Testimonials

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All Equestrian Motorcycle

Some years back (I’m going to guess about 7 ?) Helite came to a CWAM (Coventry and Warkwickshire Advanced Motorcyclists) social evening and gave a presentation on their airvests. Shortly after, a friend of ours (Lee Vigor) was involved in an accident where the airvest saved his life. That was the final push for us, and we went out and bought a vest each … myself one of the original designs, and Tess one of the newly-out Turtle 1’s Over the many miles since, they’ve served us well and always been worn, albeit starting to look a little tired from the many, many hours and weathers they’ve had to endure. Two weeks ago on 4th April, the worst thing happened. On a roundabout in South Wales a car driver decided he wanted to exit the roundabout. Through Tess, and her Tiger 800. He hit her side on, crushing her leg between car and bike, and jettisoning her from the bike. All she saw was sky, floor, sky, floor, before coming to a sudden stop and landing lengthwise onto the kerb at the side of the road. It’s here – half on and half off the kerb – where she came to a stop. Cue 4 Police cars, a Police motorbike, Paramedic car, Ambulance, and 2 hours at the side of the road trying to stabilise her before transport to A&E. Two weeks on, she’s still in hospital (and likely to be there some time) following 4 operations trying to save the leg – things are looking a bit more positive in that way, but the heavy damage to her leg is going to take some time to heal, and may never be the same … she has a long journey ahead of her.

However.
At point of departure from the bike, the Turtle did its thing and deployed. As you can see from the photo below, there’s some scuffing where she’s bounced along the ground, but the main thing to note is the long scuff mark pretty much parallel with (and crossing) her spine.
We firmly, utterly believe that the Helite Turtle airvest saved her, if not from severe spinal damage, then from something much, much worse. As it was, all she’s got on her upper torso (apart from bruising) is 1 cracked vertebrae and 1 cracked rib. Absolutely nothing compared to what could have happened.
So yeah … I guess I’m writing to say, on behalf of myself and Tess … thank you. Not the nicest way to test your product for you, but it bl**dy worked !! Thank you. Because of your product, my wife is still with me.

When, or if, Tess is capable (physically or mentally) of being able to ride again, you can guarantee the first item purchased will be a Helite airvest. Plus, it’s probably time for me to upgrade to a newer model too !

Nev Pugh

Stoke

Xnapper 2025 11 07 11.16.48

Lee Viugor

It was good to catch you at the bike show today. As promised I have attached some photos & video from my bike crash which took place near Pitlochry, at the end of June 2019.

As you can see the accident was a back wheel skid which developed into a high side at roughly 50mph. I did a number of flips and went through a fence and hit a tree. The Air Ambulance service was called and had to correct my leg on scene.

I broke the knuckle clean off my femur and had surgery to put in a permanent plate and 9 screws.

Now what I am seriously impressed by, is that I landed on my back, hitting my head (destroying a carbon fibre helmet) and I didn’t have a single upper body bruise. No neck strain, just nothing. To be honest I remember the accident very clearly and felt no upper body pain when hitting the ground. Sadly I felt the legs. Having had dirt bike accidents, with full Alpinestars armour the difference is significant.

I have owned the air vest for roughly 5 years, and have toured all of Spain and Portugal. Worn it everyday as a commuter in the fine Scottish weather and still it performed perfectly.

A couple of my friends who were on scene have since invested in your adventure/touring jackets. Nothing like seeing it to believe it eh.

Hopefully some of this is useable for you guys and you can clean up the video to be a bit clearer. You have made a great product and I hear you are going to be doing cordless vests/ jackets which I can’t wait to see.

J M

Scotland

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Ian Wheatley

On a sunny Thursday afternoon travelling home from work on the busy M6 motorway I was involved in a motorcycle accident which involved four vehicles.

I cannot remember the incident but believe I was hit from behind by a van in lane 3 at approximately 50 mph. I then hit the windscreen and somehow ended up landing in between the crash barriers on the motorway.

My Helite airbag worked brilliantly and saved me from sustaining any serious injuries. The doctors and medical staff could not believe how I was not more seriously injured & one doctor said I was the luckiest motorcyclist he had ever seen.

I did suffer a broken collarbone, arm and fingers but I was released from hospital on the same day and I put this down to how well my Helite airbag worked.

I would recommend Helite airbag products to anyone who rides and firmly believe it saved my life that day.

Remember you can’t put a price on your life.

IAN WEST MIDLANDS

WEST MIDLANDS

Thanks for getting back to me. See attached for pics and video of the off.

Discount would be good as I want another one.

I will send the pics of the vest separately off my phone – if you can do a letter to say its not reparable that would be great

Testimonial

‘Had a fast off at Portimou and I am convinced my Helite GP Air-vest saved me from serious injury.

The vest was partially destroyed but I got up and walked away. Wouldn’t ride on track (or road) without one.’

