Airvest for 2023

[ymfb]

Ive been wearing a Helite Airvest for many years, bought because I was riding lots of miles for my local blood bike group, Rosps, plus big tour holidays, commuting, pretty much always on a bike. My only constant gripe has been the weight, I don’t know what it weighs but it’s heavy. Last year when we rode across the US I decided not to take it and truth be told I enjoyed not lugging it round. I view it as optional PPE and a counter measure against serious injury.

I’ve seen numerous clothing manufacturers have joined the market and I’m considering an updated solution, under jacket, electronic firing mechanism. I have a BKS M2M suit and see they now are selling Alpinestars Tech air vests.

What is other people’s experience, has anyone gone from an Helite Turtle to other brands ?

 

[DJ123]

I used to have the Dainese airbag vest. Really liked it as it was easy to get on with. However as you say the weight of it is noticeable. I mainly used it when commuting as that was a higher risk with increased traffic levels, increased amount of filtering, travelling at peak times etc.
i stopped using it when it went away for a repair and whilst it felt odd the first couple of weeks without it i didn't miss it or feel vulnerable without it. And eventually sold it and not looked back since.

 

[Arsey]

I had a Point Two for a few years but stopped wearing it as it took away the enjoyment of a trip . Might replace one day when they get less cumbersome

 

[ymfb]

I had a Point Two for a few years but stopped wearing it as it took away the enjoyment of a trip . Might replace one day when they get less cumbersome

im hoping that's where we are now, mine has to be getting on for 8 years old, I know there are lots more makes and tetherless firing systems but has there been improvements on weight and bulk

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Ive been wearing a Helite Airvest for many years, bought because I was riding lots of miles for my local blood bike group, Rosps, plus big tour holidays, commuting, pretty much always on a bike. My only constant gripe has been the weight, I don’t know what it weighs but it’s heavy. Last year when we rode across the US I decided not to take it and truth be told I enjoyed not lugging it round. I view it as optional PPE and a counter measure against serious injury.

I’ve seen numerous clothing manufacturers have joined the market and I’m considering an updated solution, under jacket, electronic firing mechanism. I have a BKS M2M suit and see they now are selling Alpinestars Tech air vests.

What is other people’s experience, has anyone gone from an Helite Turtle to other brands ?

I tried the Helite Turtle 2 last year from the importer
Didn’t like it and it was heavy/cumbersome
I took it back and he showed me the original Helite vest that he had some stock of
Just like a lightweight gilet with no back protector (just use your jackets back protector as normal) and it’s far, far lighter and much more flexible
I use that and find it fine now
Glad I returned the Turtle2 as there was no way that I would have worn that long term

 

[jefformston]

Just goes to show we are all different. I’ve been wearing a Helite Turtle1 AirVest for the last 4 years, the weight has never been an issue and I prefer the coverage of the back protector to any I’ve had built into a jacket (I used to wear a separate back protector anyway to get better coverage). In in heat of Spain it’s actually helped keep the water in my hydration bladder cool by shielding it from the Sun.

 

[Seawolf]

I've had the cordless Helite e-Turtle for about 3 years and use it all the time. It weighs about 3kg, but that includes the hard back protector. I looked at Alpinestars clothing at the time and what swayed me towards Helite was the need to send it away to Alpinestars for annual servicing.

The latest Tech-Air 10 system weighs about 2.4kg so a small weight advantage, but you would probably still need a back protector for your jacket.

 

[LockieP]

I bought a Helite last year after the story about the Essex bike cop who came off on the M11 whilst responding to the twats who were blocking motorways protesting. He put his survival down to his Helite Airvest so my wife told me to buy one. “Yes dear” said I.
I ride year round covering 18-20k per year, mostly motorway. Yes they are heavy but I can’t say the weight bothers me. I guess if you were off the bike the weight would be noticeable but I don it, ride 75m to work, get off my bike & & take off my bike gear.
I’m not sure I’ll wear it when (IF) we get a really warm summer like last year but otherwise I’ll continue with it. One of those items you hope you’ll never experience the benefit of.

 

[dub 24]

I too had concerns for safety in the event of an off especially as most of my riding these days is commuting to and from work . I went and bought the Aplinestars Tech air 5 and while it feels cumbersome once on under the jacket I don't even notice it. In the winter it actually works as a good layer from the cold .I took the liner out of my jacket and just wear a long sleeve light thermal top. At the minute with the good weather I wear a light t-shirt , the vest and all vents open on the jacket, yes it makes everything a bit warmer at the minute but I'd prefer that than serious back/spinal damage. There is no need for the back and shoulder protectors that come with Jackets as the vest protects these area which in it's self make the jacket less cumbersome. The vest can be worn under any jacket , you just need the required space for the bags to deploy. There are charging lights to display the battery status, I work shift and commute 2 hours a day to and from work, 3 days a week. I have my vest since January and have charged it at most 3 to 4 times.

