FAQ - Equestrian

Our equestrian airbag systems are provided with a mechanical detection system that includes a lanyard, a saddle strap to be installed on the horse’s saddle and a CO2 cartridge. To activate the system, the rider simply has to hook the carabiner of the lanyard in the saddle strap. No tools or technical knowledge are required for this installation.
In case of a fall, the lanyard will unhook and the gas cartridge will deploy the airbag in less than 100 ms (faster than the blink of an eye). The airbag absorbs the impact and completely stabilizes the upper body from head to tailbone. After inflation, the system can be reused and reconditioned by the rider in less than 2 minutes. Simply change the gas cartridge.
+ Learn more about the mechanical system

In the event of a fall, the unique shape of our airbags offers optimal and complete protection of the vital areas: spinal column, kidneys, thorax and hips. They compress the trunk for better resistance to hyper-extension and stabilize the head and neck.
Our airbags also provide trunk stiffening to stabilize and protect internal organs such as the lungs, pancreas, abdomen, stomach and liver.
+ Learn more about the Helite protection

The inflation time of our airbag systems is 100 ms which is faster than the blink of an eye. This speed allows us to inflate a big volume with optimal pressure.

Yes, all airbag systems are CE certified by by the external laboratory ALIENOR CERTIFICATION, the French specialist for objectively testing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

We have 2 types of airbags adapted to the various disciplines.
The Airjacket: classic model dedicated to cross-country and eventing. With its adjustable straps, this airbag vest can be worn over any equestrian clothing and also over a rigid protector.
The invisible Zip’In airbag: designed for riders who want more discreet protection and combine style and safety. The airbag and the outers are separate: the rider can thus choose the outer according to his discipline: jumping, dressage, show – training or competition. With a single zip, you can combine these two components and enjoy complete protection. We collaborate with several brands such as Oscar & Gabrielle (Freejump) and Dada Sport who have created their outers compatible with the Helite Zip’In airbag.

No, there is no difference in terms of protection. Only the usage changes. The protection volume, airbag shape, detection time and protection zones remain the same.

Our airbags offer the biggest protection volume on the market between 14 and 28 L, depending on the size of the airbag. The bigger the volume, the more the impact will be absorbed in the event of a fall.

+ Discover the Helite airbag protection

Helite airbags are available in more than 30 countries. We have a large network of distributors worldwide. We can be found in most online equestrian and saddlery shops and their points of sale.

The Helite collection is also available from the Helite online shop (in Europe only).

+ Find a dealer nearby
+ Visit our Helite shop
If you cannot find one, please contact us.

It is important to choose the right size of your airbag system for optimal protection. For this, we advise you to follow our size chart available on each product page.

Hint: measuring your back is important and a good indication to find the right size.

Caution: the minimum weight of the user must be 35 kg. Our airbag systems must always be worn over your clothing or rigid protections, don’t forget to take this into account when measuring.
For the AIRJACKET model, a fist must be placed between the vest and the clothing you are wearing under the vest.

See our size chart below to find out exactly where you need to measure.

Yes, it is possible to try and even test an airbag inflation at any of our dealers. We even advise you to do so to choose the right size and to ask the dealers for instructions on how to use the airbag system.

+ Find a dealer

It’s simple, we are present in more than 10,000 points of sale and all over the world. Just have a look at our store locator. If you can’t find a store nearby, please, contact us.

+ Find a dealer

It is important to always replace a used cartridge with a Helite branded cartridge of the same capacity. You can purchase the cartridges from all of our online dealers or at their points of sale.

+ Find a dealer

+ Buy a cartridge

Helite accessories are available at all our dealers: online shops, points of sale or directly from the Helite shop.

+ Find a dealer

+ Buy a saddle strap

Yes, all our airbag systems are delivered ready-to-use. This means that you can use your airbag directly after you have purchased it. The airbag consists of 1 cartridge, 1 lanyard and a saddle strap.

It’s easy and it doesn’t require any special tools or knowledge.
1- Remove the two stirrup leathers from your saddle.
2- Attach the two Y-arms on each side of your saddle to the stirrup bars. You will probably have to loosen the saddle strap to reach the stirrup bars.
3- Put your stirrup leathers back.
Once the installation is completed, make sure to adjust your saddle strap and lanyard properly.

CAUTION: Only hook the lanyard in the saddle strap since any other part of the saddle could break in case of a fall. Please make sure that your lanyard cannot wrap around the saddle.

