Ride Engine Defender Vest

Well my first review I owe the crew at Real for all the help and getting me the right gear 1st time no hassle and on point. I’m 220 on a good day 6’3” intermediate winger, Kite, and Sup surfer. I have had several impact vests since a wipe out in the surf and came up and couldn’t talk. I think y’all know what that means. Props Steph for being there. I have not gone without a vest since. The Ride Engine Defender XL was tight picking it up in the shop this summer. Little worried about that. Using it all summer and fall it was perfect. Never rode up on wipe outs stayed locked in and breathable even tight. No worries. 5/4 mil today on a fired up North Easter wing foiling. Sucked it in tricky at first but slowed down and got it zipped. Again loose and easy to breathe it just lets go and is easy. Still no ride up all day. I have had several vests over the last 4 years and this is by far the best one for me. Props ride engine. Another note the skinny bottom part works great with the ride engine harness with the beer belly. 5 stars for a 52 year old big boy.

This is my favorite impact vest for winging. It has some beefed up added protection around your rib cage. I have taken a lot of hits on my side and this has kept ribs from breaking. It is can be used with or with out a harness.

Compared to the Empax, this vest is a little thicker with slightly more padding around the waist and a more robust padding structure. The Empax has less padding and is more flexible.