Felix Bühler by SPARK Air Vest Ultimate Back & Neck Protector

There are many products that can enhance your sense of safety when riding. Riding hats are now standard equipment for riders. Back protectors and body protectors have also become popular, particularly among those who require extra safety, such as professional riders working with inexperienced or impulsive horses.

With the Felix Bühler Air Vest Ultimate Back & Neck Protector, protection against life-threatening injuries to the upper body is taken to a whole new level. The airbag concept originally comes from the automotive industry. It took forty years from the initial idea in the 1950s to the standard installation of airbags in vehicles.

The fully developed concept was eventually applied to air vests for motorcycles, bicycles and horse riding at the start of this millennium, and they have since become regarded as the gold standard in terms of comfort and safety.

Felix Bühler by SPARK Air Vest Ultimate Back & Neck Protector – All the details at a glance

Felix Bühler has brought SPARK on board as a partner, recognising their expertise in air vests for equestrian sports. At the heart of the air vest is the CO2 cartridge, which, within 0.2 seconds of activation via the operating strap attached to the stirrup bar, inflates the air bags on the back, hips, chest and neck, thus ensuring maximum impact absorption in the event of a collision.

Many riders appreciate the air vest for its comfort, as – when the airbags are not inflated – its slim design means it feels much like a conventional gilet worn over clothing. It is also easy to use: once you have adjusted the air vest, you simply slip it on over your usual riding clothes. Thanks to three click fasteners, the air vest can be put on and taken off quickly. As soon as you’re in the saddle, the operating strap is attached to the vest via a one-click connector and you’re ready to go.

Is it normal to feel a sudden tightness in your chest when the airbag deploys?

When the airbag is deployed, significant pressure is exerted at the points along the air tubes, which users often find constricting. This is necessary to ensure optimum protection. However, there is no risk of bruising or similar injuries.

How do I find the right size?

Use the size chart to find the right size for your air vest. It is particularly important that the back length matches your measurements. The waist size can be adjusted flexibly using the belt, but you should allow enough room here too to accommodate a thickly padded winter jacket during the colder months.

Optimal fit of the air vest

You can tell the fit is correct when you’re sitting in the saddle and the lower back section does not touch the saddle. The waist strap can be flexibly adjusted and the fit should be checked regularly, particularly if the clothing worn underneath increases or decreases in volume due to seasonal changes.

Who is the Felix Bühler by SPARK Air Vest Ultimate Back & Neck Protector suitable for?

Apart from a minimum rider weight of 30kg and a minimum horse height of 120cm, there are no further restrictions on wearing the air vest. Anyone looking for added safety can use the air vest. From beginners and those returning to riding who are still unsure, to professional riders working with inexperienced horses, right through to professional athletes in eventing, the Felix Bühler Air Vest can be used in every discipline of equestrian sport.

What is permitted and what is not permitted with the Felix Bühler by SPARK Air Vest Ultimate Back & Neck Protector?