EQUIAIRBAG® Airbag Products
Safety at the highest level with modern airbag products.
1. What are the differences between the EquiAirbag® models?
EquiAirbag® "Add On" for "Flexi", "Eco-Flexi" or "Flexi Motion":
The supplementary product is ideal for leisure and tournament & eventing riders who already have a level 3 safety vest. The add-on airbag is worn in combination with the USG Level 3 safety vests "Flexi", "Eco-Flexi" and / or "Flexi Motion" and is therefore mostly used for eventing cross country competition.
This airbag was specially designed for the USG safety vest models and is simply pulled over the back part of the Flexi safety vest. So it is part of the vest. As with the other EquiAirbag® products, the release strap is clipped to the saddle.
The add-on protects the spine, the rump and also the head from kicking back when expanding. It is certified according to EN1621-4, Level 2.
This product combination is worn by Ingrid Klimke and Julia Krajewski for competition, for example. With this airbag product you are on the safe side!
EquiAirbag® "AIXPLORER":
The airbag vest is a great product for show jumping, dressage and training. The AIXPLORER wears like a light waistcoat and thanks to mesh components it adapts well. Freedom of movement is the order of the day here.
As with the other EquiAirbag® products, the release strap is clipped to the saddle. The airbag vest protects the spine and the front of the body when expanding. The built-in EquiAirbag® release system is patented and is also used in the other EquiAirbag® products.
The AIXPLORER Airbag waistcoat is often used by show jumping competitors.
EquiAirbag® "VZero":
The EquiAirbag® V-Zero is put on like a backpack and can be optimally adjusted to your own body with the straps. It can even be worn over safety vests! The airbag backpack can be combined with products from other manufacturers and can also be worn on its own. A special advantage of this airbag: it is one size and can be worn by the whole family, for example.
The VZero protects - like the "Add-On" - the spine, the rump and also the head from kicking back when expanding. It is certified according to EN1621-4, Level 2.
EquiAirbag® "Guard":
The EquiAirbag® Guard is a combination product consisting of a back protector and EquiAirbag® with a back and front airbag. It is intended for leisure riders, but also for tournaments alike.
When deployed, the airbag protects the spine and the front of the body. The integrated back protector is certified according to EN 1621-2, the airbag according to EN 1621-4 (EAB).
EquiAirbag® "Precto Air Fit":
The EquiAirbag® Pecto Air Fit is also a combination product consisting of a back protector with light front padding and EquiAirbag® with a back and front airbag. It is intended for leisure riders, but also for tournaments alike.
When deployed, the airbag protects the spine and the front of the body. The integrated back protector is certified according to EN 1621-2, the airbag according to EN 1621-4 (EAB). Also, this product is lightly padded at the front.
2. Which parts of the body are protected by the EquiAirbag® and which features does it have?
With the "Add-On", the "VZero" and the "Precto Air Fit", the EquiAirbag® offers an extra long protection zone for the entire spine (from the head to the coccyx - if activated). All airbag variants are tested and certified according to the current airbag standard EN 1621-4. This standard ensures timely, reliable activation, good impact absorption and the harmlessness of the protector.
Fastest protection
Inflation in 88 mS + deployment time in 60 mS = 148 mS (standard requirement < 200 mS)
Lowest pressure transmission
Extremely low with only 1.4 kN (standard requirement < 2.5 kN)
With the airbag variants "Guard" and "AIXPLORER", the airbag offers a protection zone in the back area and an additional protection zone in the chest area. This variants have also been tested and certified according to the airbag standard EN1621-4. The inflation & release time, as well as the pressure transmission values are the same as described above.
3. Where and how is the EquiAirbag® attached?
On the right rear side of the airbag, the deployment cable with a carabiner extends out. The carabiner simply hooks into the martingale breastplate loop at the front of the saddle and the release cable lies across your right thigh. With this simple process, the EquiAirbag® is ready.
4. Does the cable bother me?
No! Maybe it feels a little strange at first, but you will hardly feel the cable and it will not hinder you in any of your movements because it is very flexible.
DANGER!
Please do NOT forget to disconnect the cable from the saddle before you get off, otherwise the airbag will activate unintentionally.
5. How is the EquiAirbag® activated?
In the event of a fall or as soon as you move away from the horse with a little more force (like when dismounting), the deployment cable is separated from the airbag. The tripping time here is 60mS. This cutting out of the cable activates the built-in bolt, which causes the screwed-in CO² cartridge to explode. Now the CO² gas flows within 80 mS through the one-piece airbag to fully deploy it. With the "Add-On", "VZero" and "Precto Air Fit" models, the head and tailbone area folds out from behind, counteracting the head throwing back and preventing the helmet from being pushed forward. With the "Guard" and "AIXPLORER" models, the entire vest inflates around you.
6. How mobile am I with the activated airbag?
In the event of a fall, you can pull your chin towards your sternum and roll easily, or move away from the horse in a dangerous situation. It makes sense to practice proper falling beforehand - not only when using airbag products.
If you accidentally trigger the EquiAirbag® with your riding gear during a competition, you can still continue riding, as ultimately only sitting in can no longer be practiced perfectly ("Add-On", "VZero" and "Precto Air Fit" models). With the "Guard" and "AIXPLORER" models, sitting down is not restricted. The inflowing CO2 escapes relatively quickly.
7. Is the EquiAirbag® reusable?
Yes, it is, provided the inlet of the product has not been damaged by sharp objects in a fall. We therefore recommend checking the airbag after every fall. However, if you are not sure, you are welcome to send it to us for verification.
8. How do I refill the EquiAirbag®?
In order to refill the products of the "EquiAirbag®" brand, you only need the small screw tool, which is already included free of charge with the delivery of the airbag and a replacement cartridge.
That's how it's done:
- * Open the zipper
- * Unscrew the exploded cartridge
- * Squeeze the remaining air out of the airbag (like an air mattress)
- * Screw the tool into the thread with the outer screw (but do not fully tighten, leave 1-2mm air)
- * Now screw the inner long screw (which has a handle) into the thread
- * After a moment you will feel a resistance, you just have to turn over it. You can see that the clamps of the trigger close
- * Once you have continued to rotate against resistance and the clamps have closed and opened once, insert the ball of the release cable between the clamps (it's best to keep your thumb on it so that the ball stays in place)
- * Now simply unscrew the inner long screw from the thread and loosen or unscrew the large screw as well. During this process, the clips have closed around the ball and the deployment cable is fixed back into the airbag.
- * Now simply screw a new cartridge into the thread and fold the airbag neatly into the "compartments" provided - and then you can start again!
9. Is the EquiAirbag® washable and what does it weigh?
The EquiAirbag® system itself is not suitable for washing machines, otherwise the airbag could be damaged. However, the robust outer material made of Codura® can easily be washed off with a damp sponge. You can always find further information in the washing instructions in the product.
The "Guard" vest weighs around 2.00 kg.
The "AIXPLORER" weighs around 1.20 kg.
The "Add-On for Flexi" and the "Precto Air Fit" weigh about 1.60 kg.
10. What should I consider before using it for the first time?
Of course, you should get advice from your specialist dealer or our USG team in advance as to which EquiAirbag® type suits you and also determine the right size so that it can offer you the highest level of protection.
Before you wear the airbag for the first time, you should read the instructions for use carefully and adjust it to your measurements. Also check that the cartridge is properly seated in its thread and that the trigger cable is fixed in its correct place. After that you can start!
If you have any other/additional questions about the EquiAirbag® products that were not answered by the FAQs, you are welcome to simply send us an e-mail or call us on 06054/90977-0.