Motorbike Air-vest.

Wonda-Boy · 27-01-2020 4:19pm #1

Looking to get one of the air-vests for on the bike, has anyone on here actually got one?

Not sure which one to get, at the moment the Helite Turtle 2 is the front runner. Looks well can get it in a range of colours and the air cannisters are replaceable if needed.

I think I prefer the manual inflation lanyard over the more expensive electronics vest as they need to be re-calibrated if inflate and are alot more expensive.

Alot of money but I think they are worth the investment in the long run....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um-ZyVL_xgs

https://shop.held.de/en/protectors/inflatable-protector-vests-aps/562/air-vest-ii?c=316&number=006894-00-58-S

H_Lime · 27-01-2020 5:19pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Looking to get one of the air-vests for on the bike, has anyone on here actually got one?

Not sure which one to get, at the moment the Helite Turtle 2 is the front runner. Looks well can get it in a range of colours and the air cannisters are replaceable if needed.

I think I prefer the manual inflation lanyard over the more expensive electronics vest as they need to be re-calibrated if inflate and are alot more expensive.

Alot of money but I think they are worth the investment in the long run....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um-ZyVL_xgs

https://shop.held.de/en/protectors/inflatable-protector-vests-aps/562/air-vest-ii?c=316&number=006894-00-58-S

Watching with interest as its something we should probably all have and I've wanted one ages.

jay48 · 27-01-2020 5:52pm

Look up helite airvest Ireland on Facebook or ring Mark on 087 7509270. He races ss600 in Mondello and sells them.

I haven't used one myself but a lot of the lads at the Trackdays and race days are wearing them now. Any reports I've heard off lads who have fallen off in them has been 100% positive and believe me, I've picked quite a few of them up off the track.

listermint · 27-01-2020 5:53pm

incredible money all the same. But at the same time cost on ability to walk should the unfortunate happen!

Philipx · 27-01-2020 6:35pm

There's a video doing the rounds, released by UK police, of a head on collision with a bike & car.

Apparently the rider was wearing an air bag jacket & while he suffered serious injuries, all concerned were in no doubt that he would have been killed without it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfzIYN84nDA

I have been considering one lately, getting older, bones more brittle

:(

thos · 28-01-2020 1:39pm

Looking at these at the moment also.

I'm between the Helite Turtle 2, or the Dainese Smart Jacket

I think I prefer the sensor triggered option over the lanyard trigger. It seems the lanyard suffers from latency and doesn't take into account lowsided incidents where you stay with the bike.

My current gear has good pockets on the front which I use a lot and already has good hi-viz, so I think I'd prefer the Dainese here to go under my gear, and can also put it under my 'street' leather jacket.
Only concern here is how to figure out how much extra breathing space the Dainese needs within your gear, but I'm hoping that after removing shoulder, hip and back protectors that it would free up some extra space anyway.

Anyone else got good experience or any other options, research done?

listermint · 28-01-2020 1:41pm

thos wrote: »

Looking at these at the moment also.

I'm between the Helite Turtle 2, or the Dainese Smart Jacket

I think I prefer the sensor triggered option over the lanyard trigger. It seems the lanyard suffers from latency and doesn't take into account lowsided incidents where you stay with the bike.

My current gear has good pockets on the front which I use a lot and already has good hi-viz, so I think I'd prefer the Dainese here to go under my gear, and can also put it under my 'street' leather jacket.
Only concern here is how to figure out how much extra breathing space the Dainese needs within your gear, but I'm hoping that after removing shoulder, hip and back protectors that it would free up some extra space anyway.

Anyone else got good experience or any other options, research done?

Is there a risk of the type of injuries these are designed to protect from with low side slide related crash ? Id say not.

These are meant for the style of crash shown in the video. Would you want 700 Euro going up if you had a slide ? I dont know. open question

H_Lime · 28-01-2020 1:48pm

If I hit the deck or leave the bike I'd want it to inflate.
How much more expensive are the sensor ones?

jay48 · 28-01-2020 1:55pm

It's not the lowside that does the damage, it's what you slide in to, kerb, pole, tree to name a few. The vest will inflate one the lanyard is pulled, which in most lowsides will happen as you will leave the bike .

