
This is a no-nonsense guide to the best bull riding vests, with quick recommendations so you can choose the bull riding vests that suits what you’re looking for the best.
Leather is heavier, hotter, and less flexible, but far, far more durable over the years, and that’s what really matters. You’re looking for straight-up toughness, and you really can’t beat leather for that. You might think that it being hotter is the biggest issue here, but that’s why it’s so worth it to get one that’s actually breathable.
They’re summed up in the table below. If you want to skip all the other talk and you just want to know which specific bull riding vests are currently the best to go for, then they’re all right here in one place for you.
Editor’s Award | Product | Scroll |
---|---|---|
Best Bull Riding Vest![]() | Hilason Pro Rodeo Leather Vest Hilason is the MVP of the bull riding world and a must for any steer wrestler. If you’re wanting something that offers good protection, breathability and flexibility then you want a Hilason. From Amazon | Read More |
Best Bull Riding Vest (Alternative Hilason)![]() | Hilason Bare Back Pro A Hilason with additional protection at the neck but trades off a little adjustability as the straps are swapped out for velcro. From Amazon | Read More |
Best Youth Bull Riding Vest (For Mutton Busting)![]() | Hilason Kids Leather Bull Riding Vest Perfect choice for little mutton busters and another quality Hilason product. Offers great protection and flexibility to keep your kids safe. From Amazon | Read More |
Best Budget Bull Riding Vest ![]() | Hiliason Cordura Vest If your not a fan of leather or on a budget and looking for something that offers great protection then the Cordura is a great purchase. From Amazon | Read More |
Best Non Leather Riding Vest (Not Just for Horses)![]() | Tipperary Eventer Vest While the Tipperary looks more like body armor than a Bull Riding jacket it does offer some of the best protection available. From Amazon | Read More |
Click to jump straight to each topic.
- The Best Bull Riding Vests Reviewed
- Bull Riding Vests We Absolutely Don’t Recommend
- What We Think of Some Other Bull Riding Vests Available
The Best Bull Riding Vests Reviewed
Best Bull Riding Vest: Hilason Pro Rodeo Leather Vest
Best Bull Riding Vest
Hilason Pro Rodeo Leather Vest
Hilason is the MVP of bull riding jackets and perfect for any steer wrestler. Not only does the Pro Rodeo provide great protection with its high-quality genuine leather but it’s also adjustable for extreme comfort. Fitted with a breathable lining there isn’t really much more you want out of a bull riding jacket.
It does the job exactly as it needs to, providing great protection and shock absorption, and looks great while doing it.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Bull Riding Vest (Alternative Hilason): Hilason Bare Back Pro
Best Bull Riding Vest (Alternative Hilason)
What we really liked about the BareBack Pro is that it offers additional neck protection for the same price as the Pro Rodeo along with the same breathable inner
But one thing to keep in mind is the adjustable straps are swapped out for Velcro which means less adjustability around the waist/chest.
Suitable for a steer wrestler who is slim and won’t need the additional adjustment.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Youth Bull Riding Vest: Hilason Kids Leather Bull Riding Vest
Best Youth Bull Riding Vest (For Mutton Busting)
Hilason Kids Leather Bull Riding Vest
If you are looking to keep your little mutton buster safe then Hilason is the company for the job.
With a tough leather outer and a high-density shock-absorbing foam inner shell, the Hilason boasts not only protection but combines this with comfort due to the breathable inner and adjustable velcro.
The leather outer makes it easy to clean so it can be used for the rodeo and playtime.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Budget Bull Riding Vest : Hiliason Cordura Vest
Best Budget Bull Riding Vest
Hilasons Cordura vest is actually really impressive for the price. While you’re not spending enough to get a leather product the Cordura does offer great protection which is one of the most important things.
It is however not as breathable as its leather counterparts.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Non Leather Riding Vest : Tipperary Eventer Vest
Best Non Leather Riding Vest (Not Just for Horses)
While marketed as an Eventer Jacket for horses the Tipperary is still protective gear and perfect for bull riding. The pattern in the padding allows for maximum mobility and increased airflow.
If your not a fan of leather then it might be best you choose an eventer jacket. Most other rides will think you just bought a bulletproof vest for the rodeo.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Bull Riding Vests We Absolutely Don’t Recommend
For its price range, you don’t really get much bang for your buck with Saddlebarn, It’s not leather like you would expect for the price, just high-density foam, and Cordura. You can get that at a much better price from Hilison.
The Champion Titanium vests can be a little misleading, from the title alone it suggests it might have some plates inside for durability but it’s just a marketing trick. The Champion only offers protection in the form of some lightweight foam. Not really what you want for bull riding. Stay away.
When looking to purchase a mutton buster vest make sure you don’t accidentally purchase this play vest by mistake. It’s a high-quality jacket that looks like the real deal but doesn’t have any protection. It’s a play vest designed for kids who want to dress up as a bull rider/mutton buster.
What We Think of Some Other Bull Riding Vests Available
A high-quality vest that’s breathable and offers great protection. The only issue is the shoulder straps struggle to stay in place. But if sewed down it can be a great vest for the price.
Saddle Barn Tack Mutton Bustin Vest
While the saddle barn offers great protection the fact that it’s just a high-density foam shell means it doesn’t offer the same breathability as leather.
Pheonix Stock Riders Leather Vest
The Pheonix stock riders vest would be a great choice as it’s high-quality breathable leather, but the price point is nearly double the Hilason which is what stopped it being one of our top picks.
If you can find this on sale for cheaper than a Hilason it’s a good buy!
We hope this list of the best bull riding vests has been helpful.
If there’s anything good that you think we’ve missed, or if you have any questions about anything, then let us know down in the comments below.
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