EXPERT TAKE
Should You Buy a Used Air Vest?
Catherine Winter, founder of Ride EquiSafe, answers this and other FAQs about this popular piece of safety equipment AS AIR VESTS have become more popular, especially among the hunter/jumper set, it stands to reason that we would also begin to see turnover in the products as people upgrade to new technology or find a better fitting vest. This means that we’re starting to see more air vests available for purchase in used condition.
WHEN CONSIDERING BUYING AN AIR VEST, HERE ARE THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
When Buying New If you can find a retailer that carries multiple brands, that’s ideal. Air vests are like helmets–the better they fit, the more effective they are, and no two are alike. Having the opportunity to try multiple vests will help solidify the appropriate choice. Make sure you’re getting fitted by someone that has experience fitting
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vests. You want your fitter to know what to look for to ensure proper fit and also to know when a particular brand or model isn’t right for you. If you have certain medical conditions, you should inform your fitter. Specifically, if you have an implanted cardiac device or any sort of bone density disorder. Some air vests have magnets, which
would make them inappropriate for riders with implanted devices. If you have a bone density issue, then a vest can actually cause injury and the fit becomes even more critical. Make sure you know how often the vest you’re considering needs to be serviced, where the service is done, and what the warranty is on the vest.
PHOTO: BROOKE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
