Air jacket questions…

[Jellymoon]

Those of you who wear them for both show jumping and xc, and if so, which one is most suitable style? I’d prefer it to be discreet for the SJ, so am thinking a vest one, but maybe not so good for xc?

Also (never had one before so bear with…) can you get lanyards in diff lengths?
Thank you
X

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I like the Helite, it's super comfortable and not that chunky so can be worn under something and doesn't interfere. However, I was told when I bought it that it wouldn't survive something like being dragged along the road due to the material used, to keep it light and comfortable, so it's more intended for a fall on a surface. Dex decked me onto a fence and it did rip, albeit it still served its function perfectly.

If I were you I would pick up one for each phase second hand, I just picked up a Point Two for £90 on Ebay but it is noticably clunkier to wear than the Helite, which is off being repaired.

 

[GoldenWillow]

I can't help re the vest types I have a hitair and yes you get either a pony or horse length lanyard.

 

[dixie]

I’ve used my Helite gilet for both sj and XC and now mainly hacking.
I bought the larger size to go over my body protector and it then zips into my jacket for sj.
I mostly however use it as a gilet either under a large coat or over a jumper or tight jacket.

 

[gallopingby]

HitAir offers better neck protection than the others. Best to have a look at the different ones and decide which will suit you. My HitAir is great, l insisted on a demo - it’s quite difficult to pull the trigger if you’re not in the process of falling off but it inflates very quickly and feels super bouncy.

 

[Jellymoon]

Thank you.
Do the Helite vest ones offer the same protection as the normal kind?

 

[Shoei]

I have a Point2 waistcoats style one, which I really like as I thinks it is pretty subtle

 

[CJoe]

Hit Air for me, lanyards come in horse or pony size and are adjustable too.

 

[Widgeon]

Thank you.
Do the Helite vest ones offer the same protection as the normal kind?

I think they all offer reasonably similar protection. I have a HitAir because I liked the extra coverage of the very top and bottom of your spine, but all of the currently available brands are good quality and worth having. I would try them on at a big shop, if you can make the trip to one. They all fit differently and you might find you like one better than others.

The only thing I'm not so keen on about the HitAir is that their servicing policy isn't as generous as some other makes - they appear to be telling customers that they won't do a proper service on older jackets, which is a pain, and might put me off replacing my current one like for like. So do look into that. However you may feel that seven or eight years (or whatever it is) of use out of such a good piece of safety kit is still worth the money. Mine has only ever been needed once in the last six or seven years, but I really did need it. I think I'd have had broken ribs and neck damage without it - a horrible crashing fall at speed onto stubble. So that incident alone (in my eyes) justified its purchase price.

 

[Jasmine2023]

As above I also chose the HitAir due to the extra coverage at the bottom of the back. The injuries I have had from a fall have always been worst at the bottom of my back as most back protectors don't cover enough of that area. I sized up one so have plenty of room to wear over a winter coat. I only wear for hacking and arena lessons though.