Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag

The discreet and close-fitting Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag is designed so it can be worn alone, or under an approved outer layer. It has a lanyard trigger system that you attach to your saddle via a supplied strap, which slips over the stirrup bars. This provides a D ring in front of the pommel that I could quickly and easily attach the lanyard clip to using one hand, while holding my reins in the other.

The air jacket is activated when you are separated from the saddle by sufficient distance and velocity to extend the elasticated lanyard to its full length, pulling the keyball out of the trigger, which leads the vest to inflate in less 0.1 second.

*Update: 30 April 2023* I have now tested the air vest when parting company with my horse during a jump training session. The vest inflated as expected, and I was able to remount and continue with my jumping lesson after my fall. I felt the air vest protected my torso from bruising when I fell directly on to the jump. I did not feel winded by the air vest activating.

*Update: 31 October 2023* Having fallen off a number of times while wearing this vest, I now don’t ride my horse without it – whether that’s out hacking, schooling at home, jumping or competing – and in all weathers. It gives me extra confidence while in the saddle to know that I have this added protection should the unexpected happen. The cost of having to replace the air cannister (around £20 each time) is enough to encourage me to try my utmost to stay in the saddle, but on the occasions when I’ve passed the point of no return, I do feel less concerned about hitting the deck and have suffered no serious injuries (only wounded pride and the odd bruise!) as a result of my falls.

Starting with the vest on its own, I was impressed with how lightweight and comfortable it was to wear. My previous experience with an airvest has been wearing a body protector and airvest together, so this feels much less restrictive and far lighter by comparison. However, if you are intending to compete in cross-country competitions, you would need to wear an approved body protector, then you can add an airvest over the top for added protection if you wish. For dressage and showjumping competitions, the airvest can be worn without a body protector. Airvests are also becoming a popular option for the hunting field.

The air canister that inflates the airvest when triggered is concealed into the vest on the right-hand side under a zip (shown below) and, although there is a little weight to it (about 150g for the 50cc cannister), once I was wearing the vest, I didn’t notice it.

The vest is fastened with a front zip and has elasticated mesh sides for a neat fit. It is made from a lightweight technical fabric with a breathable mesh lining, containing the inflatable airbags.

I am a UK size 8 and I am testing the XS size, which carries the 50cc canister. Other size vests require different sized canisters. The canisters are the screw-in type. I found it straight forward to replace the canister following the instructions in the user guide. I recommend keeping both the Allen key and a spare canister to hand so you can replace it as needed following an activation.

For the purpose of this review, I have also been supplied with a selection of outer layers to try. Some of these are designed so the airvest and the outer can be quickly and easily integrated into one garment, via the Zip’In system, which makes them both comfortable and very easy to wear.

Helite Airshell Prestige Vest Outer

This gilet is made from a softshell material, which is water repellent and windproof. I am testing the navy gilet with red/white trim, but it is also available with a black/white trim, and in sizes child L to adult XXL. The RRP starts at £117 for child L.

It has an attractive, sporty appearance that makes it ideal for daily wear outside the competition environment, whether riding at home or out training. I have received positive comments from fellow riders in both situations. It has a soft collar with matching material around the hips and smart piping over the shoulders. There is a discrete opening that the lanyard can be passed through to secure it easily to the saddle.

As one of Helite’s own brand outers, the airvest zips quickly and easily into the gilet, making it a breeze to use as a single piece of clothing. The gilet provides external protection to the airvest and is washable at 30°, which the airvest is not. The gilet has washed well in my washing machine, coming up looking as good as new.

I have worn this outer with the airvest combined for showjumping training, flatwork schooling and hacking. It was very comfortable in all cases. At no time did I feel impeded by the lanyard, or restricted by the vest/gilet. I liked the smart appearance and felt confident knowing that were I to part company with my horse, I would have the protection of the airvest to help me avoid injury. This helped me to remain relaxed in the saddle on occasions when my horse felt a little more spicy than usual!

