Discussion
Hopefully with the arrival of a bike tomorrow and getting older its made me think towards airbag vests, I mean look at the racing boys that walk away from horrific scenes.
Im thinking about the mechanical system thats on the Hellite vest, but at £450 0dd, Id be intrested to hear if anyones got any thoughts on them good or bad, or ever had an off while wearing one.
Im thinking about the mechanical system thats on the Hellite vest, but at £450 0dd, Id be intrested to hear if anyones got any thoughts on them good or bad, or ever had an off while wearing one.
I have a Helite Turtle 2. I haven't, and don't plan to, used it in anger but I'm confident I won't bounce like a I used to so any help is welcome. I'm right on the size boundary between a large and an XL so went for an XL. That was not the right move. There's a lot of adjustment and a large would have been fine.
ETA In use on Stelvio last year.
ETA In use on Stelvio last year.
Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 13th September 18:15
I've got a Dainese Smart Jacket and an Alpinestars Tech Air 5.
I've crashed in the Tech Air 5, pretty sure it saved my shoulder / upper arm from injury but impossible to tell (it was a fairly mild low side).
The Tech Air 5 is thinner / less bulky but it must be worn under your jacket. The Smart Jacket (at least the iteration I have) is bulkier but more versatile in that it can be worn over a jacket.
I've crashed in the Tech Air 5, pretty sure it saved my shoulder / upper arm from injury but impossible to tell (it was a fairly mild low side).
The Tech Air 5 is thinner / less bulky but it must be worn under your jacket. The Smart Jacket (at least the iteration I have) is bulkier but more versatile in that it can be worn over a jacket.
I used to be keen on all the latest safety kit, upgraded armour, stronger fabrics and tougher boots. But I spent the last two summers on four euro trips riding in a mesh jacket and bike ankle boots with AA rated bike jeans and I absolutely love the feeling of freedom I got.
I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
SteveKTMer said:
I used to be keen on all the latest safety kit, upgraded armour, stronger fabrics and tougher boots. But I spent the last two summers on four euro trips riding in a mesh jacket and bike ankle boots with AA rated bike jeans and I absolutely love the feeling of freedom I got.
I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
I completely agree with you Steve. Risk assessment/risk management is something each of us should do on a regular basis. There is no right and no wrong answer, only what you are happy with.I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
This type of safety kit is of no use until you actually are involved in an accident. That is why the best investment in safety is, by a very long way, advanced rider training as it will help you to avoid having an accident in the first place.
That said, accidents do still happen and, by their nature, are completely unplanned and unexpected. (In my case, it was Bambi not using the Green Cross Code!) For such possibilities, I like approach things using the best safety equipment I can as long as it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of riding my bike. (Hence BKS leather, airbag vest etc.) Although, I’m still happy to do the occasional local run on the bike wearing normal cotton trousers and trainers.
As you say, each to their own.
SteveKTMer said:
I used to be keen on all the latest safety kit, upgraded armour, stronger fabrics and tougher boots.
But I spent the last two summers on four euro trips riding in a mesh jacket and bike ankle boots with AA rated bike jeans and I absolutely love the feeling of freedom I got.
"Freedom costs" but you won't know what it costs until you have an accident (and some never do)But I spent the last two summers on four euro trips riding in a mesh jacket and bike ankle boots with AA rated bike jeans and I absolutely love the feeling of freedom I got.
I probably should buy an airbag but don't really want to - the only guy I know who wears one is a retired surgeon - presumably because he's seen the aftermath on a regular basis
That said, most ride to a perceived risk level - if you feel safer - you tend to ride faster
I've bought into the In&motion system. I have one subscribed control box, which clicks into whichever jacket I'm wearing. Currently have an RST leather, RST mesh, and Ixon vest. I need a new winter textile jacket this season, so I'll add an RST Paragon or Adventure to the wardrobe. In one sense this is very economical, one sub (or outright purchase) protects everything, all year round. Neatly integrated into the garments, less faffing around etc. On the other hand, if In&motion go out of business next week I'm up s
t creek.
I haven't come off yet with an airbag, and hoping it never happens. But for the relatively small cost, I'm glad to have whatever additional protection is possible.
t creek. I haven't come off yet with an airbag, and hoping it never happens. But for the relatively small cost, I'm glad to have whatever additional protection is possible.
