The team members of Motoneiges.ca and Sledmagazine.com have always promoted the safe practice of our sport. Our team is very happy to announce that TekRider, the makers of TekVest has joined us in a project that will allow us to use and share our experience with this important personal protection product.
With the motto “If you need to be somewhere on Monday” TekVest is a product developed, designed and tested by snowmobilers for snowmobilers. TekRider was founded by snowmobiler Steve Brand in 1996. Since that time the TekVest product has been constantly improved for comfort and protection. For 16 years TekRider has remained committed to its Canada production facility and the use of the highest quality materials available. This commitment has resulted in the highest level of comfort, protection and durability.
TekVest is widely used in every form of snowmobile racing as well as many forms of Motorcycle, VTT/ATV and Kart competition. It may be due to the significant presence of TekVest in racing environments , that many trail riders have the misperception that a TekVest is worn on the outside and that you must look like a racer to enjoy added safety. In trail riding applications the TekVest is typically worn under your jacket. Out of sight and out of mind, you ride comfortably with greater protection.
Recently this important product has seen increased exposure to and use within the trail riding community of snowmobilers, who also have an important need to be somewhere on Monday. It is with this broader use in mind that the Motoneiges.ca / Sledmagazine.com team will focus its experience and reporting.
While there are many frightening stories of injury survival due to the use of TekVest, I am a true believer without having a near tragedy experience. I have worn the TekVest Trail Pro model for over 5 years and 30,000 kms of Quebec trail riding. I have found my TekVest to be very comfortable and unrestrictive during my riding experience. I have used the TekVest not only for increased personal protection, but also as part of my underlayer warmth strategy. I am frequently looked at with curiosity at Relais’ and Restaurants throughout Quebec as I put on or take of my TekVest. I have always been very surprised that this product is not used by many more trail snowmobilers.
While a TekVest cannot protect you in all possible accidents it can certainly improve chances of survival and significantly reduce or prevent injury in most situations. Less major misfortunes that quickly come to my mind as being helped greatly by the use of a TekVest are things like injuries to the rib area due to tree branch, handlebar or ski impacts. While these types of injuries may not be life threatening, they can definitely result in long periods of recovery and significant discomfort, all of which shorten or end your riding season early. Winter is short and I want to ride all of it from the beginning to the very end.
I thank TekRider for their continued support of this project and I look forward to a larger number of trail riders experiencing the comfort and protection of the TekVest. Look for future updates on our TekVest experience at Motoneiges.ca and Sledmagazine.com
