Should You Buy A Used Air Vest, Helmet, of Body Protector?

Should You Buy A Used Air Vest, Helmet, of Body Protector?

Should you buy used equestrian safety equipment?

There are some things that are fine to buy used, but others maybe, and others, definitely no.

First of all - helmets absolutely not. Do not buy a used helmet; you have no idea if it's been impacted in a fall and if it's actually going protect you effectively moving forward.

Stirrups sure, inspect them, make sure that the hinges are working properly, but no problem buying used stirrups.

Body protectors, another one that, sure, but inspect it, make sure the zippers are working properly and that the closures at the side are still in good shape and that there is still give left to the foam and that there's no visible damage to the exterior of the foam.

Make sure it's within the three to five years useful life and that it's certified to the latest safety standard.

Last, air vests. There are multiple reasons I don’t recommend buying a used air vest. Air vests are mechanical, and you want to make sure that all of the parts are functioning to be able to protect you.I strongly recommend not buying used air vests because there are a lot of things in the air vest that you cannot see with the naked eye. At a minimum, if you are going to buy a used air vest, I would deploy it to make sure that the trigger works and that the air chambers seem to be intact. The worst thing is to be flying through the air and expecting your vest to trigger, and then it doesn't, or it doesn't inflate. 

I tell clients that if they're considering a used vest, they should plan on sending it to the manufacturer for inspection to make sure it works properly. By the time that you buy it, send it off, get it inspected and bring it back, you're probably close to the cost of a new vest.

Here are some examples of issues that we've seen with vests that have been purchased used:
- Perforated air chambers because and the vest doesn't inflate.
- A client sent us a picture of the trigger on a vest, and it's got a missing part. 
- A incorrectly reset vest  sent to the new owner and the lanyard was fraying.
Thankfully, the client thought that something didn't look right and sent it to us to take a peek.
- Some vests have known issues with zippers and closures, so just make sure that they're working correctly.
- There’s a vest that was made in China and is being sold on eBay for $99 and it's actually certified as a flotation device.

Summary of Key Topics, Insights, and Conclusion on Buying Used Safety Equipment 

Insights and Takeaways - When it comes to safety equipment, it is important to prioritize your safety and not take unnecessary risks. - Inspecting used safety equipment can be challenging, as there may be hidden issues that are not visible to the naked eye. - For some types of safety equipment, such as helmets and air vests, the risks of buying used may outweigh the potential cost savings. - It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines when it comes to the useful life and safety standards of safety equipment.

The key recommendations are: 

1. Do not buy used helmets.  Helmets are critical for protecting your head, and you cannot determine if a used helmet has been compromised in a fall.

2. Inspect used stirrups and body protectors carefully: You can buy used stirrups and body protectors, but you must inspect them thoroughly to ensure they are in good working condition. 

3. Avoid buying used air vests. Air vests are complex pieces of equipment, and there are too many potential issues that cannot be easily identified. It is best to purchase a new air vest to ensure your safety. Overall, when it comes to safety equipment, it is important to prioritize your safety and not take unnecessary risks. While you may be able to save money by buying used equipment in some cases, it is crucial to carefully inspect and evaluate the condition of the equipment before making a purchase.

— Catherine Winter
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