Another point of view: I switched over to the flush mount Ribtect seat bolts and have ditched my rib vest altogether. No problems and I feel better after racing all day. The common seat bolts/washers that stick out combined with a rib vest made me sore no matter what. 
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When I tried it on it was nice and snug on my sides, which I really liked. My seat is a slight bit big on me so the rib vest may fill some of that space. Although with the last broken tab I ground through a part of the bottom but w/e that’s another topic.
@MSchu1 My issue has been with the lip of the seat more than anything else. As I lean in the seat the top lip digs into my side and that’s what is hurting for me. I couldn’t even imagine running without a vest though. Those are definitely interesting though, I never thought that some people may be bothered by the bolts as opposed to the seat itself.
So we went out for a practice day today with the FreeM Brave rib protector. I put the thing on, and my first thought was that TJ is right, this is really bulky, but it fit well into the seat, so I don’t have a problem with it.
The other thing I noticed was that my issues all but disappeared. I went from barely doing a 5 lap practice to probably being able to go for a solid 12 lap stint if I wanted to, probably more. The pain in my side was not much more than a slight pressure and I felt nothing after the sessions at all.
I think everyone should be getting a decent rib protector before it’s too late. I got mine used and it wasn’t good at protecting anything but I dealt with it until I could barely go through a race without wanting to pull off and rest. Don’t do that. It sucks. Just pay the $200 for a new one or find a nice used protector, your sides will appreciate it.
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My Sparco Ribvest has gotten a good four- seasons out of it, so I’m looking to get a new one. Based on the recommendations that I’ve seen on here, I’m going to get the FreeM and see how it fits.
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The Bengio was actually cheaper, but they didn’t carry it at the shop and I was hesitant to buy one without trying it on. I liked the FreeM, I’d recommend it for sure.
FreeM is a good choice but regularly check the carbon for any “soft spots”. I broke my ribs wearing one after hitting a curb too hard. Mine lost all rigidity in an isolated spot around the seat bolts. I now race with a Bengio and haven’t had any issues. Though, the FreeM was more comfortable as the Bengio sometimes moves and slides up my torso.
I’ve been using my Ribtect3 since 2011. That’s SIX 24-hour races in which I drove the whole thing, plus the dozen or so local races and two 6-hour races I’ve done in between, as well as a RoboPong. Easily 150 hours in the kart with the same Ribtect. It even has a hairline crack in the carbon, and I’ve still never had any issues. Now, I’ve never tried anything else, so there may be something better, but for me the Ribtect has been great. Seems to be a matter of finding something that fits you properly and protects the specific areas you need (upper ribs, floating ribs, back, etc).
Yeah, I have a Sparco SPK5, and just through a bit of use I’ve cracked the plastic on the covers etc, so I figure it’s time for a new one.
That’s not the first time I’ve heard of those Sparco’s doing that. My local shop said the Sparco and FreeM are very similar, they don’t even stock Sparco, and I assume it’s because the FreeM doesn’t have the reputation of cracking as much, or at least that’s part of it.
Yeah, I figured that once it cracked, it was about done. At the very least, it looked shitty.
Big fan of the Tillet.
Had been karting for a while then one day take a flat out right hander my left side gave me excruciating pain. After about 5 laps I had to pull out the race. A few weeks later the racing was painful but not as painful but still distracting. So I went looking for rib protectors and a Google search took me to Tillet and I bought one for about £140. They didn’t do a carbon fibre one at that point.
Stopped the discomfort instantly.
Wearing it under my suit it ruined them so I started sewing leather patches where the seat mounts rubbed. New flush mounts don’t damage as much - the velcro is the biggest damager to the inside.
This one is coming apart something chronic and I will probably retire it at the end of the season.
FreeM were pretty close to one of the original chunky rib protectors (Bengio were first in 2001 I think).
I’ve had my Bengio since 2006, i stopped racing in 2008, someone over here had been borrowing it since 2014 for monthly races and i got it back last weekend. It was meeting up with an old friend. No issues with my ribs even though I haven’t driven anything like a 20 lap final in 10 years.
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Rib vest came yesterday! Testing it out this weekend.
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Rib vests are such a personal thing. I bought a tillet a couple years ago thinking it would be great because I remember seeing them on my co-racers in the 90’s…
Well I’m not at my 1990’s weight… Popped a rib on each side of my cage 
So ironically, I’ve been driving everyone else’s kart but my own since I’ve gotten my FreeM vest, but I do think that it’s comfortable. I don’t know that it’s on, once I get in the seat.
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Sorry to revive an old thread, but better than starting a new one for the same subject.
I had my first ever practice sessions in a kart last weekend (best fun you can have with your clothes on I reckon!) and after 5x 8 minute sessions on a very small tight twisty track my ribs have been black and blue since.
Seems the freeM or Bengio are the way to go but I am hesitant to get something bulky, so how thick are these things? They look about an inch think on the sides which would dictate yet another new seat. Does anyone know if the OMP ones are any thinner?
I’d need less than 1/2” per side to fit into my seat.
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Yep! Bumping is fine as long as it’s on topic and adds to the discussion. As a topic gets longer the forum automatically summarizes it too and of course we can always split as needed too.
The Bengio is pretty thin. I think if you go any thinner it wouldn’t do anything. The FreeM is definitely bulkier.
We picked up the FreeM Carbon and it is a little bulkier than the Bengio’s I have seen. I would say that if you have a little room you should be just fine.
We had been putting padding on the seat and my Son says the vest is “crazy good”. For what its worth LOL
One option and most racers would probably do it, ask if you can try them on and sit in your seat. I’d bet there are plenty at the track.
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I have the freeM rib protector. It’s a fine rib protector BUT the curvature of the panels is not totally compatible with my rib cage. I would recommend trying these things on to see which sits best. You can always return.