Xnapper 2025 11 07 11.09.04

Duncan Deaves

Thought you’d like to know…..the road turtle vest has been used in anger this morning and did its job perfectly! Im ok, cut head and a sore left bum cheek, but the GS is deaded A car pulled out. stopped then continued. I had nowhere to go, well apart from into the A frame and over the roof! Bikes a goner the garage thinks! Impact circa 25-30 as id seen, repositioned and rolled off before he then decided to go. I got up did a moto gp style mard with the gloves and helmet and went to give the driver a career chat but they had minor injuries and were shaking like shitting dogs so chilled out.

Everybody that witnessed it and all three emergency services that rocked up said the vest is mega and kept me well out of the preverbial!

Chris Mansley

I had quite a big “off” this morning. Bike vs Young Stag at 60mph! Fortunately I limped away just a bit of bruising on my shoulder, Knee and Ankle.

Largely I believe thanks to my air vest that performed perfectly!

CHRIS LEWIS VIDEO TESTIMONAL

Chris Lewis

The Helite GP Air Track Vest can be fitted quickly and is so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing it!

During my recent trackday, I put the Helite Air Track Vest to the test when I unintentionally crashed my motorbike. The airbag inflated immediately and provided a soft cushioning when I hit the tarmac and while I slid off the track.

Fortunately, I sustained no injuries from the crash. I highly recommend Helite as I believe the Track Vest reduced the severity and risk of injury in this crash!

ASH C photo scaled

Ash C Peterborough

Peterborough

I talked to a French competitor wearing a Helite external Airvest at the Manx Grand Prix in 2019 and he was very enthusiastic about the benefits of the product.

Therefore, when I came across the Helite UK stand at the Bristol Classic Bike Show at Shepton in February 2020 I was already fairly well sold on the idea of buying one for myself. As I had a couple of my race bikes on display at the show they were more than happy to allow me to borrow a vest and go and sit on my bike and get a ‘feel’ for how comfortable the vest was, and to check it didn’t interfere with moving around on the bike. It certainly created a few inquisitive stares from passers-by wondering what the crazy guy on the static bike was up to….

However, it was enough to convince me to go back, hand over the cash and take one away with me.

A few months later, during one of the Isle of Man’s early Covid-19 outbreaks, the island authorities introduced maximum speed restrictions on the Isle of Man, initially a blanket 40mph max that was later increased to 60mph. Foolishly, believing riding my road bike at less than 60mph would not present much of a risk, I had an unanticipated ‘mechanical’ incident and low-sided at around 40mph resulting in damage to my shoulder and a broken rib or two. Needless to say I was cursing having not worn my new Airvest.

Subsequently, I competed at three ARA race meetings in 2021 at Jurby in the Isle of Man without incident but a trip to the two day BHR meeting at Pembrey in July 2021 was a different matter. During my third race of the day I suffered another ‘mechanical’ on the very fast, sweeping Carter’s Curve and was spat off my bike at high speed, having fortunately run-off the track and onto the grass. My Airvest was deployed and I am convinced my injuries would have been far worse if I hadn’t been wearing the vest. Although a little sore in places I was fit enough to be back racing the following day and, even better still, I found fitting the new gas cylinder to the Airvest a quick and simple process.

Therefore, I thoroughly recommend this product to not only fellow bike racers but also all road riders

BHR Pembrey July21

Andrew Jessopp

I have owned one of your motorcycle race vests for about a year now and unfortunatly had the pleasure of crash testing it several times (5 I think) and it has been excellent.
My latest crash (Monday 1st June) was a big highside whilst racing at Cadwell park that I WALKED away from with a broken hand. If I wasn’t wearing one of your vests and it working faultlessly I fully believe it would have been severely worse. So thank you.
I bought the vest second hand (never deployed) as was on a budget and will be sending my vest back to you for a service soon due to the big crash and multiple deployments.
I was wondering if you offer any sponsorship opportunities for motorcycle racers as I see you sponsor a few horse riders.
I race in the 600 sportsman elite class with ThundersportGB. If you would like any further information or to discuss further please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If this isn’t something that would be possible that is OK.
Again, thank you for keeping me safe

Tom Major

First of all, thanks for a fantastic product, took a tumble today and the vest was amazing. Got a sore elbow and leg, but my torso and neck are absolutely fine. Was a bit unsure because of the cost at first, but seems like an absolute bargain now.

Tim Dillon

Following a serious road traffic collision where I was knocked off my motorbike by a van driver, the hospital consultant was puzzled by my injuries. Despite suffering a brain bleed, my pelvis and spine were uninjured, and I had no broken bones. I informed her that I was wearing good protective gear, including a Helite Turtle 2 airvest. She looked confused. When I explained how my Helite airvest works, she was totally amazed and said “That explains a lot, and if you know anyone who rides a motorbike, make sure they buy one of those vests.” Before I get on a motorbike again, I will be wearing a Helite airvest.

Stephen Currie

Our turtle airvest is supplied through work, and I will admit to being a little bit sceptical on the benefits of wearing one… I guess I never thought it would happen to me.

