I picked up one of those R-Mor vests last year and its surprisingly light and non intrusive. 509's sizing is a bit on the small and svelte side, but its very stretchy. The actual padding is very similar to motorcycle protective wear and will absorb a lot of energy in an impact. They also make gitch, knee pads, and elbow pads under the R-Mor name, also extremely inexpensive for what you're getting

 

I bought one a couple years ago. You don’t even know it’s there other than extra core warmth.

 

I bought one to replace my EVS brand vest. I always felt like I was was choking in that thing. I couldn’t believe how comfortable the 509 was when I tried it on.

 

Just watched the video and the one on the right is what I had before. There were times when I had to pull off the trail and take it off because I couldn’t breathe.

 

I can't stand riding without my tek vest. Even on the kids sled in the yard I put it on.

 

Three of us bought these at Novi this year.

 

How do they compare to a tek vest?

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I would say a regular tec vest has more protection, but the comfort level is better I believe with the 509. I just bought one about 2 months ago and it feels just right when I have it on. Not as bulky. I still have my Tec Vest yet so I can still fall back to that Vest if need to be.
I have not ridden with the 509 yet but soon I will and really have a feel for the 509.

 

Bought one of these at Haydays this year, yesterday was the first day of riding with it. Never having worn any type of vest before, it initially felt bulky under my monosuit, but after riding a bit forgot I even had it on. Was very comfortable, and added some warmth. I also have the 509 knee pads, those are also very comfortable to the point you don't realize you're wearing them. The shin protection on them is also a plus. One thing to note on the knee pads--they run small. I'm 6', ~200 pounds, and was right on the maximum end of the sizing chart for L/XL. They fit, but were a bit tight when putting on. Have the XXL/XXXL now, they aren't a ton bigger, but definitely easier to put on and take off.

 

Pro lite tek vest, I never ride without it, pricey, broke 3 ribs one year, that was my lesson learned, 150 mile rides are no problem, I am 67 old!

 

Public Service Announcement

Be careful, there is a fake website that looks just like 509”s offering a big discount on the Rmor vest. It’s not valid and I had to jump thru a few hoops and cancel my credit card.

The real 509 website is out of stock on those vests.

 

Get a real Tek Vest, that thing in the video is a flimsy flyer, and his TekVest was too small for him, no wonder he didn't like the way it fit.

 

I personally wear a Tek Vest but wearing something is way better than wearing no protest all.

 

I have ridden with a tekvest for 10 years. This year I bought the 509 and it is much more comfortable. Tuesday evening I had the unfortunate opportunity to find out why I wear one. I rolled the sled on an ice covered road and walked away with only sore muscles some bruises and hurt pride. With out it I am certain it would have been more than bruises as I hit pretty hard. It can happen to anyone and when it does it happens fast. Always wear some type of vest. Better to have it on and not need it rather than need it and not have it on!

 

i've been wearing a Tekvest for about 7 or 8 years now ever since I started mountain/riding off trail and took the bars to the chest a couple times.
Thought this 509 setup would be a nice setup so my wife got me one for my Bday. I hated the way it fit it tended to ride up and stay up when raising my arms or bending over, to where i had to reach under my jacket and pull it back down into a comfortable position. Sent it back and still wear my Tekvest.

 

While I agree wearing something is better than nothing, there is a reason TekVest is #1 in the game, they offer great protection, if that means being a smidge uncomfortable well that's the price you have to pay for great protection, I find mine very comfortable and can't ride a mile without it, would feel like not having a helmet on my head. I've been in two wrecks with mine in the last 6 years, one resulted in a broken shoulder, the other one I just flipped it into a road at low speed, thankfully no cars there at the time, no injuries on that one but probably would've been sore without the vest on .

 

Same deal. Don’t hit the trails without my TekVest.

 

Like others have said, I feel naked without one now since I got my 509 a couple years ago. It’s comfortable and offers core warmth. Had a Tek Vest many years ago and found myself not wearing it all the time because it just was too bulky and uncomfortable. Though I realize the Tek Vest offers more protection I like the 509 better.
Maybe one day I will change my mind but 509 for me.


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Have been using tekvests for 15+ years, both sledding and dirt biking, and they do take some getting used to but it is 100% worth it! I have been in a few pretty big crashes of which I'm sure at least one would have resulted in serious injury if I hadn't been wearing one.
Looking at the 509 vest I think it looks like it suffers from the same problem as I think the Tekvests have, they are muuuuccchhh too short! My Tekvests wont even reach my bellybutton and they could be almost a foot longer in the back too. And before anyone says anything, my vests are big enough.

 

I had a tekvest but it seemed to bulky.

Bought a Demon Hypervest and feels much better. The 509 looks similar the the Demon.

Doesn't matter which one you wear---Just wear one.

Don~

 

Thanks for posting, just ordered

 

I bought a 509 this year. Love it. I have a tekvest too.

 

I have the Klim and 509 vest. The 509 is way more comfortable.

 

This is worth a shot. Like in the video, I cannot wear a tekvest because it chokes me. I'll give this a try.

 

I did something stupid on my snowmobile. I walked away and only had bruises. Wife believes the Tek Vest saved me from more injury. I'm not sure as I don't recall an impact to my chest, but it didn't hurt anything by wearing it! Anytime I hit the trails, I'm wearing it!

 

Where can you buy these? Every place I look at is sold out in my size.

 

eBay or Amazon as of now.. You can still preorder through Up North Sports..

 

I just ordered 2 of these vests. One for my wife and one for me. Will do a review once we get some snow.