Designed to shield your rib cage from potential injuries during high-speed racing, Tillett Kart Rib Protector's are a must-have accessory for any serious racer. With some offering 360 degree torso protection (including lower back and chest) rib protectors are often a compulsory piece of kit depending on where and how you race.
However, with various options available in the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. In this guide we will highlight some of the key considerations and help steer you in the right direction:
When purchasing a kart rib protector, safety should be your primary concern and you should always invest in the very best protector you can afford. Look for products that meet recognised safety standards and certifications mandated by recognised governing bodies such as the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) or the CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting). These certifications indicate that the rib protector has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding racers from potential torso injuries.
Be aware that some forms of kart racing mandate the use of specific designs, and regulations do change over time. CIK FIA 8870-2018 specification, for example, was made mandatory in all karting competitions entered on the FIA International Sporting Calendar from January 2022. The main feature of this new regulation is the addition of chest protection at the front. The Tillett P1 Defender (pictured below) is a CIK-FIA homologated body protector that meets FIA Standard 8870-2018.
An ill-fitting rib protector will not only be uncomfortable, it may not provide the necessary protection. Look for a protector that comes in multiple sizes and is ideally fully adjustable for a more customisable fit. If the driver is still growing, avoid the common mistake of buying a size up to grow into. A rib protector should not be too big as impact performance will be compromised.
Take accurate measurements of your chest and torso to determine the appropriate size. The rib protector should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing for ease of movement without restricting breathing.
Check out this P1 Rib Protector Fitting Guide by clicking here.
It’s easy to look past materials as they are often concealed within the core of the rib protector, however they play a pivotal role in determining both performance and comfort.
Most kart rib protectors today are made from a combination of high-quality materials such as impact and abrasion resistant plastics, energy absorbing foam padding, and breathable textile fabrics.
Higher-end rib protectors are constructed from highly engineered composite materials which offer significant additional benefits including:
• Ultra-light weight
• Better impact resistance
• Improved flexibility and contouring
• Durability and longevity
• Slimmer profile
It is crucial to recognise that the quality and performance of your rib-protection is highly dependent on the materials used, so it’s important to do your homework to ensure that you are getting the very best you can afford.
Kart racing is physically demanding, and overheating is a common issue. Look for rib protectors that offer good ventilation and breathability to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort. Correct ventilation will help keep you cool, focused, and at the top of your game during those long races.
A well-designed rib protector should not hinder your movement on the track. Consider rib protectors that have an ergonomic design, allowing for flexibility and an unrestricted range of motion. Also look for contoured shapes which provide better coverage and ensure a more secure fit around your rib cage.
Thickness is important too - a slimmer protector will not only fit better under your race suit, it will also not interfere with your proper seat sizing. Think also about choosing a protector that has no hard edges that could snag and damage your race suit, and one that can resist wear and tear from external factors like the protruding heads of your seat bolts.
If you need an FIA homologated rib protector, then your protector will need to have additional chest protection. Some offer enough flexibility to effectively mould to the individual shape of the drivers chest, rather than protrude out which most drivers find uncomfortable and distracting.
Before making a final decision, take some time to read reviews and seek recommendations from fellow kart racers or experts in the field. Real-world experiences can offer valuable insights into the performance, durability, and comfort of various rib protectors. Also take a look at what is being used by the top teams and drivers to win at the highest level in competition as you can often purchase the exact same piece of equipment.
Remember that design, materials, construction and correct sizing all affect comfort. It’s worth also noting that comfort is not only about improving your enjoyment of the sport you love. Comfort is also an essential and often overlooked component of performance. Intense track conditions such as extreme heat, cold or rain can all impact your performance both physically and mentally. Comfort also directly affects fatigue resistance, concentration and reaction times.
Over the years Tillett Rib Protectors have been chosen by numerous Formula one drivers. This elite list of drivers includes names such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Jules Bianchi, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell, Guanyu Zhou, Mick Schumacher, Lance Stroll and many more.
Feedback from these and other leading professional kart drivers at the pinnacle of their sport have allowed Tillett to develop the highest quality products available on the market today.
From research and design to prototype testing and manufacture by hand - every step of our process is rooted in no-compromise quality.
Get in touch with Tillett to find out more by clicking here.
