Wearable Motorcycle Air Bags
- Thread starter AV8R
- Start date
OP
OP
I intend to buy a Hit Air or better
Almost hit a culigan man metal canister on the 71 NB Fwy today, thank God I didn’t have to go airborne without a vest
Almost hit a culigan man metal canister on the 71 NB Fwy today, thank God I didn’t have to go airborne without a vest
Glad you didn't hit it.
Be safe.
I bought a used Hit Air vest at a great price and have been pleased with it. I wear it every time I get on my bike. Having to "clip in and out of it" becomes a habit (like putting on your seat belt in your car, but faster/easier) and takes very little time at all. I've been thankful that it's never had to be deployed, so I can't attest to it abilities to protect me but my feeling is "ya never know, and it can't hurt". On warm days (over 90) in traffic it is a bit hot, but not unbearable. At speed it isn't noticeable. It is comfortable enough (snug fitting) and doesn't impede arm/body movement at all.
Jim: what can you tell us about sizing (what size jacket do you wear and what size Hit-Air vest do you wear)?
Thanks,
Pete
Thanks,
Pete
Hey Pete, I'm 5'10" tall and 255lbs. I wear 42"x30" pants and 2xl shirts. My riding jackets are 2xl.
The Hit Air vest I bought is a size large. I bought it because it was a great deal and couldn't turn it down. It is at the outer limit of it's range of fit, but still fits me fine (there are large velco straps for adjustability and you obviously want to wear it snug fitting). I'd say the Hit Air sizing is pretty accurate and generous in it's adjustability.
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Thanks so much Jim - that information is precisely what I was seeking.
EDIT: it would appear that you and I are just about the same size and wear the same size jackets (2XL - I cannot stand tight stuff) - so I may seek a slightly larger size vest. There is a distributor in Toronto and I go there on business quite often so I am going to drop in and try on a vest.
Cheers and many thanks again for the helpful information,
Pete
EDIT: it would appear that you and I are just about the same size and wear the same size jackets (2XL - I cannot stand tight stuff) - so I may seek a slightly larger size vest. There is a distributor in Toronto and I go there on business quite often so I am going to drop in and try on a vest.
Cheers and many thanks again for the helpful information,
Pete
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OP
OP
How convenient that Jim’s sizes are similar to mine...
Jim, did you account for wearing a riding jacket or vest in the fitment assessment you gave?
And, if the size is wrong, can you swap it out from the seller within some period?
(Maybe trying one on at a local bike shop might help if available)
Jim, did you account for wearing a riding jacket or vest in the fitment assessment you gave?
And, if the size is wrong, can you swap it out from the seller within some period?
(Maybe trying one on at a local bike shop might help if available)
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Glad I could help. I wear my large Hit Air vest over my 2xl jackets and as I said, it is snug (as it should be) and at the upper end of the velcro adjustment. If I were to buy it new, I would have gotten the 2xl, but I bought mine used (for a deal I couldn't refuse) so I (obviously) had to compromise of the sizing. Plus, one day I may actually get serious about loosing weight, and then it will fit just right...hahaha! If you are ever in Nor-Cal and want to check it out/try it on, let me know.
OP
OP
Thx Jim
Older we get, harder old habits die. Doesn’t hurt too much to try. Secret is no sugar, portion control, moderate exercise and sleep. Lots of water.
I figured id prolly want an XL vest if i where a Protection mesh jacket and a Large if I dont. Tough decision
Older we get, harder old habits die. Doesn’t hurt too much to try. Secret is no sugar, portion control, moderate exercise and sleep. Lots of water.
I figured id prolly want an XL vest if i where a Protection mesh jacket and a Large if I dont. Tough decision
ST Gui
240Robert
A lot of people's dietary needs differ. Along with the above a lot of people get far more carbs than they need. And carbs seem to be everywhere.AV8R said:
A lot of people have success with four or five smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones. Another tactic that has some success is making lunch the big meal of the day and having a lighter supper.
The key is changing your diet and lifestyle to something that's sustainable for the long term. You can change a diet but you're never off it. Not everybody will be able to shed weight or need to. And avoid trans-fats and high-viscosity single weight oil.
<--- very light salt and butter
OP
OP
10W40 Valvoline
I just ordered a Dainese Tuono D-Air Perferated leather jacket, size 60. I tried on a 58 in the same brand and it fit well, but didn't have enough room for heated gear underneath. I've got a rain jacket I'll wear over it when it's cold or raining. If I don't like it I will send it back. I'm hoping for the best. Hopefully this will be cooler than the Helite.
I purchased a size XL, it doesn't have any venting and does get hot. I purchased it on Amazon.
OP
OP
I’m a little concerned it’s gunna make me look fat(ter)
Steve398
... another retired Black Rat.
