Safety Vests (again)

[WeDoItAll]

So I'm shopping for a new safety vest for my daughter (13 yrs old, 5'8" 115 #). She's been riding in a tipperary ninja turtle model. She's going training level this year, prelim expected the end of next year. I'm looking at the Charles Owen model at the VTO sale.

Any recommendations or reviews of the CO model?

Any other model suggestions? She likes the tipperary, but she also isn't aware of any others. She does pony club as well as unrecogn and recogn and I expect they will be required to be certified in the future, so I'm looking for one that is.

Oh, and due to this wonderful economy, I'm now unemployed and have to sell a bunch of horses; so money is a factor.

Thanks for the advice!

[Roney]

I had the the Tipperary, but switched to the CO because I was looking for something safer. I love the CO - not only do I feel more secure, but it's actually pretty comfortable once you get it properly adjusted. Try a few on, but I'd definitely recommend the CO.

[luise]

I had a Charles Owen. It is very comfortable. I sold it though because I am short (5'2") and even with the adult small, the back was a touch too long. Your daughter is taller though, so it shouldn't be a problem. I just bought a Rodney Powell Elite Pro which I love. Very comfortable (same price, too!). Just a word of caution--the newer Charles Owen, the JL9 is only Beta 2 certified, whereas the regular vest is Beta 3.

[LKF]

The CO is thicker, a bit heavier in weight, has adjustable velcro on the shoulders and around the waist. I think it is much safer than the Tipperary. I've taken 3 spills in it this year and I can honestly say it held it's shape and took the pounding. You're going to sweat a lot in it. It doesn't breathe as well because the foam is thicker.
I do wish I could get my hands on the British Exo vest. That has them all beat.

[foxhavenfarm]

I have an Airowear Centennial Sport that I love. The new Airowear Outlyne is also the "official" vest of the 2008 U.S. Eventing Team. See article here (http://equestrian.usoc.org/news/article/167).

[WeDoItAll]

I have an Airowear Centennial Sport that I love. The new Airowear Outlyne is also the "official" vest of the 2008 U.S. Eventing Team. See article here (http://equestrian.usoc.org/news/article/167).


Looks fabulous!

[three_dayer]

bit of britain has airowear..they are nice, and i almost got one, but i got the rodney powell instead cause i tried on my freinds and it fit well, since i was nervous about getting a vest without trying it on, knowing my luck it would fit funny and i would not be able to move... good luck with the vest search...

[luise]

Looks fabulous!

http://www.amirashop.co.uk/acatalog/AiroWear_-_Outline_Body_Protector.html
will ship to the US

[subk]

...my daughter (13 yrs old, 5'8" 115 #)...
I have a one those out of the same mold! Only she still more interested in goofing around on ponies/honies and is not competing--lucky for my wallet! My advice on the vest is don't buy anything you don't try on if it's not easy to return.

[eventrider]

The Charles Owen website says that the new JL9 is Beta 3 certified. I just ordered mine...have to wait 4-6 weeks!!!

[WeDoItAll]

We ordered the Rodney Powell .... sent in her measurements (asked for a little growth opportunity) and it was sent back to us in the mail. We did it in plain black -- main reason: the customs were more, I'm on a budget, and when you put the pinney on, how much can you really see anyway?

So she's used it at several outings and loves it! The Tipperary was the only thing she'd worn before, so I was a little worried about whether she would think it was too hot, too heavy, too constraining, etc. No problem at all ... she feels very secure, not too hot, and they are right, it conforms really well!

Anyway .... love the Rodney Powell (and it's BETA 3 certified!).

[eventmom]

Another vote for the Rodney Powell! My daughter just got hers a week ago, and she is very happy with it!

[cosmos mom]

I love my Aireowear Centennial! I got it at a trade show- they fitted me in a medium back and a large front to encompass "the girls". It is the most comfortable vest I have ever worn!!!