I know this is an older thread but I'm in the market for an air vest (maybe suit).
I've been looking/reading a lot about all the different suits and vests.
For ease of use no doubt the suit is the way to go(talking about for the track).
Now I may be all wrong on this one - what I have seen - the vests actually offer more protection - but of course we have to deal with putting it on taking it off.
Many companies offer these vests - again I don't have any practical experience with any of them.
Based on what I've read and information I've received from various companies and talking to riders that actually have one.
Helite is one of the better ones maybe the best?
They have the Turtle model which really looks like a great vest - lots of protection. Problem with the Turtle(maybe not a problem) since my race suit has a back hump - is it possible for the Turtle's neck portion of the vest to not deploy in the best/correct location?
I asked that question to the folks at Helite - they responded that the vest will work but of course there is the chance that it will not provide maximum protection because of the hump.
So they are very aware of many potential customers are track riders and they may own a race suit with the hump.
They right now have in production a race version for humped back racing suits - the back area has a cut out for the hump to insure proper fit and coverage.
I like it - and checked with them yesterday - they are hoping for an April release date and maybe a little earlier.
Now the only down side(possibly)of getting the race version - if you want to use it for street riding with a regular jacket - if you were to land on your back and say there was a big rock on the ground - of course it does not offer you any protection in that area. It still blows up on both sides of your back but has that middle area exposed.
Also again I may have this wrong - if we go with an air suit - I think all of them today - if deployed - suit must go back to manufacturer for inspection - recalibration - recharge.
From loss of use(time to send it in and get it back) to cost of this service - I understand it is somewhat expensive.
The vests can be reused several times - some as many as 6 times before it must go back to the manufacturer for inspection.
After a deployment - after we inspect it for any sign of physical damage all we have to do is replace the co2 cartridge which I believe are relatively inexpensive something like $25-$30.00.
Here is a link to Helite - take a look and see what you think - I'm not affiliated with them in anyway - just been doing my homework.
At this point I'm going to get one - I do enough track days to warrant it and also I will report back here what I think of it in regard to fit and finish and comfort - hopefully not how it saved the day.
Motorcycle Airbag Vests and Jackets Helite Airbag Experts
Here is a few pics of the race one for hump back suits.