SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Charles Owen JL9 Vest

Charles Owen JL9 Vest

A better vest for a better ride.
Average Customer Rating:
5 out of 5
5
 out of 
5
(9 Reviews) 9
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 9 reviews
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
9 of 9(100%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Review 1 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Solid Vest

March 27, 2013
ByIzzmeister
fromAmherst MA
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"This vest is solid and not too heavy. The range of motion is good. I would feel secure in it, but it is not Beta 3 approved. It is certified at ASTM level. If you don't need the higher rating you should try this.
I say try because vests can be hard to fit. I tried four vest before buying. This vest in small was too big. I tried two other smalls and a teen ex large. I finally got a vest that is Beta 3 certified and comes in many women's sizes.
I am an adult rider training a young horse. I will use it for daily riding and eventing when we're ready."
Review 2 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

sadly had to return

March 21, 2013
ByKansas2Florida
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Just right
Runs large
Just right
"Very nice vest. Many "barn buddies" wear this vest where I ride. I am an adult, medium build and 5'2" tall. This vest was too long for my body. It would have hit the saddle as I rode. So, if you are somewhat short this vest will not work for you."
Review 3 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

very comfortable vest

March 19, 2013
Byanoldlady
fromCanaan, NY
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
"I've tried others and found this one to be very comfortable. It is snug and yet I can breathe and bend!"
Review 4 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Love it!

February 6, 2013
ByWestWindsFarm
fromCalifornia
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I didn't expect to be a rider using a protective vest. After all, I'm a dressage rider and just how much trouble can we get in to? Then I found myself hugging Mother Earth when I least expected to. I researched vests and tried a few different ones on. I found the JL9 to have the ratings I wanted and the comfort I needed. I don't even realize I'm wearing it when I'm riding. It doesn't get in the way of sitting the trot. I also like the look because it gives a rather tailored look instead of a bulky appearance. Buy one."
Review 5 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Comfortable, non-restricting vest

January 8, 2013
Bysnowstar04
fromMissoula, MT
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"This light-weight vest stands up well to 4x week use. Comfortable and non-restricting once your body heat warms the gel up a little bit. Fits well under a Carhartt jacket during the cold months, but doesn't get suffocatingly hot during the summer (breathes well). It's BETA certified, which is why I chose it over the Tipperary. I haven't fallen off yet (fingers crossed!) with it on, so I can't speak to that. I did have to go down a size though, as they tend to run large."
Review 6 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

This vest saved me!

November 13, 2012
ByLoveHorseys
fromHawaii
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"I originally bought this for a pony club eventing rally for the XC part of it. The price isn't that bad compared to other vests. I was also debating to buy a Tipperary since it looked great, but this vest is BETA tested, unlike the Tipperary.
The vest was a bit big on me (I purchased a small), and I wish there was more adjustability on the sides, because the sides were kind of big. When I actually rode in it, it felt great! It didn't make me hot, and it wasn't bulky at all. Unfortunately, I took a fall in it the first time I rode in it, and thank god I had this vest, otherwise I might have broken my back! I just brushed the vest off, and it was good as new.
Overall, if you want a great vest, this is the one to get!"
Review 7 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Really Nice Vest!

October 26, 2011
Bycbaile13
Expertise:Intermediate
"This is my first vest and I couldn't be happier with it! This vest is really comfortable to ride in and isn't restrictive at all. The vest is amazing how it hugs to your body. I was concerned that I had too much room around my ribcage. I think I will just have to wear layers during the colder days and tighten up the sides on warmers days when I ride in a polo shirt. I do think that this vest is a little hot, but I tend to be hot blooded. Overall this vest was a big hit at my barn!"
Review 8 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Second review!

September 25, 2010
Byeventer89
fromColorado Springs, CO
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"After riding in this vest several times, I absolutely love it. I was a little concerned about having a little extra room around the ribcage, but with layers it fits beautifully.
It was a warm day, and I did not find the vest hot or uncomfortable at all. I totally love this vest!
This is an awesome vest- its comfortable, adjustable, cool, and not restrictive.
I highly recommend this vest!"
Review 9 for Charles Owen JL9 Vest
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Fantastic Vest!

September 18, 2010
Byeventer89
fromColorado Springs, CO
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"So far vest shopping has proved to be both difficult and annoying. I have tried multiple vests and have either had fit issues or comfort problems. I first tried the AiroWear Outlyne vest, which I totally loved but they didn't make them in a size that worked for me.
I decided to try the JL9 out of desperation and I am pleasantly surprised. Its very comfortable after its warmed up, and does not hinder your body at all when jumping or galloping. I found that although it was a little hotter than my Tipperary, it was by no means uncomfortably hot or miserable. I actually really liked it!
My only hesitation is the fit. The length is perfect, but its a little big around the ribcage even on the tightest velcro allowance. But I am just difficult to fit.
Its an exceptional vest, for a great price! I highly recommend it."