I agree. It’s what suit you. With the A* you definitely need to ensure the vest has room to expand under the jacket. Sizing is critical too. The vest stretches significantly so this sounds easier than you think.
Alpine stars Tech Air Plasma 5 airbag jacket
- Thread starter Arsey
- Start date
indeed and that's a bit my dilemma. I am quite ´´portly´´ round the waist and my jackets fit snugly so if I had an airbag underneath then it might mean getting bigger jackets. Also as I mainly ride in summer getting hot under the tethered Helite is a problem because airflow is hindered by the wind proofing of the bag itself so any cooling vests are inhibited due to lack of air flow. I guess its what suits each needs. Will definitely try to A* one above at some point for but this season will go with my Helite Turtle 2.
Well, I’ve had the Plasma for over a week now and have ridden and worn it almost every day here around the province of Malaga. 100% the right decision for me. I forget it’s there and it does not seem to reduce airflow much at all, although temperatures have only just exceeded 20’c. I did have to go up non-summer jacket size to accommodate it. However, I don’t need to up size my Klim Induction as I had a bit more wiggle room in that and having removed the back protector and shoulder armour, there’s sufficient room in it. Charge lasts for days. I particularly like the fact that it switches on the moment you put it on and zip it up; so you don’t have to remember to switch it on or off.
GS2022
Registered user
I’ve had a Helite 1 for a few years and have just upgraded to the 2, electronic version in a delightful shade of yellow. It’s a better fit than the old one and hopefully will never be required.
I did look at the main alternatives but decided to stick with this one.
I did look at the main alternatives but decided to stick with this one.
Thanks for reviewing Martin.
I’ve just completed a 3-day first aid refresher course and a delegate had an airbag vest (Motobag V4) and I took a good look at it and was impressed.
I’ve been to Infinity in Southampton today and I tried a few on including the Astars Plasma at £699. Despite not being front certified it is so wearable and comfortable it’s the one I am likely to use on a daily basis versus others and also for bike touring.
I think I might pull the pin on one tomorrow (pun intended).
I’ve just completed a 3-day first aid refresher course and a delegate had an airbag vest (Motobag V4) and I took a good look at it and was impressed.
I’ve been to Infinity in Southampton today and I tried a few on including the Astars Plasma at £699. Despite not being front certified it is so wearable and comfortable it’s the one I am likely to use on a daily basis versus others and also for bike touring.
I think I might pull the pin on one tomorrow (pun intended).
Yes, thanks for sharing, I do like the sound of these.
Useful info
Useful info
I have two major considerations behind my decision.
1) If it’s impractical or uncomfortable to use it is less likely to be worn.
2) All the mitigation possible (advanced training, rider aids etc) still cannot guarantee you will never be involved in an accident.
An airbag vest is much more protective than just having passive armour panels in your jacket. I think if I have a chance of avoiding spinal injury for the price of a coffee machine, it’s a price worth paying (to me at least).
1) If it’s impractical or uncomfortable to use it is less likely to be worn.
2) All the mitigation possible (advanced training, rider aids etc) still cannot guarantee you will never be involved in an accident.
An airbag vest is much more protective than just having passive armour panels in your jacket. I think if I have a chance of avoiding spinal injury for the price of a coffee machine, it’s a price worth paying (to me at least).
I have yet to try one on. Currently have a tethered Helite Turtle 2 which is a very sturdy airbag vest. Down side it’s quite heavy and can be a bit of a barrier to airflow when hot
I also use a Macna cooling vest when it gets hot and airflow is important. For me this is paramount therefore if this one is able to be worn in combination with the cooling vest and comfortably then I would be interested
I also use a Macna cooling vest when it gets hot and airflow is important. For me this is paramount therefore if this one is able to be worn in combination with the cooling vest and comfortably then I would be interested
I have the same one and on balance will stick with it as it has one huge advantage for me over air vests worn inside jackets....that is, it offers superb protection to lower lumbar and neck. In my case, I have a lot of metalwork holding the base of my spine together and was warned that it must be protected when riding. I've worn it in 30 degree riding, over a mesh summer jacket and found it absolutely fine for airflow until you stop, but on the whole, wouldn't be without it. I've shortened the tether on mine as I don't want to be already on the deck before it deploys but hopefully will never have to test that.
Agree. Just a question….How do you keep yours clean? I have a flouro yellow one and after now several years riding in all weather it’s a bit grubby. I was told a light cleaning liquid and a hose does the job. Any recommendations?
If you send them to Helite for a check-over service it includes a clean….
”We wash and clean all air vests and jackets; they will be returned to you with a service report documenting our findings”
Helite Servicing - HELITE
Helite UK Official Servicing Have your Helite Airvest serviced with a full check, wash and clean. How it works Book in below, select your service start date Ensure you post your Airvest to us by that date We check service and clean your Airvest (Turnaround is within 10 working days of the start...
heliteuk.co.uk
The Tech Air Plasma isn’t the most protective but it’s by far the most comfortable. You forget your wearing it after a few minutes .
I stopped using a Point Two tethered jobby because it spoilt the enjoyment of my trips away .
The Plasma makes no difference . It’s brilliant .
I stopped using a Point Two tethered jobby because it spoilt the enjoyment of my trips away .
The Plasma makes no difference . It’s brilliant .
I clean mind with some nikwax tech wash, just use a light scrubbing and then wipe off with clean water and a cloth.
I just occasionally wash using a sponge and mild detergent before rinsing with clean water and drying. Techwash works well too. Hard to get all the really ground in muck (like grease) off but it does seems to get any muddy stains and ground in dust out. I haven't bothered with the service, can't see the point as long as stitching is ok. What I mean to do is buy a spare CO2 cylinder every few years and test the vest, setting off the old one. If it works, it works, so then will swap the old for new cylinder.
Thanks. Yes I also have a spare CO2 cylinder as well
I am still using the Helite Turtle 2, can't see the logic of spending £££ and replacing something that has more chest protection for something that is as protective, just because its more comfortable.
I only wear the vest on the bike, as soon as I stop I take it off and stick it in the pannier, so don't wear it at all when off the bike and on the bike I guess I am used to the weight
It’s not compulsory
The Plasma is so comfy I don’t even remove it for a coffee or lunch stop unless it’s really warm . Just power it off.
