Air vest: service or replace?

[HelenBack]

I bought a Point 2 air jacket back in about 2013 I think. Used it regularly until three years ago and in that time had a couple of falls and so new canisters.

My horse retired from competition three years ago so I just parked the air jacket and probably thought I'd never use it again but didn't get rid of it either.

Somehow I seem to have ended up with a new horse and am probably going to take him to do some cross country in the spring so need to decide what to do about the air vest.

If I get it serviced is it likely to be safe and usable after all this time or at nearly ten years old do I need to be looking to replace it anyway? I'm not sure if they have a lifespan like hats and standard body protectors or just carry on indefinitely.

 

[dixie]

I’m sure mine must be that old and it’s still working fine. I would get it serviced.

 

[ycbm]

Is the cannister screw in or bayonet? If bayonet, service, you'll get a new airbag (not true of Hit Air service).

I think they still do half price trade in upgrades if you want a new one.
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[Sossigpoker]

I'd just get it serviced. They will advise if it's beyond service when they inspect it.
I'm not bothered about HitAir not replacing the air bags as they inspect them and if they were damaged , if the vest was otherwise OK, they'll replace it then.

 

[ycbm]

I'm not bothered about HitAir not replacing the air bags as they inspect them

They are very flimsy things, a visual inspection will no way tell you that the air bag has full integrity. It's not like being able to see a nail in your tyre

Hit Air won't service a jacket over 5 years old either.
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[HelenBack]

Well I just checked and the canister is a bayonet so I'll send it off to be serviced in the new year.

Does anyone think there'd be much market for a second hand one of these? Not mine but my cousin's and I've had hold of it since she gave up several years ago. Same age as mine but has had very little use and has been sat warm and dry in my wardrobe for ages now. Wondering whether it would be worth getting that one serviced at the same time and trying to sell it or if I'd be wasting my money.

 

[ycbm]

What size is it? I might be interested. I need a large.
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[HelenBack]

It's a small sorry. My cousin is a midget!

 

[Sossigpoker]

They are very flimsy things, a visual inspection will no way tell you that the air bag has full integrity. It's not like being able to see a nail in your tyre

Hit Air won't service a jacket over 5 years old either.
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They blow the jacket up.

 

[tda]

Hit Air won't service a jacket over 5 years old either.
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I didn't realise that, was just thinking about sending mine off ?

 

[Sossigpoker]

I didn't realise that, was just thinking about sending mine off ?

When I called Rachel to ask about how the service is done etc and some general info she didn't say they won't service after 5 years- I think they are under warranty for 5 years so if there's mechanical problem they'll sort it or replace it.
Before assuming that they won't service it ,I'd call her first. The number is on the website .

 

[Tiddlypom]

When I called Rachel to ask about how the service is done etc and some general info she didn't say they won't service after 5 years- I think they are under warranty for 5 years so if there's mechanical problem they'll sort it or replace it.
Before assuming that they won't service it ,I'd call her first. The number is on the website .

I posted the update below on March 30 '22, so my info is still quite current.

I've heard back from Hit Air. The air bags are not routinely replaced when an air jacket is sent in for servicing, but are replaced as necessary if the jacket is 5 years old or newer. It is not done in older jackets as 'technology has moved on'.

IMHO 5 years is a decent expected working life for an air jacket.

Btw, that's my Hit Air jacket that I'm wearing in my avatar.

 

[ycbm]

They blow the jacket up.

Yes, which proves only that it blew up successfully that time, not that it will blow up next time. So the newer and less used the airbag is, the happier I am.
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[ycbm]

From the US Hit Air servicing site, the first I came across. I assume the UK is the same.

Our manufacturer recommends replacing vests after 5 years. Vests and jackets over 5 years old are not eligible for inspection or repairs.

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[Sossigpoker]

From the US Hit Air servicing site, the first I came across. I assume the UK is the same.


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That's the US site. I've not been told anything about that from Rachel who runs the UK business so best to call her and ask.

 

[Britestar]

I have a Helite Gilet Large navy, that was serviced in March this year, if anyone is looking.

 

[ycbm]

That's the US site. I've not been told anything about that from Rachel who runs the UK business so best to call her and ask.

I find it significant that the US site says the recommendation is to replace the entire air jacket at 5 years, whereas that advice is given only if you contact them in the UK. They don't seem to want to publicise it here.

Hit Air have told TP they won't replace an air bag in a jacket over 5 years old. If you are happy either to junk a whole jacket at 5 years or continue to use it with a 5+ year old bag in it, fine, carry on.

I'll stick to P2 and have a new bag every time I send it for a service, currently £54.45.
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[Sossigpoker]

I find it significant that the US site says the recommendation is to replace the entire air jacket at 5 years, whereas that advice is given only if you contact them in the UK. They don't seem to want to publicise it here.

Hit Air have told TP they won't replace an air bag in a jacket over 5 years old. If you are happy either to junk a whole jacket at 5 years or continue to use it with a 5+ year old bag in it, fine, carry on.

I'll stick to P2 and have a new bag every time I send it for a service, currently £54.45.
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You must be on commission!

As I said , just call them and ask if they'd service. The number is on the website.

 

[Identityincrisis]

It's a small sorry. My cousin is a midget!

as a fellow midget, what colour is your cousin’s jacket?

i sold one recently and tried to get £200 for it, it wouldn’t sell so i put it on ebay and it sold for £120

 

[HelenBack]

as a fellow midget, what colour is your cousin’s jacket?

i sold one recently and tried to get £200 for it, it wouldn’t sell so i put it on ebay and it sold for £120

It's a plain black one. I'm very open to offers, either with or without a service, if you think you might be interested.

 

[Identityincrisis]

It's a plain black one. I'm very open to offers, either with or without a service, if you think you might be interested.

Thank you, I have a black but was looking for hi viz

 

[HelenBack]

Ah, not to worry then. Hope you manage to find one soon.

 

[ycbm]

I'm looking for Hi Vis large if anyone has one
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