Helite leather jacket, without airbag deployed (normal use).
As its name implies, Helite?s latest leather jacket contains an integrated, mechanically actuated airbag, which deploys if the rider and motorcycle become forcefully separated. Essentially, the jacket has a tether which snaps onto a matching nylon buckled leash that is attached to the motorcycle. In the event the rider is ejected during an accident, the tether on the jacket is violently pulled, activating a spring-loaded piston, which punctures an on-board 60cc CO2 cartridge. The released gas then inflates the jacket?s internal chambers, protecting the vital organs from the chest and ribcage down to the hips. The gas also inflates an integrated neck roll, preventing neck hyperextension. Incredibly, this whole process takes less than 0.1 second! Quality of construction and materials is superlative. The outer shell is 1.3mm full-grain cowhide leather, while the interior has a conventional polyester liner. A full armor suite is included, with a large SAS-TEC back protector and Knox pads for the shoulders and elbows. The collar features a soft neoprene edge with a hook-and-loop closure, and the wrists have traditional metal snaps. Main entry is via a large YKK zipper, and accordion stretch paneling on the sides and elbows allows plenty of freedom of movement. Storage comes courtesy of two handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket on the exterior, supplemented by two more pockets on the interior for smaller items. Overall,...