Air Jackets

[Dave's Mam]

What do you recommend? After a couple of ouchy falls over the last few years, I'm inclined not to break any more ribs etc, so might buy myself one for Christmas.

 

[Impu1sion]

I have a Helite Air Jacket that looks like a gilet, it has saved my bacon a few times! We don't bounce like we used to

 

[Britestar]

I have a helite gilet which I'm selling. Serviced last year and not worn since.
Really comfy and highly effective.
Only selling as have an xc helite too and tend to use it more now.

 

[Widgeon]

I have a Hit Air that did a remarkable job this autumn when I got bucked off at a gallop onto stubble (no that shouldn't be possible, yes it was what happened, no I still don't know why!) - without it I would've had damaged ribs and probably whiplash (I was knocked out, so don't remember, but I believe I flew through the air and went splat, then my head bounced around all over the place) but as it was, my body was fine. It was the concussion that landed me in A&E.

Anyway - I like the HitAir because it inflates around your neck and coccyx; it's very lightweight (like a life vest) and comfortable to wear, and the noise when it goes off is negligible (my friend who was just in front of me didn't hear it and didn't realize anything had happened - d'oh!). I have borrowed a friend's Helite before but I don't like the way it's more of a solid gilet design; that's just personal preference though.

People make arguments for both main brands - HitAir and Helite - but I would try to try them both on and see which you prefer. Either is infinitely better than not wearing one!

 

[Identityincrisis]

Love my HitAir, I haven’t had any other brand but I wouldn’t be without one

 

[webble]

I have a point 2 and am happy with it. I used to have a black one and the ends of the straps always annoyed me as they were too long. I now have the hi vis version and the straps on it tuck away which works better

I used to have a hit air and I preferred their saddle clip system and also their pop was quieter. I didn't find the actual jacket as comfortable to fall off in though

 

[pistolpete]

I’m in same boat OP. I have a point two I’m about to upgrade as they do a good deal on swapping in. They also sell them reconditioned.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Ultimately they all do very similar job , and will feel the same to wear , they are all certified to the same safety standards too.
If you can visit a tack shop or two where they fit them , they should make it go off on you so feel what it's like - then you can compare the area protected.

I prefer the HitAir as it seems to cover more of my torso and neck than the Point2, but ultimately any air jacket is better than none

I came off last week at quite a speed and wasn't injured apart from my finger. Don't want to think how I'd be now without my trusty air bag going off lol !

 

[ycbm]

Be aware that P2 (I don't know about Helite) replace the air bag every time you send it for a service and Hit Air don't.

Also that P2 will continue to service until the outer will no longer do its job, while Hit Air will not not, I understand, service a jacket over 5 years old and tell you to replace it.

I've just had my 10 year old P2 returned looking almost new.

Other than that there are pros and cons to each design that are a matter of personal preference, but there are big differences between P2/Helite (which used to be the same) and Hit Air in where there is and is not air bag coverage. For me, the gap at the base of the neck in a Hit Air would put me off as I have seen a lot of people spin backwards onto jumps and arena rails and the gap is pole size.

 

[Widgeon]

Also that P2 will continue to service until the outer will no longer do its job, while Hit Air will not not, I understand, service a jacket over 5 years old and tell you to replace it.

They serviced mine and I'm pretty sure that's over five years old - there was no mention of replacing it. I think if that's going to be a deciding factor in a purchase for anyone I would call the company and ask them about it - it's only a small office and I've found them to be friendly and helpful.

 

[TheChestnutThing]

I’m on my 2nd point two. Sold my first one as found it bulky but didn’t like the hit hair and couldn’t afford a helite at the time, so bought the point two again.

Only downside to any air jacket is the replacement cost of the canisters. But would prefer that to being potentially damaged.

 

[Annagain]

I have a Helite Air Jacket that looks like a gilet, it has saved my bacon a few times! We don't bounce like we used to

I have this too as I'm vain and it looks better. I've only had cause to test it once and I definitely felt the benefit in the days that followed. I still had a bruise on my bum but none of the whiplashy sort of feeling.

 

[Birker2020]

What do you recommend? After a couple of ouchy falls over the last few years, I'm inclined not to break any more ribs etc, so might buy myself one for Christmas.