Hotblack Desiato · 28-01-2020 6:45pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I think I prefer the manual inflation lanyard

So if you forget it one day getting off the bike, it'll be like this

https://youtu.be/bii-PIGprv8?t=24

Wonda-Boy · 28-01-2020 7:46pm

It takes 30 pounds of pressure to pull the lanyard out of the socket to inflate so Id say the chance of it actually happening are quite slim, if it does just pop in a new cannister there and then I would have a spare with me to be honest.

Thanx for all the feedback, I appreciate it. It would be nice to hear from anyone who actually wears one all the same.....I will give that facebook chap a buzz and see can he do a deal. I migh be looking for 4 or 5 incld myself and the lads I spin with....

Dublinstiofán · 28-01-2020 10:21pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

It takes 30 pounds of pressure to pull the lanyard out of the socket to inflate so Id say the chance of it actually happening are quite slim, if it does just pop in a new cannister there and then I would have a spare with me to be honest.

Thanx for all the feedback, I appreciate it. It would be nice to hear from anyone who actually wears one all the same.....I will give that facebook chap a buzz and see can he do a deal. I migh be looking for 4 or 5 incld myself and the lads I spin with....

If that guy does you a good deal let us know. I’d like one but I don’t like the price of them so far.

UrbanFret · 28-01-2020 10:25pm

https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_IE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Helite-Custom-Airbag-Leather-Vest/SubProducts/Helite-Custom-Airbag-Leather-Vest-0001

This looks the Biz.

Wonda-Boy · 28-01-2020 11:43pm

Dublinstiofán wrote: »

If that guy does you a good deal let us know. I’d like one but I don’t like the price of them so far.

Yeah I will see what's what... He gonna give me a buzz tomorrow from work.

CorkCBR6 · 29-01-2020 2:20pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Yeah I will see what's what... He gonna give me a buzz tomorrow from work.

I might also be interested if there's a multibuy deal happening!

steamsey · 29-01-2020 3:28pm

Alpine Stars doing a vest than can be worn with any jacket from March

https://www.alpinestars.com/tech-air-5-airbag-system

Franm · 29-01-2020 5:39pm

I have been wearing the Helite one daily for the past four years or so.
I've never put it to the test (touch wood) and hopefully won't ever find out how good it is. Nor have i activated it accidentally despite forgetting to disconnect it the odd time when hopping off the bike. It does take quite a bit of force to set it off. The other issue is really forgetting to connect it and driving down the road trying to attach the clip. You really need to pull over as it would be ironic if you were found in the wreckage with the unfastened clip in your hand.
A few points to note are.
Last year I received an email from the UK distributor saying to return it for a service (news to me). This could cost between €60 to €100 plus carriage cost both ways. I haven't availed of this yet and am hoping a Irish based shop will offer this service in the near future.

I opted for the hi-vis version which might not have been a good idea as it's looking fairly shabby now, my wife has the black one and wears the hi-vis over it. This is another layer to deal with so I'm not sure what's best. My helite is permanently on my jacket so I just throw the whole lot on in one go.

The vest itself is quite heavy and takes a bit of getting used to, especially in the summer. Having said that, during our really hot days I've opened my jacket completely under the vest and this has worked well re extra ventilation.

And finally a funny story, a friend bought a used one on ebay (UK) and was wondering why it never got delivered. On investigation he discovered that the UK police had carried out a controlled explosion on the package. We're guessing that the canister showed up as something more sinister on their detection systems.

In summary, I'm totally at one with my vest and it's a bit like wearing a seatbelt in a car in so far as you feel odd if you don't belt up.

Cheers and safe ridin to y'all
Fran
ps it is also maybe the one bike related thing that your partner wont object to you buying.