Steve makes a good point about protective boots being crucial. A&E staff have said it for 20-odd years (e.g. Riding motorcycles: is it a lower limb hazard?).
Similarly, wearing snug leather trousers is valuable alongside protective boots. The two may matter more than an airbag.
Motorcycle injury lawyer, Andrew Dalton, commented that injuries below the knee were the most common: Feet first or suffer the consequences
That’s cheered us all up
Similarly, wearing snug leather trousers is valuable alongside protective boots. The two may matter more than an airbag.
Motorcycle injury lawyer, Andrew Dalton, commented that injuries below the knee were the most common: Feet first or suffer the consequences
That’s cheered us all up
SteveKTMer said:
I used to be keen on all the latest safety kit, upgraded armour, stronger fabrics and tougher boots. But I spent the last two summers on four euro trips riding in a mesh jacket and bike ankle boots with AA rated bike jeans and I absolutely love the feeling of freedom I got.
I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
To an extent I understand but my main fear is paralysis - which is why I ALWAYS wear my airbag vest regardless of what other gear I'm in.I've just bought some Klim kit and adventure style boots for a trip soon and I'll enjoy the massive increase in protection while I'm on the trip but the increased weight and greater restriction won't be appreciated.
I think you need to take a step back sometimes and ask what are you riding for and how much protection do you really need ? You also need to make sure the various items you wear have similar levels of protection. Is there any point having an airbag vest or jacket if you're wearing boots with little or no ankle support as feet and ankles are the most common things to be injured. My Daytona summer gore-tex boots are very comfortable and fully waterproof but there's no protection from over flexing, hyper extension or sideways movement.
Just saying, it's something I've wondered about this summer whilst choosing a new set of kit and I thought i'd probably not want an air-bag vest simply because it's adding to the bulk and restriction which reducing the pleasure I get from riding.
And it brings the conversation on to things like flip front helmets too, if you've got a great textile jacket at £1k+ and an air bag system then you wear a flip front helmet, which you raise around town - then get your jaw smashed off in a low speed shunt, were your riding considerations compatible with the expense, restriction and discomfort of the jacket and air bag system ? I'm not saying they were or not, each to their own, just thinking aloud.
Salted_Peanut said:
Steve makes a good point about protective boots being crucial. A&E staff have said it for 20-odd years (e.g. Riding motorcycles: is it a lower limb hazard?).
Similarly, wearing snug leather trousers is valuable alongside protective boots. The two may matter more than an airbag.
Motorcycle injury lawyer, Andrew Dalton, commented that injuries below the knee were the most common: Feet first or suffer the consequences
That’s cheered us all up
I use theseSimilarly, wearing snug leather trousers is valuable alongside protective boots. The two may matter more than an airbag.
Motorcycle injury lawyer, Andrew Dalton, commented that injuries below the knee were the most common: Feet first or suffer the consequences
That’s cheered us all up
https://www.jtsbikerclothing.com/motorcycle_clothi...
https://www.jtsbikerclothing.com/motorcycle_clothi...
I've had a helit turtle for almost 5 years and never ride without it. I'm well practiced in clipping in now and very rarely forget, just like it's automatic to put a seatbelt on in the car.
I've never used my vest in anger but I have had one demonstrated on me and it's amazing how much it expands and how quick. The guy was hitting me very hard in the back with a lump hammer and other than the obvious sensation of being hit with a hammer I couldn't feel anything. I like the fact that it expands to support the helmet too so will help reduce neck injurys.
I don't like the way the vest looks but I don't wear it to look good and I can't see myself when riding anyway so I don't care.
Helite discount if you are bluelight or an IAM member.
I've never used my vest in anger but I have had one demonstrated on me and it's amazing how much it expands and how quick. The guy was hitting me very hard in the back with a lump hammer and other than the obvious sensation of being hit with a hammer I couldn't feel anything. I like the fact that it expands to support the helmet too so will help reduce neck injurys.
I don't like the way the vest looks but I don't wear it to look good and I can't see myself when riding anyway so I don't care.
Helite discount if you are bluelight or an IAM member.
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