Helite is in the business of making air bag riding apparel for motorcyclists. Their “core” product is their vest which is designed to be worn over your existing riding apparel. They also make jackets and vests with the same air bag technology built in. The air bag technology, whether it be the vest or the other riding jackets and vests is basically the same.
So first things first… everybody wants to see how the vests and apparel look when they inflate, so take a quick look at the video it inflate!
Helite jackets and vests with the air bag technology built in offer the air bag technology in a more “neat and tidy” package. The jackets and vest don’t look much different than ordinary riding gear. Some riders might be more comfortable with this, especially those who are content with only having one jacket or vest to suit their riding needs. Here are the advantages of the Helite apparel products we see:
- The jackets and leather vest look great and include all the technology in one package.
- The operation and maintenance of the air bag technology is straightforward so anybody can understand how it all works. And being a mechanically triggered device, it has inherent reliability.
- All Helite vests and jackets include a CE Level 2 back pad which is often times an upgrade for other brands of gear.
- The vest can deploy more than once without having to return the vest to the factory for servicing (see details on Helite’s website).
- Replacement cartridges are inexpensive.
- Helite gear is well made with robust materials and should last a long time.
- Warranty service is available directly from Helite in the US.
- Last but most important… ITS AN AIRBAG FOR YOUR BODY!!!
Here are a few “cons” to consider with regard to the jackets and leather vest:
- Helite gear with the integrated air bag technology weighs more than ordinary riding apparel… about 3.5 lbs more.
- The Airbag technology isn’t cheap and when you buy one of their jackets or vest with the air bag integrated, it can’t be used with other riding gear (for other seasons for example), like the Turtle Vest can.
- You have to remember to connect the lanyard each time you mount up! (Likewise with the Turtle Vests)
I’m a mechanical engineer by education and I’m also not a youngster anymore, so this Helite air bag technology looks like a great product to me. Anything that ups my chances of walking away from a crash is worth it (check out those medical deductibles these days!). And mentally, technology like this that could easily keep me riding longer. It certainly will also be some comfort to a rider’s friends and family. And surely an easy sell to those with whom you share a budget. Helite makes simple and reliable air bag technology available to the masses!
About the Roadster Leather jacket: This is a classic street leather jacket. Its overall fit and cut are somewhere between cruiser style and sport, so it can work with any style of rider. You’ll see some large size stretch panels and also stretch fabric worked in behind and under the arms. Those will help make this jacket more comfortable and make it easier to move and reach for the controls. Those areas also allow room for expansion of the air bag.
This jacket is going to work well for mild… maybe warm weather down to cold weather use. Any solid leather jacket like this works great for mild or colder weather, but can become a cooker in hot summer months. For cold weather, the jacket has a removable full sleeve thermal liner. So with the solid leather shell and the liner installed, it should do great in cold weather. So overall, I’d recommend this jacket for mild to cold weather use. Being leather, I wouldn’t recommend it for wet weather use.
Of course to consider this jacket, the overriding factor will be you wanting the air bag technology built in. And if you want that technology hidden away in a sharp leather riding jacket style, this is your jacket!
About Factory Photos: As of this writing, the current leather jacket does not have the Velcro adjuster straps at the waist. On the current jacket, the accordion leather strips coming down the side of the torso go all the way to the bottom where the Velcro straps once were. :: Paul, 06-15-18
PS: If the cons for the vest listed above give you pause, consider one of Helite’s jackets or vests which integrate the air bag parts within the jacket or vest.
