Safety and protection in equestrian sports
Helite
Helite airbag safety waistcoats protect the rider in the event of an accident with the horse. In the event of a fall, the ripcord connected to the saddle is pulled, which triggers the CO2 cartridge. This requires at least 30 kg of pulling force to ensure that the safety waistcoat is not triggered accidentally. The airbag waistcoat is filled with air within 80 - 100ms and offers optimum protection in the event of an impact. The protective waistcoat can be used again with a new cartridge.
Helite airbag systems protect you in an emergency
Helite can look back on over 20 years of experience in the development and manufacture of airbags. The protective waistcoat is mainly used in show jumping and eventing. The Airjacket is a compact riding waistcoat that is worn over clothing. The Helite Zip'In Airbag System 2.0 can be worn either as a stand-alone safety waistcoat or integrated into a riding jacket or riding waistcoat, provided the latter has sufficient stretch material to allow the waistcoat to inflate unhindered in an emergency. The advantage of this is that the airbag waistcoat is not noticeable at first glance, making it an elegant outfit for the show, for example. Whichever solution you choose, the system works in the same way. It protects you from the moment you leave the saddle in the event of a fall, even before you come into contact with the ground or obstacles.
The safety waistcoats with airbag system offer all-round protection for the most important parts of the upper body. In the back, they inflate along the spine, kidneys, coccyx and hips. The head and neck are also stabilised. Your front is also protected and supported. This protects the ribcage and all internal bones and organs such as the ribs, lungs, spleen, stomach and liver from external forces.
Can the airbag waistcoat be worn under clothing?
The Zip'In Airbag riding waistcoat can be worn under compatible Helite garments. It is attached to the outer material with zips to prevent it from slipping. The Zip'In 2.0 protective waistcoat can also be worn as a stand-alone system over or under clothing. Although the Zip'In compatible clothing from Helite is recommended, you can also wear the 2.0 version under clothing from other manufacturers. This must only contain sufficient elastic material so that the unfolding and complete pressure build-up are not hindered.
Can I wash the Helite airbag safety waistcoat?
Never wash the Helite airbag waistcoats in the washing machine or soak them in water. You can use a brush and warm water with soap to clean them. Then hang the waistcoat on a hanger and leave it to dry. Airbag waistcoats must not be dried in a tumble dryer or on a radiator.
Can I wear the Helite protective waistcoat in the rain?
Of course, you can also wear the airbag in the rain. The different outer materials determine whether the waistcoat is waterproof or not. However, make sure that you don't get completely soaked for a very long time. It is best to spray the waistcoat with a suitable waterproofing spray so that the rain runs off immediately.
Airbag waistcoat or classic back protector?
The advantage of an airbag waistcoat lies in the rider's mobility. When not inflated, the protective waistcoat is very flexible and does not interfere with riding, stable work or grooming the horse. Unfortunately, there is still no tested standard for airbag waistcoats in equestrian sport. Therefore, airbag waistcoats are not yet regularly authorised as protective clothing at competitions. The classic Level 3 back protectors, on the other hand, offer tested protection and are therefore also authorised for cross-country competitions. Unfortunately, the fixed protector restricts freedom of movement a little, is bulky and you sweat underneath it in summer. But of course, safety takes priority. This is the case with both waistcoats.