UrbanFret · 29-01-2020 8:07pm

steamsey wrote: »

Alpine Stars doing a vest than can be worn with any jacket from March

https://www.alpinestars.com/tech-air-5-airbag-system

Is there s subscription to be paid as well as the initial cost of these "Smart" air vests?

iwillhtfu · 30-01-2020 9:19am

Franm wrote: »

.
A few points to note are.
Last year I received an email from the UK distributor saying to return it for a service (news to me). This could cost between €60 to €100 plus carriage cost both ways. I haven't availed of this yet and am hoping a Irish based shop will offer this service in the near future.

I'm not saying it's the case here but usually those service requests are down to a failure found in the system. They refer to them as a service so as not to admit liability. It could be a failure anywhere and possibly limited to a handful of cases but most likely something to do with the air system, a valve or the cylinder itself but equally could just be an issue with stitching. A pain you have to ship it back yourself though did you ask them if theres a process in place for international returns?

thos · 30-01-2020 11:16am

Franm wrote: »

I have been wearing the Helite one daily for the past four years or so.
I've never put it to the test (touch wood) and hopefully won't ever find out how good it is. Nor have i activated it accidentally despite forgetting to disconnect it the odd time when hopping off the bike. It does take quite a bit of force to set it off. The other issue is really forgetting to connect it and driving down the road trying to attach the clip. You really need to pull over as it would be ironic if you were found in the wreckage with the unfastened clip in your hand.
A few points to note are.
Last year I received an email from the UK distributor saying to return it for a service (news to me). This could cost between €60 to €100 plus carriage cost both ways. I haven't availed of this yet and am hoping a Irish based shop will offer this service in the near future.

I opted for the hi-vis version which might not have been a good idea as it's looking fairly shabby now, my wife has the black one and wears the hi-vis over it. This is another layer to deal with so I'm not sure what's best. My helite is permanently on my jacket so I just throw the whole lot on in one go.

The vest itself is quite heavy and takes a bit of getting used to, especially in the summer. Having said that, during our really hot days I've opened my jacket completely under the vest and this has worked well re extra ventilation.

And finally a funny story, a friend bought a used one on ebay (UK) and was wondering why it never got delivered. On investigation he discovered that the UK police had carried out a controlled explosion on the package. We're guessing that the canister showed up as something more sinister on their detection systems.

In summary, I'm totally at one with my vest and it's a bit like wearing a seatbelt in a car in so far as you feel odd if you don't belt up.

Cheers and safe ridin to y'all
Fran
ps it is also maybe the one bike related thing that your partner wont object to you buying.

Any pics of the vest after 4yrs?

Also, I assume you remove shoulder/back/hip protectors when wearing the bag?

thos · 30-01-2020 11:17am

I like the look of the Helite Turtle for the fact that it seems to provide good protection around the neck:

The Dainese seems more shoulder protection than head/neck:
smrtjckt_3

steamsey · 30-01-2020 11:28am

UrbanFret wrote: »

Is there s subscription to be paid as well as the initial cost of these "Smart" air vests?

I don't think there is any subscription.

While the Helite goes over your jacket - the Alpinestars one goes underneath - but you do need 4cm of space around the chest area of the jacket to accommodate the inflation.

Franm · 31-01-2020 10:34am

Re the service request, I also wonder if they'll use it as a get out of jail clause in the event that it malfunctions, saying that it's not their fault because it wasn't sent back for servicing. I think there's a similar scenario with the auto-inflate life jackets used in watersports.

I just removed the back protector from my Jacket as there is a similar one inside the vest itself.

I can't post a photo yet due to insufficient posts I think.

Hotblack Desiato · 31-01-2020 12:24pm

iwillhtfu wrote: »

I'm not saying it's the case here but usually those service requests are down to a failure found in the system. They refer to them as a service so as not to admit liability.

If that's the case then it's a recall and should be FOC including postage.

iwillhtfu · 31-01-2020 1:05pm

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

If that's the case then it's a recall and should be FOC including postage.

Not necessarily life boats etc have a shelf life so it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that some components of this vest also have a shelf life but do agree it should be offered free of charge.

LLewellen Farquarson · 31-01-2020 1:30pm

I was very interested in an air vest but €500 x 2 (for wife) was a bit too rich for me.
Ordered one of these https://a.aliexpress.com/_sZnzBM
Thinking that I need a new hi-viz anyway so I'd nothing to lose.
I have a few spare cartridges so can test it when it arrives.