Cue work last Monday, assessment ride for a student on an initial advanced motorcycle course. On pulling my gear out of my locker at work, I also put the airvest on. Honestly the first time I have worn it since it was supplied to me.

We set off, making decent progress on a national speed limit road towards Mansfield.

Then it happened. A car pulled out on me, one of the worst things that can happen to a motorcyclist. We both braked. I took avoiding action but ended up on the grass verge to the near side.

Bike dug in and flipped. All I can remember is riding onto the grass, then being face down in nettles.

Check of fingers and toes, all seemed ok. Rolled on my back, student came running to me, in his words expecting me to be dead, but he says “what’s that hissing”.

Airvest. I now remember I have it on. It’s squeezing me tight, really tight. I cannot remember it deploying.

Ambulance arrive. All my gear is cut off (sorry airvest). Neck brace, back board, morphine, the works.

Off to hospital, into trauma. CT scans, checks. Doctor looks a little baffled
“you came off at 90mph?”.
“Well, probably 40-50 once I’d braked”.
“I’m pleased to say you haven’t broken anything. You will be sore and bruised, but your ok to go”

Cue the best tasting ham sandwich and instant coffee and then I am off home.

Yes I am sore, my chest hurts like hell and I’ve got some bumps and bruises… but that’s it.

What’s saved me? Limited my injuries?

Airvest. Without a doubt.

From someone once quite sceptical, to being a complete convert.

Sam Clifford

I recall your presentation to Bristol Advanced motorcyclists this summer.

You mentioned the people who come & shake your hand and thank you for saving their lives at shows & presentations.

Please add me to that list.

2 weeks ago I had a hard impact with a car in Spain. Broken femur, tibia, wrist, shoulder. ICU and complex operations for 2 weeks.

But no injuries to spine, neck, ribs, lungs or internal organs.

I think the grim reaper had a good look at me but let me go for now!

I’ll put a few comments on my social media over the next few days

Richard Bentham

Just wanted to compliment your GPAir product. I hit a high side going around 80mph. My head hit first, see helmet pic, and your product held my head in place. I walked away from the wreck that resulted in the bike pic without a scratch or broken bones. I credit your product with keeping me safe

Mike Smith

Hi Pete just thought I’d let you no I tested your E-turtle today in 50 mph high side got to say it worked amazingly well and was definitely very quick to deploy I’m sat in A&E as I have a couple of broken ribs but there the same ribs I broke last time ……always a bonus when it’s not fresh ribs! lol so I do believe I have now tested every airvest in your range thank you again for saving my life any chance I can have a another air canister 👌

We are so used to mechanical system testimonials…..this is an e turtle testimonial.

I am sure that the launch of e products has not been easy for Helite……..but this is why it was all worth it! Well done to all you team and technical staff.

Lee Viror

After much deliberation, I finally made the decision to purchase a Helite vest. It was a close call on the motorway that convinced me to take the plunge. Little did I know that I would need it so soon. As a car suddenly turned right in front of me, leaving me with nowhere to manoeuvre, I collided with it. To my surprise, the vest swiftly deployed, so quick I was unaware of it until I stood up. I am immensely grateful for having it and now I never ride without it. Without a doubt, the vest protected me from more severe injuries. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Helite for creating such a lifesaving product.

Karl Churcher

My partner and I both ride motorbikes. We both invest in the kit we wear as much as the bikes we ride, and airbags are one of the biggest ones. A week ago my partner had a motorcycle accident on his commute home which resulted in him being thrown from his bike into the road. The Helite Airnest he was wearing worked perfectly and locked his helmet in place (which had the visor ripped off in the impact) to protect his neck as he landed. It worked for long enough that his back, ribs and stomach were all protected, and deflated in time for him to get out of the road with the help of a passer-by. I can’t thank you enough that he got away with a badly bruised knee instead of being stuck in hospital or worse. His colleagues in the police and the ambulance crew that attended were all thoroughly impressed at the level of protection the Airnest gave him, as they were expecting broken ribs and found only light bruising. It’s a testament to your engineering and skill that after a wipe down to get the mud off, the vest looks almost good as new and just needs a lower clip, a ball and lanyard (still attached to the bike) and a fresh canister, ready to protect again – though hopefully we won’t be testing that again any time soon. I can’t thank Helite enough and highly recommend having an airbag to any biker.

