Safety instructions

• Choose your airbag size according to your body shape and your model’s size guide.
• Do not use a Helite airbag if you weigh less than 35 kg.
• The airbag vest in no way replaces protective equipment such as a riding helmet, stirrups, etc.
• Do not remove or modify any part of the airbag system or the textile section.
• Replace your CO2 cartridge if it has already been used (same brand, same capacity): it is not reusable.
• Do not leave objects in your clothing pockets, especially sharp ones.
• Before each use, check that the airbag (vest, lining) is in good condition: no tears, wear, or pulled-out sections.
• Store the airbag on a hanger, in a dry place protected from humidity and high temperatures.
• Do not sew or glue anything onto the airbag or textile: this could damage it and prevent it from working.
• Check that the stirrup leather strap is properly installed on your saddle and that the attachment cord is properly connected during use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

How it works

• Helite airbags use mechanical deployment. They are worn like a classic riding vest: the rider clips the snap hook to the stirrup leather strap installed on the saddle.
• In the event of a fall, the ball on the attachment cord is ejected, activating the system: the airbag inflates in 0.1 seconds.
• It absorbs impacts and stabilizes the body from head to coccyx, limiting the risk of hyperflexion of the spine.
• The pulling force required for deployment varies according to the airbag size; this mechanical system prevents accidental deployment. If you forget to detach yourself when dismounting, you will feel very strong tension, and deployment cannot be ruled out.
• If the horse falls and the rider remains in the saddle, the airbag does not deploy.
• The activation noise may frighten horses.
• The air cushions may be damaged or punctured during a fall if they strike a sharp or pointed object.
• This personal protective equipment (PPE) contains no allergenic substances and causes neither irritation nor discomfort.

Technical description

Firing pin

When the ball is ejected, the spring relaxes and transfers its energy to the piston needle, which punctures the cartridge: the released gas instantly inflates the airbag. For your safety, do not modify the firing pin or remove any of its parts.

Air cushions

Made of polyurethane, they absorb impacts thanks to optimal pressure, which gradually decreases after inflation. Do not expose them to temperatures above 50 °C.

CO2 cartridge

There are 4 cartridge sizes (50, 60, 85 and 100 cc), depending on the volume to be inflated. Your cartridge size is shown on the label of your vest or airbag liner. You can easily replace it yourself. Helite cartridges are guaranteed for 10 years.

• Use only Helite cartridges.
• The cartridge is for single use only: it must be replaced after inflation.
• Annual inspection recommended: unscrew and weigh the cartridge (this does not activate the airbag). Its weight must be equal to the initial weight indicated on its label, within ±3 g for the 50, 60 and 85 cc cartridges and within ±5 g for the 100 cc cartridge. If there is a discrepancy, contact us.
• If rust spots or damage appear, replace it immediately and contact us.
• Store and use the cartridge below 45 °C: do not leave a full cartridge in direct sunlight or near a radiator for a long time.
• Use it above 0 °C. After prolonged storage below 0 °C, allow it to warm up or replace it with a cartridge kept at room temperature.
• Avoid impacts to the cartridge.
• A damaged or empty cartridge must be disposed of or recycled in accordance with current regulations.

Stirrup leather strap

The rider is responsible for correctly installing the strap on their saddle. Adjust it correctly:

• not too long: this could delay or prevent activation, for example on a small horse;
• not too short: it would restrict you and could cause accidental activations, for example during a jump.

Installation: remove both stirrup leathers. The strap is Y-shaped: attach its two arms on either side of the saddle, to the stirrup leather bars (you may need to loosen the girth to reach them). Put your stirrup leathers back in place, then adjust the strap.

Attachment strap

It has a snap hook at one end and a ball at the other. The ball is placed on the firing pin and keeps the system under tension. When riding, attach the snap hook to the metal ring on the stirrup strap. Do not attach it directly to any part of the saddle, which may not be strong enough in the event of a fall, and make sure the cord cannot wrap around the saddle.

