Helite Air Vests- what do you owner's think of the products?

[craydds]

It should not deploy in a minor fall over.

[54571]

I was given the Helite vest for Christmas last year and I have yet to wear the thing one time. I did install the tether on my bike. Every time I think about wearing it it just seems like it’s going to be a pain in the a$$ to deal with it. I am sure it would provide a margin of safety but I just can’t get use to the idea of strapping myself in and out all the time. Must be a psychological problem I have.


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[lkraus]

I bought my Turtle at the SLC rally (10%off and an extra CO2 cartridge). Since then, I've ridden exactly one time without it. I've considered leaving it at home at times, but then think about how totally stupid I would feel while healing from an injury the vest could have prevented. But then, I always wear a helmet and I always buckle my seat belt when driving, too. I guess if I knew when I would be having an accident I could leave the gear at home the rest of the time.

Yes, it's a bit heavy to put on and off, and one more thing to deal with at a stop, but that has just become part of the routine. It goes in a pannier or top box when I park, or is cable-locked with my helmet and jacket when the luggage is full. I'm never aware of the vest while riding, and it does not seem to reduce air flow while in motion. It might be a bit warmer at a stop - it's hard to tell.

It's gone off once, when I let my speed drop to zero while making a U-turn and dropped the bike. I was not aware that it had inflated until I noticed it was a little hard to breathe while lifting the bike back up. It all happened pretty quick, but I think I rolled away from the bike when it went down, pulling the tether. I popped my mirror back on, installed the spare cartridge, went on my way. $45 bought two new cartridges.

I picked the Turtle because it is well-made, effective, and requires little maintenance. It does not require expensive visits to Europe for renewal or re-charging. The vest is more practical for me because I have different jackets for different weather and I can wear the vest with them all.

[craydds]

I was given the Helite vest for Christmas last year and I have yet to wear the thing one time. I did install the tether on my bike. Every time I think about wearing it it just seems like it’s going to be a pain in the a$$ to deal with it. I am sure it would provide a margin of safety but I just can’t get use to the idea of strapping myself in and out all the time. Must be a psychological problem I have.


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I've been contemplating a Warm and Safe heated liner to wear under my Kilimanjaro jacket. Seems like a great idea. I am resistant to being plugged-in (tethered) to the bike. I can foresee potential disasters. Must be a psychological problem I have.

[zenwhipper]

I have used the Hit Air for 10+ years. These devices are extra insurance against injuries in a crash - should you ever draw the joker card. Just like other things to make sure you're safe(er), extra lights, hi-vis helmet, ATGATT, ABS, traction control etc etc. Why not? What have you to lose.

[GTRider]

I've been contemplating a Gerbring or Warm and Safe heated liner to wear under my Kilimanjaro jacket. Seems like a great idea. I am resistant to being plugged-in (tethered) to the bike. I can foresee potential disasters. Must be a psychological problem I have.

Modern heated gear uses coax connectors that pull apart quite easily and would not bind you to the bike in the event of something unexpected. On my GS, I have to remind myself to leave sufficient slack so I can stand on the pegs without unplugging the electrics, and on those occasions I’ve forgotten to unplug before heading off to a restroom there’s only an almost unnoticeable tug as the cable disconnects.

Best,
DeVern

[t6pilot]

I have a hellite jacket, purchased a year ago, worn on every ride till zipper gave out. Sent back to service center in Reno. Took a month but when it came back they had installed a very heavy duty zipper instead of the el cheapo that came on jacket
I consider it a good investment
Jim

[crna59]

I started with the first Street AlpineStars TechAir that zips into the jacket. I purchased a Spring/Summer jacket and a Fall/Winter one. The only downside is that it is a little heavy. I had numerous other jackets hanging in the garage and purchased the stand-alone TechAir 5 that can be used under any jacket. It's much lighter than the older model, but the downside is that I can't just look at my wrist to see if it is armed. I can pull out my phone, but that's a PITA. Wouldn't ride without one now.

[craydds]

Modern heated gear uses coax connectors that pull apart quite easily and would not bind you to the bike in the event of something unexpected. On my GS, I have to remind myself to leave sufficient slack so I can stand on the pegs without unplugging the electrics, and on those occasions I’ve forgotten to unplug before heading off to a restroom there’s only an almost unnoticeable tug as the cable disconnects.

Best,
DeVern

Good to know. Thanks, DeVern!