Hey all,
I have a notoriously fragile back, have managed pain with it most of my life and in '21 had surgery on it which has helped but it's still always with me.
now, of course the smart man would stop doing "that" if it hurts or can cause injury but, I'm clearly not that smart so, given my stupidity what is available that I can wear while winging that has better back protection rather than just your std ribs etc.. I also don't want to feel trussed up like a Christmas turkey lol!!
I really only need it for winging, tending to take some big launches and end up flat on my back from height and at speed, paddle ups, surfing and dw the falls are more out the front door..
Also not a huge fan of side zips, had a Mystic that a, fell apart and b, the zip failed after a few months.
Thanks.

www.forward-wip.com/produit/impact-vest-50n/
is my favorite, but I dislike the side zip too.

Yeh that's definitely too bulky, thx anyway.

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Stumpi said..
Yeh that's definitely too bulky, thx anyway.

I've never felt like it was bulky, at least not in comparison to other impact vests. You don't even notice it when it's on.

Maybe you want more of a neoprene vest without padding though?

Dave are you after it for impact protection.. or for support considering you're coming back from a broken neck?

I've heard these are good but whatever you get you really need to try one on first to see if it fits you well..

www.surffx.com.au/products/mystic-star-kite-impact-vest-1?currency=AUD&variant=41826242855052&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=acf90119cbb3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-fGgyJy2gwMVyKlmAh07Yg-sEAQYKCABEgKaJfD_BwE

www.forward-wip.com/produit/kompact-vest-50n/

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DavidJohn said..
Dave are you after it for impact protection.. or for support considering you're coming back from a broken neck?

I've heard these are good but whatever you get you really need to try one on first to see if it fits you well..

www.surffx.com.au/products/mystic-star-kite-impact-vest-1?currency=AUD&variant=41826242855052&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=acf90119cbb3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-fGgyJy2gwMVyKlmAh07Yg-sEAQYKCABEgKaJfD_BwE

Hi mate,
no see that's the issue with kite specific ones, they have no protection around the lower back as they're designed to be worn under a harness. it's really for my lower back, need some cushion for big landings.

Try the Wingman vest - expensive but lightweight and has removable carbon chest and back stab panels.

or look at Follow brand vest or Patagonia neo impact vests.

Severne make an impact wetsuit for windsurfing if you want an all in one solution.

I have the forward wip vest and it works fine for me, but is a little bulky and soaks up water.

Thanks all,
eventually ordered this due to its lower back padding. We'll see how it goes.

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baldy123 said..
Try the Wingman vest - expensive but lightweight and has removable carbon chest and back stab panels.

ION have licensed the Wingman vest concept and released it for a much more reasonable price as the ION Rush impact vest. It retails for around 285 (GBP) in the UK. Still has the hard wrap around and removable inserts for front, back, and side protection.

www.ion-products.com/en/us/products/ion-rush-2023-48230-4724

There's any number of lower back braces and supports and protectors on the market. I would assume you could find one that offers the kind of protection your back needs. Why not get one of those and wear under or over a wetsuit?

www.google.com.au/search?q=lower+back+protector

The impact vest you ordered looks good. It's a pull over type, no zip, right? I bought the Patagonia one. I was worried I wouldn't get it off as a pullover but I was taught to slip one arm down inside the arm hole and slide it up. It's an easy way to remove it even if you have back or shoulder pain like me.

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BWalnut said..
www.forward-wip.com/produit/impact-vest-50n/
is my favorite, but I dislike the side zip too.

The side zip can be fiddly but the thing I dislike about it is the way it soaks up and holds water.must add a good few Kgs to my already excessive bulk - and it takes an age to dry.

Ride Engine wing protector vest has a quite stiff protector plate at the lower back. It's not bulky. You can use it as a wing harness as well. And take a look at Foundation Training if you haven't already!

May be look into mountain biking or hockey gear with smart foam. It is a non-newtonian material that is normally soft, but turns hard when struck. They been using that material in those sports for years so it is pretty proven.