It was far less restrictive than wearing a combined body protector with airvest and after riding I was cooler than I typically was having had a similar ride while wearing the combined option. I have also worn this outer with the airvest over my body protector while cross-country schooling successfully.

Helite Airjump Jacket Outer

This smart Helite-branded black show jacket is also designed so the airvest can be quickly and easily zipped inside to make it into a single item of clothing. It’s available in black, in child L to adult XXL, with an RRP of £320.

The jacket is fastened with a hidden zip, plus three H-branded brushed silver buttons/press studs in front, with a small disk on the back of the collar.

The jacket has pipped edges, two outside pockets with discrete zip fastenings, and there are two riding vents at the rear. There is a perforated section of material under the arms to improve breathability. It also has the small opening on the front to allow the airvest lanyard to pass through.

My initial impression is that it looks smart and is comfortable to wear. It is machine washable at 30degrees. I have not yet tried it in the saddle.

LotusRomeo for H show jacket

This stylish ladies show jacket is made from an extremely stretchy and lightweight soft mesh material. It is designed to be worn over the top of the Helite Zip’In 2 Airvest, but is not attached to it, leaving two separate garments.

The jacket is fastened by a concealed zip behind four plastic buttons. It has open-topped pockets on the front on both sides, double vent to the rear and the all-important opening to the front to allow the lanyard to pass through.

The fashionable cut is very close fitting, which is further accentuated by the material, meaning it is an attractive choice for a slim figure, but it is less flattering for anyone with natural lumps or bumps that they prefer not to show to the world. It also shows the slight extra bulk of the air jacket more than the black jacket with the thicker material.

I expect this jacket will be a great option for the summer months, thanks to its excellent breathability. It can also be worn on its own without the air jacket if you wish. Although Helite recommend that you wear the same size outer to the air vest, as this jacket is worn as a separate outer, I would recommend sizing up if you prefer a less closely fitted jacket.

Verdict

H&H Approved – Even without the outers, the Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag is a stylish option for anyone wanting extra protection while riding with the minimum of bulk and no restriction. The range of outers, which is far more extensive than those outlined above, makes it a great option for both leisure and competition riders. The only downside I can see is the price, but I believe it is an investment that will pay back in spades when it comes to rider confidence and safety.

Who tested the Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag with outers?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has an Irish Sport Horse kept at livery, who she is training with grassroots eventing in mind and rides most days.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You may also like to read…

11 of the best body protectors that meet the current standards

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor *H&H Approved*

£79.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Vizirider Hi Vis Vest

Anything to improve your visibility on the road is great – whether that’s additional hi viz for the rider or hi viz for horses – so I was keen to try out the Vizirider Hi Vis Vest, which is complete with LEDs to the front and rear.

The vest has a front zip, which has held up really well. I often find the fastening is where my hi viz jackets have failed previously, whether the zips have broken or the Velcro loses its stick. However, this zip feels of good quality and I haven’t had any problems so far despite wearing it regularly over the last few months.

There are six white LED lights on the front, in addition to six red on the back. I like the differentiation of white and red on the front and back, as other road users will instinctively know if you’re approaching them or heading away. I suspect this is most useful in the dark – it’s highly unlikely that I’ll be hacking in the dark, but if I had to lead my horse down a road close to dark, for example, I would be glad to have it with me.

The lights have three modes – static, fast flash and slow flash – and it was very easy to change between them using the button that’s located by your left hip. I had expected a more fiddly switch, so this was a great discovery.

It was easy to charge and you could do this via USB, so using a standard plug, on your laptop or even in the car. The battery sits neatly in a little pocket so that it stays in place and it’s quite easy to remove and reconnect for charging. The actual charge didn’t last as long as I expected (static up to 10 hours, slow flash up to 14 hours, fast flash up to 20 hours), but I was fiddling about with it a lot at first to test all the modes. I found I needed to charge it once a week – for context, I hack out four or five times a week.

I wore it in the fog – and the lights added more visibility than the photos suggest. I did think as I was trotting along the edge of a large field that it would likely give other riders and dog walkers an extra few seconds to spot me, even if they weren’t sure exactly what was coming.

