Each person has their own morphology, our size charts are presented for information only. We recommend that you do not wear an airbag if you weigh less than 35 kg.
Helite Turtle 1 Airvest: Key Features
- CE certified airbag which is fully inflated in less than 0.094 seconds
- Unique design: SASTEC 1621 Level 2 back protector placed on the outside of the air bag.
- Inner textile 3D mesh to maintain good air circulation.
- Vest-style body-worn protective air bag system.
- Adjustable fastenings.
- Comfortable, light & allows a full range of body movement.
- High performance and durable sports fabric.
- Multi directional triggering system.
- Shower proof & suitable for use over any type of garment including race suits.
- Also available in High Viz with reflective tape for maximum road visibility.
- Range of sizes available:
- XS, S, M, L, XL (60cc compatible)
- LL, XLL (100cc compatible)
What does my Airvest come with?
- Each Helite Turtle 1 Airvest comes fully equipped and ready to use.
- Included in the price is:
- 1 x Helite Turtle 1 Airvest
- 1 x CO2 Canister (size dependant)
- 1 x Motorcycle Lanyard or Equestrian Lanyard & Saddle Strap
Helite Turtle 1: Technology
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Efficient Force Distribution
4 x MORE EFFECTIVE THAN A NORMAL AIRBAG Due to the placement of the back protector on the outside of the airbag this results in the energy from an impact being dispersed effectively & evenly. |
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Comfortable & Versatile: Breathable fabrics used which provide good circulation and moisture management. Easily adjustable fastenings. Very light and flexible with unrestricted movement. A wide range of colours, sizes and styles available. The body-worn air bag products are suitable for multiple sports, activities and disciplines. |
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Advanced Safety & Protection: All products exceed PR EN1621 level 4 safety standards. Unique air bag design and installation provides optimal coverage of the vital organs and skeletal structures. Provides enhanced protection specifically to the neck, thorax, spine, abdomen and pelvic region. The large surface area of the air bag absorbs the impact and disperses energy safely. |
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Optimal Protection: A high-quality back protector is placed over the airbag as a rigid outer material, like a turtle shell, so that the whole back is protected in case of a fall. The composition of the TURTLE airbags can be compared with the composition of a helmet: there is a rigid outer material (protector) and a softer material (airbag) that absorbs the shock. The biggest advantage of the TURTLE is that it also protects the rider from intruding objects like a guard rail, a branch or a piece of a motorcycle. |
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Optimal Spinal Stability: The inflated air bag ensures efficient spinal alignment. Providing support and rigidity minimises damage to the spinal cord that can be caused by hyper flexion or extension. The inflation of the air bag at the cervical (neck) region provides support to the head, delaying the head strike and reducing whiplash or traumatic brain injuries.
Superior Back Protection: The rigid SASTEC level 2 back protector when placed outside the airbag is capable of delivering 50 times less transmitted force and therefore trauma to the spine in most accidents. Due to the position of the back protector when the airbag is inflated, a much larger area of the spine is covered. |
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Reusable: Providing the product is correctly serviced and well maintained the air jacket components are reusable. The CO2 gas canister is the only item which requires replacement following inflation. |
CE Certification & Warranty
CE certified airbag: All our airbags are certified by the ALIENOR CERTIFICATION laboratory, a recognised organisation that checks and approves personal protective equipment (PPE) for horse riders and motorcyclists.
Guarantee: All Helite airbags come with a 2 year warranty as standard. You can extend this if you register your airbag within 3 months of purchase and have it serviced by us at the end of the first two years. This will give you an additional two years of warranty of the airbag. (Airbag Component Only – Encapsulating Jackets, Vests, Outers and Backpacks come With A Standard 1 Year Warranty).
In order to satisfy any of the warranties you must retain proof of purchase (e.g. invoice/receipt) and also proof that your airvest or jacket has been serviced as a minimum of every 2 years.
Tom Mcgeehan –
This is a superb piece of safety kit. Had mine about 6 months now and always put it on. The only downside from my perspective is that if your riding a slightly lean forward bike eg ZZR 1400 the back armour rides up as you lean forward restricting neck movement as the back protector hits the back of your helmet,ok for short distance but 200 miles plus it’s starts to hurt your neck. I’ve taken out the protector as I have a level two in my forcefield pro shirt. Def more comfortable. Other than that it’s great,
dmlake7 (verified owner) –
I’ve had mine a few years now. I’m a volunteer for Blood Bikes Wales and decided as I’m no longer invincible I’d invest in the extra safety. The first jacket I bought was too big and even though I’d had it for a good few weeks it was changed without question. Customer service is superb. I find it comfortable to wear and have done several long trips with no discomfort. Do I feel safer? Yes , but I hope I never have to find out if it works.
