Airbags

[Hairsy]

I'd really like to hear people's views on airbags? I think I'd really like one but I'd want to make sure that I'd always actually use it.

 

I have summer and winter textile jackets. There is a very big difference in bulk between my summer mesh jacket over a t-shirt and my winter jacket with thermal lining over a fleece. I'd need an airbag vest to suit all my situations. I really don't think I'd want a tether system.

 

I really don't like the idea of a subscription model - it worries me that prices can increase (e.g. if some idiot starts a tariff war on services) or the manufacturer could go out of business (e.g. if some idiot starts a tariff war on products).

 

For those who've bought them, are you happy with your purchase? Do you wear it all the time? What are the real day to day factors that I haven't thought of?

 

And for those who haven't bought them, why not? Are there other factors I haven't thought of?

Edited Monday at 17:17 by Hairsy

[veracocha]

I have the Helite Turtle 2 (tethered). It goes on whether I have my mesh jacket or heavier textile jacket. I like the idea I can change the canister wherever I might be should it inflate. luckily I haven't had to in the two years of ownership. Some say they forget to attach the tether to the bike but in the time of ownership it's become as instinctive as putting my seatbelt on. It's loose fitting so not restrictive at all and it does give me some confidence that I might reduce injury as much as is possible with an airbag vest. I hear so many stories about rib injuries I would hope to fair better in the event. As for weight, I hardly notice it's there when on the torso, not as much as when I get it off the hanger. 

[Hairsy]

Thanks. My worry with the tether is that I'll forget when I get off the bike. What happens if you do that?

[veracocha]

11 minutes ago, Hairsy said:

Thanks. My worry with the tether is that I'll forget when I get off the bike. What happens if you do that?

Similarly it becomes second nature to un-hook when getting off the bike. A few times in the early days I got a yank back but it takes quite a bit of force to set it off from what I have seen on youtube vids. I fancy testing it but £20 a canister I think I'll hang fire so to speak. 

[Fiddlesticks]

Sadly I missed a recent demo evening where they set them off on willing victims. Apparently, it was good fun.

 

I hear they are a game changer, and people are walking away from accidents that otherwise would have been serious to fatal.

 

Haven't bought one, probably should.

Edited Monday at 21:53 by Fiddlesticks

[billysugger]

I think anything that gives us more protection is a win-win in my book.

I haven't forgot it was a good, (expensive but good), pair of boots that saved my ankle 

[Capt Sisko]

It's worth watching the video below. It's four years old and tech may have moved on since then, but many of its points are still valid. As per veracocha  I'm a tethered Hetile user and very happy with it.

 

One tip, if you do go the Helite tethered one, buy one of their clip hangers to clip the tether to when not attached. It just makes sense.

https://heliteuk.co.uk/product/clip-hangers/

Edited yesterday at 10:31 by Capt Sisko

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

I have a tethered Helite and find it comfortable even in hot weather. There's plenty of airflow when worn over my mesh jacket (very rare of course with our weather). It transfers easily between all my riding gear.

 

As other have said fixing the tether become automatic. On the very rare occasions I forget to undo it there's a noticeable tug which reminds you. I've never set it off accidentally.

 

I prefer the low tech solution as it doesn't leave you at the mercy of manufacturers. A bought a spare gas cylinder which I've never needed but it's good to know recharging the vest is cheap and can be done yourself. 

 

I didn't fancy the electronically powered systems because there's more cost, if activated the entire vest has to be sent off to be reset and recharged, costs can get silly, I find batteries don't last that long - most things with rechargable batteries need replacing quite frequently. 

 

As with everything - you pays your money and you take your choice. 

[RideWithStyles]

So for the first point, subscription isn’t really tariff affected, buying a product or materials that came from yank land will if we decided to slap one on that country, so if you was in US and wanted a product from the affected increased inflation that trump added that would drive prices up.

 

Tax and vat will be a first step for us in the uk, then if the manufacturer/distributor had to increase price due to materials and manufacturer costs. 

 

tether unit will do away with subscription, unless you wanted to add a warranty some offer. 
If you get an external air bag it will pretty much fit over most jackets bar maybe big racing humps.

if you get one internal your pretty much stuck with that brand of airbag and clothing that is designed for that unit….if you damage or leaking clothing you’ll have to source another of the same (is it available two/three years later?) or one that is designed for that airbag fitment assuming its still an active model (but does the new model of clothing fit you?) if not your really restricted to what you can have for the expensive accessory.

