Airbag-Vest Chest impact protection?

[Chief]

Currently I wear a TekVest and the Snowpulse Highmark (original) backpack/airbag. Bulky to say the least.

I'm considering the Protech Vest for its combination of Vest and Airbag but am concerned that it won’t provide the same level of chest protection as the TekVest. Backpack volume isn’t the issue here as I’d like to shift more of the weight off my back to the sled as it is.

Does anyone have experience with both and can comment? Before getting the TekVest I suffered significant injury to my chest and abdomen and now don't ride without the protection.

Additionally: I really don’t want to drop to as little protection as the Avi Vest sold last year with the soft chest plate but have noticed on the WARY site that they've dropped that specific model of vest and this year the Avi Vest has a molded backpanel and removeable panels in the chest. Anyone have hands on experience with the new Avi Vest and can comment on it's chest protection level?

Thanks for your assistance,
Chief

 

[snowww1]

Tekvest is coming out with a new model called the "Outback" which is designed for wearing with an airbag pack. More ventilation in the back, is worn over your jacket and has pockets that can attach to the front of the pack. Pockets can hold gps, radio, beacon, etc. You can't beat the protection of a tekvest. I will post photos soon on facebook, search for "avalanche1".

Mike Duffy

 

[0neoldfart]

Re: Snowpulse vest

I have a tekvest and highmark 22 snowpulse bag, my wife choses to wear the snowpulse vest with armor. The snowpulse vest is far more comfortable, but it comes at a cost - the armour between the two is night and day, the tek vest offers far superior protection, hands down. The snowpulse vest is a good alternative for those who don't want the bulk of the tek vest & backpack, and it certainly offers more protection then just a jacket. I personally will keep wearing my tekvest and backpack combo, after a while it doesn't really bother me.
My wife's view is that she HATES wearing a backpack of any kind, so the vest is a good fit for her, as it distributes the weight evenly.
Good luck in your decision.

 

[Matte Murder]

I also wear a Snowpulse Vest with armor. Plus a wear a lightweight breathable padded shirt under it. Really like the combo. I'm trying to remember the brand of the shirt but wil have to check it when I get home. The only thing I don't like a about the Snowpulse vest is it limits breathability and can trap heat and sweat. Harder to stay cool sometimes. I've hit the bars hard several times and the combo has prevented injury so far so it's worth it.

 

[joel97mustang]

I wear a heavy weight base layer, the Troy Lee Designs CP 5955, Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka for Men and a Snowpulse Highmark 22. Perfect balance of ventilation, warmth, freedom of movement. Not bulky at all.

Having the chest protector under my jacket makes it so I can barely even feel the backpack.

Here is the Troy Lee Designs CP 5955 link

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/35133/ITEM/Troy-Lee-Designs-CP-5955-Chest-Protector.aspx

 

[shane kelley]

here is the new one from the wary its a super nice set uip the pads can be taken out if you dont want them lots of storage and its made in the usa

http://shop.thewary.com/products/copy-of-avi-vest-1

 

[BlowinSmoke]

I went to an Avalanche course this weekend in White fish, MT. The owner of WARY was at the show and was demonstrating the AviVest that is in the link above this post. I have to say the vest was very roomy and did not weight alot. I felt it would offer plenty of chest protection while still providing the benifites of having an AVi bag. I myself wear a KLIM chest protector but will soon be perchasing one of WARY's AviVest system.

I hope this helps and good luck on your quest.