This certificate, issued by the Hit-Air expert service, attests to the vest's compliance with safety standards or the discovery of any anomaly on the vest.
Used Airbags: A Wise or Risky Choice?
At Hit-Air, we are aware that purchasing protective equipment, whether it's airbag vests for riders or motorcyclists, represents a significant investment.
Indeed, the entire set of equipment represents a substantial sum: between the helmet, boots, specific clothing, and the airbag vest, the temptation to opt for a used vest is understandable. However, certain precautions are essential to ensure optimal protection.
Essentials when buying a used airbag
If, as a buyer, you acquire an airbag vest sold without an expert certificate, we strongly recommend that you send your airbag vest to the Hit-Air Expertise service
Acquiring a vest without official brand expertise can expose the buyer to risks of malfunction, leading to repair costs or even the airbag vest not working.
You can, however, perform a number of usual checks, but these never replace all the control points carried out by our expertise department:
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Check that all accessories are present ( attachment straps , rearming kit , user manual...): if a part is missing, it will be essential to obtain it.
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Then proceed to a visual inspection of the airbag (textile, any holes...)
For sellers, a vest expertly examined by the brand is a powerful selling point, reassuring the buyer about the reliability of the equipment. This also allows the seller to integrate it into their selling price.
We recommend having your airbag vest serviced every 2 to 3 years, depending on the frequency of use. If the vest is triggered very frequently (several times a month), an annual check may be considered.
Our products are designed to last several years with normal use and proper maintenance. If in doubt about the functioning of your equipment, we offer an Expertise service where our after-sales team performs an in-depth diagnosis of the vest and its components, and checks its performance level to ensure it is still operational.
Hit-Air Expertise Process: Rigorous Quality Control
Our expert service consists of 3 stages:
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Stage 1: Verification of all control points of the internal membrane (pressure, volume, etc.).
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Stage 2: Full inspection of the housing and its proper functioning.
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Stage 3: Full inspection of the external condition of the vest: seams, snap buttons, Velcro…
If a repair is necessary, especially concerning the seams or the membrane, we will inform you. If your vest has a seam/fabric or membrane issue, it will need to be sent to our workshop in Japan for repairs (in this case, we will contact you to provide a quote for the necessary repairs).
Our after-sales service procedure has changed! A form awaits you on our website under the tab “After-Sales Service”
Check the warranty for added security
Selling your used vest while it's still under warranty offers a guarantee of safety. Hit-Air vests, for example, come with a two-year warranty. This warranty offers benefits such as:
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Where to buy a reliable used airbag vest?
There are many resale platforms, but it is crucial to choose a recognized site to guarantee the safety of your purchase. We recommend, among others, using the Preppy Sport platform, dedicated to equestrian equipment, offering a detailed selection on the condition of vests and cartridges.
Hit-Air has recently collaborated with Preppy Sport to guarantee buyers refurbished airbag vests in our workshops.
More and more saddleries now offer a dedicated space for reselling used equipment. Ask your favorite saddlery about their second-hand options!
Buying used cartridges: good or bad idea?
We strongly recommend buying new cartridges.
Otherwise, make sure to check the following points:
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Perform a visual inspection to ensure there are no signs of abnormal wear: rust, corrosion, damaged seal, etc.
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Weigh the cartridge by referring to the cartridge's reference weight:
48cc cartridges weigh 146g gross and contain 30g of Co².
60cc cartridges weigh 186g gross and contain 45g of Co².
50cc cartridges weigh 156g gross and contain 38g of Co².
REMINDER: It is essential to use only Hit-Air brand cartridges, as we cannot guarantee the proper functioning of the vest otherwise.
Using an incorrect cartridge (another brand and/or wrong CO² weight) can pose a significant risk to the vest wearer, such as the airbag not deploying during a fall, damage to the firing pin of the housing, etc.
Finally, choose the right size for an optimal fit
Refer to the size guide available on our website for each product, to find the size that corresponds to your measurements.
For an ideal fit, the vest should not be too loose or too tight. You should be able to slide a flat hand between your bust and the vest.
Our vests are equipped with an internal adjustment belt located at the hips, which is adjustable to fit each body shape. The ideal is to have a similar gap between the chest and waist measurements so that the vest lies flat and thus avoid over-stressing certain seams.
In case of doubt or if you are between 2 sizes, our team is at your disposal by phone to advise you.
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