Maron Perrissin

I have ridden and commuted by motorbike even when I lived down in London for many years without any accidents. So I consider myself a competent and street smart biker. With the seemingly decreasing standards of roadcraft of other road users, I was experiencing more ‘near misses’ when out and about on my bike. I toyed with the idea of an airvest/jacket and looked at all the options in the market and the pros and cons from the different manufacturers. I decided to go for the Helite Electronic System Vest that has bike fork sensors also and does not need attached to the bike by a tether. I bought it last August from Peter at Airvest UK. It was great service at the time and when it arrived I was very happy with the vest and you really don’t notice it on when riding and it does not impair any movement or feeling of freedom in anyway. It is something that I hoped I would wear and never test out. Unfortunately in April this year I got hit from the side by a car that ‘didn’t see me’ even although the airvest is high viz yellow and my helmet is bright also. I know what it is like to come off a bike as have done some offroad riding in the past and falling off is inevitable and it hurts and does damage. However thanks to my Helite airvest, before I had hit the ground it had fully inflated and the only way I can describe it is like landing on a kidsbouncy castle. When I stood up I realised how much it had inflated and most importantly as a biker, feeling how much it had isolated my neck and helmet from big movements. It undoubtedly saved me from a minimum of heavy concussion and broken bones or much worse. To put it in perspective, I was able to play golf the next day, just feeling a little stiff, but that was it. Much of my bike gear now needs replaced but the Airvest is just a bit markedand I got a new canister for it and fitted that in a few minutes and it is good to go again and the LED lights on the vest tell me that it is fine again. It is impressive how little damage the fall and impact did to the Airvest versus the rest of my bike gear. Thank you Peter and Helite and I will never go out on a bike again without wearing my Airvest.

John Rea

This is just a message to thank everyone at Helite for an amazing product. I was travelling on my motorcycle when a car travelling in the opposite direction entered my lane and collided with me. I have no injury at all to my head,neck, back or main torso and I believe this is all down to the turtle 2 vest I was wearing. I cannot believe how I was able to get away from this accident with no life changing injuries, and it is all thanks to the Helite vest. Many thanks to Helite, the vest is an amazing product.

David Hunter

I’d recently purchased my Helite Turtle 2 and once we were allowed on our bikes after lockdown I got to wear it for the first time. It was a warm day and I was wearing a summer jacket. I found the air vest to be light and didn’t restrict the air flow through my vents. Little did I know the first day I wore it would be the day I got to test the vest to.

I was 5 miles from home riding through a village. There was a white van in front of me who stopped and before I could move out of the way he reversed back at some speed. I of course get knocked off the bike and land on the floor. After a brief moment once I collected myself I realise what had happened. However my air vest had deployed. It did a great job and stiffened up my torso protecting my back and neck. Once the vest was inflated I had very little movement to move my head which is exactly what you need in an accident. The inflation of the vest was instantaneous from being knocked off the bike and the deflation of the vest takes a fair few minutes to occur which was ideal.

Its fair to say I owe alot to my helite vest had I not been wearing it things could of been a lot worse.

Ben

I was wearing my Turtle 2 during a track-day and during the last session of the day my rear tyre gave out on a medium speed corner resulting in a low-side.
I remember thinking ‘what’s that noise?’ as my bike scrapped along the floor as it completely took me by surprise.
Once I came to a rest on the grass, I was on my back and tried to sit up, but couldn’t as the vest had deployed and was keeping my head and neck in a safe position. I had to roll onto my chest (much like a Turtle on it’s shell!) to pick myself up. I stood up and was surprised to have no injuries at all, I thought that this was due to adrenaline, but even afterwards I was still fine.
I have no doubt the vest prevented not only serious injury, but any injury altogether. I was out on the bike the very next day.
The vest was worth every penny and I’ll wear one for many years to come.

Antony Macpherson

had a prang last night wearing your turtle 2 vest and wanted to leave a testimonial as to how impressed I was with the product.

I was riding home from work at around 4pm, I was on a section of national speed limit A road ,which due to a set of temporary lights was pretty clogged up. The traffic was probably backed up just short of a mile so I decided to filter down the outside of the vehicles. As I was doing so a driver out of frustration has decided to make a U turn in the road to get out of the traffic as well (by his own admission after he hadn’t checked his mirrors). As he turned across the front of me I anchored up as best I could but there was nothing to be done. The bike hit the side of his car and as the suspension compressed it chucked me off the back of the bike. Good as gold as I left the bike the airbag went off gripping me tightly and before I knew it I was flat on my back after a heavy whack to the road surface. Despite the noise and to other road users disbelief I hadn’t felt a thing. Due to the collar of the bag my helmet hadn’t even hit the floor. I had purchased this product as a just in case/fingers crossed I never need it but after this incident I can’t tell you how glad I am that I was. My confidence in the kit and being out on the road has only increased from this incident.

Andy

I had a very nasty motorcycle accident last Friday at national speed limits in the Scottish Borders. I was wearing my turtle airbag vest which I bought from the Helite stand at the Scottish Motorcycle Show a few years ago, which deployed. I have no recollection of the accident. From discussion with the police who attended, I believe I highsided on gravel or diesel and hit my head, smashing my Shoei helmet and was unconscious for most of the day. I had severe concussion, severe gravel rash on hip and leg and needed stitches in a toe. Everyone has been astonished that I had no internal injuries and no damage to my back, neck or torso. There is no question that the air vest saved me from far worse injuryand I’m convinced it saved my life. I haven’t seen my bike since but am sure it’ll be a write-off. I would be happy to send you photos of the vest or let you inspect it – the back of it is wrecked from sliding along the road so I don’t know if its repairable or needs replaced. I love motorcycling, have advanced riding qualifications and ride for Blood Bikes Scotland in Edinburgh. I would just like to thank you guys for producing such a genuinely life saving product. I swithered about 5 times about whether to buy one and was persuaded by a man at that motorbike show who had his life saved by one. Had I not been wearing the vest last week, I doubt very much I would be here today.

