Im in the market for a new rib protector.
Any recommendations? Ideally something slimfitting.
I’d say the Bengio is the best one on the market. That’s the one I’d be after. Everyone seems to have good things to say about it.
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I’m using an alpine stars bionic rib protector. It’s well built and keeps my ribs from getting bruised.
I wouldn’t consider it bulky but there might be something lower profile I’m unaware of.
When I’m wearing it it’s very comfortable, doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a bullet proof vest.
Bengio, Greyhound, Tillet. All are good.
Stilo Carbon has been great for me so far
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Stilo beats Bengio in every way for me.
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It does look good as well!
This gets asked a lot, many topics discussing pros and cons of each. Depends on your body shape. Some prefer one brand over another due to their shape.
Bengio has kept me racing for the past 10 years after my rib injuries.
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The answer is always Bengio (until it isn’t).
They should pay us for all the love we have shown them.
why? What makes it better? My rib protector is on its last legs and its the shitty K1 vest so I’ll be in the market soon. Wanting to get all the info I can.
The Stilo outer shell is more form fitting vs the Bengio. It’s overall a bit thinner offering way more comfort. Bengio felt bulky in comparison.
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bengio it is so, is there a difference between the entry model and the carbon model?
Or is it aesthetic’s only?
Aesthetic only. I do like the look of the stilo as well. Worth exploring if you can’t find bengio in stock.
Bengio does seem to be the consensus here. But it’s a personal thing too of course.
Heres a rabbit hole for anyone that wants to go down it:
You guys are starting to make me question my definition of a “thin” rib protector 
My vote for benggio sir !
Personally, my Bengio caused me a lot of problems. Problems immediately alleviated by switching to a Greyhound rib protector. For me, the design of the Greyhound (and Tillet) allows for adjusting the width between the two side panels as well as their angles via a large velcro panel. The Bengio is very rigid, which is nice if it fits you perfectly. For me, the way it curves in aggressively at the front was popping my lower rib out of place during high G corners. The Greyhound fixed that.
Basically, it depends what will work for you individually. If you can, try to see if you can borrow someone else’s for a session to try a few different styles.
Just picked up a new Greyhound. Well made and no hard plate edges like the Bengio.
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We have a Bengio for my son now, but it is showing signs of wear and use from where the seat strut washers dig on the sides. Next one will be another Bengio or an OMP. Bengio because we know it, OMP KS-1 because we have seen it in use with someone we know and is FIA (not required here in US).