The size guide recommendations suggested that I size up to fit my winter riding coat underneath, which was necessary. I’m an average UK 10 and the vest I tested was a medium. The medium a bit big for me to wear without a coat, but as it’s got the LED lights I’m more likely to save this hi viz vest for winter riding.

The main issue I had with this vest is that it was too long for me. When worn over my winter riding coat, I found it bunched up over my hips and not only was this quite annoying, but it meant that sometimes the lowest lights could not be seen at all as the vest did not sit flat against my back. Although it was still too long without a coat, the bunching didn’t happen so much. While this may be a good length for walkers, cyclists or long-bodied horse riders, I found it too long.

The RRP is currently £39. You can get hi vis vests much cheaper, albeit usually without the LEDs, but some equestrian brands come close to this price. I expect this jacket will last a few years, but I will need to wash it regularly to keep it looking bright. I washed it on a handwash cycle and it came out much cleaner.

Verdict

This LED vest is really handy when the weather’s bad. I probably won’t use it as a replacement for my usual hi viz jacket on an everyday basis because of the fit, but it will be my first choice when the visibility is reduced.

Who tested the Vizirider Hi Vis Vest?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who she hacks anywhere and everywhere.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also like:

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor *H&H Approved*

£79.99

Be seen with these hi viz jackets and rider accessories

Help your horse stand out with these hi viz essentials

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor

The Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor is a small device that attaches to your riding hat – or other sports helmet – behind the ear. It works in conjunction with an app that stores your emergency contacts and, in the event of a fall, can send them an alert.

The sensor arrived in a small box that contained the sensor (which is available in black or pink), a charging lead, attaching sticker, instruction sheet and two decorative stickers. The sensor needs charging for two hours before you can use it. This was easy enough as it connects to a standard USB charger. When I plugged it in I did expect a little light to appear to say it was on, so at first I wasn’t sure it was charging. Then after fiddling about with it I realised it made a jingle noise once it was plugged in and charging, which was helpful.

Once charged, I set about attaching it to my hat. This was probably the easiest part of the setup process. All I had to do was use the double-sided sticker provided to position and secure it. I have a leather-look helmet and was worried it might damage the covering, but I’ve removed it to check and you’d never have known it was there.

The app can be downloaded for free onto any iOS or Android device and this was simple. Setting it up was a little more complicated and there weren’t detailed instructions in English. I filled in my details – I had to add my emergency contacts manually, as although the app picked up my contact list I seemed to be unable to select them – and then connected to the sensor via Bluetooth.

When you add an emergency contact, it sends them a text but doesn’t say who it’s from. I hadn’t pre-warned my colleague, Sophie Cheeseman, I was adding her, so at first she thought the text was spam, so I’d advise giving your contacts a heads-up before you start. Contacts can download the app, too, but this isn‘t essential and we tested using the text feature.

The app allows you to simulate a fall, so that you and your contacts can see what to expect. It took me quite a few tries to successfully run the simulation, but I think this was user error as I’ve ran multiple since to show friends at the yard with less problems. This time the message did explain who it was from and that I was running a simulation. When you fall, the app will give you 30 seconds to say you’re OK and cancel the alert before sending a message to your contacts. If in that time you’re getting yourself up and catching your horse, you can notify them after but it allows you to prevent the worry if you’re quick. If you don’t have mobile signal where you ride, there is also a feature that alerts your contacts if you haven’t logged your return by your expected return time.

The sensor is small but quite noticeable. I forgot it was there, but everyone I rode out with noticed it and asked what it was. Once it’s attached, you can’t take it off without replacing the sticker and only one is provided. This means you couldn’t take it off for competing or to charge the device if you attached it directly to your hat so I would recommend attaching it to a hi-vis hat band (I used this one from Equisafety) rather than your hat. I leave my hat at the yard, so this saves me bringing the whole thing home when I want to charge it – I can just bring the band – but it also means that I can lend the Tocsen to friends and take it off for competing.

