I've just bought a body protector (Im sat here typing with it on!) How long should it take to mould to me?

I've never used a body protector (I tell a lie - used one for pony camp, fell off and it cut my chin!) Im not sure Im gonna be able to ride properly!

I think it all depends with body protectors. I had one for years that never did mould to me. It was the most uncormfortable thing I have ever worn!!! I literally had to tack up before I got it on I was that immobile in it. I used to put it on, get a leg up and that was all I could do until I took it off!!! Not ideal when you need to be able to move sharpish going cross country!!

I finally decided to fork out on a new one, and I love it(as much as you can love a body protector). It is so much more flexible, I can actually MOVE!!!

I don't really wear them enough, it would probably be even more comfortable if I actually wore them lots so I'm maybe not the best person to ask. Only wear them for going XC...OH has a fit at me!!! Just wanted to get the point across though that they are all so different.  And my first one wasn't a cheap one, it cost me about £150. :-D

Well this one is second hand (I know your not meant to use 2nd hand ones but I do know the girl and trust her). At the minute it seems to sit quite high up so Im hoping if I can lose a little more weight it will come down a little. Ive got till August to mould it in because thats when Im gonna need it but I have said I will ride in it before hand to see how I feel!

Hmmmm......I would always advise people to buy body protectors new. Not just because of the safety aspect of it being second hand but also because if you buy new at the saddlers they will always fit them for you and know how they should fit correctly. I know they are not meant to be to low that they hit the saddle but also can't be too high because then that isn't offering you enough protection. Also on the shoulders there is a certain way they should fit. If you are friendly enough with your saddler it might be worth taking it in and asking them to check out the fit on you, I know my local saddler would do this but they aren't all the same!! It is worth getting it checked out because if it doesn't fit properly then it will offer you as much protection as not wearing one at all and probably hinder your riding capabilities!!

JMHO tho!!! :-D

Don't know anything about this stuff but do now about safety wear for motorcyclists and I would agree anything ill-fitting is likely to be more dangerous in the event of an accident as it is a very hard object impacting where it shouldn't be.  I also would not be happy with something second-hand no matter how good intentioned people are I would not wish to rely on their version of its history and their appreciation of whether any significant events had happened to it that might have compromised it.

She says shes only worn it a couple of times and in fairness it does look new and feels stiff etc. Thats a good idea about taking it to the saddlers and seeing what they think. :)

ive tried seveal over the eyars, all the big names & found all of them very restricting & cumbersom until i came across race-safe...theirs are brilliant and recommend them highly. i think buying a 2nd hand one is risky, no matter who it belonged to! They should be fitted by a competant trained fitter, not just bought because they are roughly the right size!! As for moulding, its only body warmth that softens them up so they get more comfy as you wear them.....ie in 1/2 an hour they should get softer & mould to you.

Ha ha!! Racesafe is the make I own now too.....can't recommend them enough!!:-D