Discover the enhanced safety provided by Air Jackets in horse riding disciplines. Our guide compares them with traditional protectors, and you can explore our exceptional Air Jacket range here at Redpost!
What is an Air Jacket?
Air jackets serve as a crucial supplement to Body Protectors. Recommended in tandem with a BETA Level 3 body protector, especially for eventing or high-risk riding disciplines, an Air Jacket extends protective coverage without hindering regular riding. The jacket inflates only when triggered by a fall, ensuring optimal comfort during normal riding conditions.
How Does an Air Jacket Work?
- Activation relies on the rider separating from the horse during a fall.
- The airbag, tethered to the horse’s saddle via a cord, releases air into the circulation chamber upon a fall.
- This outward expansion offers targeted protection to specific body areas, without exerting pressure on the chest, ensuring rider comfort.
What areas of the Rider’s Body Are Protected by the Air Jacket?
The inflated air chamber extends from the sides of the neck, stabilizing the head, down the body. Two air tubes enhance the protection of the chest and spine, covering the hips for pelvic safeguarding.
Why Choose an Air Jacket Over Just a Body Protector?
Standard body protectors utilize microcellular air, similar to a camping mat. Air jackets, featuring a main air channel, act as a mattress, effectively lifting the body off the ground. This additional stopping distance creates a more cushioned impact during a fall.
Should You Wear an Air Jacket?
Absolutely, yes!
While not obligatory for competitions, a significant number of riders opt for air jackets. Many elite-level eventers, in particular, choose air jackets in combination with a body protector or the PS-R2 Hybrid during the cross-country segment, resulting in a notable reduction in the severity of injuries and, in some cases, even the preservation of lives.
A recent study indicated a modest reduction in the compression of the Anthropomorphic Test Device’s (ATD) chest, leading to a decrease in the predicted risk of severe chest injury from 94% to 81%.
Air Bag Standards
The NF S72-800-2022 standard provides riders with increased protection by regulating the protective surface, and speed of inflation, and imposing more severe impact tests on the vests.
Which Air Jacket Should You Choose?
Choosing an Air Jacket depends on several factors, including budget, current body protector, and body shape.
Here are our recommended Air Jackets from Redpost:
PointTwo ProAir Vest
The Point Two ProAir Vest and P2-RS Hybrid are favoured by a diverse range of riders, including elite eventers, casual riders, jockeys, and mounted police. While not mandatory for competitive events, many participants include them in their attire due to compelling safety statistics.
The compelling safety statistics underscore the advantages of donning a Point Two air jacket in the event of a fall, motivating many individuals to incorporate them into their riding gear. Notably, a demographic frequently affected by riding incidents consists of young, female amateur riders engaged in leisure activities. Statistics reveal that approximately 70% of accidents occur during hacking and schooling sessions.
Point Two ProAir Adult Air Jacket Bayonet Fit in Black: £462.00
Point Two ProAir Adult Air Jacket Bayonet Fit in Navy: £500.00
Point Two ProAir Childs Air Jacket in Black: £385.00
Racesafe
The Racesafe MotionAir Air Jacket, in partnership with Helite airbag technology experts, features a fitted low-profile design and breathable stretch fabric. With a zip fastening, this air waistcoat attaches to the Racesafe Motion3 Body Protector offering increased protection during a fall. Certified to NF S72-800:2022, a lanyard attached to the canister triggers inflation in less than 0.097 seconds.
Racesafe MotionAir Adults Air Jacket on Navy: £445.00
Racesafe MotionAir Young Rider Junior Air Jacket in Navy: £385.00
Equiline
Equipped with a mechanical release system via a cable, the Equiline Belair Air Jacket is reusable by replacing the CO2 cartridge. With a quick inflation time of less than 80ms, this vest offers unparalleled protection and comfort.
Equiline Belair Air Jacket in Blue: £525.00
Equiline Belair Air Jacket in Black: £525
Freejump
The Freejump Airbag Adult’s Air Vest is an excellent choice for protective equestrian wear. Designed to inflate in less than a second during a fall, it is suitable for everyday riding or competitions across disciplines. It is the first vest designed for horseback riding that has been approved by the NF S72- 800-202 standard.
Incorporating the latest air vest equestrian technology, our selection ensures top-notch safety for riders in various disciplines. Choose the best air jacket that aligns with your budget, body protector, and body shape for a safer and more confident riding experience.
Freejump Airbag Adults Air Vest in Black: £499.00