Hope this helps anyone thinking of buying a vest

Ride safe

 

[ymfb]

I've had the cordless Helite e-Turtle for about 3 years and use it all the time. It weighs about 3kg, but that includes the hard back protector. I looked at Alpinestars clothing at the time and what swayed me towards Helite was the need to send it away to Alpinestars for annual servicing.

The latest Tech-Air 10 system weighs about 2.4kg so a small weight advantage, but you would probably still need a back protector for your jacket.

You have to return the Helite to U.K. Airvest for service they suggest annually but I think its every three years to maintain the warranty

 

[ymfb]

I’d believe the Helite weighs 3 kgs, the Alpinestars Tech 3, 1.7 kgs. I find the weight tiring on long day, commuting not a problem. Im going to start looking at the alternatives including Alpinestars, Klim in fact as many as I can find.

 

[casbar]

I have never had a problem with the weight. But a couple of things to bear in mind, met Peter (Helite) at British Superbike School a couple of weeks back. Helite are the largest capacity vest and the only vest that has the neck inflation which steadies the helmet.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I have never had a problem with the weight. But a couple of things to bear in mind, met Peter (Helite) at British Superbike School a couple of weeks back. Helite are the largest capacity vest and the only vest that has the neck inflation which steadies the helmet.

One of the reasons I bought the Helite
The fuller vest coverage and their experience amongst multiple disciplines- equestrian and bike racing including the Dakar
Peter was very good at explaining things and making sure it was completely right and when I disliked the Turtle2 (returning it), he suggested the original Helite 1 which I find far better (for me) being lighter and much more flexible when worn (and folds up into a top box or pannier easily when you stop for a brew etc)
The original Helite still has the same airbag system and gas canister as the latest version, just no internal back protector

 

[casbar]

Guess the back protector is where some of the weight comes from, but if you remove your jacket protector as helite suggest, what is the weight difference between theirs and the removed jacket one. I could of course carry out this bit of research

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Guess the back protector is where some of the weight comes from, but if you remove your jacket protector as helite suggest, what is the weight difference between theirs and the removed jacket one. I could of course carry out this bit of research

You can, of course
I found the Turtle 2 too rigid
When sat on the bike the tail of the vest, pushed the collar of the vest up to the bottom of my crash helmet because of the internal back protector (with the jacket one removed)
I didn’t like this & returned it for the Helite original vest, which for me is a better option-being a more flexible material, with a lower collar and lighter in use (not checked the weight differences if there are any)
So I guess we’re all different

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Just read this on another forum, sounds like he was riding off-road

Turtle 2 works


Hey Everyone,
Got twisted up in a slow speed sand ridge and unexpectedly did a side flip off my bike.
I landed hard in the pucker brush.
The vest worked way better than I expected as it locked me in its tight air filled grasp.
The gap between my shoulders and helmet was filled and made rigid, so there couldn’t be any head bounce whiplash.
That’s something I’ve experienced falling at high speed on skis and snowboarding.
I carry a spare cartridge so plug and play. Unfortunately, I do look like a giant Easter Peep, but they now offer them in black.

 

[ymfb]

After watching a few YT reviews, it’s not just Helite who claim that the “vest” supports the neck in the event if inflation, which was a significant contributory factor in my deciding to buy one originally. I removed my jackets back protector before wearing the Helite vest.

I’m looking at the options, which includes buying a newer Helite, sticking with what I have and getting it serviced.

 

[GS2022]

After watching a few YT reviews, it’s not just Helite who claim that the “vest” supports the neck in the event if inflation

Which other airbags claim to protect the neck? InMotion?

Dainese’s Racing 3 D-Air jacket — a leather jacket with an integrated airbag — provides some neck protection. I have one, and it’s hassle-free and relatively lightweight.

Similarly, the Carve Master 2 D-Air textile jacket protects against extreme neck movements with an integrated airbag.

Dainese dropped both jackets from its range only about a month ago, so some should still be available in retailers.

Previously, I had a tethered airbag and found it a heavy hassle.

 

[Geecee68]

If you are looking at Helite..look at Hit Air too. Hit Air own the patent (although you can now find a load of knock off ones on Ebay). I bought a Hit Air one. Its less than a kilo, comes in black or yellow, and there is a distributer in the UK.

Hit-Air UK - Equestrian Air Vests Safety - Adult Hit-air vest (M to XXL)

Hit-Air vests are designed to be super-light weight and flexible - for ultimate comfort and freedom of movement, while providing optimal protection on inflation. We only sell the latest Hit-air range with wider air bags. The award winning air bag is triggered when the rider and horse become...

www.hitairuk.co.uk

 

[Bsd7465]

I bought the klim, with integrated back protector. Smart kit with the in& motion sensors. You do notice the weight so I removed the back protector from the RALLY SUIT.