Hit Air definitely. I had chance to compare three makes when I was at Your Horse Live back in 2014 when I purchased my Hit Air, I went from stand to stand. Hit Air were definitely the best for neck coverage and I think from memory for inflation time. I also preferred Hit Air as it inflates outwards and the others inflate inwards I believe.

I think the neck inflation speed is good if you are like me and you nearly always get concussed during a fall. My body falls first and because I'm so relaxed my head just follows through.
I think Hit Air also boasts the quickest inflation speed and the most body coverage covering the ribs, back of the neck

This video was a Helite air jacket inflation for those who wonder how it works. Please don't watch if sensitive although both horse and rider had a good outcome considering how horrendous the fall was.

 

[Dave's Mam]

Hit Air definitely. I had chance to compare three makes when I was at Your Horse Live back in 2014 when I purchased my Hit Air, I went from stand to stand. Hit Air were definitely the best for neck coverage and I think from memory for inflation time. I also preferred Hit Air as it inflates outwards and the others inflate inwards I believe.

I think the neck inflation speed is good if you are like me and you nearly always get concussed during a fall. My body falls first and because I'm so relaxed my head just follows through.
I think Hit Air also boasts the quickest inflation speed and the most body coverage covering the ribs, back of the neck

This video was a Helite air jacket inflation for those who wonder how it works. Please don't watch if sensitive although both horse and rider had a good outcome considering how horrendous the fall was.

That video is actually on the Point Two website, so I suspect it's one of theirs.

 

[ycbm]

Hit Air definitely. I had chance to compare three makes when I was at Your Horse Live back in 2014 when I purchased my Hit Air, I went from stand to stand. Hit Air were definitely the best for neck coverage and I think from memory for inflation time. I also preferred Hit Air as it inflates outwards and the others inflate inwards I believe.

I think the neck inflation speed is good if you are like me and you nearly always get concussed during a fall. My body falls first and because I'm so relaxed my head just follows through.
I think Hit Air also boasts the quickest inflation speed and the most body coverage covering the ribs, back of the neck

This video was a Helite air jacket inflation for those who wonder how it works. Please don't watch if sensitive although both horse and rider had a good outcome considering how horrendous the fall was.

Birker you know I've corrected you about this stuff every time you have written it!

P2 had the faster inflation the last time I looked it up.

P2 does not inflate inwards, it just inflates. It is true that the Hit Air is constructed to fit tighter and inflate to the outside of the carrier. Some people do prefer that.

.

 

[Birker2020]

Birker you know I've corrected you about this stuff every time you have written it!

P2 had the faster inflation the last time I looked it up.

P2 does not inflate inwards, it just inflates. It is true that the Hit Air is constructed to fit tighter and inflate to the outside of the carrier. Some people do prefer that.

.

Have you? I just copied from previous post I'd written.

 

[ycbm]

They serviced mine and I'm pretty sure that's over five years old - there was no mention of replacing it. I think if that's going to be a deciding factor in a purchase for anyone I would call the company and ask them about it - it's only a small office and I've found them to be friendly and helpful.

Apologies if that is incorrect, it was posted in the past by another forum Hit Air user. It remains true, I believe, that a Hit Air jacket will have an airbag of the same age in it as when purchased, while a P2 air bag will be only as old as the last service. For me that's a deal breaker on safety grounds.
.

 

[Dustygirl]

P2 definitely replace the age bag every time you have it serviced. I was in there recently- they are very local to me.
Good deals for trade in and they will take any old p2 .

 

[webble]

Apologies if that is incorrect, it was posted in the past by another forum Hit Air user. It remains true, I believe, that a Hit Air jacket will have an airbag of the same age in it as when purchased, while a P2 air bag will be only as old as the last service. For me that's a deal breaker on safety grounds.
.

I think it's correct, I switched to p2 because hit air said mine was too old to service (it was about 6)

 

[Dave's Mam]

That video is actually on the Point Two website, so I suspect it's one of theirs.

