Yes- I've heard bad reports re the gloves. I've read through the manual, I can see you get 3 deployments, I can't see if the suit then has to be sent off, or a new canister can be fitted by the owner. I'll also look at the held vest to fit under my held leathers, unsure if it'll fit under the ones I have.
I haven’t actually deployed mine yet (surprising I know) it fits well under my slade. I was told it’s all to do with the stretch panels. Speak to held U.K. mate, they’re a really friendly bunch Guy, Loz or Stan are the chaps I’ve dealt with. Mostly guy tbh. Spot on
They’ve always been really good to me. sent me out a courtesy suit when I crashed in mine and I did a bit of a job on it! Mine got lost by the courier momentarily and it delayed the suit arriving with held. Then because of covid there was a delay on parts so they sent me out a brand new one to keep me going until mine was sorted. they only charged me for parts. Nothing else. great customer service
It’ll fit if they are designed for an airbag vest or if your leathers are a bit roomy. Mine are snug, and though I could zip them up wearing the vest I could hardly move, so my guess is that if the bag ever went off it would just break all my ribs as it would have nowhere else to go.
I thought I'd update this thread as as I recently went through my Held Evest inflating due to an "off" at Snetterton. This took place at the back end of May. I was braking heavily ( to heavily and to late as it turned out) at the end of Bentley Straight and lining up for Brundle when the front end locked up/washed out. I dont remember much of hitting the ground but I do remember hearing a "bang" of the Airbag going off as the bike started to go down. The rest is just a haze as I bobbed along the track watching the tarmac rush past my visor. Once the tarmac stopped moving I did the usual body checks and did wonder why my shoulders and head seem to be restricted before realising that the airbag was restricting my movement. Once I was on my feet and starting to regain some form of lucidity the body checks confirmed no injury of any concern. Unfortunatley the 899 was a bit of a mess but I was unharmed and it can only have been down to airbag and quality leathers. The observing marshal thought that the airbag had saved me from a good thrashing. What can I say without stating the obvious?! Fantastic bit of kit for the protection given and it allowed me to walk away unharmed from my own stupidity and lack of skill. Prior to purchasing I had the usual thoughts, would it work? Will I damage myself if have it under my leathers and it inflates? I have no doubts now. Yes I had to pay £80 for the replacement cannister which arrived a two days later but it was easy to install and the airbag suffered no damage during the crash.
I’m happy with mine. But all I would say is, make sure potential buyers have enough stretch panel in their suit. My mate has the rst one and he couldn’t breath when it went off because of the above.
Another vote here for the Held Slade/In&Motion combo. In my case I have the Ixon vest to wear under my leathers and the next size up (by Klim) for winter use under my Klim Badlands. Having seen a post inflation set at last week's No Limits track-day at Cadwell I was impressed at the protection the In&Motion gave when the rider high-sided. Let's face it we spend enough on the bikes; in the big scheme of things this is not a huge expense to protect yourself.
That’s why I just wear mine with my textiles/summer jackets as my Held Slade one piece is on the snug side of snug, and if it went off under that it’d break my ribs and rearrange my internal organs I’m sure.
My buddy has used the held air bag vest for a few seasons and loves it. I have just bought the Alpinestar Tech Air 5 which so far I really like for comfort. I bought a tech air compatible suit also, which as you can see is snug fit because it’s got all the stretch areas built in for if it’s needed!
@Phill748 I've got the T Air 5 too. How do you find getting the leathers on over the vest? As it's not got the positioning loops that hold it in place like the Street & Race vests.
it’s not bad, it bunches up a touch tbf, I’ve taken the shoulder armour out the leathers as the airbag will do that and it’s better
I reckon there's a lot to be said for having an airbag-compatible suit (Tech-Air compatible for Alpinestars or one of InMotion's compatible suits). It means you can have leathers that fit correctly but with stretch areas in precisely the right places for airbag inflation. This combo has got to be safer than a suit that only fits the airbag because it's slightly oversized.
I unintentionally used mine on Tuesday at Snetterton. Last session of the day. Low side at Nelson. About 50mph prob. I cleared the track and tumbled about 15 yards when I slid off the tarmac onto the grass. I have a problem shoulder following dislocation and subsequent operation. The airbag genuinely saved it from further damage I think. I also banged my bonce on both sides. Not even a stiff neck as the bag gets so big it restricts head movement. Just fitted a new gas canister this morning for £90. Now won’t ride without it.
