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Helite can look back on more than 20 years of experience in the development and manufacture of airbags. The range not only includes airbag vests for riders, but also airbag systems for motorcyclists and airbags for child seats, for example. This profound knowledge flows into the development of riding vests with airbags. Helite offers different models for riders. The protective vest is mainly used in jumping and eventing. The Airjacket is a compact equestrian protection vest that is worn over clothing. The Helite Zip'In Airbag-System 2.0 can be worn either as a stand-alone safety vest or integrated into a riding jacket or a riding vest, provided that it has enough stretch material so that the vest can inflate unhindered in an emergency. This has the advantage that the airbag vest is not noticeable at first glance and thus enables an elegant outfit for the tournament, for example. No matter which solution you choose, the system works the same. It protects you from the moment you leave the saddle in the event of a fall, even before you can come into contact with the ground or obstacles.
The safety vests 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, tailbone and hips. The head and neck are also stabilized. Your front side is also protected and supported. The chest and all internal bones and organs such as ribs, lungs, spleen, stomach and liver are protected against external forces.
The principle is as simple as it is effective. You connect the rip cord, which is located on the release mechanism of the CO2 cartridge, to the saddle attachment. If you fall, the rip cord triggers a mechanism that quickly fills the protective vest with air. In order to trigger the function, however, a pulling force of at least 20 - 30kg is required. If you forget to unbuckle yourself before dismounting, the system can trigger when dismounting, depending on the height of the horse and momentum. But unbuckling quickly becomes a habit. Filling the vest completely with CO2 takes between 80 and 100 ms. If you hit the ground or hit an obstacle, the airbag is already fully inflated and will remain so for another 2 to 3 minutes. After approx. 5 to 10 minutes the protective vest loses its air and can then be made ready for use again with a new cartridge. Incidentally, this is simply screwed into the corresponding bracket.
If you are using the airbag protective vest for the first time or if the airbag vest has triggered, it takes a few simple steps to make it ready for use again. Helite has created a couple of videos for this purpose, which explain exactly how to proceed. You will also find instructions here on how to attach the rip cord to the saddle.
The Zip'In airbag riding vest can be worn under compatible clothing from Helite. It is attached to the upper material with zippers and cannot slip. The Zip'In 2.0 protective vest can also be worn as an independent system over or under clothing. Helite's Zip'In compatible clothing is recommended, but version 2.0 can also be worn under clothing from other manufacturers. This only has to contain sufficient elastic material so that the development and the complete build-up of pressure are not hindered.
Never wash the Helite airbag vests in the washing machine or soak them in water. You can use a brush and warm water with soap to clean it. Then hang the vest on a hanger and let it dry. The airbag vests must not be dried in the dryer or on the heater.
Of course, you can also wear the airbag in the rain. The different upper materials determine whether the vest is waterproof or not. Make sure, however, that you don't get completely soaked for a very long time. It is best to spray the vest with a suitable waterproofing spray so that the rain rolls off directly.
The advantage of an airbag vest is the mobility of the rider. Because when not inflated, the protective vest is very mobile and does not interfere with riding, working in the stable or cleaning the horse. Unfortunately, there is still no tested standard for airbag vests in equestrian sports. Therefore, airbag vests are not yet regularly approved as protective clothing at tournaments. The classic level 3 back protectors, on the other hand, offer tested protection and are therefore also approved for off-road tests. Unfortunately, the fixed protector restricts freedom of movement a bit, it is bulky and you sweat under it in summer. But of course, safety has priority. This is the case with both vests.
