The Helite GP Airbag jacket - version 2.0 by now - is a mechanical airbag, which mainly means that you activate it with a pull cord. This activates a CO2 cartridge. The Helite GP AIR 2.0 is made especially for the race track, which is emphasized by the cut-out for the hump on the back: race material.
An airbag jacket like this is worn over your race suit. Over any racing suit? Yes, indeed. With or without hump, and with virtually any body shape.
The advantage of a mechanical airbag jacket like this is that it is self-explanatory. On the back you immediately feel the SAS-TEC EN1621-2 back protector and the sturdy 1.2 mm thick cowhide leather vest is something you feel you can immediately - and also without the air - trust. Up front you'll notice the additional chest protector. It feels good and sturdy, while the elastic, leather inserts on the flank optimize the fit. It goes without saying that the Helite GP AIR 2.0 performs best when it fits properly. Opening and closing with sturdy velcro straps and at the front further enhances that. The Helite GP AIR 2.0 is nicely finished with a lining on the inside, although there will usually be a racing suit in between.
And then ... how does the Helite GP AIR 2.0 perform? The airbag capacity of 18 liters is divided between two airbags which are connected in the neck. This way you prevent a whiplash, while the rest of your upper body is covered by both vertical airbags. Neck, spine, chest, pelvis, coccyx, head, collarbone and internal organs, all experience less impact. In addition, the airbag stabilizes the upper body and prevents spinning movements.
This takes a mere 75 milliseconds, which is faster than was previously the case (in the first version of this airbag jacket).
Activation is done by the pull cord you as a motorcyclist are attached to the bike with. This attachment is essential, because releasing it triggers everything. The optimal length depends on your position: just long enough to allow movement, but short enough to intervene quickly. The drawstring is adjustable and an 'accident' when dismounting is unlikely. A force of about 300Nm is needed to activate the airbag.
By replacing the CO2 cartridge the airbag jacket is immediately ready for use again after a fall.
How does it work?
You simply wear the GP-Air Vest over your
motorcycle jacket or race suit and attach the activation cord to your
motorcycle. This attachment remains, you click the cord loose or tight when
boarding. Do not forget, because it is that rope that activates the airbag when
you fall off the bike. Even if you get off and run away quickly? Don't worry:
this relatively simple technology - without battery or electronics - is so on
point that you'd have to put in a lot of effort to accidentally activate
yourself. It requires 30 kilograms of pull, so in normal use you'll feel the
cord in time.
The Helite airbag jacket fully inflates in a fraction (one tenth) of a second and, in the event of a fall, protects your back, neck, chest, ribs and collarbones.
Is the airbag jacket reusable?
Yes. Simply replace the cartridge
and reattach the activation cord. The CO2 cartridges are sold separately, so you
can always have one in reserve. In the assembly instructions - from point 6
onwards - you will find the steps you need to take to reassemble the airbag
jacket.
Also for the passenger?
The airbag doesn't care whether it protects
a driver or a passenger. Anyone who attaches themselves to the motorcycle with
an activation cord and wears the GP-Air 2 Air Vest will be actively
protected.
This airbag jacket is universal. The activation cords are also available separately, so if you want to equip two different motorcycles with the system, you can do that too: just add an extra cord, the jacket stays around your shoulders, snap on the right motorcycle and away you go.
Attention!
For optimal protection it is important that the airbag
jacket fits properly. Choose a size that covers your pelvis by at least 10 cm.
The airbag jacket provides optimal protection if a closed fist fits between your
body and the airbag jacket. Consult the size chart to find the right size.
The 'looser' the activation cord, the longer it will take for the airbag to be activated in the event of a crash. For optimal performance it is therefore important that this (elastic) cord is relatively tight.
It is not recommended to wear a backpack over an airbag jacket.
Below you will find the size chart specifically for this Airbag Vest.
