Name: Hit-Air Original Air Vest
Brand: Hit Air
SKU: 201779
Price: 499 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Product Details

The Hit Air Equestrian Light Airbag Vest is worn over your protective vest and inflates instantly in the event of a fall to give you an extra layer of protection from injury. This vest is highly recommended and worn by top riders. The Hit-Air Vest will instantly inflate in the event of a fall protecting the neck, torso, hips and spine using an innovative design with a high speed airbag deployment system that uses a CO2 cartridge to automatically inflate the vest in .25 seconds decreasing your chance of serious injury.

A bungee lanyard (included) is attached to both the saddle and the vest. Should the rider and the horse be separated, the lanyard pulls a "key" out of the CO2 cartridge to inflate the air cushion. The inflated vest absorbs the impact helping to prevent injury. You will hardly notice this super lightweight and comfortable vest even when worn over a riding vest (which is recommended).

This harness type airbag employs the new higher speed key ball mechanism (component that activates the CO2 cartridge). It is quiet when deployed, making it much less likely to spook the horse during an unintended deployment.

New high speed airbag deployment system
Recommended for use over a Body Protector
Uses 48cc cartridge
Optional Saddle strap attaches to the stirrup bars and is highly recommended. Saddle D rings could detach when pulled resulting in the vest's failure to inflate.
Lightweight and provides total freedom of movement - 1.76 pounds for the XXS to SM and 1.9 pounds for the M to XL
Comes complete with 1 cartridge and lanyard to attach to saddle

This Product can ship by ground only*

Sizing:

XXS to Small (chest 29"-37", waist 23"-31")
Medium to XL (chest 37"-49", waist 30"-42")

*Due to Federal Regulations, CO2 cartridges are non-returnable.

Specifications

Brand	Hit Air
MPN	LV/SV
Sale Type	Regular Price Items
SKU	201779

Reviews (5)

4.2

4.2 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

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TWH

This is my 2nd Hit ...

This is my 2nd Hit Air vest. My first one was a medium and a little big on me. This small vest fits perfectly. My original vest was deployed 5-6 times, (when I had an unexpected dismount) in its lifetime. It always did what it was supposed to do, it never spooked my horse and it was always easy to change the CO2 cartridge. Last year I noticed the tubing was cracked, and a couple of the snaps broke but it was 10 years old! I never rode without it!

Nov 23, 2024

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LKF

A must for eventers and ...

A must for eventers and foxhunters.

Sep 11, 2024

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Disappointed but at least not crippled for life

This vest did not deploy ...

This vest did not deploy when I fell off of my 16'3" horse at the canter. I took very good care of this vest. It did work 2.5 years earlier. The canister was replaced as per instructions.

Jul 10, 2024

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Nancy

Excellent for foxhunters

I'm pleased to report that I've just received my second Hit Air vest, having determined that I needed one for my husband, who's just an occasional rider but whose safety is important to me. I've also ordered one for our hunt's joint Master of Foxhounds, who is recovering from a fall earlier this summer, and several other members of our hunt are now paying attention to our interest in safety and placing orders. None of us are getting any younger, although we continue to ride hard. This way we can do so with more confidence.

Nov 26, 2018

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Rebecca from Ramsey

A must for all eventers

I have wanted one of these for a while but delayed my purchase as I was originally very concerned that it might inflate while still on my horse who can be very exuberant and can toss me around in the saddle like a rag doll when he leaps about. However my concerns were not necessary as the design allows plenty of movement in the saddle. It is really comfortable and I didn't notice it when riding even on top of my bulky Airowear Outlyne body protector (which by the way is the best body protector I've ever worn). I have heard lots of stories about people forgetting to unclip the vest from the saddle before dismounting so have been writing a reminder on my arm in pen until this becomes a habit. I recommend this product to anyone who events regardless of what level you compete at.

Sep 3, 2015

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Safety Standards

Safety Vest Certification Organizations

BETA

BETA maintains the EN equestrian standards

EN 13158 is a body protector standard with three primary components

Specifies the area of the body that must be covered
Tests impact performance both on flat ground and fence rails
Measures security of attachment to the wearer

Impact testing is conducted at ambient temperatures, and an optional 30°C impact test is also available.

Body protector manufacturers conforming to the BETA standards are required to annually re-test their approved products to ensure ongoing consistency in the quality of manufacture and of the shock-absorbing foams used in the construction of their garments.

SEI (ASTM)

SEI maintains ASTM standards

ASTM F1937 is a standard that specifies:

Requirements for the body protector assembly
The extent and form of the protective material used
The attachments
The dimension, sizing and body coverage provided

Testing procedures include a shock attenuation test, a penetration and deformation test, an impact sites test, a padding separation test, and a closure test.

These tests are done in four conditions: ambient temperature, low temperature, high temperature, and water immersion.

ASTM F2681 is a standard for body protectors that covers the minimum performance criteria and outlines test methods for body protectors that will be used specifically for horse racing.

Levels of Protection

In 1995, BETA Level 1, 2, and 3 safety standards were introduced, with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest level of protection offered.

There are three levels of protection to cater for different riding activities. The latest European safety standard is EN 13158 and BETA 2018.

No body protector can prevent serious injury in certain accidents, but you can improve your chances of staying safe by choosing the highest safety standard.

Level 1 (green label)

Body protectors certified to Level 1 provide a lower level of impact protection that is only considered appropriate for racing where weight is of over-riding importance and there are no requirements in place for a great level of protection.

Level 2 (orange label)

Body protectors certified to Level 2 provide a lower than normal level of protection that is only considered appropriate for use in low risk situations.

These DO NOT include riding on roads or other hard surfaces, riding over jumps, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced. This level is now used by many jockeys while racing.

Level 3 (blue label)

Body protectors certified to Level 3 provide a level of protection that is considered appropriate for normal horse riding, competitors and for working with horses.

Protectors to this level should prevent minor bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain, reduce soft tissue injuries and bruising, and prevent a limited number of rib fractures.

This level is required by many exercise riders for race horses.

Level 3 – Carriage driving (blue label)

Body protectors designed to meet the needs of horse drivers. Navigators are best wearing a standard level 3. It does not provide adequate coverage of the back for those riding horses or those working with them.

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Size Chart

Hit-Air Original Air Vest

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