I have a $200+ guardian vest from uglydog. I had 4 layers of kevlar added to the leg flaps, chin flap and body. It has taken lots of cuts and abuse but served my dog very well. I have no complaints and extremely happy with the product. I think it is important to fit the vest properly and always wear a cut collar under the vest. The chin flap is helpful but using a cut collar in addition is the best protection for that vest. My catch dogs can jump in and out of a truck or load from the ground to the top of the dog box while in the vest.
I do not understand why anyone would expect a company to repair a damaged product once it has been used....especially considering the conitions, abuse it goes through. Cuts, tears, broken stiching is all a result of the conditions and use the vest is put through.
I do not think it is realistic to compare one cut situation to the next. While hunting circumstances vary and hogs vary....the size of a hog and cutters are always different....so is the situation. There are so many factors that play a role in catching...comparing one hog/cutter size to the other is not realistic.
I believe the way a person handles his dogs is the biggest factor when determing the amount of abuse the dog/vest is going to take. I understand situations change and hog breaks etc...but to limit the amount of time a dog spends on a hog is very important.
My dogs could get badly hurt or killed at anytime but certain factors can play a roll in the lack of abuse a vest and dog should take. I have no idea how many hogs my oldest catch dog has been on...but it is a lot. There is a reason he is 6 1/2 yrs old. In my dumb opinion this will limit less abuse to the dog and vest....running two vested catch dogs, leading the dogs in to short distances to the bay, running two similar dogs in speed, style, size etc, knowing the conditions you and the dog are entering and handling the hog
Sums it all up
Do you run any dogs on the ground with bay vest with extra layers extra layers? I was curious as to how much it alters weight a flexibility? Now that its cooling down and feel I can run them again id like to get some new ones