Alan Scott

The Airvest worked perfectly. Although thankfully this wasn’t an at speed incident, the bike dropping was sufficient enough to trigger the Airvest. No damage to the vest so it was a simple job to replace the canister. If I can do it, anyone can.

Although my stupidity was annoying, it’s good to know that the system worked as advertised and feel in a more serious situation, I would be protected.

Tim Rodway

UK

Well it’s been a few months since you sent me the excellent Helite Turtle Airvest. I must say I have been wearing it on every occasion on my RT 1200 BMW. I rode my other bike without it for short trip an instantly felt ” something missing”

Rodge Byrne

Ireland

Since purchasing my Helite I have been so happy with how comfy it is as well as how simple it is, I have purchased 2 more, 1 for my wife and the new black version for me. The ability to take it off and walk around without having to worry about a back protector getting in the way has been great, as it’s not needed due to being part of the garment.

Paul Randall

UK

Lost front wheel on slippery road surface, Slid for about 25 feet, Holes in knees & elbows of Leathers, Airvest worked very well Stayed inflated and softened contact with road. Can’t ride without one now.

Ed Bishop

UK

Can’t praise this product enough!

I was involved in a motorbike accident last year when a car driver pulled out of his driveway turning right. Of course he never saw me because he didn’t look and I crashed into the side of him.

I was thrown from my bike, but my Helite turtle air vest inflated immediately and I landed in what I can only describe as a pile of soft, fluffy pillows. I didn’t have a scratch, or even the thought of “Oooh, that’ll be sore tomorrow…”

Brilliant product I’d recommend wholeheartedly. I even spent time at Helite’s stand at this year’s Scottish bike show telling other bikers of my experience.

The best safety product you can buy, in my opinion. After a helmet, of course…

Great guys at the company too.

Duncan Cameron

UK

I was out for a ride on my young horse wearing a riding hat and a Helite Airvest.

He was spooked by a couple of ponies galloping in a field next to the lane where we were passing. My horse set off with me at speed and suddenly changed direction. I came off and landed on the gravel track.

I was knocked unconscious however my Airvest activated and undoubtedly prevented any serious injuries. Was checked at hospital all ok. Just a few bruises.

We contacted Airvest and were able to drop off the vest the following day for a full check over. Zara and the team were fab and had it sent back after the service.

It only had minor scuff marks. Thank you. All riders should wear an Airvest.

Sarah Harman

UK

I was travelling approx 45mph on a dual carriageway when a van pulled in front of me then breaked suddenly. I had to break hard causing the bike to fishtail.

The bike went down with me under it for approx 10yds then the bike & I separated still sliding along the road. The Airvest deployed as soon as I went down. My injuries included broken bones in left arm, operation needed on other arm, lots of bruising & swelling all down my right side.

While in A&E the consultant said to another doctor that had I not been wearing the vest they would be looking at a lot more serious injuries. The vest protected everything it was supposed to and I believe it did save my life.

I would never go out without it and highly recommend them to others.

Marshall Bird

UK

In the spring of 2017 I purchase an air vest from your company to use whilst riding my motorcycle.

It was my usual habit to have a motorcycle holiday in different parts of Europe in the summer. I set off in early July for the area around Limoges for two weeks I had toured the area for just over a week when I was involved in a collision with a car.

I was on a country lane doing about 40 mph when a car came round a corner and we collided, my bike hitting the side of the car and them going out of control. Myself and the bike went off the road into a grass verge, and finally I went over the handlebars and landed on my back on the tarmac. When I parted company with the bike the air vest inflated immediately and when I hit the tarmac it was fully inflated and I am sure it saved me from serious back or internal injuries. Following a trip to hospital for a check up the only injury I had was a badly swollen ankle. The bike was not so lucky and was written off.

My advice to any motorcyclist would be buy an air vest it may save your life or protect you from serious injury.

Mike Hilton

UK

On the 2 January 2018, I was riding to work at 7 am on a three-lane A road. It was busy rush hour traffic.

I was riding in the middle lane and had just left a stretch of road that was 50 mph limited (average speed cameras) and was accelerating up to the national speed limit.

Unfortunately, there was a car on the outside (fast) lane that I hadn’t noticed tailgating the car in front of him. Normally I would have spotted this but didn’t. I later found out the driver had been driving very erratically up to this point; speeding, undertaking, and tailgating other cars.

