Hi all, what's the word with impact vests? Which are good, which aren't? How many use them? Are they a good idea if you are learning?

Well each to their own but if you're like me and have already fecked your back/ribs doing other sports (you gotta love motorbikes) then the old vest does wonders at keeping the med bills to a minimum.
I found my vest inspired confidence when learning to jump and the extra flotation didn't go a miss either (I'm not much of a swimmer).
I still have my trusty 'Team Airush' vest as it was the only one I could find at the time that wasn't covered in buckles and shite.
The only negative would be the lowish back as this clashes with me butt harness every now and then.
The new Nasih one looks to have fixed this prob but try it on with your harness and see how it goes.
As a plus I've found it nice and warm too.

Of course I don't kite with it all the time but as soon as I go for a session with out it I usually knock the shite out of myself.

Cool, cheers JK. Are there any brands that anyone recommends? Any more thoughts from anyone?

"I'm not much of a swimmer" says JK
Hi JK Theres the perfect spot for u.

I find that beer helps. If you drink lots and lots immediately after kiting, in fact actually anytime you're not kiting (ie: when sitting on the couch watching kiting vids), you can build up an amazing, impact absorbing, protective layer of blubber! So, to keep warm & safe, have fun and save money on fashion garments, I personally choose xxxx.

Tangled, you and some of the other contributors are hilarious.
Shame about the sick minds that pull this forum down.

What a great idea, however, I would then have to get some bigger kite to pull my fat arse out of the drink, but I do like the idea of drinking lots