Helite

The Helite Air Shell range is unique in that the inner airbag can be zipped away from the outer shell, so you can change from a gilet to a show or hunt jacket with just the one inner airbag needed. Alternatively, the zip-in-2 air bag can be worn as a stand-alone item,  with super-fast and low noise inflation.

If you are purchasing an outer jacket we recommend you choose a size larger than the airbag.

• If my Helite air jacket goes off after a fall, can I re-use it?  

  • Yes of course, what happens is the jacket will look great, keep you safe and inflate almost instantly if you fall. Afterwards, you can simply replace the air canister and you are good to go again - hopefully without too many bumps and bruises.

• Do I need a body protector as well as a Helite air jacket?  

  • You can wear the air jacket on its own and it will offer the protection it is designed to. Many people prefer the lightweight convenience of the air jacket compared with traditionally bulkier body protectors. The most important element is that either are fitted correctly, so do ensure that they cover properly and are not too large or small. Air jackets are considered a top-up to your foundation garment, which should be a BETA Level 3 body protector if you event. They effectively extend the area of protection on the body (which would be restricted and affect your ability to ride if they were fully inflated all the time) This is why they are only triggered by a fall.

• How long does a body protector remain effective for - do they go out of date like helmets?  

  • BETA recommends that body protectors should be replaced every three to five years, depending on use, as impact absorption properties of the foam might start to decline during this time. Level 5 (red), Level 7 (blue), Class 1 (green), Class 2 (orange) and Class 3 (purple) labels are now obsolete as are all garments bearing the 2000 Level 1, 2 and 3 labels. Garments bearing any of these labels are no longer effective and should be replaced. This may be the perfect reason to upgrade to an air jacket, so check your body protector now! This may be the perfect reason to upgrade to an air jacket, so check your body protector now!

• How bulky is a Helite air jacket to wear?  

  • Helite air jackets are very slim but have an internal air bag that zips into a selection of outer jackets, blousons and gilets to give you a great choice between a smart show jacket, or the more casual gilet for the warmer months. Both adult and children’s sizes available.