My Sedici Riding Jacket has been stallworth since I re-started riding almost 5 years ago, but it's
starting to fray, and it's lookin' a bit a tatty, so I figgered it's time to upgrade the riding jacket.
After looking at the priciest to the cheapest, I decided to go with what is 'leading edge tech' for
riding apparel. I chose the safe one... The Hit-Air Motoradd-2 "Mesh".
The Hit-Air Jackets and vests have been around since 2010, and have an air bag system incorporated
into the jacket itself. These air bags inflate to cover the entire spine (to the tailbone), the central chest area,
and the neck. One activated a CO2 cartridge inflates the system in a 1/4 second, and remains inflated for
several seconds to protect the rider from impact injuries. (See below for details)
A lanyard is attached to the right passenger grab handle, then clips onto the jacket. If I am thrown off the
bike, the air system engages. The system requires 60lbs of force to activate the air bags, so forgetting to
unclip before you get off will not discharge the CO2, rather it stops you from getting off the bike (tested it,
as it seemed like a concern to the few I spoke to).
The CO2 cartridge is replaceable, at a cost of $18... so for $30 I'll gladly demo the system, (not in crash :
)
The air bag system folds back into the jacket for re-use, and the tool required to change the cartridge is included.
I'm thinking they should've used NO2, so after you stop sliding down the road, you can at least laugh your @$$ off...
As for fit and finish, the XL fits nicely (I'm 6'4" at 230lbs), with adequate ability to move. It's definitely on the heavy side (there is a lot of
schtuff packed in to this jacket), but it's actually cooler than the mesh Sedici, as the venting on the jacket works very well.
The CO2 canister has a presence when it's zipped up, but I soon forgot it was even there. The lanyard is no discomfort,
standing or sitting, probably like heated gear wire, with a bit more tensile strength.
The Jacket seems well constructed, with lots of pockets, and zip-able vents in addition to the mesh. It looks 'euro'
adventure, and has lots of reflective areas and piping. Overall, I'm happy with what I got.
My test ride to bank was only a few miles, and both times I got off the bike I remembered the lanyard, though I'm sure it'll
take a few tug-backs before the behavior becomes automatic.
NO... It wasn't cheap, priced at just under $600... but considering all it offers, it's a big fair price.
starting to fray, and it's lookin' a bit a tatty, so I figgered it's time to upgrade the riding jacket.
After looking at the priciest to the cheapest, I decided to go with what is 'leading edge tech' for
riding apparel. I chose the safe one... The Hit-Air Motoradd-2 "Mesh".
The Hit-Air Jackets and vests have been around since 2010, and have an air bag system incorporated
into the jacket itself. These air bags inflate to cover the entire spine (to the tailbone), the central chest area,
and the neck. One activated a CO2 cartridge inflates the system in a 1/4 second, and remains inflated for
several seconds to protect the rider from impact injuries. (See below for details)
A lanyard is attached to the right passenger grab handle, then clips onto the jacket. If I am thrown off the
bike, the air system engages. The system requires 60lbs of force to activate the air bags, so forgetting to
unclip before you get off will not discharge the CO2, rather it stops you from getting off the bike (tested it,
as it seemed like a concern to the few I spoke to).
The CO2 cartridge is replaceable, at a cost of $18... so for $30 I'll gladly demo the system, (not in crash :
)The air bag system folds back into the jacket for re-use, and the tool required to change the cartridge is included.
I'm thinking they should've used NO2, so after you stop sliding down the road, you can at least laugh your @$$ off...
As for fit and finish, the XL fits nicely (I'm 6'4" at 230lbs), with adequate ability to move. It's definitely on the heavy side (there is a lot of
schtuff packed in to this jacket), but it's actually cooler than the mesh Sedici, as the venting on the jacket works very well.
The CO2 canister has a presence when it's zipped up, but I soon forgot it was even there. The lanyard is no discomfort,
standing or sitting, probably like heated gear wire, with a bit more tensile strength.
The Jacket seems well constructed, with lots of pockets, and zip-able vents in addition to the mesh. It looks 'euro'
adventure, and has lots of reflective areas and piping. Overall, I'm happy with what I got.
My test ride to bank was only a few miles, and both times I got off the bike I remembered the lanyard, though I'm sure it'll
take a few tug-backs before the behavior becomes automatic.
NO... It wasn't cheap, priced at just under $600... but considering all it offers, it's a big fair price.
