Explosive Vest or Traditional? Comparing Rider Protection Without Marketing Myths

There's no room for chance in equestrianism. Every fall, even a seemingly minor one, can be a painful reminder of the fine line between control and risk. It's no wonder, then, that the debate over which provides better protection for a rider—a traditional vest or a bomb vest—regularly ignites the community.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the facts: how both types of vests work, what standards really matter, when one solution offers an advantage over the other—and where the technology ends and the myth begins.

How both types of vests work – technical basics

While both traditional and explosive vests share the same purpose—to reduce the impact of a fall—they rely on completely different protection mechanisms. Understanding their design and operation is the first step to making an informed choice.

Traditional vest (protector)

Classic riding vests utilize controlled-density materials, most often EVA foam or similar shock-absorbing materials. Their function is to absorb impact energy by compressing the material —the greater the force, the more the foam compresses, dispersing the energy over a larger surface area.

·        The segmented design allows for a body-hugging fit and reduces stiffness while maintaining stable protection for the chest, ribs and spine.

·        Constant readiness means the vest protects regardless of the situation – it requires no activation and has no mechanical or electronic components.

·        Safety certificates (e.g. EN 13158, BETA) define minimum levels of protection and allow products to be compared based on objective tests.

Explosive vest (airbag)

Equestrian airbags utilize technology familiar from motorcycles and extreme sports, but adapted to the specifics of horseback riding . They operate by rapidly inflating airbags with CO₂ gas upon detection of a fall.

·        The activation system can work mechanically (a cable attached to the saddle) or electronically (sensors analyzing movement and overloads).

·        When activated , the CO₂ cartridge punctures and releases gas , which fills the protective chambers in a fraction of a second.

·        Inflated cushions increase the cushioning surface and stabilize key areas: the chest, spine, neck, and in some models also the hips.

Safety standards and certifications – what do they really mean?

In the world of equestrian personal protective equipment, certifications aren't just a formality, but the only objective way to compare products. The problem is that traditional vests and airbags are subject to completely different evaluation rules. This is precisely why discussions about the "safest solution" so often miss the mark.

Standards for traditional vests – clear and uniform

Classic protectors are tested according to the EN 13158 standard, often in conjunction with the BETA level system (Level 1, 2, 3) . These standards define, among other things:

• the maximum impact force that can be transferred to the body,
• the protection area that the vest must cover,
• resistance of materials to wear, temperature and deformation,
• repeatability of protection - the vest must perform the same in every test.

So, if a product is EN 13158/BETA certified, its level of protection is measurable and comparable across brands. There's no room for interpretation here—there are hard numbers and specific safety thresholds .

Airbag standards

For years, equestrian airbags lacked any standard addressing real-world fall scenarios. This situation changed only with the advent of the French standard NF S72-800:2022 , the first standard created specifically for equestrian airbags. This standard specifies, among other things:

• minimum scope of protection (body areas that must be covered),
• required system activation time,
• depreciation level after filling,
• resistance to mechanical damage and weather conditions.

This is an important step forward, but it is worth emphasizing that:

• the standard is national , not European,
• it is not yet widely used by all manufacturers,
• does not allow for direct comparison with the EN 13158 standard because it tests a different type of protection and different scenarios.

Comparison of real protection – without marketing promises

Although both traditional vests and airbags serve the same purpose, their effectiveness in practice depends on entirely different factors. To truly compare them, one must look not at manufacturer claims but at how both solutions perform in real-world fall scenarios—both controlled and completely unpredictable.

Chest and rib protection

A traditional vest works immediately, as its material absorbs impact upon contact with the ground or an obstacle. This provides predictable and repeatable protection—regardless of speed, fall direction, or rider position. Once inflated, the airbag creates a thick layer of air that can better disperse impact energy over a larger surface area.

Spine protection

Traditional vests provide stable, continuous protection for the thoracic and lumbar spine, reducing localized stresses. Airbags offer additional stability thanks to inflatable panels that stiffen the back and neck. This is a significant advantage, especially during falls on the back or during body rotation.

Neck and cervical spine protection

This is an area where the airbag has a design advantage. Traditional vests don't cover the neck, and the airbag—when inflated—forms a collar that stabilizes the head and limits sudden yaw movements.

Protection of internal organs

Traditional vests reduce the force of impact through cushioning materials, reducing the risk of internal injuries. An airbag, once inflated, creates an air cushion that can dissipate energy even more effectively, but only if the system is functioning properly.

Response time and risk of error

This is a key element of comparison.

• Traditional Vest : Always works, no prerequisites.
• Airbag : only works when activated - and this depends on many factors: the force of the rope pull, sensor algorithms, the rider's position or the type of fall.

Comfort and ergonomics – facts, not slogans

The comfort of wearing a vest directly affects the quality of driving, so it is worth separating real feelings from marketing declarations.

Traditional vest

Modern models are more flexible than before, and the segmented design allows for a good fit. They provide torso stabilization, which some riders perceive as support, while others perceive as a restriction. Comfort depends primarily on the correct size.

Airbag

Before activation, it's light and thin, allowing for great freedom of movement. Once inflated, it becomes stiff, a natural consequence of the system's operation. It also requires some getting used to the cable or electronic module. For many riders, this is the most "imperceptible" option while riding.

Operating costs and durability

The differences between the two technologies are particularly clear here.

Traditional vest

This solution is the cheapest to maintain. It requires no servicing or replacement of components, and its durability is high – with proper use, it can last for many years.

Airbag

It generates additional costs: CO₂ cartridges after each activation, periodic inspections, possible system repairs, and battery replacement in electronic models. Materials are more susceptible to damage, which can shorten the product's lifespan.

When to choose a traditional vest and when to choose an airbag?

Choosing the right vest shouldn't be based on fashion, but on real-world risk, riding style, and individual preferences. Both solutions have their strengths—the key lies in tailoring them to the specific scenario.

A traditional vest will work better when:

• you want protection that works always and immediately, without any preconditions,
• you want to be sure that the product meets uniform safety standards,
• you are looking for a solution that is durable and economical to maintain.

Airbag will be a good choice if:

• you ride in disciplines with a high risk of contact with an obstacle (e.g. eventing, show jumping at a higher level),
• you value maximum freedom of movement while driving,
• you want additional protection for your neck and upper spine,
• you are ready for regular servicing and cartridge replacement,

Many riders choose a combination of both solutions —an airbag worn on top of a certified traditional vest. However, this option is primarily for high-risk disciplines and requires structural compatibility between the two products.

To sum up

A traditional vest and an airbag represent two different approaches to rider protection—one based on constant, predictable cushioning, the other on the dynamic response of technology. A traditional vest provides reliable performance in every situation, while an airbag offers potentially greater protection, but only if the system is working properly. The best choice depends not on trends, but on riding style, risk level, and personal priorities. An informed decision is one that considers both technical limitations and the rider's real needs—not marketing promises.