+ Video: How to install the saddle strap

Your saddle strap should not be too long or too short. A strap that is too long can delay or prevent the airbag from inflating effectively. A strap that is too short could disturb you when mounting and cause unexpected activation, especially when jumping.

+ Video: How to install the saddle strap

The saddle strap ensures that the airbag system is connected correctly to the rider. It is installed under the saddle (see question ” How to correctly install the saddle strap on the saddle?”) to have a sturdy and balanced point that cannot break in case of a fall.

+ Video: How to install the saddle strap

A simple click and you’re protected: just hook the lanyard in the saddle strap.

AirJacket: the airbag is worn over your equipment (garment and rigid protection)
Zip’In Airbag: the airbag is combined with the compatible outer via a zip.

Caution: remember to close the adjustment straps (AirJacket) and the zip (Zip’In) to get the best protection in case of a fall

Helite outers and airbags are designed for outdoor use. You can also wear them when it rains. In case of heavy rain, we recommend adding a rain cape.

Helite airbag systems are provided with a mechanical system to prevent unexpected activation. The tractive force required to trigger the airbag is between 20 and 30 kg depending on the size. If the rider forgets to detach himself when getting off the horse, he will feel a very strong tension on his garment. Like the belt in the car, attaching and detaching the lanyard will quickly become a habit.

AirJacket: yes you can wear a rigid protector under the vest

Zip’in airbag: Zip’In airbag: no because it can be very tight under the vest.

The mechanical system is always operational. It doesn’t have a battery, so there’s no no need to recharge it. A simple annual check is sufficient for the proper maintenance of the airbag.
+ Watch video: Annual safety check of my Helite airbag system

You can travel with your Helite airbag in the bus, car or train without any restrictions. If you travel by plane, you may encounter some difficulties with the safety services regarding the CO2 cartridges used to inflate the airbag. According to the regulation (Iata regulation), you are allowed to fly with 2 gas cartridges (volume must be less than 200cc), in the cabin or in the hold. Even if the regulation allows it, it is possible that the security service or the airline company will refuse to let you board with it. We strongly recommend that you print out the “Iata Regulations” and show this document to the security service or the airline during the check if they ask for further explanations. In any case, it is the airport security service and the airline that will make the final decision on whether or not to accept the airbag on board.

Download the IATA regulations

No. The CO2 cartridge is single-use and not reusable. A used or damaged cartridge will have to be recycled or disposed in accordance with your country’s legislation. To reactivate your airbag system, you must replace the old cartridge with a new one.

Please make sure that the cartridge corresponds to your airbag size.

+ See video: How to reactivate your mechanical system

+ Buy a new cartridge

It’s quick and easy and it only takes a few minutes and can be done by the rider:
1- Unscrew the bearing cap of the trigger system.
2- Unscrew the cartridge
3- Replace the piston
4- Replace the key-ball and close the bearing cap.
5- Screw in the new catridge of the same capacity.

+ See video: How to reactivate your mechanical system

The airbag inflates in less than 100 milliseconds, it protects and stabilizes the trunk optimally for 15-20 seconds. The airbag deflates progessively and is completely deflated after 5-7 minutes. If you are in a safe area, you can unscrew the cartridge to deflate the airbag much faster and remove the airbag.

No. The CO2 cartridge is single-use and not reusable. A used or damaged cartridge will have to be recycled or disposed in accordance with your country’s legislation. To reactivate your airbag system, you must replace the old cartridge with a new one of the same capacity from Helite.

+ See video: How to reactivate your mechanical system

+ Buy a new cartridge

There are 3 sizes of cartridges: 50cc, 60cc and 100 cc.
It is important to always replace a cartridge with a Helite brand cartridge of the same capacity.
To find the right size, please consult the label on the original cartridge, the size chart or the user guide.

No. Only Helite branded cartridges must be used. Otherwise, your airbag will no longer be covered by the warranty and we cannot be held responsible in the event of a malfunction. Please ensure that you use the correct cartridge size (50cc, 60cc, 100cc). To obtain Helite brand cartridges, please contact our authorized dealers or visit our store locator to find the nearest store.

+ Buy a new cartridge

The Zip’In technology makes the airbag invisible by integrating the airbag lining inside a compatible outer via a zip on the sides.
This technology has been developed and patented by Helite and is made for all riders looking for a more discreet protection that combines style with a high level of safety. Ideal for training or jumping competitions.
+ Discover the Zip’In technology

The Zip’In airbag 1 and 2 offer a very high level of protection.

