BENGIO: The Legendary Shield for Your Ribs
Ask any professional karter what the most treacherous injury is. The answer is always the same: ribs. In karting, there is no suspension. The pilot's body absorbs all the vibrations, curb strikes, and lateral G-forces (often exceeding 2-3G). BENGIO, founded by Alessandro Bengio, invented the modern rib protector. It is not just a plastic corset. It is sophisticated, handmade composite armor that has saved thousands of careers.
ATOMIC-SHOP offers authentic Bengio Bumper vests. This is the choice of world champions. If you think rib protection is just an "accessory," try driving a final with a cracked rib. Bengio is an investment that costs less than a single visit to a doctor and allows you to attack corners without the fear of pain.
A History Written in Pain: Why is Bengio the Best?
Alessandro Bengio created his first protector not for business, but for survival. In the 90s, kart seats became stiffer, and tires became grippier. The loads on the rib cage increased to the point where drivers physically couldn't breathe in corners. Existing soft pads didn't help.
Bengio realized the core principle: impact energy cannot be absorbed by soft foam alone; it must be dispersed by a rigid shield. Thus, the "Bumper" concept was born. Unlike mass-market brands that use injection-molded plastic, Bengio uses a multi-layer composite (fiberglass or carbon fiber) hand-laid by Italian craftsmen. This ensures perfect rigidity and shape memory.
Triple Layer Technology
The secret to Bengio's effectiveness lies in its complex sandwich structure:
- Outer Shell (Exoskeleton): A composite shell of fiberglass (Standard) or carbon fiber (Carbon). Its job is to take a point impact (e.g., from a seat bolt) and disperse that energy across the entire surface area. It does not buckle.
- Shock Absorber (Foam): Dense, closed-cell foam (8mm thick, or more in the AB7). It dampens the high-frequency engine vibrations that are the leading cause of stress fractures in ribs.
- Internal Lining (Comfort): A soft, velvet-like lining that contacts the suit or body, preventing chafing and ensuring breathability.
Product Range: From Classic to F1 Standard
Bengio doesn't make hundreds of products. They make a few, but they make them perfectly.
| Model | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bumper | Multi-layer Fiberglass + Resin. | Best Seller. The best choice for hobby karting and national championships. Indestructible classic. |
| Carbon Bumper | Real Carbon Fiber. | Lightweight. For those counting every gram. Stiffer and lighter than standard, but more expensive. |
| AB7 (FIA 8870-2018) | Hybrid composite + Memory Foam + Chest Protector. | Mandatory for CIK-FIA. The first protector certified to the new FIA standard for World and European Championships. |
AB7: A New Era of Safety
With the introduction of the FIA 8870-2018 standard, the rules changed. Now, rib protection is mandatory for all international events and must protect not just the sides but also the sternum (from steering wheel impact). The Bengio AB7 is the answer.
The AB7 is not just an update; it's a redesign. It ensures total body wrapping. The back protects the spine, the sides hug the ribs, and the front plate shields the chest. Yet, engineers managed to maintain driver mobility—you don't feel like a knight trapped in armor.
Ergonomics: Why Doesn't It Slip?
Cheap protectors have one problem: during a race, they ride up, digging into the armpits. Bengio solved this simply and brilliantly. Their strap system (double shoulder straps and front velcro) allows for millimeter-perfect adjustment. A correctly sized Bengio Bumper becomes a second skin. You stop noticing it after 2 laps, which is the highest praise for safety gear.
Lady Bumper: Respect for Anatomy
Women in motorsport face the issue of ill-fitting gear. Bengio is one of the few brands that developed a specific Lady Bumper version. It accounts for female anatomical features, utilizing a different angle for the protective plates and a special cut to avoid pressure on the chest, while providing the same level of protection as the men's version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I choose the right size?
Bengio sizing is based on chest circumference (measured under the armpits, while exhaling). This is critical: do not add "room" for clothing. The vest must fit very tightly. If it is too big, it will move around the body and cause damage instead of protecting you. Check the size chart on our site (XXS to XXL).
Should I wear Bengio UNDER or OVER the suit?
Pros wear Bengio UNDER the suit. This ensures the best fixation on the body and allows the suit to protect the vest itself from abrasion against the seat bolts. However, the Standard Bumper is thin enough to be worn over the suit if your suit is tight. The new AB7, due to its bulk and chest protection, is worn exclusively under the suit.
Do I need the AB7 for rental karting?
Technically, no; FIA homologation is only required for official racing (KZ, OK, OKJ). But from a safety perspective, the AB7 is the best product on the market. If your budget allows, the AB7 offers maximum comfort and protection even in rentals. If not, the Standard Bumper remains an excellent, long-lasting choice for enthusiasts.
Protect yourself to win. Choose your Bengio Bumper at ATOMIC-SHOP — the official dealer of the world's best protection.