A few videos doing the rounds for the Helite Turtle 2:
Best Airbag of 2024
- Thread starter Arsey
- Start date
What was that police solo thinking?
It was clear to the video bike that there was a layby on the right ahead. The rider involved in the incident was riding position in position 1 which seemed sensible for better visibility from the layby but his speed of approach appears to have been in excess of 80mph. The video bike saw the car and slowed, the rider involved appeared to have either chanced it, or failed to see the car emerging in good time. Either way, rider speed contributed. He's a lucky chap to have walked away from that. Could have been very nasty. It would be an interesting insurance claim! In fairness, the layby was in a shaded area and had he not been familiar with the road, he simply may not have seen it until too late.
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Did look to see if this has been posted but couldn't find it
A video follow on from Bennets John Millbank ear;ier report as posted on this post
One brand I hadn't considered got praise on the report
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/5195
A video follow on from Bennets John Millbank ear;ier report as posted on this post
One brand I hadn't considered got praise on the report
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/5195
Spoke to the Helite team at Motorcycle Live and they obviously have a different view with the results of this review. We also had a discussion about CRIT certification and the view that is was a more thorough standard than the EU adopted one. The airbag that came top, which looks good, has apparently been on sale for a while, but they have never managed to break into the UK market. I had a conversation with the UK distributor, who seemed like a nice chap, but the airvest was just one strand to the his distributor business. Helite also told me the Dutch Police have now ordered from Helite for their force. But as the review says, any airvest is better than none
A number of police forces offer the Helite as PPE, both the outer wear type and the built in Helite jacketSpoke to the Helite team at Motorcycle Live and they obviously have a different view with the results of this review. We also had a discussion about CRIT certification and the view that is was a more thorough standard than the EU adopted one. The airbag that came top, which looks good, has apparently been on sale for a while, but they have never managed to break into the UK market. I had a conversation with the UK distributor, who seemed like a nice chap, but the airvest was just one strand to the his distributor business. Helite also told me the Dutch Police have now ordered from Helite for their force. But as the review says, any airvest is better than none
Wearing is optional but as the world is now, if not worn as supplied, any claims procedure would ask why?
The video gives an explanation of both testing certifications and results.
Video was just more information should anyone be looking
The test standards I view with a healthy pinch of salt. They may be useful for comparisons to a specific standard, but personal choice related to what may need priority for specific protection requirements, plus views of paramedics with experience of common injuries are, is for me, a useful guide. My choice was influenced by three prior accidents, many years ago. Two were caused by drivers of other cars knocking me off my bike and one was where I had a low side on a newly resurfaced road in the wet. For the accidents where I was struck by cars, I ended up with spinal injuries and rib fractures. The lowside resulted in leg injuries and neck injuries. I chose the Helite on the basis that it stabilises the neck better than many airbag vests on the market, and provides excellent spinal column protection. I can't afford the risk of another spinal injury due to the condition of my lower back and discs in my neck.
The standards are not absolutely conclusive by way of comparison, just a guide based upon whichever design parameters are selected by the certifying bodies. Given there's no common agreement or performance standard, you pays your money and makes your choice. You can improve protection further for something like the Helite by including your own passive chest protector. The Moto airback activator uses a better, more updated mechanical deployment system with the advantage that it should deploy quicker due to the inertial lock. You can improve the inflation reliability of the Helite by shortening the lead as long as you remember to disconnect the deployment strap before dismounting the bike, something I've forgotten to do countless times! This for me is the weakest point of the design. The inertial design of the motobag seems to be the way to go for mechanical systems but I'm happy with the Helite as it has other advantages over some of the vests or jackets in the review. For a start, in hotter weather, the clip lock straps at the front and design for the vest allow for really good air circulation which some of the others lack. I distrust zips, and wouldn't use one relying on them in the event of deployment. The Moto airbag seems to me to be the best all round system presently but as the review says, the best one is the one you wear. Nothing would convince me to trust any of the electronic devices.
The standards are not absolutely conclusive by way of comparison, just a guide based upon whichever design parameters are selected by the certifying bodies. Given there's no common agreement or performance standard, you pays your money and makes your choice. You can improve protection further for something like the Helite by including your own passive chest protector. The Moto airback activator uses a better, more updated mechanical deployment system with the advantage that it should deploy quicker due to the inertial lock. You can improve the inflation reliability of the Helite by shortening the lead as long as you remember to disconnect the deployment strap before dismounting the bike, something I've forgotten to do countless times! This for me is the weakest point of the design. The inertial design of the motobag seems to be the way to go for mechanical systems but I'm happy with the Helite as it has other advantages over some of the vests or jackets in the review. For a start, in hotter weather, the clip lock straps at the front and design for the vest allow for really good air circulation which some of the others lack. I distrust zips, and wouldn't use one relying on them in the event of deployment. The Moto airbag seems to me to be the best all round system presently but as the review says, the best one is the one you wear. Nothing would convince me to trust any of the electronic devices.
Another issue with “online sellers”
E-bike battery fire destroys family home https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c623938dq6no
Apparently a fire every two days due to dodgy products.
When are the government going to treat online sellers (and Amazon & eBay) the same as high street shops? Make them criminally responsible if the sell something without a valid CE or UKCA mark!
Ian at Big Rock Moto has just done a comprehensive review
Some good points made but mainly a rehash of John's video with a little more emphasis on off road. Still happy to continue using my Helite. Not too worried whether something is CRITT or CE rated, point is wear the one that you're comfortable with and will actually use. Mine's used on every ride all year round and my bikes are all fitted with lanyards to deploy the airbag if needed.
Also still use my Helite Turtle, he forgot to mention that the Helite has a level 2 back protector as well (unless I missed it).
I like my Helite Turtle, good coverage and in hot weather I get plenty air flow coming around it and either through the vents or mesh depending on the jacket. I suspect some of the newer vests worn under a jacket will block airflow and therefore be hotter to wear.
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