He then decided he wasn’t making fast enough progress because of the slower car in front, and made another, but this time fateful, undertake manouvre and hit me. According to witness statements, I flew through the air, hit the ground hard (70-80 mph) and slid across two lanes of traffic.

I do not remember the impact particularly, just images of broken plastic and glass flying in the air, but I do remember sliding along the ground for what it seemed was a lifetime. When I finally came to a halt, I then waited to die under the wheels of another vehicle. Luckily, this did not happen. Indeed, the other cars and vans on the road parked up and formed a cordon around me for protection.

I can’t thank these people enough, whoever they are. My injuries were a badly bruised and scarred left knee (gore-tex trousers ground down to my skin in the slide), a broken pelvis and a severe bleed at the base of my spine amongst other slightly less severe injuries. My clothing was from Rev’ It, stuff I really liked and was bloody expensive which served me very well in the accident. At the time of the collision, I was wearing a Helite Air Vest.

It was this single piece of equipment that saved my life. Without it, I would have sustained catastrophic internal injuries and would not be here today. The ambulance crew told my wife that, because they always get a heads-up on the road about what they are attending, that they expected to be picking up a body, due to the forces involved.

It is my opinion that, like helmets, these vests should be made compulsory. There is no question it saved my life. I know these vests are expensive, but what cost is this against your life?

John

UK

My wife and I purchased a pair of Turtle vests at last year’s Rockingham BikeSafe day for both horse and motorcycle riding. A week ago my wife fell
from her horse and down a 3m gully, breaking her leg in the process. In the words of the paramedics “had she not been wearing the Airvest, the outcome
would most probably have been much more serious”.

So, a very happy (but rather sore) customer and an absolute convert to the airvest. Wouldn’t be surprised if a few of our friends beat a path to your door!!

Mike & Claudia

Swindon

This product (Helite GP Air) definitely saved my collar bone when I crashed at Circuito de Almeria. Felt like the Michelin man before it started to deflate – the inflation was instant!! Canister was changed within minutes too!! Would highly recommend!!

Peter Tasker

UK

I wanted to thank you for such an incredible and life saving product. I was riding through Utah and took a corner faster than my abilities were able to handle. I overshot the corner and was in the gravel on the side of the road when I hit the gas too hard and lost control/flipped my bike.

My Helite vest deployed flawlessly, stabilizing my head and neck. When I came to, the doctor in a car behind me said the vest saved my life and thought I was dead when he saw me crash.

Even though my helmet took a big hit and I slid along it for a ways, I didn’t have any neck injuries or even soreness in it after.

Thank you from me and all my family for all the thought and effort you’ve put into the Helite vests. My birthday is tomorrow and because of you I’m still here to celebrate it. Thank you.

Tim R

USA (credit Helite Moto USA)

Following an accident 4 yrs ago when my horse fell on top of me and left me with a spinal injury and a life confined to a wheelchair. I never thought I could be so happy again in the saddle. Thanks to my new Helite Air Vest I feel confident knowing I have the best protection possible now!!

SallyAnne Haigh

UK

On my morning commute into work I was coming up to a set of traffic lights which had a sharp 90 degree turn to the right immediately on exit from the lights.

About 50 meters before the lights I was passed by a learner on a small motorcycle. A little too fast for the weather conditions, it had been raining and the road was still wet. ‘Steer clear of him’ I thought to myself. As I approached the lights they changed to green. There was a car in front of me who increased speed to 10-15 mph. As the learner turned to exit the lights he leaned over too far and went down and slid across the road in front of the car in front of me & the
car immediately stopped.

Safety vest

As I was already in the turn, I broke hard, and down I went landing on my back, but by the time I hit the road my Helite vest had already inflated so I had a soft landing.

I slid down the road for a few metres, but was OK! The vest showed a couple of scuffs, but nothing serious. The vest prevented me from getting badly bruised on my shoulder.

Doug

UK

I decided I wanted to ride in an air jacket all the time some 12 months ago. A couple of friends had had silly falls and it made me realise you could be injured at any time – and there was no point having the jacket hung up in the lorry for cross country days. For a birthday present, my husband swapped my old style jacket for gilet version for me. I admit to being vain so wanted to wear one discreetly.

Last September, 2 friends and I hired a holiday cottage with stables in the Peak District. We were having a great time. We’d had a long hack the day before so decided to do a short hack then hit the village pub. We knew the route we chose had lots of gates. We were all on steady horses so we’re taking it on turns to open them. I was leaning down to open a (rider friendly) gate when some thing spooked my very sensible horse. He went into a blind panic and tried to scramble over the gate I was trying to open. He got breached and I fell first and he landed on top of me. My air jacket inflated and took the full weight of the horse on my chest. He was upside down, wriggling around on top of me trying to get up and he caught my hip and pelvis in the process. I was air lifted to hospital with multiple fractures in my pelvis and a dislocated hip. I had to have two lots of surgery, a lot of metal work and a long painful rehab of learning to walk all over again. This process is still on going.

