Impact Vest Reviews and Suggestions

[dracop]

Hey guys, I need help picking a new impact vest. I've been using a LF Luxury which I was happy with but its falling apart and it also lacks rib protection, which I want after cracking a rib last year.

So, what impact vests are slim profile while offering good protection and flotation? Currently looking at the Dakine Surface, Dakine Matrix, and the NPX Cult.

Dont care for the newer LF models as they do not seem to offer rib protection and this is a high priority for me.

[NYKiter]

Wow...can you tell us what type of accident gave you a cracked rib with an impact vest on?

I would look for vests with D30...might want to check BMX vests with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-PVNYt0Nqs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTkI7i ... eH51srJ1x1

[KoenM]

I'm also in the market for an impact vest, the local shop sells Mystic.

http://www.mysticboarding.com/products/ ... tewindsurf

They look good enough to do the job?

[aTi]

the problem with the kiting impact vests is that they cover the back and the front but usually not the sides ... where shits can happen! I also had pbs with my ribs, falling fast and hard on my side, the bone part of my elbow hit hard on my ribs ... conclusion: 3 months out of the water

[hugolopez]

i recently bought the dakine surface vest, it fits greats, it's a little bulky, but not too bulky to be uncomfortable, the only thing i didn't like is that, as it gets wet, it get loose, and can ride up if you fall or have to body drag. it also has great amount of flotation.

[dracop]

Wow...can you tell us what type of accident gave you a cracked rib with an impact vest on?

I would look for vests with D30...might want to check BMX vests with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-PVNYt0Nqs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTkI7i ... eH51srJ1x1

I was kiting in Costa Rica at the end of Dec 2014 with winds avg at 20 mph with 0 mph lulls and up to 40 mph gusts. Did a big aerial with a triple backroll/kiteloop about 50ft in the air. Wind lulled and I ran out of vertical as I was about to complete the third rotation, landed hard on my side and suffered a rib fissure on my lower right rib. (interstitial muscles got pulled out of alignment and took a small tiny piece of bone with it). Painful beyond belief. Kiting back the 3mi to the launch area was one of the most painful things I have ever suffered. Took 12 Advil (2400 mg Ibuprofen) to ease the pain at the beach so I could go to the hospital where they prescribed me Oxycontin (Opiate level painkillers).

Its been four months since I last kitesurfed, until two days ago when I went out at Sherman Island in CA, took it nice and easy. Rib seems to be fully healed, I feel no pain or discomfort or any other difference with other muscles. Feels normal.

My impact vest does not have protection around the rib area, just the chest and back area. Thats one reason why I want a different IV, something with protection around the rib cage.

[experienced1]

I previously wore the NPX Cult and was very satisfied. I believe it has morfed
into the NP Side Zip... Might even be the Mission Side Zip by NP
Take a look NP Surf.com
I have been using the above impact vest for the past two years and very satisfied
steve

[igoryak]

Using Dakine Surface vest and it has a very nice fit, maybe its thicker than you need but has protection..

[Litewave Dave]

Litewave Slam Vest has good protection, adjustment, AND a way to integrate with your harness so it does not ride up. http://www.litewavekiteboards.com

[Do-it]

I have had the dakine for close to two years. Offers great protection and good flotation. Last week I broke the zipper on a botched dbl backroll loop. The rest of the session I felt naked and more vulnerable to impacts. Anyone know how to repair a zipper?