In fact, it actually has the Point Two logo on it.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Hit Air definitely. I had chance to compare three makes when I was at Your Horse Live back in 2014 when I purchased my Hit Air, I went from stand to stand. Hit Air were definitely the best for neck coverage and I think from memory for inflation time. I also preferred Hit Air as it inflates outwards and the others inflate inwards I believe.

I think the neck inflation speed is good if you are like me and you nearly always get concussed during a fall. My body falls first and because I'm so relaxed my head just follows through.
I think Hit Air also boasts the quickest inflation speed and the most body coverage covering the ribs, back of the neck

This video was a Helite air jacket inflation for those who wonder how it works. Please don't watch if sensitive although both horse and rider had a good outcome considering how horrendous the fall was.

I really value the neck protection HitAir offers. When I fell last week I whacked my head with some force but thanks to the neck collar my neck remained straight and didn't move, I think without it I would have got whiplash at the very least.

And yes I've replaced my hat after the fall !

 

[Birker2020]

Birker you know I've corrected you about this stuff every time you have written it!

P2 had the faster inflation the last time I looked it up.

P2 does not inflate inwards, it just inflates. It is true that the Hit Air is constructed to fit tighter and inflate to the outside of the carrier. Some people do prefer that.

.

This is why I was confused because P2 says it inflates inwards. Whereas HitAir says it only inflates outwards.

 

[ycbm]

This is why I was confused because P2 says it inflates inwards. Whereas HitAir says it only inflates outwards.

It doesn't say it inflates inwards it says it inflates inwards and outwards.

When you write "the Hit Air inflates outwards and the P2 inflates inwards" it sounds as if the P2 only inflates inwards. It doesn't, it's in a looser fitting cover than the Hit Air and it just inflates and hugs you. There are fans of each type, I personally prefer the looser fit and a tight hug when it goes off.
.

 

[Dave's Mam]

Play nice folks & lets keep it between the hedges.
Point Two is looking good for me just now. I like that they replace the bag at every service & that they will continue to service onwards & not to a stated age.

 

[saddlesore]

I have a hit-air. I have a really dodgy back (had previous spinal surgery) and it gives me some sense of security

 

[pistolpete]

Is the servicing a faff? Cost of posting? Time it takes?

 

[ycbm]

Is the servicing a faff? Cost of posting? Time it takes?

P2, Ridiculously easy and cheap. Pay online, fill in the form, send off, back within a week or so looking new, £60.

I time it for when I'm on holiday, and they will do it even if you haven't done it for a couple of years.

I don't want to jinx things but twice now they've also replaced an old lanyard without charging me.

 

[MereChristmas]

I have bought P2’s second hand and sent them for servicing before using them. P2 were fine about it. It was cheaper than new. I now have 2 air jackets for less £££. Great as my dodgy thumbs make changing a canister difficult and I need Mr M to do that. I also always have one jacket when the other is serviced.

 

[GoldenWillow]

I have found Hitair good to deal with and for me they were the best option due to fit and weight but they do not replace airbags on servicing and the air jackets have a life of five years. I was told when i spoke to them that they couldn't replace bags as it was an older one, approximately 6 years, so I purchased a new one. I wasn't told that this was the case for the new ones still and in the tags it says the jacket needs replaced after 5 years. For this reason, if I'm still riding in 5 years time, unless they change this I will not be buying another hit air. I'm not sure what you actually get from a hitair service other than a check of mechanism which you can do yourself and the jacket cleaned which you can also do yourself?

 

[Birker2020]

Is the servicing a faff? Cost of posting? Time it takes?

Unfortunately my air jacket went missing when I sent it off by recorded or special delivery, whatever it was from the post office. This was going back about 2015 when I'd had my one and only fall in it.
The lady Rachel at Hit Air was great and supplied me with a spare until mine was located. After about two weeks it turned up - someone had dumped it at the front door of their office obviously realising it had no value because it was second hand.
She said it had been the first time an air jacket had gone missing. I sent the new one back to her, she let me have two new lanyards with it, bless her. Very good service.

Update on missing Air Jacket

As you might remember I sent my air jacket for servicing following a bit of a tumble from my horse. It went missing in the post although I’d insured it and sent it special delivery via the post office. Rachel from Hit Air very kindly lent me a new air jacket whilst they carried out...

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