If I hadn’t of had my air-jacket on for that short quiet hack, there is no doubt about it that I wouldn’t be here today. Every new set of medical professionals I saw between the accident and 2 hospitals later were obsessed with assessing me for spinal injuries. They just couldn’t understand or appreciate what the jacket had done for me. I’d had 650kg of horse on me and didn’t have a mark on me from my waist upwards.

It’s amazing how many of my friends have since started wearing there jacket more or have gone out and bought a jacket. I think what shocked people with my accident is that I was on a seriously laid back horse, during a quiet hack – it just does prove it can happen to anyone at anytime.

Katie Dickson

York

I love motorcycling, have advanced riding qualifications and ride for Blood Bikes Scotland in Edinburgh. I had a very nasty motorcycle accident at national speed limits in the Scottish Borders.

I was wearing my Helite Turtle airbag vest which I bought from the Helite stand at the Scottish Motorcycle Show a few years ago, which deployed. I have no recollection of the accident. From discussion with the police who attended, I believe I high-sided on gravel or diesel and hit my head, smashing my Shoei helmet and was unconscious for most of the day.

bike 4 life blood bikers

I had severe concussion, severe gravel rash on hip and leg and needed stitches in a toe. Everyone has been astonished that I had no internal injuries and no damage to my back, neck or torso. There is no question that the air vest saved me from a far worse injury and I’m convinced it saved my life!! I haven’t seen my bike since but am sure it’ll be a write-off. I would just like to thank you guys for producing such a genuinely life saving product.

I debated about 5 times about whether to buy one and was persuaded by a man at that motorbike show who had his life saved by one. Had I not been wearing the vest last week, I doubt very much I would be here today!!

Blood Biker

Scotland

“The innovative Helite Zip’In 2 Airvest gives my team and I safety in a comfortable and stylish way. I don’t know what we would do without it!”

Morgan Kent horse riding with the Helite safety vest

Morgan Kent horse riding with the Helite safety vest

Morgan Kent

HK Horses

I have always had Helite airvests since I started eventing 4 years ago. I currently have a Turtle 2 Airvest, in navy blue to match my cross-country colours.

Flo Burnop Horse Eventing with helite Safety vest

I find the Airvest so comfortable to wear, and the reassurance I get from wearing it is worth everything.
Knowing that the air jacket is protected from puncture by the turtle shell is a real bonus. I have had a couple of really nasty falls and my Turtle 2 has definitely saved me from significant injuries.

Flo Burnop Horse Eventing with helite Safety vest

The trauma team at A&E were very impressed and felt that my airvest saved me from life changing injuries. The team at Helite UK have always been amazingly helpful, whether in general use, servicing or sizing. I wouldn’t wear anything else.

Flo Burnop

Team Flo Eventing

I love my Helite Original Airvest. It is high quality, light and easy to ride in. I know I can rely on it should I need it to protect me!

Anya Strilkowski using the helite original airvest whilst horse riding

Anya Strilkowski

UK

I started using the Helite Zip’In 2 Airvest after I had a fall where I hurt my ribs. In hindsight I should have bought one much earlier.

Sarah Lewis Show-jumping with the helite Zip’In 2 airvest

It is comfortable, looks neat and elegant with its handy zip’on outer and makes me feel much more confident and relaxed when jumping, and therefore much less likely to fall off.

Sarah Lewis

UK

We bought my Helite air jacket in the summer after doing some research and finding that it was the best on the market I took my time choosing the colour as there is such a lot of choice, the jacket was then fitted for me.

Ella Woolmer Horse riding in her Helite Airvest

I love how light weight and flexible it is and how it fits over my back protector. In a sport that is high risk I feel it is important to have the best safety gear and with Helite I feel I have that.

Ella Woolmer

UK

Thank you for the excellent customer service that I have received. I will be recommending you to my fellow biker colleagues at every opportunity I have.
Touring motorbike jacket

David

Glasgow

The Helite GP Air Track Vest can be fitted quickly and is so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing it!

GP Air jacket crash

During my recent trackday, I put the GP Air Track Vest to the test when I unintentionally crashed my motorbike. The airbag inflated immediately and provided a soft cushioning when I hit the tarmac and while I slid off the track.

Fortunately, I sustained no injuries from the crash. I highly recommend Helite as I believe the Track Vest reduced the severity and risk of injury in this crash!

Ash C

Peterborough

I was riding home down the winding backroads after an event at Goodwood race track.

On a tight left-hand bend (A285 before Duncton high street) a car coming the other way decided to cut the corner. I lost the front wheel in preference to straightening up under braking and slide into and under the front of the vehicle travelling about 30mph the opposite way. Then woke up at hospital 50 miles away with my leg in a cast.

The rest is what the witness and ambulance crew filled in. I missed out on seeing the exciting helicopter airlift, but the Ambulance crew said my gear was pretty torn up and the ligaments at the base of my spine had been strained, so my pelvis was unstable. I had a huge bruise on my hips, but surprisingly no broken ribs or neck injury having slammed my body into the front of the car. My foot was wedged under the car’s front wheel, my bike was under the bumper and my carbon helmet had a circular fracture in the right temple .

