Information On Motorcycle Air Vests

Sadlsor - PLEASE NOTE FROM FIRST PAGE -

Please do not turn this thread into a debate about whether I should get one or not - start your own thread on that topic! ;)
I am looking for real world experiences not theoretical postulations on this subject.
Thanks for your input in advance! :biggrin:

You do what you want to do - it is quite obvious to me from the personal testimonies here that the vests do good in many cases and no harm in other cases.
I have heard enough from those who have had them fire to already make my decision.
It is simply size and brand of external vest at this point and where to tether it.
High speed crashes it may or may not do any good depending on the nature of the accident.
But low speed it seems to help a lot.
 
Uncle Phil said:
Tom - It is interesting that I never noticed you were wearing one so it is quite unobtrusive!
Click to expand...
Without getting into the HiViz discussion, it's an expensive piece of gear and I usually leave it on the bike when parked...where unnoticed black is my preference. I initially noticed the added weight a little but don't anymore. I have worn it in the 80's, not really hot weather, but it does flow air and goes over all my gear (mesh, heavy jacket, and electrics). Although easy to move them, I also got extra tethers and attached them to 3 of my bikes.

Tom
 
TPadden said:
Without getting into the HiViz discussion, it's an expensive piece of gear and I usually leave it on the bike when parked...where unnoticed black is my preference. I initially noticed the added weight a little but don't anymore. I have worn it in the 80's, not really hot weather, but it does flow air and goes over all my gear (mesh, heavy jacket, and electrics). Although easy to move them, I also got extra tethers and attached them to 3 of my bikes.

Tom
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I'm not so interested in the hi viz either as it turns to dirty low viz with much travel! ;-)
Thanks for your input my friend.
 
I am not interested in 'internal' ones as I can hardly find MC jackets that fit me now (4XL).
And once I put heated gear and a liner in and it gets even 'tighter'. ;)
To me it appears the Hit-Air and the Helite (tethered models) seem to be 'functionally' pretty much the same.
I know in one case the Hit-Air was originally less expensive but it does not seem to be that way as much now.
My question to those that did purchase the Hit-Air or the Helite - why one over the other?
 
OK, first, it’s true, Hi Viz yellow will get a little dingy over time and with rain exposure. I don’t care about that. I put mine in the saddle bag or the trunk when I stop for a break, so I don’t worry about theft. I would buy the Hit-Air again without hesitation. I originally bought that brand as it was less expensive than the Helite but I am very happy with it (lightweight, unobtrusive and good airflow even on a hot day in SC). I have a feeling the Helite Turtle (I think that’s what it’s called) may have less overall airflow with the back panel/ shell, but others may have an opinion about that.

Not sure if you saw this: https://www.hit-air.com/media/005/202005/manual_mc-b-e.pdf

It’s the owners manual for the vest- lots of good info there- no specific indication of number of deployments requiring recheck by the manufacturer- I’ve never deployed mine, even accidentally (accidental pull on the tether).
 
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Uncle Phil said:
Sadlsor - PLEASE NOTE FROM FIRST PAGE -

<SNIP>

I have heard enough from those who have had them fire to already make my decision.
Click to expand...
And that's why I felt it safe to inject my nearly-unrelated commentary, waiting as I did.
I apologize.
 
Sadlsor said:
One aspect not talked about (much) in this thread is the pros and cons of inside the jacket, or outside.
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The Dainese site explains en detail what to observe when opting on wearing their Smart Jacket in- or outside...
The better option of course is to wear it over/outside your armored riding jacket...
IMO it boils down to:
- tether or smart trigger (latter requires charging)
- pay out full or the annual subscription that some have
- gas generator or CO²
- rebuild-able (DIY or by MFG/certified dealer)
 
ST1100Y said:
The Dainese site explains en detail what to observe when opting on wearing their Smart Jacket in- or outside...
The better option of course is to wear it over/outside your armored riding jacket...
IMO it boils down to:
- tether or smart trigger (latter requires charging)
- pay out full or the annual subscription that some have
- gas generator or CO²
- rebuild-able (DIY or by MFG/certified dealer)
Click to expand...
Good points: tether is less complex, cheaper (no subscription), I have the original CO2 canister and they’re not too much $$$ to replace (I bought one for when I go to Colorado as you can’t take the canister on the plane, but I take the vest with me when I go there), and the Hit Air (and I assume Helite) is repackable like a parachute by the owner without having to send it in for the manufacturer to repack.
 
