Question 1

Does the algorythm of the electronic airbag system products require GPS to operate?

Accepted Answer

Yes - Helite products using an electronic system require a GPS connection together with it's inbuilt gyroscope and accelerometer to be fully operational.

Question 2

If i fall on the CO2 canister is it going to hurt?

Accepted Answer

No, the airbag inflates between the body and the canister. Moreover a foam rubber pad and an ABS pad keep the bottle even further from your body. The gas contained in the cartridge is only CO2 gas, known for extinguishing fires, it is totally harmless.

Question 3

Can i move and roll in a Helite Airbag when it's inflated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can roll and move as you still have full movement of your arms and legs. We have done extensive testing with riders and have thousands of real falls to confirm our testing. We specifically leave space in the front of your upper chest for you to bring the chin down, which is the first thing to do when you fall from the front and need to roll.

Question 4

Can you breathe when the Helite airbag is inflated?

Accepted Answer

The airbag doesn’t keep you from breathing. Our adult airbag version inflates very quickly and tight on the upper-body so you will get a nice bear-hug and this tightness will significantly minimize over-extension and bending of the upper-body. The adrenaline due to the fall will naturally make you hold your breath, but it doesn't have anything to do with the airbag itself.

Question 5

How do i check my airbag on a annual basis?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee the good functioning of your rider air vest, make an annual check:
 
1. Unscrew the cartridge and weigh it on a scale to make sure the CO2 gas hasn’t escaped.
2. Open the trigger system (using the Allen-key) wipe dust off the components and check for rust or corrosion. Please contact us if any component needs replacement.

Question 6

What is the lifespan of a CO2 canister?

Accepted Answer

The gas-canister is of single use. Once the airbag has inflated the cartridge must be replaced with a new cartridge of the same capacity. The warranty on an unused CO2 canister is 10 years. Please unscrew your cartridge annually and check the weight. Replace the canister if the weight has fallen significantly or there is rust or other deterioration. The cartridge should be stored in temperatures below 45°C. Do not leave full cartridges in the car in high temperatures for example.

Question 7

Can i wear the Helite Zip'In Airbag alone?

Accepted Answer

No, you musn’t wear the Zip’in airbag alone. You have to combine it with a compatible Zip’in outer (Helite, Dada Sport, Oscar & Gabrielle).

Question 8

Can i wear the Helite Zip'In Airbag under my clothes?

Accepted Answer

No, you musn’t wear the Zip’in airbag under any clothes or any jackets. An equestrian clothing over the Zip’in airbag can obstruct the normal deployment of the airbag and slow down the time of inflation. You have to combine it with a compatible Zip’in outer (Helite, Dada Sport, Oscar & Gabrielle).

Question 9

How to choose the size of the Helite Zip'In Airbag and the outer? (Gilet, Blouson, Presige)"

Accepted Answer

At first, choose the size of your Zip’in airbag following our size chart. According to your measurements, several sizes can fit you. So, you just have to take your favourite size depending on your feeling (closefitting or large cut). Caution, you mustn’t wear Helite airbag if you weigh less than 35kg. We advise you to never use a smaller size than recommended. Once your choice is made, you always have to keep the same size, for example a Zip’in airbag size M must always be combined with a compatible outer size M.

Question 10

Can i wash the Helite Zip'In Airbag?

Accepted Answer

You musn’t wash your Zip’in airbag in a washing machine or by immersing it in water. We recommend you to clean it with a soft cloth and soapy water or with babywipes (no detergent, products may alter the fabric). Never put your Zip’in airbag in the tumble drier, on the heater or next to a heat source. When your airbag is clean, store it in a dry place away from moisture.

Question 11

Can the airbag activate itself automatically? What happens if i forget to detach myself?

Accepted Answer

Helite airbags are mechanical to avoid unexpected airbag activation. Accidental deployments are rare. The tractive force required to activate the airbag is between 20 and 30 kg depending on the size. If a rider forgets to detach from his horse, he will feel a strong tension on his jacket before the airbag is triggered. As the car belt, clip and unclip the saddle strap will quickly become a habit.

Question 12

Are the Helite Airbags reusable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the airbag is in good condition (no holes, tears) you can re-use it. Easy to do, you can reset the system yourself in 2 minutes, without sending your vest back to Helite. It is only necessary to replace the CO2 cartridge with a new one, available at all Helite dealers worldwide. Please, check the size of the airbag when replacing cartridges.

Helite products bought overseas have no product liability insurance and warranty in Australia

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What is this Page for?