H_Lime · 31-01-2020 8:39pm

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

I was very interested in an air vest but €500 x 2 (for wife) was a bit too rich for me.
Ordered one of these https://a.aliexpress.com/_sZnzBM
Thinking that I need a new hi-viz anyway so I'd nothing to lose.
I have a few spare cartridges so can test it when it arrives.

Post your findings when you get a chance. Like to see a vid of it inflating when your wearing a lid.

zubair · 01-02-2020 8:52am

You've peaked my interest. Let us in know when you get it.

LLewellen Farquarson · 01-02-2020 9:40am

Will do, but it will take a while to arrive. Watch thus space.

Hotblack Desiato · 01-02-2020 11:49am

Oh god. Is "peaked my interest" the new "tow the line" ? :eek:

Wonda-Boy · 01-02-2020 6:30pm

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

Will do, but it will take a while to arrive. Watch thus space.

make sure you disinfect it when it arrives....you will be moving in biking circles dont want no Corona around here!!!!

macplaxton · 02-02-2020 3:00am

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Oh god. Is "peaked my interest" the new "tow the line" ? :eek:

Evolution unfortunately.

See also:

"Chomping [champing] at the bit" and "baited [bated] breath".

schaffer · 03-02-2020 1:47am

I've had the Helite Turtle (black) for almost 4 years. I wear it over the jacket and under a hi-vis vest. This has kept it in perfect condition.
You get used to carrying the extra weight and clipping in. I also wear a back pack but it must be worn more loosely as the vest needs room to inflate quickly. Also never set it off accidently the few times I forgot I was attached to the bike.
The annual safety check seems to be fairly new. There's a video on their website showing you how to check the vest yourself. It's all about ensuring there is no dirt or grit in the spring/trigger mechanism.

Regarding the Chinese version, I'd stay well clear. It may look similar but would you really risk your life on it? Nobody with sense would buy a cheap Chinese helmet so why this.
It needs to inflate in a fraction of a second, become rigid to lock helmet etc in place, and withstand abrasion or a hit. I doubt the Chinese version has even been tested to do this.

Wonda-Boy · 03-02-2020 12:00pm

Just waiting on mine to arrive into stock. That chap only stocks the GP AIR vest off the shelf so he is getting mine in for me....I will stick a few pics up when I get it.

Also how is the size for you schaffer?

I am normally an XL or XXL (in motorbike stuff) depending on the items...according to the website dimensions I fall more or less into the XL category. But I would need to tighter for wearing with my leathers then when I have it on over the bulky textiles.

zubair · 03-02-2020 1:01pm

schaffer wrote: »

Regarding the Chinese version, I'd stay well clear. It may look similar but would you really risk your life on it? Nobody with sense would buy a cheap Chinese helmet so why this.
It needs to inflate in a fraction of a second, become rigid to lock helmet etc in place, and withstand abrasion or a hit. I doubt the Chinese version has even been tested to do this.

I agree and this would be my concern straight away but we have a guinea pig now, it would be good to hear first hand what the material is, how fit is etc. Hopefully it won't be too long before the price starts to come down on CE approved versions and vests become as normal as wearing a lid.

LLewellen Farquarson · 03-02-2020 3:37pm

A guinea pig!
I resemble that remark.

I'm quite happy to destructively test it - for the benefit of the forum.

The way I look at it is this. It's not rocket science. There are only a few components.

1. The firing mechanism, which is just a spring loaded pin that punctures a co2 cartridge. It is held in place by a ballbearing that is pulled away by a tether strapped to the bike.
2. The bladder. This is just a long balloon that is inflated. It's similar to the ones used in life jackets (Which I have already examined and fired). The main thing to see is how this is routed throughout the jacket, the materials used and any seams or weak points.
3. The jacket itself. What is it made of, how well is it made, and how abrasion resistant is it?

I will have a look at the Hellite ones as well (I think my local bike shop stocks them).

