High school bull riding safety vest

[DonInReno]

I’m helping out a gal who is part of a well meaning group of parents sewing bull riding safety vests for what are essentially high school teams.   I’m not convinced the $100 vest they are patterning off of is worth a hoot, when just the raw materials of a good $300-$400 vest look to be quite a bit more than $100.   I supplied a machine to one of the gals that will sew 138, but I’d think a heavier thread is appropriate here.

From what I can gather it’s a chap weight leather exterior, EVA foam layer, spectra shield penetration resistant layer and heavy synthetic liner (courdura?).  Big zippers with 2” wide Velcro over the zippers.   The specifics I can’t seem to pin down.

If anyone can give me a little guidance and direction I’m all ears.

Edited April 30, 2023 by DonInReno

[Handstitched]

Can't help you there, but what protects ' the bits underneath '  on the rider?  Always wondered that. Hate to have a horn go where it shouldn't go ? 

Quite an impressive pic btw. 

HS 

[kgg]

10 hours ago, DonInReno said:

From what I can gather it’s a chap weight leather exterior, EVA foam layer, spectra shield penetration resistant layer and heavy synthetic liner (courdura?).

I found this article which may help. From Cowboy Way ( www.cowboyway.com/What/BullVest.htm )"What Is A Bull Riding Vest Made Of?" and  go down to the section " Inside A Bull Riding Vest ". I did find some Ballistic Spectra Fabric Plain Weave 215 Denier 2.6oz/88gsm on Composite Envisions (comcompositeenvisions.com) at ( compositeenvisions.com/product/ballistic-spectra-fabric-plain-weave-215d-2-6oz-88gsm/ ). How thick the fabric needs too be is needed to provided adequate protection is the question. Probably very similar to what would be needed for a stab proof / resistant vest. As a note the stab proof vest and bullet proof vests may not be legal to own / use in your province or state.

kgg

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by kgg

[DonInReno]

4 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Always wondered that.

Lol

4 hours ago, kgg said:

How thick the fabric needs too be is needed to provided adequate protection is the question.

Thanks for the article - every article seems to add a little bit of new detail.

I have to keep reminding myself the vest is primarily to distribute blunt force over a larger area.  Apparently the Spectra Shield material is very good at resisting deformation when being pushed against, much like a hard plastic, but is also very tear resistant whereas a simple hard plastic would fail with a lot of force from the edge of a hoof or even a blunt horn.  Like protective gear in many sports, it makes sense to have stiffer more protective vests for younger riders.

It seems the outer shell material only has to hold the vest together for impacts, but should rip apart if hung up on a horn or hoof, so the Velcro between front and back, and over shoulders makes sense, and makes it adjustable for different riders.  The outer material doesn’t affect the performance, Cordura or canvas duck fabrics work fine and leather is just more durable with normal wear and tear and looks better.

Inner liners on the best vests are often a soft synthetic mesh and it seems denim weight fabric is a good low cost alternative that would hold up well to teenagers.

 

 

[Sheilajeanne]

4 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Can't help you there, but what protects ' the bits underneath '  on the rider?  Always wondered that. Hate to have a horn go where it shouldn't go ? 

Quite an impressive pic btw. 

HS 

That's a very good question!  I remember watching a program about matadors in Spain. They mentioned that matadors most often get gored on the upper thighs. They even showed a picture of an older matador's numerous scars in that area... 

I imagine wearing a jock strap wouldn't work for bull riding [ouch!] but you'd think they could provide something to protect the area below the belt.

My cousin wears special pants with - I think - some sort of Kevlar woven fabric in them when cutting trees with a chainsaw. I suppose a bull rider could do the same

[doubleh]

Ah, bull riding, one of the dumber things a person can compete in. I have a brother-in- law that was a rough and tough bull rider in his young years and he has been paying the price for years. He has had multiple surgeries on both his ankles and now both have been fused solid. He even learned how to ride a wheel chair for sometime but is now able to hobble along a little bit. Got another that was bronc rider and he is in about as bad condition plus he had his head busted all to pieces once.

Edited April 30, 2023 by doubleh

[fredk]

1 hour ago, doubleh said:

Ah, bull riding, one of the dumber things a person can compete in. . . . 

Do competitors in this get an automatic Bye entry in the Darwin Awards competition?

[bruce johnson]

Don, yes I think a heavier thread would be better than the #138. I’m glad you used the term “well meaning”. Realistically, is a bull riding vest the place to cut costs?? They might be saving $100-200 for the kid but if there is a failure vs tested and proven designs made with materials and experience  that’s hard to justify. 

[Klara]

And let's not forget the possibility of losing insurance cover when using unauthorised equipment or even being sued by the insurance company if you supply vests for kids other than your own...

[Handstitched]

21 hours ago, Sheilajeanne said:

They mentioned that matadors most often get gored on the upper thighs. They even showed a picture of an older matador's numerous scars in that area... 

Just about every man would shed a tear or two at  the sight of their ' manhood'  being gored    OUCH!!!  

Hernia is bad enough

HS