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Been wearing my Helite Turtle 2 airbag vest a few days now

Epeescott

Member
Member
I first thought about getting one of these years ago when I saw a San Pablo police officer go under a big rig in front of me on 80 westbound. Not sure if one would have saved his life, but it surely wouldn't have lessened his chances.

Finally got one. I did a test inflation (with video, lol) and it was impressive. Still have some motion of the head but not very much. I love that it has front and side protection as well as around the neck, and that the back protection extends to my tailbone.

Downside, it is a bit warmer. Not enough to be a problem at 85 degrees, probably will notice it more at 100F. It's also quite heavy, but not unbearable either.
I was worried that standing up or getting off without untethering from the bike would set it off, but no....It takes 60 pounds to pull it - you notice it before it goes off.

Two thumbs up!
 
I have the Hit-Air vest. It's the same thing, only different. ;) On the warmth issue, you get used to it. When it is 100F, it won't matter. If it's hot, it's hot all over.

I pulled into a rest stop in Wyoming a few years ago. No shade, except where a couple had parked their bikes. The wife mentioned they had cooling vests also, but those lasted only about 30 minutes in the 100+F heat. Mine lasted me about 2.5-3 hrs. The difference? We were all wearing mesh jackets, but I had my airbag vest on. It allowed air in...but not too much. At those temperatures, you want to limit the airflow, so the airbag is actually a benefit, not a problem.

Chris
 
I have the Hit-Air vest. It's the same thing, only different. ;) On the warmth issue, you get used to it. When it is 100F, it won't matter. If it's hot, it's hot all over.

I pulled into a rest stop in Wyoming a few years ago. No shade, except where a couple had parked their bikes. The wife mentioned they had cooling vests also, but those lasted only about 30 minutes in the 100+F heat. Mine lasted me about 2.5-3 hrs. The difference? We were all wearing mesh jackets, but I had my airbag vest on. It allowed air in...but not too much. At those temperatures, you want to limit the airflow, so the airbag is actually a benefit, not a problem.

Chris
I have a Techniche Phase Change Cooling vest for use under my arc flash suit at work - it is nice because the packs freeze in 30 minutes in your refrigerator (not the freezer) and stay cool for about 3 hours. The packs freeze at like 58 degrees so they aren't too cold against your skin at first.
I have thought about using it under my jacket.....never have. I would probably be pretty top heavy with that, my jacket, and my Helite.
I wear a Klim Induction mesh jacket.
 
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