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ADV ProductsHelite Launches Turtle 2 Airbag Vest

Helite Launches Turtle 2 Airbag Vest

Simple, strong crash protection to wear over any motorcycle jacket.

Published on 03.25.2019

Turtle as a spirit animal? You might be more into it when you’re halfway between your bike and hitting the ground. After all, testimonials describing reduced-injury outcomes from unintended dismounts while wearing Helite’s “Turtle Technology” — CO2-triggered air channels capped by CE Level 2 armor — are very convincing. The company’s Turtle 2 Air Vest is especially appealing because it can be mixed and matched with seasonal riding gear, making it the ultimate high-viz cherry atop any savvy ATGATTer’s ensemble.

For 2019 Helite is replacing its popular Turtle Air Vest with a Turtle 2 model, which is currently available on Revzilla for the same price as the original vest ($659 – $679 dependent on SM-XL vs LG/XL Long sizing). What’s new in the 2 are mostly convenience and fit-and-finish items including new graphics, a more tailored, compact profile, full concealment of the CO2 canister behind a flap, the addition of an opposing flap that hides a small pocket and finally, a neoprene-trimmed neckline for comfort.

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest


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How does the technology work? Here’s the gist: The vest is easy to slip into and is adjustable for fit using three side straps that close with slide-release buckles. Each time you get on your bike you clip the frame-mounted lanyard-style teether to the vest and its 60cc CO2 cartridge (100cc in the “long” version). In the unpleasant event of a get-off the clip will disengage and in just .01 seconds the vest’s airbag channels will be fully deployed in order support the sides and back of the neck while cushioning the ribs, chest, collar bones and spine, the latter of which also benefits from a built-in SAS-Tec Level 2 back protector.

Everyone’s first question about the Turtle Air Vest seems to be “Will I activate the vest if I step away from the bike without unclipping first?” The consensus is no, that the tether will give you a firm tug to remind you to unclip. The next question is will it be comfortable? Users report that aside from a bit of added warmth in hot weather the vest is otherwise unobtrusive while you’re underway.

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest

For ADV riders there is the additional quandary of an air vest vs. those more expected step-offs we might encounter as we push through our limits during off-road play. Can you imagine an offroad training clinic? These vests would be popping like popcorn if people were consistently clipped in. While that might not be the most practical scenario for the Turtle 2 Air Vest, at least CO2 canisters are easily replaceable and cost $25 a pop. ($30 for the 100cc.)

Another appealing feature of the Turtle Vest is that its design is completely mechanical, so no need to fret over electronic sensors or battery replacement. Attaching the lanyard to the bike, or a new cartridge to the vest is super simple. Helite does however say that after six activations you should send the vest in for a free inspection (and hey buddy while you’re at it you might want to consider another hobby?).

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest

As we all know, the best insurance policies don’t come cheap, but when you calculate in recovery time, medical expenses and whoa, maybe even getting a second chance at life, the hundies laid down for a Helite might seem like money very well spent.

Features

• 600D textile construction with inner 3D mesh
• Mechanical trigger system
• CO2 cartridge hidden in pocket
• Reflective panels
• SAS-Tec Level 2 back protector included
• Soft Neoprene collar
• Exterior pocket
• Fastening clips
• Adjustable
• Reusable

Shopping Options

Revzilla

Author: Jamie Elvidge

Jamie has been a motorcycle journalist for more than 30 years, testing the entire range of bikes for the major print magazines and specializing in adventure-travel related stories. To date she’s written and supplied photography for articles describing what it’s like to ride in all 50 states and 43 foreign countries, receiving two Lowell Thomas Society of American Travel Writer’s Awards along the way. Her most-challenging adventure yet has been riding in the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia as Team AusAmerica’s embedded journalist.

Author: Jamie Elvidge
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DNA
DNA
March 25, 2019 11:09 pm

Could have used one six years ago this April – busted up from the knees to my head 13 fracture vertebrae, both collar bones, left arm, completely busted pelvis, damaged spleen , liver and fractured right femur. Plus without explanation a concussion.
Oh yea, a small jagged rock went inside my glove and on one of the tumbles it cut my finger which took 3 stitches to stop the only blood that shedded externally !
Couldn’t find a hole in the glove. The Shoei helmet took a beating and the riding gear came through without a stitch torn.
So for 680$US plus where do you sign up ? Cheap insurance I’d say.

Jamie Elvidge
Jamie Elvidge
March 26, 2019 8:51 am
Reply to  DNA

Revzilla is a good place to order the Helite products. Glad you survived those injuries, and thanks for the reminder that good gear is indeed very cheap insurance.

Big Aussie
Big Aussie
April 26, 2019 10:59 pm
Reply to  DNA

I have been riding in a Turtle 1 for two years and blown it twice. So has a buddy. We are both glad to have had them.

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