All you need to know about the gas cartridge of an airbag vest
The CO2 cartridge is an essential element for the proper functioning of the triggering system of your airbag vest, which will be there to protect your neck and ribs. It doesn't matter whether it's a horse riding airbag or a motorcycle airbag. One expired cartridge and your protection becomes useless. You have just acquired a riding airbag vest, or you are researching the subject before buying one. Here's what you need to know about the little cartridge your safety depends on.
What is a riding airbag vest cartridge?
The airbag cartridge is also called “capsule” or “canister”. This container is filled with super-compressed CO2 gas. During a fall, a striker punctures the CO2 cartridge so that it releases its gas into the cushions of the vest. Thus, the sausages of the horse riding airbag vest inflate with air. The deployment of the protective vest during an accident protects the rider's vital areas from shock on impact. The cartridge is for single use. It must therefore be replaced after triggering to ensure that the airbag is recharged.
Horse Pilot riding airbag vest
Your protection is priceless! In its quest for performance, especially when it comes to rider safety, Horse Pilot has developed a riding airbag vest for riding, equipped with the patented "In&Motion" technology. If you are a motorcyclist looking for a product dedicated to motorcycling, the In&Motion brand offers excellent airbags for you. As for our sleeveless airbag, it is for exclusive use on horseback. Many riders want to enjoy their equestrian practice in complete safety by wearing our airbag vest dedicated to the practice of equestrian sports.
A complete protective airbag
In the event of an accident, the mechanical triggering of the Horse Pilot airbag vest is done quickly to trigger the inflation of the air cushions and guarantee the protection of vital areas: abdomen, rib cage, neck, spine and shoulder. With a high level of protection, it is CE certified according to the GEG-001 protocol by the CRITT Sport Loisirs laboratory. Its certification ensures that the airbag is inflated at all triggers in a few milliseconds. You can ride all the horses you want, so your falls are protected from shocks.
An airbag adapted to the safety of all riders
Whether you are a beginner, decided to test an eventing, or confirmed follower of competition, the Horse Pilot vest is made for you. Everything is designed to provide the rider with the ideal upper body safety equipment. Despite its trunk protections that protect your vital organs, thorax, back and neck included, the air bag offers you breathability and ensures great mobility, freedom of movement and absolute comfort. Its unisex cut close to the body is without extra thickness or unnecessary folds, for men and women of all sizes. The nylon and spandex that compose it are stretchy and breathable materials. Available from size XS to size XL, everyone finds their size to obtain an optimal protection system.
His refill of CO2 cartridges
The gas refill of the Horse Pilot airbag vest is flat and its trigger is ergonomic. They have been studied to remain comfortable with a discreet shape. The refill contains four small cartridges, which are emptied to inflate the airbag with air before impact, as soon as its system is triggered during a fall.
How to wear the Horse Pilot airbag vest?
For your safety, you can wear the Horse Pilot vest under one of our airbag-compatible garments airbag horse riding jacket for competitions, bombers or overvests, it's up to you to choose your riding equipment adapted to your protection. Wearing a conventional jacket or jacket may prevent the airbag from deploying correctly in the event of an accident. This can reduce its protection during impact with the ground.
Designed in an elegant and chic spirit, the vest can be worn alone, provided you have the Light Pack Kit. This kit contains a double closure to close the front of the airbag vest and a suitable protection for the cartridge. So whatever the weather, you can safely wear your airbag vest in all weathers.
How to reuse the riding airbag after a fall?
You had a fall that caused your airbag to inflate. Your back protector did its job when deployed. To reuse your airbag vest, nothing could be simpler. All you have to do is replace the CO2 cartridge in your vest.
What to do after an airbag triggers?
Your airbag vest has done its protective job well and you have recovered from your emotions caused by the impact. Before recharging your vest, check it completely. Enjoy that it is still inflated with air and make sure that the impact has not caused any tears or holes in the protection areas.
How to rearm a horse riding airbag cartridge?
Manufacturers ensure that all airbags have similar steps to follow to rearm the system and replace the cartridge after a trigger. The best if you want to change your cartridge is to refer to our online guide.
Is it possible to remove a cartridge if necessary?
Once clipped into the airbag housing, the cartridge is armed. Without falling or tearing off the trigger system, it is not struck. It is therefore intact and can be removed from the case if necessary.
What are the precautions for use with the cartridge of a riding airbag?
To make the most of your vest's protection system, there are a few instructions you should know and follow.
Use suitable cartridges
The cartridges are categorized according to their weight or their capacity in cubic centimeters (30 CC, 48 CC, 50 CC, 60 CC and 100 CC). They can also differ in their shape, their size, the thickness of steel and their axis of percussion. Thus, each cartridge is specific to a brand, or even to a model of vest. The references indicated by the manufacturer should be observed. The type of cartridge to be used is often noted in the vest user manual, on the purchase invoice, or directly noted on the vest. Be careful to use our cartridges to recharge the airbags purchased from Horse Pilot.
Keep your cartridges safe
CO2 gas cartridges can be stored between -20°C and 50°C. Avoid leaving your vest, or any spare cartridge, exposed to direct sunlight, especially in a vehicle. Airbag vest cartridges can also be stored away from moisture.
The life of a cartridge is five years. After this time, check its weight and the absence of corrosion before use to ensure its operation. The weight is indicated on the cartridge. As a precaution, weigh your cartridges annually to ensure optimal deployment of your vest in the event of a fall.
Travel with your airbag
Travelling with your airbag vest is absolutely possible. However, the trigger system must be inactivated from the moment it is not worn. Even for transport in a top case during the trip to your competition venue.
On a plane, your system is transported in your checked baggage with the sensor system inactive. This also applies to your refill cartridges. For Horse Pilot airbag vests, In&Motion recommends attaching the user manual and specific documentation to your airbag, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
What to do with a used airbag vest cartridge?
Once punctured and your cartridge has been replaced, your used cartridge must be thrown away. But not anywhere. Do not throw a CO2 cartridge in a general waste bin. Put it in a compartment intended for recycling.