Helite Electronic Vest

[STEVENRANKIN]

My understanding and research into the Klim vest is it provides the same coverage as the Helite but, unlike the Helite is supposed to be worn under an appropriate Jacket. The Helite Jacket airbag has the same coverage as the turtle vest.

The jacket is very nicely made, perhaps comparable to Aerostich or a good touring jacket in that price range. I just wish they made the gray one in a larger size. St.

[88bmwjeff]

The tethered vs electronic debate can be bit of a conundrum. Both have their pros and cons. Apart from the battery life issues on the electronic ones, there is the algorithms electronic vests use. About a year ago, I remember watching a review of an electronic air bag vest, and the review got off the bike and end up spinning around, which set off the vest. It surprised him. He contacted the manufacturer (sorry, I don't remember the brand of the vest) and they indicated the spinning matched the algorithm of a get off. Not saying electronic vests are bad or inferior to a tethered one, just that they take a different kind of precautions than the tethered ones. Also, I'm sure manufacturers are constantly improving their algorithms, so issues like those will be less frequent.

[Omega Man]

Most likely they use an accelerometer with the vest. The technology has become very easy to integrate. Think of your phone coming to life (awake) when you pick it up.

OM

[88bmwjeff]

Most likely they use an accelerometer with the vest. The technology has become very easy to integrate. Think of your phone coming to life (awake) when you pick it up.

OM

True, but it's distinguishing between a get off and what seems like a get off is where the algorithm is the issue.

[Omega Man]

True, but it's distinguishing between a get off and what seems like a get off is where the algorithm is the issue.

My guess is that it detects speed of movement. Moving slow should be fine. Jumping on or off may be faster than the vests like. I doubt that it is externally adjustable.
OM

[craydds]

Helite by the way makes a very nice touring style jacket with the bag built in.

Really like the idea of a jacket with the airbag built in. Put on your jacket/airbag and you're ready to ride. Helite, Alpinestars, Dainese, make some nice airbag jackets (probably several other brands, too). I choose the vest (Dainese) because I have several jackets that I like and felt like I didn't need another.

[Starstruck]

.... Yeah, the Helite can be repacked but I don't think he is going to be repacking that one. To be honest, yes, it is a pain if the vest goes off by accident to repack some of them, but in all honesty for my three accidents, the vests would have looked like Reece's and would be trash....

Helite by the way makes a very nice touring style jacket with the bag built in. I purchased one only to find it wouldn't fit me in the gray color. I am not much of a black jacket person so unless I can'f figure out an alternate, the jacket is on hold....

Actually, the Helite systems don't get "repacked", you simply replace the CO2 cartridge and re-set the activating mechanism. You do it yourself - very easy. (I would recommend you carry an additional CO2 cartridge with you when traveling - finding a replacement on the road can be tricky, particularly if you are out of the country.)

BTW - Helite makes a range of jackets and vests, including leather ones, that they don't widely market to the BMW community. You might reach out to them and see if they have an alternative to their touring jacket that you would like.

[rangerreece]

Since the accident Rhonda has invested in the Helite Jacket… this will be my next purchase.

To be clear: No repacking required just replace the cartridge. (I keep a spare in the tank bag)
Helite inspected the vest, replaced the cartridge and sent me a whole new vest and a note to share the old one (still serviceable) with another rider. I donated it to a new MOA member I recruited.

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[CajunRider]

^^^ That's pretty cool of Helite.

As a company, you want people to buy new so you make money...
However, this type of customer service goes a LONG way in making previous customers into return customers.

[Starstruck]

In my experience, Helite offers consistently excellent customer service. They are also present at the annual rally with a pretty good stock on hand.

[nickrides]

This is good information.

I think I'm going to splurge this winter and get this E Helite vest & new helmet & Jacket and pants.

In late Oct '21 I came off in a deer collision and hit the pavement doing about 50.
Got back on my K75 RT pretty roughed up, I've been roughed up worse thou, and rode home about a 70 min ride.
Walked in the door, and before I got my helmet and jacket off, a major cardiac event started.

Zero to crushing chest and hand pain in about 2 mins.

People who have been through it, say it's like having a elephant sitting on your chest, I can relate.

My ER nurse wife threw me in the van and hauled ass for our local ER.
3-4 mins after I staggered in there, I had a full blown heart attack.
Total bill with 41.6K life flight was 210K
I think having this E Helite vest on at the time might have been a good thing.
Nick

[GTRider]

This is good information.

I think I'm going to splurge this winter and get this E Helite vest & new helmet & Jacket and pants.

In late Oct '21 I came off in a deer collision and hit the pavement doing about 50.
Got back on my K75 RT pretty roughed up, I've been roughed up worse thou, and rode home about a 70 min ride.
Walked in the door, and before I got my helmet and jacket off, a major cardiac event started.

Zero to crushing chest and hand pain in about 2 mins.

People who have been through it, say it's like having a elephant sitting on your chest, I can relate.

My ER nurse wife threw me in the van and hauled ass for our local ER.
3-4 mins after I staggered in there, I had a full blown heart attack.
Total bill with 41.6K life flight was 210K
I think having this E Helite vest on at the time might have been a good thing.
Nick

Wow, that’s way too close to the Damar Hamlin experience!! Glad you made it through ok, and you should have bought a lottery ticket when you got out of the hospital!

Best,
DeVern (looking hard at the Helite jacket)

[179212]

I have a Helite tethered air vest the Hi-Viz model. Two things I like about the vest, one the Hi-Viz covers the middle of my mesh hi-viz jackets both have dark centers front and back with hi-Viz sleeves, with the vest on it’s all bright
The thing I have found on hot days I do not zip up the jacket all the way and get lots more ventilation but still feel safe due to the vest coverage.
7E17E321-0F70-4281-8B5F-BC202DB6CC12.jpeg82A43291-5B71-402E-8DC4-02672A2CDCD4.jpg

I lost my Coddiwomple flag and had my wife take a picture of me, the bike and the flag from the oilhead to help me get my points.
( cleaning up the garage is on the list just ask my wife )

[Starstruck]

....
DeVern (looking hard at the Helite jacket)

I've had a Helite jacket for the past 100,000 miles or so. I never ride without it and have been very happy with it on. With all the vents open, air flow is actually not much less than the BMW Ralleye Pro and unlike the BMW jacket, it actually is waterproof. I prefer the touring jacket with the built-in airbag over the vest, since I know I'll never ride without the jacket, but I might neglect to put the vest on. Personally, I like the look of the Helite jacket, but YMMV.

[STEVENRANKIN]

I bought the gray touring jacket from Helite at the largest size, got it and it didn't fit, oh well, diet time maybe. Helite is in touch trying to fit me. St.