How Does an Airjacket Work for Riders?

An airjacket works like a personal airbag for riders. The system is designed to inflate within milliseconds during a fall, providing extra protection for vital areas of the body. But how exactly does it work? In this blog, we explain it step by step.

Mechanical or electronic system

There are two main types of airjackets:

• Mechanical: The vest is connected to the saddle with a lanyard. When the rider falls, the lanyard disconnects and triggers the CO2 canister.
• Electronic: Sensors in the vest detect sudden movements or impact and automatically activate the inflation system.

Step by step: from fall to protection

1. The rider falls or is thrown from the saddle.
2. The mechanical lanyard or electronic sensor detects the fall.
3. The CO2 canister is activated.
4. The vest inflates within milliseconds.
5. An air cushion forms around the back, chest, neck, and hips.

Maintenance and reloading

Maintenance and reloading of your air vest

After activation of an air vest, the CO2 cartridge must always be replaced. At the bottom of the holder, where the CO2 cartridge is located, most models have a screw that can be loosened with an Allen key. This releases the tension from the spring, allowing it to return to its correct position.

In some cases, it may be necessary to gently push the spring back down from the top using the Allen key. You can then properly reposition the holder (where the ball or, in the case of Freejump, the red clip/block is placed).

Always check that the lanyard can move freely and correctly returns into the holder. Important: if this is not positioned correctly and the ball or block is placed incorrectly, the air vest will not deploy in the event of a fall. This is because the spring will not be able to release properly.

Once everything is correctly reassembled, you can tighten the screw at the bottom again and insert a new CO2 cartridge.

Below is an image of the holder where the ball/red block needs to be placed back.
Holder for the air vest ball mechanism.

Maintenance and cleaning

Regularly check your air vest for wear and always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. We also offer special cleaning kits to safely clean and maintain your air vest. Seaver K

At the moment, there is one air vest on the market that can be washed in a washing machine: the Plume by Freejump. This vest comes with a special laundry bag. Before washing, the vest must be disassembled:

• remove the CO2 cartridge
• remove the red block

Important: always remove the CO2 cartridge first before removing the red block, otherwise the vest may accidentally deploy.

Conclusion: technology that inspires confidence

Whether you ride for leisure or competition, an airjacket offers extra safety. Understanding how it works helps you use and maintain it effectively.

How Does an Airjacket Work for Riders?

An airjacket works like a personal airbag for riders. The system is designed to inflate within milliseconds during a fall, providing extra protection for vital areas of the body. But how exactly does it work? In this blog, we explain it step by step.

Mechanical or electronic system

There are two main types of airjackets:

• Mechanical: The vest is connected to the saddle with a lanyard. When the rider falls, the lanyard disconnects and triggers the CO2 canister.
• Electronic: Sensors in the vest detect sudden movements or impact and automatically activate the inflation system.

Step by step: from fall to protection

1. The rider falls or is thrown from the saddle.
2. The mechanical lanyard or electronic sensor detects the fall.
3. The CO2 canister is activated.
4. The vest inflates within milliseconds.
5. An air cushion forms around the back, chest, neck, and hips.

Maintenance and reloading

After activation, the CO2 canister must be replaced. Regularly check the vest for wear and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Electronic models may also require occasional software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airjackets

How do I replace a CO2 canister?

After activation, unscrew the empty canister and replace it with a new one of the same type. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can an airjacket be used more than once?

Yes, an airjacket can be reused multiple times, as long as it is inspected after each activation and the CO2 canister is replaced.

How often should I have my airjacket serviced?

Have your airjacket serviced annually by the supplier or manufacturer to ensure all components are working correctly.

Is an airjacket suitable for all disciplines?

Yes, airjackets are used in show jumping, eventing, cross-country, dressage, and leisure riding. Make sure to choose a model that suits your discipline.

Can I wash my airjacket?

Most airjackets cannot be machine washed. Clean the vest with a damp cloth and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Conclusion: technology that inspires confidence

Whether you ride for leisure or competition, an airjacket offers extra safety. Understanding how it works helps you use and maintain it effectively.