“Le Figaro” donned a biker airbag vest from the brand Hit-Air, in order to analyze its functioning and relevance. Equipment offered at a rate of 495 euros.
The Japanese company Hit-Air has marketed the first airbag safety vest for motorcyclists in 1998. The company today claims the title of the market leader, and even equips all bikers French law enforcement. Their range of products includes airbag vests that can slip over any outfit, as well as jackets with a directly integrated airbag.
We tested the simple vest, which represents between 80 and 90% of the sales of the manufacturer. Customers probably seduced by being able to place it over winter or summer gear depending on the season. The integrated airbag jacket is not as versatile, but it avoids to forget the vest at home by accident. The builder recommends a check of the vest and the gas cartridge (if it has not been used) from 5 years of seniority.
The Hit-Air system uses a cable that connects the vest to the bike. When the wire detaches from the vest, the airbags deploy in 160 milliseconds. The cable should be placed vertically, preferably hooked to the seat. If the wire is attached too far forward or backward from the driver, airbag release may be delayed in some situations. So that the vest does not inflate at all times, and that it triggers well when one is in danger, it will take a load of 30 kg to unhook the strap of the vest.
The time has come for us to put on this equipment, and to undergo an airbag release. First good point: the vest is lightweight, and should be forgotten quickly enough. Without giving us time to prepare ourselves mentally, Hit-Air teams unhook the cable of our vest. The gas passes from the cartridge to the airbags instantly. Our human senses, in any case, could not detect any latency between the moment when the cable was removed, and the one where we took the appearance of the Michelin Man. The transition is surprising, but not brutal. Inflated in this way, we feel protected, particularly in the cervical area that will be preserved by a real cushion of air.
According to the manufacturer, during a shock at 50 km / h, the energy of the impact is divided by two in the back, and three in the cervical. After an accident, it will be possible to reuse the vest if it is in good condition. If it is damaged, it will be covered by the insurance as a helmet. This device is charged 495 euros, and a gas cartridge is worth 25 euros. It is certainly not cheap, but it will be argued that spending money on our security is certainly not the worst investment.