What Rib Protector should I get?

This was in late 2001. So unfortunately not.

I definitely have issues with my bengio running up and the hitting the underside of my arm/bicep. Leaves fun little bruises after a race weekend. Ribs never hurt though!

This was the exact reason I went with the Tillett. It is the only rib protector I have worn that didn’t creep up like that, due to the adjustability it has.

I would highly recommend trying one on before buying, and even better would be to borrow one from a friend who has one from a brand you’re interested in.

If I’m not mistaken, folk tend to err too large.

If you want to go left field, I bought a moto rib protector that had EU certification. It takes a different route and uses engineered pockets to absorb and disperse energy instead of a fibreglass shell and foam.

2 Likes

I had the alpine star I grew out of it, I had to cut the straps because it slid up to much and just got too small and didn’t fit me correctly. The Bengio has the adjustment I need. If I were shorter/smaller maybe the alpine would be better idk haven’t since I bought it.

Yes, this is my experience with the Alpine rib protector. I think it’s due to how small it is and how it goes down far enough. It was right on the edge of my seat and dug into me, making me feel worse.

Alpine star is only rib vest I can wear if I am on my skinny side. Nothing else will fit in a seat.

I recall having to drop a grand on lacrosse gear. I felt like it was a lot of money to see if my kid liked lacrosse. I can imagine hockey is even worse.

If you haven’t bought one yet, leatt makes some nice mtb protective gear that crosses over nicely to karting. Have their knee and elbow pads.










6 Likes

I had the bengio carbon for couple seasons. It was good protector - Not once did I hurt my ribs. The size was propably wrong as the vest would creep up - depending on the seat style - and press my arteries and block blood flow

So made this - took couple molds of me and laminated it from kevlar and carbon. The kevlar was a bit too much but as I had some lying around decided to use it

The vest has no straps. It stays on as it is made to my bodyshape. It even stays on If Im driving around in a T shirt

8 Likes

That’s incredible, nice work.

Amazing! Bespoke fit!

So the answer is not always Bengio, it turns out!

1 Like

I really would like to do this as I’ve taken this year off due to rib injury and would like to not repeat this again. What did you use for the initial mold?

Nice work. Thanks for sharing those pics.

I had a similar issue with rib vest except it was pushing my abdomen and making it hard to breathe while driving.

Of course it was fine while standing. I figured I was just unfit even though I was working out at the time.

Been using this one for awhile now.

Have heard great stuff about bengio and carbon curvas but the budget was lower when I bought it and hasn’t caused any issue so I haven’t upgraded yet.

Hmmmmm a novel submission!

Have not seen this before and it looks good.

1 Like

Very happy with it, I’m around 6ft 135-140lbs for reference. (skin and bones) :rofl:

They even offer customization for some uniqueness

1 Like

Awesome work! Inspiring even…

I am kinda oddly shapen, so I struggle to find gear that fits me. I’ve considered going this route, but always got hung up on how to pull the pattern/mold off of me. I’d really like to hear more about your process if you’d share.

Curious too, is that rubber edging material bonded to the edges of your foam? Looks really clean and I bet it will keep it from chunking out.