Both my wife and I wear Point 2 airvests and have done so for about four years. I originally bought one for her for horse riding, and some months later she was unseated when the horse bolted, thrown high in the air and landed on her head. She suffered 3 fractured vertebrae in her neck, 1 on her spine and 2 compound and compressed fractures on both wrists, but before any suggestion is made that the air vest didn't protect her because she suffered heavy injuries, the hospital surmised that the inflated vest stabilised her neck minimising further damage or possible paralysis.
My daughter wears one and has been thrown several times by idiot horses (can you tell I'm not a fan?) and suffered no injuries.
Bottom line is that we won't ride without them, even on our Mediterranean tours where temps can reach 50C., and TBH I don't feel any weight from the vest when I ride and accept any additional heat from wearing it in the same way as wearing the rest of my riding gear. The one and only time we didn't the bike went sideways big time on a wet road in a sudden downpour and frightened the life out of my wife, since then they've become a permanent fixture.
I sometimes look at the scooter riders in Greece who sport flipflops, T shirt and shorts and envy them their freedom, but I think I'll stay ATGATT !
As an aside I was also a former Police Traffic Motorcyclist and in the course of my duties have attended many collisions, both fatal and serious, and would always encourage airvests for any rider. Anything that may minimise injuries has to be seriously considered, but at the end of the day it's a personal choice... after my wife's accident it was an easy choice for us to make.
This is the only photo that I have of me with the airvest, absolute rubbish I know... I'm not praying, I'm securing straps on a Greek ferry. But then again, if it's good enough for Valentino Rossi then it's good enough for me! I figured that if I'm wearing the vest I may as well get a hi-viz one.
My daughter wears one and has been thrown several times by idiot horses (can you tell I'm not a fan?) and suffered no injuries.
Bottom line is that we won't ride without them, even on our Mediterranean tours where temps can reach 50C., and TBH I don't feel any weight from the vest when I ride and accept any additional heat from wearing it in the same way as wearing the rest of my riding gear. The one and only time we didn't the bike went sideways big time on a wet road in a sudden downpour and frightened the life out of my wife, since then they've become a permanent fixture.
I sometimes look at the scooter riders in Greece who sport flipflops, T shirt and shorts and envy them their freedom, but I think I'll stay ATGATT !
As an aside I was also a former Police Traffic Motorcyclist and in the course of my duties have attended many collisions, both fatal and serious, and would always encourage airvests for any rider. Anything that may minimise injuries has to be seriously considered, but at the end of the day it's a personal choice... after my wife's accident it was an easy choice for us to make.
This is the only photo that I have of me with the airvest, absolute rubbish I know... I'm not praying, I'm securing straps on a Greek ferry. But then again, if it's good enough for Valentino Rossi then it's good enough for me! I figured that if I'm wearing the vest I may as well get a hi-viz one.
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Thank you for sharing that sage advice Steve.
Pete
Pete
A year ago I read about air vests and began shopping around. At $600 a copy I determined it wasn't a good investment as I'm not worth that much. But I did find an airbag vest with all the attributes of the high-dollar brands (the tethered type with fold-out butt and collar bags, etc) for $115 brand new on Alibaba. Got it, tho I'm probably not worth that much either, and have worn it every ride since. Yes, compared to not wearing it, it's a little heavier, hotter, slower to hook-up, but it looks so COOL!! I wear it over an armored touring jacket and under a HI-VIZ safety vest, which absolutely kills the COOL factor.
Next step will be the "hard shell" type armor for knees, shoulders, ribs, elbows. That type protection seems to work OK for noggins.
Next step will be the "hard shell" type armor for knees, shoulders, ribs, elbows. That type protection seems to work OK for noggins.
The math wasn't that hard for me. I looked at what I saw happened to a less fortunate rider than I and thought, "there but for the grace of God, go I". One night in the Emergency Room will pay for the airbag vest. A couple months of doctor's visits and physical therapy will more than make you think that you are worth it. And while you may not think you're worth even $115, if there's someone else who is contacted while you're in the Emergency Room...they will say to spend the money. 
Besides, as I've told people before. I'm not afraid of being run over by a semi-truck. What I'm afraid of, is he won't kill me and I'll be stuck in bed and in pain for months and months.
Chris
Besides, as I've told people before. I'm not afraid of being run over by a semi-truck. What I'm afraid of, is he won't kill me and I'll be stuck in bed and in pain for months and months.
Chris
The math wasn't that hard for me. I looked at what I saw happened to a less fortunate rider than I and thought, "there but for the grace of God, go I". One night in the Emergency Room will pay for the airbag vest. A couple months of doctor's visits and physical therapy will more than make you think that you are worth it. And while you may not think you're worth even $115, if there's someone else who is contacted while you're in the Emergency Room...they will say to spend the money.
Besides, as I've told people before. I'm not afraid of being run over by a semi-truck. What I'm afraid of, is he won't kill me and I'll be stuck in bed and in pain for months and months.
Chris
Hey, Chris,
Just being facetious. Agreed on all your points. My point is that there are less expensive airbags plus other options available, too.
Current airbag vests only cover the torso. Knees, elbows, and shoulders need protection, too.
ATGATT
Lowndes