Body Armor Update: Equestrian Vests

Before I bought my Velocity Gear armor, I read about many different systems: rodeo vests, equestrian vests, motocross chest protectors, torso protectors, back protectors, etc. The goal was to find an integrated system of shoulder, chest, back, kidney and arm protection. Velocity Gear had an excellent back protector, all the other features I wanted, and was fairly inexpensive.

When my armor started showing signs of wear, I began more research on body armor. Go ahead and read that if you want, but I'll cut to the chase here:

The British Equestrian Trade Association has body protector standards that, to my unprofessional eye, seem to exceed the European Personal Protective Equipment standard.

One manufacturer in particular -- Charles Owen -- has caught my eye with the JL9 Body Protector and Collarbone Protection System.

There's no elbow and forearm protection, but many other manufacturers offer those. My main concern here is the total amount of torso protection -- and the motorcycle suits I've seen lack the full-torso protection offered by the best equestrian vests.

Someone with the Internet moniker of License2Ill has been posting on this topic all over the web. Search Google if you want. Here's a great thesis on back protectors in general, with info on equestrian vests and other stuff.

There is a horse rider's torso protector standard that takes the allowed force numbers down to the more apporpriate 4kN level, the BETA 2000 Level 3 standard. It uses 45kN of impact energy, but also requires chest, rib and clavicle coverage area. There's a couple of vests certified to that standard, and they may be a great alternative for better overall protection. The Tipperary Esprit and Jack Owens body protectors. The Esprit is relatively inexpensive at only $140. I don't know how well the extra clavicle coverage/straps will do in a more tucked position, but jockeys seem to wear them with no issues.

The Tipperary Esprit has had favorable reviews at AdvRider and other forums, but seems to be obsolete. Stores are stocking the Tipperary Air Esprit, but from what I can tell, that model lacks the higher BETA standard of the previous one.