[Sobbe]

What brand of chest protector do you all suggest for rental at a field? Have had many in the past that fall apart after a short period. Looking for easy to clean (in washing machine) and above all, durability. Thank you!

[Hellf1ghter22]

NXe Chest Protectors work for me.

[TargetIndy]

So far I've used both the NXe and Valken V-Tac chest protectors. The NXe ones look good, but the fabric around the ventilation holes is just glued in place. After a few months of wear and tear the material comes unglued and frays.

The NXe chest protectors use a plastic buckle which can break. The V-Tac's use an elastic velcro strap. The only bad thing about the strap is that it can be removed from the vest and may get lost, so buy spare straps.

I've also found they don't fit smaller children as well as the V-Tac chest protectors. The NXe's are wider in the shoulder.

From a cleaning standpoint, both chest protectors float. This can make cleaning them in a top load washer difficult. The time I tried it, they all floated to the top and the spin cycle damaged some of them.

I've found the easiest way to clean them is to wipe them down with a bit of soapy water and a towel after each use. Eventually you'll have to do a deeper cleaning to them. You can either take them outside and hose them down or wash them in your tub (I've found the first option to be more wife friendly). A plastic scrub brush and some laundry detergent makes it pretty easy to clean them. Just hang them up to air dry them.

In short, I've found the V-Tac chest protector to be the better choice.

[mrspeeddemon]

This year we picked up a few vests from trinity, they're more like life vests. They're reversible (camo one side black the other), they have a zipper (which is ok- plastic), and they have a velcro panel on the back to attach a pod pack (included). They fit a variety of people alot better than the normal vests that tend to ride up on peoples torso's. We started with 10 just to see how they went over and had to order more not only because people wanted to use them more but also they wanted to buy one for themselves so it seemed to work out.

[Reddawg]

I have some vinyl vest I made used for years. They might need some new velcro or tie rope if your interested PM me for pics and make an offer if you want them. Several colors plus orange for refs.

[Rancid1845]

Tell those little babies to come back when they their man-vests grow in.

[Misha"mole"yelich]

Originally Posted by TargetIndy

So far I've used both the NXe and Valken V-Tac chest protectors. The NXe ones look good, but the fabric around the ventilation holes is just glued in place. After a few months of wear and tear the material comes unglued and frays.

The NXe chest protectors use a plastic buckle which can break. The V-Tac's use an elastic velcro strap. The only bad thing about the strap is that it can be removed from the vest and may get lost, so buy spare straps.

I've also found they don't fit smaller children as well as the V-Tac chest protectors. The NXe's are wider in the shoulder.

From a cleaning standpoint, both chest protectors float. This can make cleaning them in a top load washer difficult. The time I tried it, they all floated to the top and the spin cycle damaged some of them.

I've found the easiest way to clean them is to wipe them down with a bit of soapy water and a towel after each use. Eventually you'll have to do a deeper cleaning to them. You can either take them outside and hose them down or wash them in your tub (I've found the first option to be more wife friendly). A plastic scrub brush and some laundry detergent makes it pretty easy to clean them. Just hang them up to air dry them.

In short, I've found the V-Tac chest protector to be the better choice.

Agreed. V-tac are the best i've seen.
Extreme rage are also good.
but neither will wash well in a washing machine.

Originally Posted by Rancid1845

Tell those little babies to come back when they their man-vests grow in.

didn't know Sobbe asked for advice on how to run customers off.

[Sobbe]

Thank you! We've tried the NXe chest protectors in the past and had the exact same problem with them. I am going to look into V-tac. I appreciate the help from all of you!

[bigfootguy2002]

You guys are going to think I am insane, but I use the Gen-X-Global chest protectors. They are cheap enough that if one gets destroyed, your not out but a few dollars. They hold up pretty well and clean off great in a sink with hot water. I have even had good luck putting them in a washer.

-Will

[konechballer]

Haven't explored the chest protection option much. So I was wondering if you field owners could tell me what benefit to your business the chest protectors have brought?

[akara13]

We use Invert chest protectors. good protection but they are a bit rigid. we require that people cover them up with at least a t-shirt, this helps keep them clean. We have also had shirts made up for people who don't have an extra to cover it with.

[GatSplat]

Originally Posted by konechballer

Haven't explored the chest protection option much. So I was wondering if you field owners could tell me what benefit to your business the chest protectors have brought?

That would be pretty obvious... For indivuduals that are afraid of getting hit, and having it hurt, it makes them feel better, and hits don't sting as much, and for the field, it is rental revenue.

[Buckshots Paint]

Originally Posted by bigfootguy2002

You guys are going to think I am insane, but I use the Gen-X-Global chest protectors. They are cheap enough that if one gets destroyed, your not out but a few dollars. They hold up pretty well and clean off great in a sink with hot water. I have even had good luck putting them in a washer.

-Will

Same for me.