Olivier Taeymans (verified owner) –
I’ve had mine for 2 years. Being a new biker I decided I needed this extra layer of protection and I’m glad I did. I crashed in my first 6 months, missing a corner and ending up on the verge and flying over the handlebar. The vest inflated way before I landed and made my crash feel like a minor incident. Granted, I was driving slowly, but am convinced I would have been hurt without vest.
Next step was replacing the cylinder (super easy) and saddling the bike again.
Only downside has been the difficulty to keep the hivis textile clean.
Never been out with my Turtle!!
David Lumley –
I highly rate this company and thier products. I have a turtle 1 vest which I have had for a number of years now. Having tested out the product for real after a driver pulled accross me, I am convinced the west saved me from much more serious injury than I sustained. I had the jacket serviced after the incident and the service was turned around very quickly after requesting it be expedited given I ride every day and wanted the vest back to me as quickly as possible. It’s coming up to the point where I need to buy a new vest and an upgrade to one of the mark II vests will be on my Christmas list this year. In short, I can confirm these things work and the service from the company is top notch.
austin1 –
Excellent bit of kit. Never ride without it. I put safety first and this vest is all about safety. Some may scoff about wearing one, but I’d rather be safe then sorry. I find it comfortable, easy to wear even on hot days. Do yourself a favour and get one.
Dave Hampson –
I bought one of these for me and one for my wife. We wore them every time we got on our bike (FJR1300) – after about a year, a nice man in a black BMW, high on cocaine, drove into us at 60 mph. We were both air lifted to Addenbrookes with life threatening injuries. The medical team were in no doubt that the vests saved our lives. We are still far too fragile to get on a bike, but I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending that every biker should wear one of these at all times. Take care and watch out for black BMWs :) Dave and Tracey Hampson
Steven Lee (verified owner) –
Ordered an infierior product years ago from an American company only to later discover that the CE rating was for a lifejacket! Having gone over a bonnet thanks to a SMIDSY I wanted proper protection so bought the Helite Turtle from Airvest, it is comfortable to wear, aids road presence being hi viz, and inspires confidence in afforded protection I dont ride without it. Excellent service from Airvest, and highly recommended.
Lee (verified owner) –
I bought my Airvest a year ago after being recommended by my paramedic brother.
I have had it a year now and cannot fault it. It fits well over any of my jackets and is comfortable for long rides (150miles+) as well as a quick trip to the shops.
My son has started his motorcycling career and I will be buying him one now he has his A2 license and a bigger bike.
Any family discounts?
mcnanj –
had for 4 years now; haven’t “needed” it yet, so can’t speak to performance in a crash, but I have worn it in all weathers from the “beast from the east” a couple of years ago, to 30+ degrees in european travels. when its on, I don’t notice it is on, clips in comfortably, all good. Size wise, I bought what I’d usually buy (5’10, 13 stone), usually “large”, and large fits well. very glad I bought it, and would happily spend my Scottish pounds again – that tells you what yu need to know.
tfdodo –
Had this for about 6 years now. Used mainly for motorcycling but occasionally for horse riding. I bike with the local bloodbike group, observe with local IAM group and ride extensively for work so I reckon in 6 years it’s probably clocked up over 50,000 miles. Starting too look a little unloved now but still working fine. I find it comfortable to wear over leathers, my usual goretex 1-piece with or without winter layers, or mesh gear when it’s unusually hot. Never come off with it, but my Other Half has obligingky (:o) tested hers several times off the horse, and bounced much better that she would have without it ! Fantastic bit of kit and I have always found Airvest / Helite really helpful and effective – happy to recommend both products and seller.
RG –
I got an airvest after being T-boned by an SUV, typical ‘SMIDSY’ moment, i wear it every time and wouldn’t go out now without it. The assistance and service from the team was first class
Donna Laughlin (verified owner) –
Excellent piece of motorcycle safety apparel at competitive price. Prefer the 1st Gen “clip onto bike” type of airvest as simple method is good in my book. I saved up to buy this but I’m glad I did. I think if technology exists which can minimise injury in an accident, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of it. I mean how much is your healthy body worth to you? Very good customer service from this company too.