Shifter Rib Protectors

Chuck McCue · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 2944

We have been testing a new rib vest by "Go-Karting". Our shifter drivers found them to be comfortable with a very protective design. The vest comes in multiple sizes and has removable verticle plastic "slats" so you can customize the vest to your liking.

Here is a pic:
"Go Karting" rib vest

CM Arsenal Pro Racing

Douglas Woods · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 4:49 am Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Chuck,

Any chance that they make these small enough for a 7yr old?

Thanks

Larry Ferguson · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 6:26 am Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

quote:
Originally posted by D Woods:
Chuck,

Any chance that they make these small enough for a 7yr old?

Thanks

Contact Peter @ www.go-karting.com for size info. I believe that he has one for the little guys. I can vouch for the quality of his product. Randolph has had fractured ribs, and he absolutely loves his rib protector that is made by "GoKarting!". Plus, the cost is very reasonable! $158.00 retail.

Berek McEwen · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 6 Location: Flower Mound, TX.

Lyle,

I know the pain that you are going through. I injured my ribs early last season while racing in two classes (80cc K1 and 125cc S2).
I thought my season was over until I bought a Ribtect Vest. I have tried every vest on the market at the time and the Ribtect was the only vest that took the pain out of my racing. Also, make sure that you have a seat that fits you. Many times people have rib pains due to an improper seat fit. It's also critical to have a seat that will allow your kart to flex. Again my recommendation would be the Ribtect Seat, along with the Ribtect Vest, it's a winning combination!!

Race fast and race safe..

Berek McEwen 51o
Team InterKart/Champion Racing Engines

Darren Swisher · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 7:10 am Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Lyle, This question is right up my ally. In keeping with the rules this forum, I cannot push my own product but I will give you what to look for when looking at a vest.

1. Coverage, does the protector cover the erea where you are feeling pain? You will see many protectors that cover a large area even around shoulders and such, these are not rib protectors, these are more torso and full upper body unit.

2. Foam thickness, is the foam used dense enough and thick enough? Look for at least 3/8 inch foam that has a medium density.

3. Plastic rib inserts, The plastic that dissipates the energy need to be very hard and in sections, not all one piece, to spread the load over an area.

4. adjustability, your adjustments for fit need to be away from the impact area, any adjustment that are in that area will cause more discomfort.

In my book only a few measure up to these standards:

Deepseat ribvest-Phone 888-229-0100
Ribtect- www.ribtect.com
Go Kartings Ribvest- www.gokarting.com

In my opionion contact all of these check out the service you receive and make your choice.

Darren

[ August 11, 2001: Message edited by: Darren Swisher ]

[ August 11, 2001: Message edited by: Darren Swisher ]

Berek McEwen · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 6 Location: Flower Mound, TX.

Lyle,

BTW, In an effort to improve my current 4th place ranking in the SKUSA SuperPro Class I am constently looking for ways to improve my performance and in doing so, I still am using a Ribtect Seat and Ribtect Vest to stay in the points......rather than using some of the other brands listed above. It's not to say a better product won't pop up some day. However, Ribtect will be hard to beat for a long time....... But from on racer to another...I just believe that Ribtect is the very best and is far ahead of it's time with plenty of track time and winning results.

Also, for more information on Ribtect you can log on to www.ribtect.com.

Good luck.

Berek
Team InterKart/Champion Racing Engines
OMOpin

Larry Ferguson · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 8:52 am Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Here we go again!

Lyle Cline · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 10:52 am Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Hello,

I recently broke one of my lower ribs while racing my shifter. While I was wearing a rib protector, I feel I could get a better one. Could anyone suggest a good rib protector (certainly shifter specific?).

Thanks,

Lyle

Francisco Vasquez · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 27 Location: Baja, Mexico

Each times these subject come up, it seems we here more from the "sponsored" driver rather than someone from public. I would like to here from karter Joe on what they like and dislike about the above products. Maybe it is possible to get someone who has tested both. Or what about each of the companies above send a sample to Lyle and have him choose.

Frank V.

Larry Ferguson · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 1:09 pm Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

quote:
Originally posted by Francisco Vasquez:
Each times these subject come up, it seems we here more from the "sponsored" driver rather than someone from public. I would like to here from karter Joe on what they like and dislike about the above products. Maybe it is possible to get someone who has tested both. Or what about each of the companies above send a sample to Lyle and have him choose.

Frank V.

First of all Frank, even though my son is sponsored by GoKarting!, I can tell you truthfully that regardless of sponsorship, or if we have to pay for it, my son will not use a product unless it is every bit as good as it is touted to be! As I stated earlier, Randolph has had broken ribs, from crashes in his shifter karts. He has also worn both of these rib protectors, along with quite a few that really weren't worth much in the way of added protection. He didn't switch to the "GoKarting! RibVest" just because it was free. That would be ridiculous, especially seeing the fact that his Ribtec is in perfect condition and it does work. However, it was HIS feeling that the "GoKarting! RibVest" gave him more support and was more comfortable. The choice was made by a driver, and not merely a dad looking for a good deal! As far as getting them to send a sample...why? Both companies produce good products and have the sales to prove it. That should be sufficient. Have a great day.
Larry

Francisco Vasquez · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 27 Location: Baja, Mexico

Larry, Honesty is all I am looking for, not some sales pitch from a sponsored driver that gets a call from the manufacturer telling him to post a response. I can see through it can you.

Darren's post seems honest in that he (as a manudacturer) noted all three products.

I just hate to see this site used as a sales tool.

It is here to better the sport.

Frank V.

Darren Swisher · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 2:13 pm Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Frank, I must admit when writing the post I considered pushing my own product but edited to read what it says now. I will be honest and follow the rules, as for my competitors, i wish them the best. This is business and issues of who's product is better is really second to service, good public relations and bettering karting as a sport.

Darren Swisher
Shifter Safety Gear

Berek McEwen · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 6 Location: Flower Mound, TX.

Lyle,

FYI, The Ribtect Seat and Vest I use I bought with my own hard earned money only after spending much more money on other seats and vests. As for any sponsorship with Ribtect, I have no written or verbal agreement with them nor have I been asked to speak favorably about there product. It was my choice to list them as a sponsor (it looks better on my resume). Ribtect provides a great product and good service and for that I tell others becuse I believe in the product. Who knows if I keep it up I might recieve a big fat check in the mail. RRRIGHT..That will be the day. What others do with the info I share is up to them. In the meantime I'll continue to race with NO PAIN!!!!

I wish you the best of luck!

Berek

Darren Swisher · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2001 3:03 pm Post subject: Shifter Rib Protectors

Berek, I respect you, your honesty, and your sponsors, in no way will I ever disrespect anyone for stating their opinion on this forum. Frank sounds a little angry, let it slide. As for Roby Mott and his business, I applaud what he has accomplished and respect him as well. We can better this sport TOGETHER.

Darren

Berek McEwen · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 6 Location: Flower Mound, TX.

Darren,

Thanks for your comments. I ment no harm to anyone or to slam any products. It's just that Lyle's topic is one I have personally been through and when I found the answer for me I thought I would share it with him. One thing is for sure, I have learned that I need to be more careful what I post from now on. I can see how things could really get out of hand.... I think I better just get back to focusing on my racing... and leave this web stuff for sombody else, like my dad.

Thanks Again.

Berek