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Hello,
Considering an Helite or Hit Air inflatable vest. Anybody using one and what are impressions?
Hello,
Considering an Helite or Hit Air inflatable vest. Anybody using one and what are impressions?
I have the Hit-Air. Very very similar to the Helite. Except it is less expensive.
I purchased mine after a fellow rider on a forum I belong to went straight when the road curved. He has no idea why he went straight. His riding gear and helmet protected him from road rash and such. However, he had something like 17 broken bones in his chest, a fractured vertebrae and a crushed vertebrae. For weeks, it was touch and go as to if he'd survive. If he'd had one of these vests on, chances are he would've walked away from the crash.
The basic vest is much like a safety vest in appearance except it has a CO2 canister in the front hidden away in a pocket. A lanyard attached to the bike will pull a cord attached to the CO2 bottle, releasing the air. Before you hit the ground, the vest is inflated. The obvious parts that inflate are two tubes running vertical in the front and back. On the Hit-Air, you also get a section that inflates to protect your neck and collarbone. There's another that inflates and protects your tailbone.
The first time I used it was at an intersection where a teenager walked out in front of me, just as I gave the bike some gas and had the steering turned. I was down and laying against the curb before I knew what had happened. The thought occurred to me that this should hurt. I was laying up against the edge of the curb, but the vest was holding me off it. Without the vest, even on that simple a fall, I probably would've bruised or cracked a rib. With the vest, I got up feeling a little chagrined and realizing this was going to cost me $20 for a new CO2 cartridge.
I too wouldn't ride without it.
Chris
Hello,
Considering an Helite or Hit Air inflatable vest. Anybody using one and what are impressions?
Just a short update-ordered Hit Air Motorrad Enduro 2 in a large. Too small for me-exchanging for XL. The build quality and styling looks great. Will post again when I get the larger jacket. Some of the sizing options on the fitment chart from Hit Air overlap-go with the larger size.