This isn't a scientific test (before anyone gets up on their high horse). For the sake of €80 it is worth a look.

As regards buying a cheap Chinese helmet, the comparison isn't completely accurate (for me). I have never ridden without a helmet, in my 36 years of riding. During that time I went from cheap helmets to expensive helmets, as I could afford them. Nobody would argue that they aren't essential safety gear. If someone could show me that a cheap helmet would perform as well as one that cost 625% as much, I'd give it pause for thought. But helmets also have other factors like comfort, fit, noise etc.

Airvests, for me at the moment are a "nice to have". And I am not going to spend another €1,000 on a nice to have. If I get the cheap Chinese one and find it is a pile of poo, then I will have learned something. If it fires accurately, looks reasonably well made, and doubles as a florescent jacket, then I would consider it €80 well spent, and will do until I have the money, like the helmets, to get a better one (or two).

And as regards "risking your life". If we aren't wearing them now, how are we risking our lives any more than we already are? An airvest, even a cheap one, is not going to make biking more riskier.

schaffer · 03-02-2020 5:28pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Just waiting on mine to arrive into stock. That chap only stocks the GP AIR vest off the shelf so he is getting mine in for me....I will stick a few pics up when I get it.

Also how is the size for you schaffer?

I am normally an XL or XXL (in motorbike stuff) depending on the items...according to the website dimensions I fall more or less into the XL category. But I would need to tighter for wearing with my leathers then when I have it on over the bulky textiles.

I'm a medium/large and went for large. You can tighten the 3 closing tabs/snaps to get the fit right. It needs to fit reasonably snugly but not too tight that its uncomfortable.

schaffer · 03-02-2020 5:51pm

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

And as regards "risking your life". If we aren't wearing them now, how are we risking our lives any more than we already are? An airvest, even a cheap one, is not going to make biking more riskier.

Would you buy an Arai, Schuberth or Shoei from Aliexpress, ebay or a Chinese version that looked identical? I doubt you would take the risk. What look to be identical products (even from the same manufacturer) can meet differing standards depending on the end market.

Without proper testing/certification you don't know if this will do more damage to you in the event of an accident. What if the chord does not release and you are pulled along with the bike? It could work perfectly fine but you won't know until it needs to work. Even then can you be sure all vests meet the same standard?

Each to their own but it's not a risk I would be willing to take.

zubair · 03-02-2020 10:51pm

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

A guinea pig!
I resemble that remark.

I'm quite happy to destructively test it - for the benefit of the forum.

The way I look at it is this. It's not rocket science. There are only a few components.
.....

Good post, pretty much sums up my thoughts on it. And had I known they even existed I promise I would have been the guinea pig.

Wonda-Boy · 13-02-2020 9:42pm

Myself and a m8 went over to Mark and collected the Helite Turtle 2 vests, it really is some piece of kit. I personally wanted the Orange vest but is a special order of 6-8 weeks so he kindly loaned me a yellow one till my order arrives in. Cant say fairer then that.....

Very impressed with the build quality and the built in back protector (non removable) is very good (CE level 2) also vest has very good adjustability with straps on both sides adjustable not just one side.

I got an XL for over both the Textiles and Leathers, if I was just in leathers I would prolly get the L as you can let it out.

LLewellen Farquarson · 14-02-2020 11:16am

My Aliexpress vest will be a while, all post out of China is stopped, obviously.
Then again, it's not as if I'll be taking the bike out in this weather.

Alkers · 14-02-2020 11:37am

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

Then again, it's not as if I'll be taking the bike out in this weather.

:cool:;)

Wonda-Boy · 14-02-2020 1:57pm

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

My Aliexpress vest will be a while, all post out of China is stopped, obviously.
Then again, it's not as if I'll be taking the bike out in this weather.

Eh, apart from an hour or two in the morning the weather is brilliant lovely crisp dry days with the merest suggestion of sunshine.....

You need to broaden your approach to the seasons my friend

Claud 14.7 to 1 · 05-03-2020 12:28am

Philipx wrote: »

There's a video doing the rounds, released by UK police, of a head on collision with a bike & car.