Love my Helite (post #3). Only slight downside for me is what to do with it when stopped at places. The hard 'turtle' back plate (which I think is a great idea) makes it impossible to put in the sidecases. Might fit in a traditional top box, but I don't use one. It will just barely go into my rubbermaid top box that I use all the time, but that does not lock.
 
Sadlsor said:
And that's why I felt it safe to inject my nearly-unrelated commentary, waiting as I did.
I apologize.
Click to expand...
No need to apologize - I just don't want this thread to turn into what ABS/Oil threads generally turn into - a sometimes dignified whizzing contest.
I want this thread becomes a good resource for those in our community that are looking to buy an air vest. ;)
If my unfortunate experience can help someone, that will be goodness to me!
 
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As I said, 'inside' is just not an option for guys like me of the 'baby water buffalo' size.
I am much more comfortable with the simplicity of the tether.
One good idea I saw for the tether is coming up with something like a seatbelt retractor - it would give you 'play' but tighten up sufficiently in a hard pull.
Any views on which vest - the Hit-Air or the Helite gives the best coverage when inflated?
 
Uncle Phil said:
One good idea I saw for the tether is coming up with something like a seatbelt retractor - it would give you 'play' but tighten up sufficiently in a hard pull.
Any views on which vest - the Hit-Air or the Helite gives the best coverage when inflated?
Click to expand...
The Helite tether has elastic sewn inside the tubular webbing, so that it retracts somewhat. I don't think you want an 'adjustable' tether. First, it is something else to break, second (speculation only) you want a certain amount of freedom to prevent excess tugging and possible deployment. I never felt a jerk when I tested my vest - either time. The dynamics of the situation gave me momentum to yank the ball from its socket and deploy the vest.
 
1. What brand do you use? Klim Airbag Vest (In&Motion Electronics)
2. What was the cost (with all the extra stuff you need)? Vest $399 / $120 / Year In&Motion Subscription. More info on the In&Motion Site
3. How does your model run as far as sizing goes compared to MC jacket sizing? Mine runs true to jacket size. Will be worn right inder outer jacket.
4. How long have you had it and have you encountered any issues? 2 years. No issues. Formware update done from your phopne ~every 3-4 months.
5. What body parts does it protect well (especially concerned about my ribs)? Torso / Neck. When it blows up, it completely locks your head in place. DAMHIK.
6. Do you have a E version or a tethered version (and why)? Completely Autonomous.
7. If tethered, where do you attach the tether on your motorcycle? n/a
8. If you have had problems, how was the support? No issues. I know the support is great.
9. Can you 'recharge' the vest if fired yourself or is it a 'send in'? Recharge yourself. New cartridge: ~$90
10. Is it an 'over the jacket', 'under the jacket' or 'built in' (and why did you chose that model)? Under the outer jacket. Backplate in jacket is removed, because the vest has armor.
11. How well does it ventilate in very warm weather and humidity? Has front ventilation / stretch panel. This vest fits snug on your torso.
12. Have you had the unfortunate occasion for it to work and how well did it work? Yes. Worked very well.
13. Would you buy it again? Yes.

When I broke my clavickle, it is not something that the vest can prevent, if you get a blow directly on your shoulder. This is a vest, limited shoulder coverage from the side.
 
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Sadlsor said:
Essentially, the electronic ones have an IMU kind of sensor, that claims to be intelligent enough to tell the difference between a drop and a crash.
Some have an "adventure" mode, where you wouldn't want the airbag to deploy in every scenario... the logic and algorithms must be pretty sophisticated.
The podcast I alluded to discusses this, as airbags are now required for all Dakar racers too.
Click to expand...

Klim In&Motion has accelerometers, pitch, yaw, bank sensors and GPS. GPS keeps track of you speed, so you dont deploy standing still, or....if I remember correctly, speed less than 4 mph or so.
 
I assume for both brands, the tether cord is coiled so it basically self retracts. In my pic on page 2, when the bike isn’t in use, there’s a little clip attached to the handlebar (got it through the Hit-Air site) and I clip the tether into that so it’s not dragging on the side of the bike. I have it set up that way on all 3 bikes (the SWing has absolutely no frame accessible to connect it that way, so it’s on the metal of the handlebar like the STs). It really does take a lot of pull energy to pull the pin to inflate the vest, meaning I have dismounted a few times without disconnecting and never had an issue (this may vary depending on how much cord is exposed and how it’s connected to the bike (meaning you may be more likely to pull hard enough if the cord is connected to the frame under the seat)
 
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