This page provides information and answers to the most common questions and instructions as how to do certain important processes, such as resetting your airbag system, replacing your CO2 canister, charging your electronic airbag ECU and more!

Use the buttons below to auto-scroll to desired question or instruction.

How do you reset your mechanical airbag system?

To reset your mechanical airbag system and replace your used CO2 canister takes only a few minutes, and following the steps below can be done anytime!

Tutorials by RevZilla and TreehouseOnlineUK

This video is made by RevZilla—please visit their channel for more.

This video is made by TreehouseOnlineUK—please visit their channel for more.

STEP-BY-STEP EXPLANATION

1

Locate the mechanical trigger system - the location may vary, but most airbags have it on the front, left side (looking at it). Once located, open the zipper and make yourself some space.

2

Unscrew the empty CO2 Canister - it helps to use your strong fingers, and not the whole hand. Hold the trigger mechanism with your other hand, we recommend putting your thumb on the plastic-case and the other fingers under the backplate (inside of your jacket / vest)

3

Using the provided allen-key, locate the trigger endcap on the bottom of the trigger-case, opposite of the CO2 Canister-unscrew the endcap, but dont fully take it out - unscrew it just enough that it is about to fall out.

4

5

Take your short lanyard-ball end and insert it in the opening of the trigger-case - the ball should go in easily, and then the ring should be pressed flat down into it as well. (Make sure to read product manual)

6

While holding down the trigger-ball into the case, use your other hand to screw back in the endcap, making sure you keep the ball alligned until the endcap it screwed back in all the way.

7

Insert and screw back in new CO2 Canister, pull trigger-ball-lanyard bit thru the front hole as it was when you received your vest the first time, close the zipper, and you are ready to go for the next session!

How do you find the right size?

How do you find the serial number?

Your airbag serial number is provided as a printed sticker on the back side of the clear case that is attached to your airbag (Often zipper, or on Lanyard) which contains your product manual.

If it is not attached there, you will find your product serial number also inside the airbag - it should be at the front of the airbag, where the CO2 Canister, trigger system and lanyard is located.

How do you reset a Pyro E-Canister of electronic airbags

The process of resetting your Pyro Canister is more simple than with the mechanical system:

1

Locate the ECU, and make sure it is turned off fully, not just in standby mode. (Confirm with product manual for exact shut-down procedure)

2

Locate CO2 Canister, and the cable sticking out on the bottom, unplug the CO2 Canister, and unscrew it - be carefull that you turn the cable as well when screwing a CO2 Canister in or out.

3

Screw new Pyro Canister in. Plug in the cable of the CO2 Canister to the ECU-trigger-cable end, and close the zipper / opening of the trigger assembly back up. You are ready to go for another race-weekend!

How does the electronic airbag systems work?

For more detail, please feel free to explore our pages below.

1

DETECTION

Algorithms detect fall

Processor confirms Accel. Gyro, GPS data

Software calculates confidence level based on current data trajectory

2

TRIGGER

ECU confirms a fall as detected, then sends electrical signal to Charge in CO2 Canister

Signal triggers charge, pushes up metal tip

metal tip pierces CO2 Canister

3

INFLATION

CO2 Canister pierced, CO2 rushes out into air bladder

Tubes and channels around body inflates with gas

Fully pressurized airbag protects rider during impact!

How does the electronic airbag systems work?

What is the inflation time, deflation time, force?

1

Mechanical airbag : A protection for 20 years

The mechanical airbag detects falls and accidents when the person is ejected from the motorcycle or horse. It includes a strap that allows the jacket to be attached to the motorcycle or horse and a gas cartridge that will automatically inflate the airbag in case of an accident.

“

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The Helite airbags offer some of the highest airbag air-volume on the entire market - providing you with the most possible protection!

1

Trigger Force

The system requires 15 to 30 KG of force to set off the trigger system - through various and large amount of testing, this has proven to be the most effective range to safely trigger the system without accidental inflations.

1

Air Perssure

The system provides 250 mb of pressure inside the airbag bladder-this is very sufficient to provide excellent impact protection while dispersing the energy efficiently.

1

Inflation Time

With an inflation time of under 0.094 seconds (94 miliseconds), Helites trigger system is one of the fastest in the world. With such inflation speed, an excellent protection just in time is provided in most situations.

1

Deflation Time

After impact, the rider will be under adrenaline, and needs full freedom of torso to breathe to prevent panic - the airbag will deflate mostly after 30 seconds of inflation to provide extra protection if the accident takes a longer moment and other objects or riders are involved

15-30 Kg force to inflate

How does the Helite
Zip'In System work ?