Two days later I picked up my bike from the salvage yard while on crutches. The staff there were stunned that I had been the rider and I was still alive and walking about, since they recover motorcycle from the site frequently and told me it was an accident hot spot. They told me having seen the wreckage of bike and car they believed it was fatal or life-changing injuries.I’m convinced the Helite (it was the XLL Turtle 1) saved my spine and torso from something more serious, paralysis or even death. Walking away with a bruised ankle and hip after a head on with a car doing about 30mph is incredible.

I never ride without it. I enclose a pic of the bike after the accident, after I restored it (thankfully, the frame was still straight) and me wearing the vest after a ride to the top of Box Hill in Dorking. Thanks again for such a life saver!

Adil Slimani

UK

I ordered my Helite vest a few months ago. Unfortunately I’ve had a major accident (which was not my fault) and crashed at 50mph A26 (Uckfield to Lewes) on the KTM RC125.

I certainly wouldn’t want to ride without one as I’m doing my A2 eventually ever!

It saved me I had multiple spinal and skull fractures, without the vest I would be either dead or paralysed probably.

Henry Chown

UK

I was riding home from work at around 4pm, I was on a section of national speed limit A road ,which due to a set of temporary lights was pretty clogged up. The traffic was probably backed up just short of a mile so I decided to filter down the outside of the vehicles. As I was doing so a driver out of frustration has decided to make a U turn in the road to get out of the traffic as well (by his own admission after he hadn’t checked his mirrors). As he turned across the front of me I anchored up as best I could but there was nothing to be done. The bike hit the side of his car and as the suspension compressed it chucked me off the back of the bike. Good as gold as I left the bike the airbag went off gripping me tightly and before I knew it I was flat on my back after a heavy whack to the road surface. Despite the noise and to other road users disbelief I hadn’t felt a thing. Due to the collar of the bag my helmet hadn’t even hit the floor. I had purchased this product as a just in case/fingers crossed I never need it but after this incident I can’t tell you how glad I am that I was. My confidence in the kit and being out on the road has only increased from this incident.

Andrew

UK

On a sunny Thursday afternoon travelling home from work on the busy M6 motorway I was involved in a motorcycle accident which involved four vehicles.

I cannot remember the incident but believe I was hit from behind by a van in lane 3 at approximately 50 mph. I then hit the windscreen and somehow ended up landing in between the crash barriers on the motorway.

My Helite airbag worked brilliantly and saved me from sustaining any serious injuries. The doctors and medical staff could not believe how I was not more seriously injured & one doctor said I was the luckiest motorcyclist he had ever seen.

I did suffer a broken collarbone, arm and fingers but I was released from hospital on the same day and I put this down to how well my Helite airbag worked.

I would recommend Helite airbag products to anyone who rides and firmly believe it saved my life that day.

Remember you can’t put a price on your life.

crash

Ian

West Midlands

A low speed (<25) black ice moment. Instant ‘down’; didn’t even hear the vest deploy! Minimal marks on the bike or my Rukka. Didn’t feel a thing. Great kit.

Anonymous

UK

I bought a turtle in 2019 after a nasty shunt, breaking 6ribs and partially collapsing a lung. Last Thursday I was travelling on the m5 on my vintage MZ at 60 mph, the rear tyre blew out catastrophically and I tumbled at speed down the road multiple times. Turtle did its job 100% and as an A/E clinician I can unequivocally recommend them. It’s as good as new and I’ll be pre ordering the trousers asap.

Peter James

After collecting a blood bike for a Friday night shift, I was returning home on the M4 when I was knocked off my bike by a drug driver.
After catapulting over another car at 70mph and sliding 10m on the tarmac, the only damage to me was a fractured tibia, 2 broken toes and a cracked rib.
The paramedics took all precautions with me and after 3 CT scans they were amazed at the lack of serious injuries.
I explained to the doctors how the helite works and they were all in agreement that the airvest probably saved my life.
I need my helite repairing now as the only damage to that is a scrape across the back from the tarmac.
What price safety???

Steve Hibbert

After much deliberation, I finally made the decision to purchase a Helite vest. It was a close call on the motorway that convinced me to take the plunge. Little did I know that I would need it so soon. As a car suddenly turned right in front of me, leaving me with nowhere to manoeuvre, I collided with it. To my surprise, the vest swiftly deployed, so quick I was unaware of it until I stood up. I am immensely grateful for having it and now I never ride without it. Without a doubt, the vest protected me from more severe injuries. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Helite for creating such a lifesaving product.

Karl

Kent

I was 3 miles from final destination doing around 40mph when a deer jumped out of the hedge directly in front of my bike. Dead deer, dead bike, alive rider.

Paramedic staff very surprised that I suffered only a collarbone fracture given the mess at the scene!

Chris

Durham