Are these new on the market?
No, Hit-Air has been producing the air vest for over 20 years. It is the original air vest on the market with years of perfecting and testing.
Are there different models?
Yes, there are different models. We are bringing the latest Horse Riding model’s to NZ. The latest models have a sound insulated keybox for the CO2 cartridge.
October 2023 the H2 model came out which has shock absorbing padding and a European standard CE NF S72-800 2022
November 2023 the MLV3 will be available in the same standard
Are the cartridges reusable?
No, you will need to buy a replacement cartridge which are available here.
Once an airbag is activated and inflates, can it be reused?
Yes, it can be reused if it has not been damaged. If there is any damage to the airbag, ask an authorized dealer for a maintenance check.
After verifying that the vest is OK, replace the gas cartridge using the setting bolt and the hexagon wrench supplied with the Hit- Air inflatable vest.
What is the warranty on the vest?
The vest has a 12 month warranty as per warranty policy.
If a rider forgets to disconnect the coiled wire and dismounts, will the airbag be activated?
A tensile force of about 30kg (66 pounds) is needed to release the key ball to activate the airbag. Normally, the dismounting rider feels a strong tug to know that he/she has to disconnect the lanyard before the airbag is activated. Always disconnect the lanyard before dismounting.
Does the noise of the vest inflating scare your horse?
In the matter of a fall, the noise is going to be the last thing that will spook your horse . If you accidentally jump off and the air vest inflates, it depends on your horse (most don’t even notice).
How do I fit the vest?
The vest should fit snug next to your body or on top of your back protector, (which are compulsory for Eventing in NZ). You can adjust it by the velcro straps on the inside.
How do I replace a cartridge?
The cartridge should be replaced according to the manual or take a look at this YouTube clip
How do I attach my lanyard to the saddlestrap?
You make a loop at the base and thread the red clip end through the loop and around the saddle strap or you can now purchase a All in One saddle strap/lanyard system.
What does the rating CE NF S72-800 2022 mean for the new H2 and MLV3 models?
There is not as yet a British or European-wide CE standard specific to equestrian airbags, in the same way as there is for body protectors and riding hats. The CRITT (Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer) in France published an equestrian-specific standard in 2022 (NF S72-800-2022), which is part of its CE certification testing process for riding air vests.
Hit-Air chose to certify its H2 and MLV3 model’s through this standard.
The CE certification requires rigorous testing of inflation time, pressures, deflation time, lanyard length, sizing and canister size, which is indeed a complex matrix of criteria.
In the UK the final draft for a standard has been submitted and is expected to take two to three years to go through the consultation, approval, publishing and harmonisation process.
What is the difference between the CE rated vests and other adult vests?
The CE rated vests have shock absorbing pads that go either side of the airbag on the torso. They are sold with an All-in-one saddle strap/bungee which doesn’t have the adjustability to the same length as the separate adult bungee.This is for their regulation.
The CE certified vests have been through certification.