Apparently the rider was wearing an air bag jacket & while he suffered serious injuries, all concerned were in no doubt that he would have been killed without it.

I have been considering one lately, getting older, bones more brittle :(

Wow flipping hell... he did a stoppie head first into the car. That's crazy. Hope he was not too bad.

howardmarks · 07-03-2020 9:48am

After following this thread I bought a used for one riding season (according to the seller) on German eBay for a very decent saving over new.
While I had reservations about buying a safety device like this used it looks to be in great condition and as I can't take it back to Ireland on a plane with the co2 cannister attached will have a chance to test it tomorrow before I fly.
Inbuilt Back protector has better coverage than most jackets, hi Vis replaces wearing a high Vis and it looks to be a sturdy bit of kit.
For the price paid and additional safety this is a no-brainer.
Might be a suggestion to check the second hand market and look for people who are giving up riding for whatever reason.

H_Lime · 07-03-2020 9:54am

howardmarks wrote: »

After following this thread I bought a used for one riding season (according to the seller) on German eBay for a very decent saving over new.
While I had reservations about buying a safety device like this used it looks to be in great condition and as I can't take it back to Ireland on a plane with the co2 cannister attached will have a chance to test it tomorrow before I fly.
Inbuilt Back protector has better coverage than most jackets, hi Vis replaces wearing a high Vis and it looks to be a sturdy bit of kit.
For the price paid and additional safety this is a no-brainer.
Might be a suggestion to check the second hand market and look for people who are giving up riding for whatever reason.

Brill, what brand is it?

howardmarks · 07-03-2020 10:27am

H_Lime wrote: »

Brill, what brand is it?

Helite turtle 2. Was considering buying new and just started checking eBay and a few showed up. 60% reduction on new price and considering how straight forward they are if they've never been crashed seemed like a smart purchase.

Wonda-Boy · 07-03-2020 11:50am

Well to be honest 30 euro will tell you if its working in 2 secs, bring a canister with you to a 2nd hand meeting and set of the jacket...if it works cool if not you dodged a bullet for 30 quid.

Personally I aint buying a 2nd hand one, no chance....but that is down to personal preference. If it works perfect, if you get scammed you down 250-350 euro. Id rather save for a extra few weeks and get a new one with warranty.

I am absolutely trilled with my orange one and its very comfortable to wear and great piece of mind, and it has reduced my bulk considerably.

Stay safe mate.

galwaytt · 08-03-2020 2:04am

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

I was very interested in an air vest but €500 x 2 (for wife) was a bit too rich for me.
Ordered one of these https://a.aliexpress.com/_sZnzBM
Thinking that I need a new hi-viz anyway so I'd nothing to lose.
I have a few spare cartridges so can test it when it arrives.

from China ?? glwt. There's no way at that price it's anywhere like established manufacturers in EU. Esp not safety gear.

H_Lime · 08-03-2020 9:05am

I'd go with a second hand one if it was shown to be uncrashed in. They seem a simple enough design if the model is the pull lanyard type. Any pics of it Howard?

howardmarks · 08-03-2020 11:45pm

H_Lime wrote: »

I'd go with a second hand one if it was shown to be uncrashed in. They seem a simple enough design if the model is the pull lanyard type. Any pics of it Howard?

Tried to attach a pic but wouldn't work, sorry.

So, I set it off last night. Worked perfectly. Very strange sensation. Like a bear hug. Your back is practically enveloped just like a turtle.

My thoughts on second hand:
Most(not all) bikers wouldn't sell a broken safety device to another biker
eBay sellers like to keep 100% positive feedback
Due diligence is of course required and a bit of common sense.
Crash damage is easy to spot as is the absence of a cannister of co2 attached. Was it set off in a spill etc?
Bikers like to upgrade. Helite 1 to helite 2. Helite 2 to the gp version.

Not for everyone of course but I got a great safety device for 400€ off the RRP.
I would have bought one new eventually if I couldn't find a decent second hand option but it would of taken a few months, as a new biker I've spent an absolute fortune in last 2 months.

Motorbike Air-vest.

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