Discussion
I'm thinking about investing in an airbag jacket.
I've not long got back into riding and decided that I should do my best to stay safe as such now I have 2 wee bairns.
Anyway thinking of buying this one
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Anyone have any experience with them? I've never tried one on which I will need to go and do.
I've not long got back into riding and decided that I should do my best to stay safe as such now I have 2 wee bairns.
Anyway thinking of buying this one
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Anyone have any experience with them? I've never tried one on which I will need to go and do.
I decided to get a Helite Turtle 2 airbag vest last year. I went for the vest as I have both leathers and textiles and it was transferrable between the two. I've not crash tested it and have no intention of doing so. I wore it on my trip to the Alps in September and other than the constant threat of "mates" pulling the activation cord and me periodically forgetting to connect up to the bike, it was comfortable and didn't get in the way.
That RST jacket looks pretty good!
That RST jacket looks pretty good!
black-k1 said:
I decided to get a Helite Turtle 2 airbag vest last year. I went for the vest as I have both leathers and textiles and it was transferrable between the two. I've not crash tested it and have no intention of doing so. I wore it on my trip to the Alps in September and other than the constant threat of "mates" pulling the activation cord and me periodically forgetting to connect up to the bike, it was comfortable and didn't get in the way.
That RST jacket looks pretty good!
Ah I never thought of a vest, as I've got a not bad jacket just now so if it would go under it.That RST jacket looks pretty good!
How does it work with the vest as in how does it know when to activate?
The vest goes over your outer layer. I liked that as my made-to-measure leathers don't have space inside them for the vest to inflate.
The vest is tethered to the bike and the tether is the activation "rip cord". You need to connect/disconnect as you get on/off the bike. I've forgotten both but the activation force is greater than most would apply by getting off a bike normally so it is very unlikely to go off accidently.
The vest is tethered to the bike and the tether is the activation "rip cord". You need to connect/disconnect as you get on/off the bike. I've forgotten both but the activation force is greater than most would apply by getting off a bike normally so it is very unlikely to go off accidently.
TheHighlander said:
snagzie said:
Whats the deal with those mandatory subscriptions? What exactly are you paying £120/year for?
That was my next question.If I was serious about getting one I'd pay the 400 quid and get one outright I think.
The advantage to In&Motion is you can use the unit on multiple jackets etc, there's at least half a dozen decent brands gone with them.
I`ve just got the Dianese one which is a vest and have been wearing it for the last week. Was a bit sceptical at first but hey , lets move with the times and try a bit of new tech !!
It can be worn over everything or under everything. I`m currently wearing it over my heated jacket and under my waterproof outer jacket so its sandwiched in the middle so to speak. Gives a reassuring buzz when it detects the engine has started and it is armed. Its easy to recharge and it needs plugging into the internet for an update every 6 months or so I was told. I`ve now removed the hard back protector from my outer jacket and am happy to rely on the air vest to do its thing should it all go wonky.
I envisage wearing it on the outside during the summer as its adjustable enough with velcro sides. Good bits of kit and I hope that it does what it is supposed to do if the circumstances dictate although I`m more than happy never to test it !!
It can be worn over everything or under everything. I`m currently wearing it over my heated jacket and under my waterproof outer jacket so its sandwiched in the middle so to speak. Gives a reassuring buzz when it detects the engine has started and it is armed. Its easy to recharge and it needs plugging into the internet for an update every 6 months or so I was told. I`ve now removed the hard back protector from my outer jacket and am happy to rely on the air vest to do its thing should it all go wonky.
I envisage wearing it on the outside during the summer as its adjustable enough with velcro sides. Good bits of kit and I hope that it does what it is supposed to do if the circumstances dictate although I`m more than happy never to test it !!
fred bloggs said:
Is there any real world data out there as to whether these actually do more good than harm, if anything?
There is a myriad of data from MotoGP and Dakar that has been into the development of these vests.In regards the subscription question, thats to pay for the software that runs the vest, its the reason the vests seem so cheap, you either pay the subscription or you can pan another £300 and get a perpetual licence for the software.
I recently purchased the Alpinestars Tech Air 5 vest from sportsbike shop, it now has both Road & Track algorithms so I use it ofr commuting and will use it next season for trackdays when my new leathers arrive that have been measured up to accomodate the vest and the expansion space needed, my road kit already has enough space.