To use the device when you’re riding, all you need to do is turn on your Bluetooth and connect to the device. I also run the Equilab app while I’m hacking, so I was worried about the two draining my battery, but it doesn’t use as much battery as I anticipated. So far the Tocsen’s battery has lasted really well – it claims to last three months with average use, although I’ve found it’s run down a little quicker so I may use it more than average.

I haven’t fallen off while using the sensor, but the simulation has given me reassurance that it will work. I did, however, also drop the Tocsen on the floor at home once I’d finished setting it up and it activated immediately, began to alarm and sent Sophie an alert, which was really good to see.

The text message includes a link, which allowed Sophie to see my exact location – she was relieved to see I was at home – and gave her the option to Google Map to me or call me, which was a really smooth transition. I was pleased with the map as if I fell off in the woods and had one of my fellow liveries as my emergency contact, they would know exactly where to find me – and if it was a local friend, they would be able to use Google Maps very easily.

Although I had a few teething problems setting it up and using the app, I can really see how the Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor would be handy to have – plus most importantly it was easy for my emergency contact to use. I mostly hack, live alone and am often one of the last to leave the yard in the evening during the summer. If I didn’t return from a hack it’s quite possible that no one would notice for a good while, so for someone like me it could be a life-saver. Equally, if you have a child hacking out it can give you peace of mind.

It retails at £79.99, which is a lot for a small device, but when you consider what it could do it’s harder to put a price on it. Plus, it’s good to note that the app is free – and you do not need to pay a subscription for it to work. It looks like it will last a long time and although it was easy enough to remove, I think it’s unlikely to fall off. Plus, now that I’ve found a way to detach it from my hat by using the hat band, the value has really increased for me.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* A great bit of kit if you regularly hack alone.

Who tested this device?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who she regularly hacks alone in woodland for hours at a time.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

You might also be interested in:

8 apps no busy rider should ever be without

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

I tested the Gatehouse Air Rider MKII in black, large size. The most noticeable quality about this helmet is how lightweight and well ventilated it is. When I first tried it on, I found it to have a low profile fit — which looks flattering on my large head!

Another noticeable feature is the helmet’s dial adjustment system at the back. I have never had an adjustable helmet before, and was initially a bit wary of them, however I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this helmet. The adjustment dial allows a comfortable, individual fit, that does not loosen or give while riding – the helmet feels very secure at all times. Its hard peak is also detachable and will easily snap off in the event of a fall – it is worth noting that the helmet is competition compliant, including the recent standard changes that have taken place.

In addition to the above, the helmet also features a detachable Coolmax lining (which is a benefit for summer riding) and a secure four-point harness – it really is extremely comfortable and I often forget that I am wearing it.

I usually get very hot when riding, and I have long thick hair, so I am often susceptible to a terrible case of sweaty hat hair. However, this helmet has been my saviour – it is by far the coolest that I have ridden in and I have barely broken a sweat.

I regularly wear this helmet both at home for everyday riding and at showjumping competitions, as I have found that it is smart enough to compete in.

Verdict

Overall this is a stylish, affordable helmet that looks good without compromising on comfort or safety.

View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

7 adjustable riding helmets to help you find the perfect fit

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Our reviewer mostly enjoyed using this lightweight riding hat and loved how well fitted it was

The packaging that came with this black helmet was good with information regarding the hat and it’s features inside.

This hat is kitemarked by BSI to EN1384:1996/BSEN1384:1997 and ASTM F1163:04.

The hat fit was good, with the adjustable back it is obviously designed to fit most head shapes and sizes. It felt secure with a robust fastening and padded inside.

The quality is good for all weathers and comfortable. However because it’s a smaller and lighter shape it does feel noticeably different.

The product feels good in everyday conditions and secure when jumping, however I did fear it was not as protective or secure as other hats but this was purely because of how lightweight it felt and not because it was actually any less safe.

Because of the adjustable size and that it sits slightly higher. It suited my head shape better compared to other brands.

I would recommend this hat to a friend because of the lightness and flexibility in shape and size. It could however potentially feature more padding internally.

Verdict

I like using the product and will continue to use it