The improvements of the Zip’In 2 are mainly in the integration and use of the airbag:
– Thanks to the central zip the vest can be worn alone or with an approved outer (recommended version).
– The shape of the airbag has been optimized, allowing better integration into the vest and a bigger protection volume at the thorax,
– The reduced weight of the cartridge allows a better comfort.

+ Discover the Zip’In 2

It’s easy, just associate the Zip’In airbag (1 or 2) with an approved jacket always marked with the “Zip’In” label.

• Zip’In 1: the airbag is zipped inside the jacket.
• Zip’In 2: by zipping or not zipping the airbag under the outer.

Caution: for the Helite collection the size of the jacket and the Zip’In airbag must always be the same. For example, a size M Zip’In airbag must always be associated with a size M compatible outer. To know your size: refer to our size chart. If you hesitate between two sizes, take the larger one.

Zip’In 1: No, it is mandatory to wear it with a compatible exterior.
Zip’In 2: Yes this is possible thanks to the addition of the central zip.
However, we recommend wearing it most of the time under an approved outer to avoid damage to the airbag in the event of a fall.

No, you must not wear the Zip’In airbag under any garment. In the event of a fall, the airbag will not be positioned properly, will not inflate optimally and therefore you will not be well protected. It must always be combined with a Zip’In compatible jacket, vest or blouson (Helite, Dada Sport, Oscar & Gabrielle).

Yes, but you won’t be protected. The outer must be associated with a Zip’In 1 or 2 airbag lining to protect you.

The size of the airbag and the outer must always be the same. A Zip’In airbag in size S must therefore be combined with a compatible outer in size S.

Compatible and approved Zip’In outers must have the Zip’In label visible via a label sewn inside the jacket. This is the case today for the Helite range, and the airbag range of the brands Oscar & Gabrielle (Freejump) and Dada Sport.

We work with the brands Dada Sport and Oscar & Gabrielle (Freejump).
The Zip’In compatible and approved outers must have the Zip’In label.

We are constantly looking for new partners to expand the range of outers compatible with our Zip’In airbag in order to offer more and more choices to riders.

You are an equestrian brand and wish to work with us? Please contact us.

We have different airbag models that require different maintenance procedures. Please go to the relevant product page for details.
We recommend an annual safety check to ensure that your system is functioning properly.
+ Video of the annual safety check

To ensure that your airbag is working properly, we ask you to carry out an annual check:

1. Unscrew the CO2 cartridge and check its weight to make sure that the gas has not escaped.
2. Open the activation system (using the Allen key), clean the components with a cloth, check that there is no abnormal deterioration or rust.
+ See the annual inspection video

AirJacket: You must not machine wash or immerse it in water. We recommend that you clean your airbag by rubbing it with a soft cloth and soapy water or wipes.

Zip’in airbag: You must not machine wash it or immerse it in water. We advise you to clean it by rubbing it with a soft cloth and soapy water or with baby wipes (no detergent products that could alter the fabric).

Outers: Can be machine washed at 30°.

In general, do not tumble dry, lay on a radiator or near a source of intense heat. Once clean, store the airbag in a dry place away from humidity.

Our cartridges come with a 10 year warranty. However, we recommend checking the condition of the cartridge once a year. To do so, simply unscrew the cartridge and weigh it on a scale. The weight must be between +/- 3g for 50CC and 60CC cartridges and +/- 5g for 100CC cartridges in relation to the weight indicated on the cartridge label.

+ Watch the video

Caution: If rust or other corrosive marks appear on the outer surface of the cartridge, change it immediately and contact your dealer.

All our airbag systems come with a 2 year warranty. If you register your product on www.my.helite.com within 3 months of purchase, you can benefit from an additional 2-year warranty extension. For registration, you will need your serial number (located on your product), the date of purchase and your invoice.

+ Register your airbag system here

To benefit from an additional 2-year warranty (excluding textiles), register your airbag system on www.my.helite.com within 3 months of purchase. To register, you will need your serial number (located on your product), the date of purchase and your invoice.

+ Register your airbag system

The location changes depending on the model. Click here to find out where to find the serial number of your product.

Helite cartridges come with a 10 year warranty.
However, we recommend checking them on an annual base. To do so, unscrew and weigh your CO2 cartridge on a scale.
The weight is written on the cartridge label.
For example, for 50 cc cartridges, the weight should be about +/- 3g and +/- 5g for 60 cc cartridges.

+ Watch the video

If rust or other corrosive marks appear on the outer surface of the cartridge, change it immediately and contact your dealer.