Life of a Tek Vest??

[live2ride]

So how long do you keep your tek vest before replacing?

 

[mtn mike on boost]

i use a bee wear and still using it after 4-5 seasons.its a little banged up but still works for me.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

my tekvest has 2 seasons on it..I see no reason why it shouldnt be like a helmet..take care of it use it..if it takes a really hard hit..replace it....(and I mean hard hit..hits hard enough to put you in the hospital without it....)

 

[Nikolai]

I hope they have a long life, I've been using the same one for 5 years.

 

[live2ride]

I was thinking the same thing ^^^^ I have had mine longer than that!!!

 

[stugots]

I got 5 well used seasons out of my first vest but replaced it because some of the seams at the straps were coming apart. Have a good look at the condition of the seams and buckles, if they're good IMO it's good.

 

[2fun4u]

Man - i've had my Tek Vest for at LEAST 6 years if not longer. It fits great and I can't imagine replacing it!!! I love it. Sure hope there's no lifetime to them.

2fun

 

[05900]

No reason found to replace mine @ 6 seasons also. All looks good and sturdy!!!
Does TV recommend anything???

 

[sleddin pete]

Mine's fine,got 3 seasons on it.
Like car tires if it's showing excessive wear replace it,if not keep using it.

 

[PhantomCat]

Got 2 seasons on my Bee Wear and one saved cracked sternum

Still going strong!!

 

[Scott]

I've had my tek vest since 2002.

 

[tudizzle]

Same as a helmet...you know if you drop your helmet and it shows any signs of stress the integrity has been compromised.

Would take a much harder shot to your vest but if it is feeling less than firm and spongy it would be time to get a new one. Someone in the Utah section posted about a vest that took a hard shot and he could tell it was not the same...so he replaced.

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

Good morning!

We are tekvest dealers and I think this is a great question! I didn't know the answer so I called tekrider this morning and this is what I found out. About 5 years ago tekrider changed the plastics in their armor from HDPE to UHMW. The UHMW is about 8% stronger than the HDPE. Check your label and see what your armor is made of if it is HDPE you may want to consider upgrading to a vest with UHMW.

As far as wearing out in general your fabric component of the vest will wear out before your armor losses it's structural integrity. If your fabric is breaking down replace your vest because it is the fabric that is holding the armor in place.

You can take a few hits with your vest and your level of protection will remain the same. However, please use your common sense. We have vests that have been run over and marked up with studs the vest literally saved this persons life in those cases the vest was replaced.

Hope this helps!

Jan

 

[meierjn]

Good to know! Thanks. How can you tell what type of plastic you have? Is on the label or somthing? I have one of the newer Klim versions but plan to have a look this evening. Thanks!

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

Hi Meierjn


It will be written on a label someplace on the tekvest what the armor is made out of. If you have a newer one then I would venture to say you have the UHMV plastics. For sure check it out though!

Jan

 

[MTdream]

got UHMW, and has saved me a LOT of ribs, sternum, etc. etc. etc.

wont ride without it!!!!!!!! great product!!!!!!

 

[Lambert454]

Iv got 8 years of racing in mine. As long as its not falling apart I think youl be fine.

Lambert