The Tech Air 5 seems expensive in comparison but there are no ongoing fees and it can be serviced / recharged by BKS here in the UK so no need to go to Italy.
fred bloggs said:
Is there any real world data out there as to whether these actually do more good than harm, if anything?
Proper research for road situations still pretty limited primarily due to the low number of users so far. All research that has been done has been very positive. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/motor...
More importantly, there have been no negatives (beyond cost) identified, or even suggested, putting the option of wearing one into a "no lose" situation. Having been part of a deer encounter back in 2018, where I ended up with 5 broken ribs, then I'm quite keen on things that may help avoid such events in the future without impacting on my enjoyment.
Edited by black-k1 on Friday 17th December 13:09
black-k1 said:
Proper research for road situations still pretty limited primarily due to the low number of users so far. All research that has been done has been very positive.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/motor...
More importantly, there have been no negatives (beyond cost) identified, or even suggested, putting the option of wearing one into a "no lose" situation. Having been part of a deer encounter back in 2018, where I ended up with 5 broken ribs, then I'm quite keen on things that may help avoid such events in the future without impacting on my enjoyment.
Did you get to eat the deer after?https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/motor...
More importantly, there have been no negatives (beyond cost) identified, or even suggested, putting the option of wearing one into a "no lose" situation. Having been part of a deer encounter back in 2018, where I ended up with 5 broken ribs, then I'm quite keen on things that may help avoid such events in the future without impacting on my enjoyment.
I looked at this a while ago after selling my car.
I went for the Helite Turtle 1 vest a few months ago. Apparently no different to the 2 apart from a few (cosmetic) design changes but it was over £100 cheaper.
I specifically didn't want a subscription served one as having had issues in the past with various paid or subscription services it just stood out to me as something to fail. It's all well and good until someone forgets to upload a file, makes a coding error or your card details aren't updated etc etc etc etc.
It goes over any jacket I own and is perfectly comfortable in all weathers. Also gives you a fair bit more confidence at times. I'll happily ride without a jacket/gloves or armored boots/Jeans but will never be without this again.
The feedback I've read from them suggests that a fair few people are walking away from crashes they wouldn't even have survived without the airbag.
I went for the Helite Turtle 1 vest a few months ago. Apparently no different to the 2 apart from a few (cosmetic) design changes but it was over £100 cheaper.
I specifically didn't want a subscription served one as having had issues in the past with various paid or subscription services it just stood out to me as something to fail. It's all well and good until someone forgets to upload a file, makes a coding error or your card details aren't updated etc etc etc etc.
It goes over any jacket I own and is perfectly comfortable in all weathers. Also gives you a fair bit more confidence at times. I'll happily ride without a jacket/gloves or armored boots/Jeans but will never be without this again.
The feedback I've read from them suggests that a fair few people are walking away from crashes they wouldn't even have survived without the airbag.
Biker9090 said:
I looked at this a while ago after selling my car.
I went for the Helite Turtle 1 vest a few months ago. Apparently no different to the 2 apart from a few (cosmetic) design changes but it was over £100 cheaper.
I specifically didn't want a subscription served one as having had issues in the past with various paid or subscription services it just stood out to me as something to fail. It's all well and good until someone forgets to upload a file, makes a coding error or your card details aren't updated etc etc etc etc.
It goes over any jacket I own and is perfectly comfortable in all weathers. Also gives you a fair bit more confidence at times. I'll happily ride without a jacket/gloves or armored boots/Jeans but will never be without this again.
The feedback I've read from them suggests that a fair few people are walking away from crashes they wouldn't even have survived without the airbag.
I've been looking at that one as well.I went for the Helite Turtle 1 vest a few months ago. Apparently no different to the 2 apart from a few (cosmetic) design changes but it was over £100 cheaper.
I specifically didn't want a subscription served one as having had issues in the past with various paid or subscription services it just stood out to me as something to fail. It's all well and good until someone forgets to upload a file, makes a coding error or your card details aren't updated etc etc etc etc.
It goes over any jacket I own and is perfectly comfortable in all weathers. Also gives you a fair bit more confidence at times. I'll happily ride without a jacket/gloves or armored boots/Jeans but will never be without this again.
The feedback I've read from them suggests that a fair few people are walking away from crashes they wouldn't even have survived without the airbag.
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