Introducing the new P1 Defender, designed to meet the latest CIK FIA specifications for karting body protection.
With the Defender we have produced a revolutionary piece of protective equipment. A highly engineered product which resists high impacts by fully supporting the whole ribcage, with an accurately profiled shape using the latest high specification materials. The design philosophy takes its inspiration from the principles applied to create the famous Chobham amour, which uses multiple layers of materials to deaccelerate external forces and spread the impact load point.
With a full 360-degree protection around the entire chest circumference, it maximises safety, while retaining the standard P1’s comfort, and usability.
The protector also has chest angle adjustment which will adapt to a V shaped, or square ribcage. The easily used Velcro front fixing strap also adapts to allow this angle to change and has an elasticated section to allow for breathing.
A chest protection panel is integrated into this protector and is mandatory for any CIK FIA karting event. The unique feature of the Tillett Defender chest protector is that it is so thin it can fit under the rib protector and will self-adapt to the body shape of the driver as it is worn over time.
Our highly developed moulding technology and use of quality materials produce a super strong product with a tough break resistant composite core. This allows the Defender to maintain legal requirements under extreme impacts and continual usage.
The inner structural panels will also not deform or flatten when hot, which is a problem for the plastic types on the market which can alter their rigidity and shape on a hot day.
Making the P1 Defender unnoticeable to the driver was a main focus during the design stage. Extensive Long-term testing took place to produce a Karting Body Protector that had the well-known comfort and adaptability of the standard P1, whilst also withstanding the rigorous FIA8870 homologation tests.
The Defender is the thinnest KBP available. This helps with the fit under the race suit, and it keeps the size of the kart seat balanced, preventing loose hips. The very special foam used is unique and can operate effectively at half the thickness of regular impact foam. The foam is an amazing 4 mm thin and rebounds immediately, preventing a potential second impact without protection. The foam and soft plastic layers extend past the inner hard layers spreading the edge load and mitigating the possibility of a hard-edge digging in.
They are designed, produced, and manufactured in house within the UK Tillett factory, ensuring the highest quality standards are retained.
Over the years Tillett rib protectors have been tested by numerous Formula one drivers whilst karting. 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 us to develop the highest quality products.
Prices where listed exclude VAT & shipping.
Made to order in the UK - T&C's apply.
Please contact Customer Service for delivery times.
Tillett are happy to provide a sizing guide and tips in choosing the correct size for your new P1 Rib Protector.
Please note when sizing that it can be tempting for a parent to buy a size for a child to grow into. Alternatively, you could mistakenly select a size where the halves touch at the front. This is a mistake.
A rib protector must not be too big. If in doubt go for the smaller size and use the width adjustment at the rear under the rear joining panel.
Like a crash helmet. If it's too big it will not support correctly. The front Velcro strap will be hard to do up tight if the protector is too big.
Please view our video for a detailed overview on a 'Fitting Guide for your P1 Rib Protector'.
Our sizing guide for the P1 Rib Protector is available below.
