Which is the best air jacket?

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christinewinter

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I recently had a nasty accident out hacking. I was wearing a normal body protector but ended up with a compression fracture where the hard edge of my protector pressed onto my lower spine. I am now looking at buying an air jacket in the hope that it will not cause similar damage in future. Does anyone think there is much difference between the available brands out there. I like the look of the HitAir one because it expands across the whole of your lower spine. I would appreciate any advice or views on what is important to look for in these jackets as they are very expensive.
 
christinewinter said:
I recently had a nasty accident out hacking. I was wearing a normal body protector but ended up with a compression fracture where the hard edge of my protector pressed onto my lower spine. I am now looking at buying an air jacket in the hope that it will not cause similar damage in future. Does anyone think there is much difference between the available brands out there. I like the look of the HitAir one because it expands across the whole of your lower spine. I would appreciate any advice or views on what is important to look for in these jackets as they are very expensive.
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sorry to hear about your fall, hope you are on the mend now. Which BP did you have and was the back length correct? I had a fall in April wearing my RaceSafe and hurt my back where the bottom dug into it. I landed flat on my back as I fell and kind of bounced. Im pretty sure now my BP was too short in the back :( Also, when I saw an Osteopath about 6 weeks later he thought my injury was more caused by over flexion and that Id damaged ligaments. Either way, I was very lucky and it nearly cost me my confidence. The first thing my husband did was buy my airjacket, which I now wear every time I ride instead of a BP. I was only trotting across a field on a 14hh highland pony I was trying out when he started broncing out of nowhere, didn’t dislodge me completely and then took off flat out and I had to let go. I tried a few on and I think they all do the job to be honest, its just what you prefer. I went for a hitair as you can wear them more snuggly and I hate anything baggy/flappy. Also,when i tried on the point 2 i felt as if i was going to be sitting on it. Point 2 do a newer gilet softshell version now as do Helite which also look neater. Good luck :)
 
Thanks for the response. My fall was almost a carbon copy of yours and I was wearing a Champion BP that is very comfortable and seemed to fit well. I didn't want the back any longer because it would catch on the saddle. I am only small so the HitAir sounds good rather than something baggy.
 
angelish said:
check the inflation time on them both as i think (i'm not 100%) sure that the point2 is the still the quickest to inflate
this to me was important as i used to ride a 14"2 and i was worried i'd hit the deck before it inflated as i'd be closer to the ground on the pony
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i ride a 13.1hh hehe, you just have to ensure the lanyard is short enough.I had to get the kids one and put a knot in it!
 
The Point Two is the quickest to inflate - hence why I use it. It's saved me from getting hurt a few times, when the PB alone wouldn't of helped. I'm 5ft2 at the moment, and my P2 fits me fine - not bulky at all, apart from the logo, you can really tell I'm wearing it.
 
I had a compression fracture too. I did buy a Hit-Air as they are very established for the motorbike industry but I rarely use it as I don't jump anymore. Good luck...
:)
 
I have the point 2 and having fallen off in it for the first time this afternoon would thoroughly recommend it! I landed on my back and was completely cushioned with no horrible thud of hitting the ground and no back pain now!
 
I have a hit air, you have to make sure the lanyard is the right length. I can't see that the tiny time difference in inflating would cause you a problem. I ride a 14.2
I prefer the fit, the way and shape it inflates and the fact I can adjust it if I'm wearing a coat or not etc and it covers less of you when not inflated which is good on hot days
 
flosskins said:
I have the point 2 and having fallen off in it for the first time this afternoon would thoroughly recommend it! I landed on my back and was completely cushioned with no horrible thud of hitting the ground and no back pain now!
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That is so good to hear as there is nothing worse than having a fall and not being able to ride for months while you heal! Your confidence goes right out the window by the time you get back on board. :-((((
 
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