Polaris has always offered a complete line of innovative, well-designed OEM snowmobile accessories. They have also gone above and beyond in forming partnerships that add to their wide range of accessories.
Polaris has become well known for seeking out high-quality accessories that complement their OEM products. They evaluate and test potential new entries into their accessories catalog, and if found worthy, create partnerships to bring those products to snowmobilers of any brand.
A few examples include Woody’s traction products, BiteHarder carbide sharpening tools, Caliber trailer protection and loading products, and Super Clamp tie down systems.
They have also partnered with PIEPS Avalanche gear, Cardo Communication products and TekVest protection vests to offer all riders increased safety.
One such “offered by Polaris” product that I have personally used for over 20 years is the TekVest upper body protection vest.
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 TekVest products have constantly been improved for comfort and protection.
From the very beginning, TekRider has remained committed to its Canadian production facility and the use of the highest quality materials available. This commitment has resulted in the highest range of products, level of comfort, protection and durability.
For many years TekVest has been widely used in every form of snowmobile racing as well as many forms of motorcycle, ATV and kart competition.
It is 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.
Out of sight and out of mind, you ride comfortably with greater protection. For the best fitment, I typically order up a size on my jackets.
Over the years, this important safety product has seen increased exposure to and use by trail riding snowmobilers, who also have an important need to be somewhere on Monday.
While there are many frightening stories of injury survival due to the use of TekVest, I am a true TekVest believer without having a near-tragic experience.
I have worn a TekVest for over 20 years and over 100,000 km of Quebec trail riding. I found my TekVest to be very comfortable and unrestrictive.
Wearing my TekVest became such a part of me that I could stand in front of you with my jacket on, move my shoulders all around and not be able to tell if I were wearing it or not. It really becomes that comfortable.
I mainly use my TekVest to increase my personal protection. But I also use it as part of my underlayer warmth strategy.
Even after all these years, I still am frequently looked at with curiosity at relays and restaurants throughout Quebec or Vermont, as I take off or put on my TekVest. I continue to be surprised that this product is not used by many more trail snowmobilers.
While a TekVest cannot protect us in all possible accidents, it can certainly improve chances of survival and significantly reduce or prevent injury in many situations.
Fewer major misfortunes that quickly come to my mind as being minimized or prevented by a TekVest are injuries to the rib area due to tree branches, handlebars 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.
The TekVest Freestyle comes with a convenient full front zipper and shoulder pads covered in fabric—making it effortless to wear under a jacket.
The Freestyle is a race-proven armor configuration that stays flexible in well below zero conditions with 360-degree protection; sides, shoulders, front and back.
While anything new is always a little stiffer at first, my new TekVest Freestyle is quickly adapting to my contours. I have no double that it will continue to become as undetectable as my earlier TekVests.
For the best in Polaris OEM accessories as well as proven quality accessories for all snowmobile makes, visit Polaris.com
I thank Polaris for offering a wide range of quality accessory products and invite trail riders to consider and experience the comfortable protection of a TekVest.
Ride right, ride safe.
