AIRBAG Safety jackets for Horse Sports

Horse sport riders now have a range of new safety vests and jackets available with a built-in airbag system.

In an accident, when the rider is thrown from the horse an airbag built into the jacket or vest is activated by a short lanyard (coil wire) fitted to the saddle D-ring or monkey bar.  The airbag protects the riders chest, neck, shoulders, back, spin and bottom instantly.  This is a new level of protection against injury or death.  The HIT AIR system has been used successfully since 1985.
 
              
                          
The airbag system is reusable if it is not damaged, and can be reset by the rider within 5 minutes.  The CO2 gas cartridge costs $20 and the vests around $600.  Jackets range from $750 to $1000.



We do not sell by eBay but directly over the web from our own website, but may do so in the future if there is interest.  Few jackets/vests ever appear on eBay as owners do seem to keep them close!

HIT AIR have provided their airbag system to many other jacket manufacturers, esp. in Europe, but now produce their own range of jackets and vests. There are now some copies from Taiwan and Spain and a few other airbag designs on the market. 

We have briefly described the system here and have provided more detailed information at our own site: www.hitairaustralia.com with links to many other safety and interest areas. 



Description.
The HIT AIR jackets provide instant airbag safety from accident impacts and are REUSABLE, if not damaged, by replacing the CO2 gas cartridge (it costs only $20).  (There are some 20 styles currently available in the HIT AIR range and our prices range from $600 to $1000).

Activation is by a short lanyard (coil wire) secured to the horses' saddle which pulls a spring loaded trigger out of the riders jacket when the rider (and/or pillion) is thrown from the bike.  Accidental activation is not likely as a 25kg force is required - so if the rider forgets to unclip from the coil wire the airbag will not be inflated, only feel a strong tug to remind him/her.  Riders soon adapt to the new clip-on / clip-off attachment system.

The airbag is fully inflated within 1/2 a second, and will absorb the impact forces of a fall or collision with any objects.  Protection is provided by the airbag to the riders' chest, neck, shoulders, hips, spine and bottom.  The riders' neck and spine are especially protected as the jacket acts as an air splint preventing movement.  The inflation of the jacket also prevents the jacket from being stripped off, snagging, or riding up and presents the jacket material tightly for best abrasion resistance.

The airbag is fitted with an air release valve which deflates the airbag over a 3-5 minute period. The trigger mechanism and CO2 cartridge can be reset/replaced by the rider easily within a 5 minute period.

The small sound of the gas release during the airbag triggering in a fall or accident has not been shown to startle any horses.

All jackets have a back pad protector and shoulder and elbow CE armour and have many other design features such as air vents, waterproof pockets, reflective panels, removable winter liners, removable sleeves, full or partial mesh construction as well as a range of colours.

Chest protectors are also available ($45) and these are recommended for horse sports.

The vests weigh about 2kg and the jackets 2-3kg.

AREAS of USE.
Airbag jackets are worn by Police in several countries and may also be worn by other horse sport riders such as:

• training and trackwork,
• harness work,
  
• rodeo,
• cross country, as well as
• pony club riders,
• eventers,
• disabled rider activities,
• mustering, and station work,   as well as

• camel riding
• ATVs (Quads)
• motorcycles and motorscooters, etc.

The system has a proven record of success in accident injury protection. The airbag system is also used by motorcyclists and pillions, ATV or Quad riders, etc. 

The gear may be very useful from operators of learner rider schools, tour groups and extreme sport riders (provides confidence to new riders and possibly reduced PL insurance costs).

Buyers need to consider their own safety as well as their pillions so the airbag jackets/vest provide a great  additional measure.  The current BETA standard horse riding vests are an alternative (and are indeed mandated in some areas).  Future testing and development will examine the comparative differences and may perhaps incorporate the current standards in new designs.  The existing choices include model, size, and colour. 
It is noted that horse sports are inherently risky and children and young adults do not have extensive experience or strength to control their mount so safety gear is essential.

Other brands of airbag jacket are available so compare the models, quality, features, effectiveness of the triggering mechanism, technical reliability and testing, and dealer service.


Models from HIT AIR include:

• summer, winter and between season styles;
• commuter, sports and touring uses;
• waterproof or rain resistant;
• high visibility or general design;
• jacket or vest (some jackets have removable arms/sleeves);
• a variety of materials, including full or partial mesh for coolness and ventilation;
• a range of colours.
  

Depending on the model sizes range from XXS to 4XL with colours including Red, Blue, Black, Yellow, Grey, Silver, Beige.

HIT AIR is prepared to consider special requirement designs - eg. airbag systems built into special /official or club jackets.


HIT AIR also offer a range of unique and effective PALM PROTECTION gloves which provide a new approach to impact force distribution and reduced friction to minimise the potential for hand, finger and wrist injury.

More information, including downloadable videos can be found at our website. 
We welcome any further website contact enquiries, feedback, comments and interest.  Contact: info@hitairaustralia.com
Please contact us if you would like to get links to see some videos of the system in operation with horse riders.

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