 

Hellite is more reasonable in terms of protection, cost to buy and run as you can change the cheap co2 bottles your self.

service and check over is less likely to be needed, turn around is quicker and cheaper…probably less likely to be lost or damaged in the foreign post.

with it being on top you’ll get less cold wind chill in winter. 

it takes a large amount of force to set them off so your very unlikely to set it off just by stepping away from the bike when unforgeting the yard.

yet how much would you trust an chip, sensors and algorithm to know the difference of that or a round about 15-20mph slide into a kerb or side of a car? Thats all what broke my bother’s hip and ribs.

some of the fitted ones have short coverage and a small back protector…hoping the strike will be in the less area of protection and solely relying on the bag to do most work.

 

if it was me I’d go Hellite teathered, might not be sexy but for the variety of situations and fitment, road, price, proven record its a no brainer and the one I’d go for.
The only reason I havnt got one is to do with price and priority, it’s was and still on the list of wants but at the moment it’s had to fall inline.

Edited yesterday at 09:12 by RideWithStyles

[S-Westerly]

I'm a bit ambivalent about an air vest. I can see the pros but for me a downside is I often wear a backpack and I'm pretty sure they aren't compatible. If I did buy one I would go for the tethered option for all the reasons stated above.

[bonio]

Some years back, when I was commuting in the dark over miles of deserted country lanes, I thought some better protection wouldn't go amiss. So I got a Helite Turtle 2, and wore it pretty much all the time thereafter. Then, when covid came, I stopped commuting, and so sold it on, thinking I didn't really need it any more. But I had got so used to it being there, it felt wrong riding without it, so much so, I bought another.

I use it nearly all the time; occasionally I don't bother, especially if I'm going somewhere where it's going to be awkward to store it away. I've only forgotten to unclip it a couple of times, and it was no hassle - just a tug on the shoulders to remind me to do it. More often, I used to forget to clip on, but I soon got into the habit of checking the tie after setting off, and got quite good at clipping on while riding. But now I clip on before I set off without thinking about it.

It's fired a couple of times, once when I came off crossing slippery ford, and another time when I fell over doing a maladroit U turn on a camber. Each time, all it needs is a new canister for twenty quid to get the thing is up and running again. I now have a spare canister that I take with me if I'm going away for a few days.

When I came to buy the second time, these are the things that made me go for another Helite rather than anything else

• No batteries; if it's clipped on, it's on and working
• Quick to re-arm after firing: just unscrew the canister and put a new one in
• Works with every jacket
• Better neck protection than anything that has to unfurl from inside a jacket or a collar 

And these were added bonuses

• Cheaper than most alternatives
• No subscription fees
• Cheap to re-arm (£20 a pop)

 

[daveinlim]

I have the motoairbag m1. 

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/2463507

 

I've had it a few months and I'm happy with my choice. It's provides great coverage, better than almost everything out there. It weighs a bit but I haven't been uncomfortable at all. It is tethered and has a unique firing system. I've not inflated it to date. 

 

It comes with a little gel sticker that I've stuck on my dash as a reminder. 

 

I considered helite, dainese, and others but this covers better. Many airbags can't be worn over your jacket so I was happy this one can. In the recent warm weather I had it over my Knox urban pro 3 and was happy. 

 

Initially I wanted something electric but I didn't want to pay a subscription and also I've enough things to charge already. Phone, watch, winter gloves etc. 

 

You can wear a backpack up to 2kg I think but can't use a chest strap. 

 

I'm happy with the purchase. I'm sure it will stand up with the best bags out there. I had some questions and motoairbag in Italy were helpful when I approached them asking questions.

 

 I should probably post a review if I get time.

 

[manxie49]

I have an untethered Helite 2.  I bought it locally, second hand from a guy who was giving up biking.  Sent it away and got it serviced, they even cleaned it.  It's perfect.  I purchased the fork stem adapter, so it detects and works with things like a rear end shunt.  Never been used in anger, but I've heard lots of good things, and if it helps keep all my internal organs where they should be, then happy days ...... Oe other thing, it's great in the winter, gives an added layer of insulation plus it's rain proof.