AirJacket and Zip’In 2

AirJacket

A lightweight, highly breathable airbag vest with open sides under the arms, suitable for wearing over any garment in summer or winter. It fastens at the front with three adjustable clips. CE-certified, supplied with a cartridge, a stirrup-strap and an attachment cord.

Zip’In 2

CE-certified, supplied with a cartridge, a stirrup-strap and an attachment cord. It can be worn in two ways:

• zipped under a compatible Helite garment, identifiable by its inner label reading “Zip’in Helite Airbag Compatible”;
• on its own, with the central zipper pulled all the way up. However, wearing a compatible garment over it is recommended to prevent damage in the event of a fall.

During installation, you can pass the attachment cord through the hole provided for this purpose on the compatible garment. Brands offering Zip’In 2-compatible garments (list subject to change, see helite.com): Helite, Dada Sport, Ju&Pa, EGO7, Equiline, Animo, Gaze, A TISS B, Le Sabotier, Lotus Romeo, Lamantia.

Washing (AirJacket and Zip’In 2)

Do not machine wash or immerse. Clean by rubbing with a soft cloth and soapy water, or with baby wipes (do not use any detergent, as it could damage the fabric). Never use a tumble dryer, radiator or intense heat source. Do not iron.

Sizes, chest circumference, waist-to-shoulder length and cartridge size for each model: see the size guide on the product page.

Reactivation after inflation (changing the cartridge)

Parts concerned: the cartridge, the ball, the piston, the spring and the cap. Have the 5 mm Allen key supplied with the airbag and a new Helite cartridge of the same capacity ready.

1. After inflation, the ball was ejected and the spring is visible. Unscrew the empty CO2 cartridge and remove it.
2. Loosen the cap with the Allen key. Do not unscrew it completely: loosen it only enough to put the piston back in place.
3. Put the piston back in place using the Allen key or your finger. The notch in the piston must be directly aligned with the hole where the ball will sit.
4. Put the ball back in its housing: the ring around the ball must lie completely flat. Start screwing the cap in by hand while holding the ball firmly.
5. Finish tightening the cap with the Allen key, always holding the ball in place. The cap must be in contact with the cylinder. Do not overtighten, as this may damage the components.
6. Screw in a new CO2 cartridge fully, without forcing it. Check that it is sufficiently tight and that it is not cross-threaded.

Storage, maintenance, and recycling

• Do not expose the airbag to high temperatures (heat source, flame, radiator, etc.).
• Keep it out of reach of rodents and other animals.
• Store it in a dry place, away from moisture.
• Do not leave it folded or rolled up for long periods: preferably store it on a hanger.

Recycling: do not dispose of the empty cartridge or the vest at the end of its life with household waste; take them to a recycling center. Helite recycles cartridges: Helite, 1 rue de la Petite Fin, 21121 Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France.

Warranty and after-sales service

Helite airbags are automatically covered by a 2-year warranty. You can extend this warranty to 4 years from the date of purchase (excluding the textile) by registering your airbag at my.helite.com.

Contact us, or contact Helite (sav@helite.com), if:

• the textile is torn, whether or not the airbag is visible or punctured;
• a crack, break, or corrosion appears on the striker components or on the cartridge;
• the stirrup strap shows signs of deterioration;
• the tether strap is worn, frayed, or has lost its elasticity;
• you notice abnormal wear or have any doubts about the proper use of your airbag.

Certification and limitations of liability

These airbags are CE certified by the notified body ALIENOR CERTIFICATION (CRITT Sport Loisirs protocol GEG-002) and comply with European Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The declaration of conformity is available at helite.com. Each airbag is tested before being sold and must only be used for its intended purpose.

Helite cannot in particular be held liable for:

• the fact that no airbag can offer total protection or prevent death, serious injury, or injuries;
• a malfunction caused by incorrect installation, improper use, or maintenance not carried out in accordance with these instructions;
• a malfunction caused by a modification or repair not carried out by an authorized service provider;
• inflation being prevented or slowed by a backpack or any other item worn over the airbag.

Manufacturer: Helite, Fontaine-lès-Dijon (France). Original instructions ref. 1A-0561-02; the latest version is available at helite.com.