back Length - You may need some help with this one! Measure from the base of your neck (C7 vertebrae) to the base of your spine.

Step 4. Sizing - Select from the size chart, corresponding to your measurements. However, please note, Airowear recommends it is best to also have one fitted professionally.

Tips for fitting and wearing

Please ensure you wear light clothing, and any jackets to be worn over the body protector. Before putting the garment on, make sure you have loosened the chest and waist straps.

Once on, fasten the protector with the front zip, and adjustable straps ensuring it feels snug yet comfortable. A good indication is to make sure the orange contrast is covered on the velcro.

Then, you can adjust the shoulder straps so the neckline lays flat against your body - you may need a shorter length if this cannot be achieved.

Lastly, try to check the back length by sitting in your/a saddle ensuring approximately a hands width is between the saddle and the base of the garment.

Watch a professional body protector fitting

https://youtu.be/LS6fVcMB6Jo

 

                                       

Source

The importance of shoulder pads

Racesafe

A study into eventing falls concluded there was up to an 80% reduction in the risk of shoulder & collar bone injuries, through the use of shoulder protectors. Research into eventing falls. Ref: Whitlock. The lightweight shoulder protectors are designed to provide maximum Level 3 protection for the shoulder area, without restricting movement or comfort. This important protection is designed to work in conjunction with all Racesafe body protectors and the breathable fabric will match seamlessly with ProVent models.

Available in 3 sizes:
Small: suitable for child body protector sizes.
Medium: suitable for Childs X-Large, Adult X-Small, Small & Medium body protectors.
Large: suitable for Adult Large & X-Large body protectors. Ladies with small shoulders may find the medium to be a better fit.

            

Airowear

Airowear understands the requirements of a garment to maximise rider safety and comfort, whilst ensuring a stylish fit. Shoulder protection is designed to reduce the risk of shoulder and collarbone injuries by up to 80% (*Research into eventing falls: Ref. Whitlock). All Airowear body protectors come with the option of attaching shoulder protectors, and attached to the shoulder pads is a pocket made from clear PVC material to hold your personal information, making your medical details easily accessible. 

                              

 

Written by Becky Mead

Sources

Racesafe & Airowear