Hit Air
(#19904)
Hit Air® Advantage Airbag Vest
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Save 10% Every Day!
Put your horse’s supplements on AutoShip to SAVE 10% every day on all SmartPak brand tack, apparel & gear.
Ride Along Item(s):
The few add-on items we have can be shipped free by syncing them with your supplement on AutoShip, shipping on a Barn Saver Shipping day, or by having a group of add-on items that total over $75. Have questions? Visit SmartPak.com/SmartPerks or call 1-800-461-8898 anytime.
*At least one individual AutoShip supplement or horse’s SmartPaks must be over $40. Some exclusions apply.
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Overview
Why We Love This
The Hit Air Advantage Vest is a culmination of more than a decade of experience in airbag technology by MUGEN DENKO, LTD. The Hit Air Airbag Vest is a "harness type" airbag that employs the new higher speed key ball mechanism which activates the CO2 cartridge. Versatile design makes it perfect for riders of all equestrian disciplines including Eventing and Western. Imported.
This vest is designed for adults, and to deploy properly the rider must weigh a minimum of 100lbs. If a rider is under 100lbs, please contact our Customer Care Team – we would be happy to help select the right vest!
Please Note: Our Regular Length Adjustable Bungee and Clip Bungee Lanyards are recommended for customers with horses 15.2 hands or taller. If a customer will be riding horses between 13.2 hands and 15.2 hands, we recommend a Short Length Lanyard. Air vests should NOT be used on horses under 13.2 hands.
Includes: Instruction Booklet, Canister-Changing Tool, (1) Canister, (1) Saddle Strap, & (1) Clip Bungee Lanyard
Western Lanyard is available to be purchased separately. Click Here!
CAUTION: Safety equipment must fit properly and be appropriately secured with manufacture approved parts only. Altering or adding to safety equipment voids warranty and can result in injury. As a safety precaution, inspect all products prior to each use.
This vest is designed for adults, and to deploy properly the rider must weigh a minimum of 100lbs. If a rider is under 100lbs, please contact our Customer Care Team – we would be happy to help select the right vest!
Please Note: Our Regular Length Adjustable Bungee and Clip Bungee Lanyards are recommended for customers with horses 15.2 hands or taller. If a customer will be riding horses between 13.2 hands and 15.2 hands, we recommend a Short Length Lanyard. Air vests should NOT be used on horses under 13.2 hands.
Includes: Instruction Booklet, Canister-Changing Tool, (1) Canister, (1) Saddle Strap, & (1) Clip Bungee Lanyard
Western Lanyard is available to be purchased separately. Click Here!
CAUTION: Safety equipment must fit properly and be appropriately secured with manufacture approved parts only. Altering or adding to safety equipment voids warranty and can result in injury. As a safety precaution, inspect all products prior to each use.
- Top fast: 0.09 sec deployment time!
- Attention to detail is unmatched by any other brand of airbag apparel
- The neck airbag is significantly larger than the leading competitor's
- The neck airbag inflates first, where most injuries occur, followed by (in only fraction of a millisecond) the torso and hip airbag
- The key box where the CO2 cartridge is deployed is protected from dust and dirt and provides sound insulation to minimize spooking the horse during an unintended deployment
- Added comfort in the saddle because the hip air bags are concealed inside a special pocket making it unnecessary to have a long "duck tailed" style that can be uncomfortable in the saddle
- Cool to wear due to the open design
- Cartridges: S and M uses 50cc
Key Specifications
- Closure Style: Buckle
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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? SEE Q&A
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100% Happiness Guarantee
At SmartPak, your happiness is at the core of everything we do. We put our products to the test in our barns and on our horses, and back every order with our world-class customer service so that you can shop with confidence. As part of our Happiness Guarantee, we promise you:- Expert advice from riders
- Free shipping every day
- Free return shipping on sized items
- Hassle-free returns up to 365 days after purchase
- PLEASE READ: Delivery Guidelines
Ingredients
(Maintenance Dose = )
| Ingredient | Amount |
Sizing
This vest is designed for adults, and to deploy properly the rider must weigh a minimum of 100lbs.
Specifications
| Closure Style | Buckle |
| Accessories Included | Instruction Booklet, Canister-Changing Tool, (1) Canister, (1) Saddle Strap, & (1) Lanyard |
| Customizable | No |
| Special Features | Please Note: For proper use of this vest, Riders must weigh a minimum of 100lbs or more |
Reviews
Hit Air® Advantage Airbag Vest is rated
out of
5 by
51.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Moxiegirl from
It Works!
I "tried" this vest in an open air arena a couple of weeks ago. My 19 yo lease TB spooked and my whip in hand brushed him. He bolted a bit, I flew threw the air over a low dressage rail and landed about 6 feet away. The landing was on my back none the worse for the fall. He's about 16' 3 and I'm 5' 4" --- we were trotting at the time.
Some folks, I guess, worry about what it says about them to wear a vest on any horse --- let alone a good guy. I just worry about being able to do what I enjoy as often and as long as I can. 2 hours after this fall I went for a couple mile run and the next day was back up on my horse.
Pro Tip: The manual that comes with the vest explains how to "set the strap" length so it does go off. Make sure you read and follow those directions. It is possible to dismount and have it not go off. I did this before my fall and was surprised. The day of my fall I set the strap length, whew, good move. I'm sure it would have deployed given the distance I went but still....
Date published: 2019-06-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pepperdonk from
My vest deployed today...
I bought this vest a couple of months ago after an unintended dismount into a soft plowed field. I’m middle aged and a newer rider, so I wanted something to minimize the chances of a serious injury. I tried most of the vests SmartPak offers, and did not like the “ballistics vest” feel; I’m short-waisted, busty, and they were just cumbersome and uncomfortable. I’ve ridden dirt roads, trails, and arena with this vest on, trotting or loping in all locations. Unlike the ballistics-style vests, this does not interfere with my seat (short/short-waisted folks take note). It’s very comfortable - a tiny bit warmer than just a t-shirt, but worth the peace of mind.
Today I had another unintended dismount into an arena with a hard base layer under the sand. The vest deployed while I was about level with my horse’s shoulder. The noise was not startling enough to spook my horse while I was midair; the clinician thought it was her fabric arena snapping in the wind. The vest functioned exactly as described, protecting my neck, ribs, and abdomen. My only note is that due to the angle I achieved in midair, I landed on my tailbone. I’m going to be a little sore for a few days, BUT I did not crack ribs, injure my shoulder/collarbone, strain my neck, etc, etc.
My only note is that if you use this with a Western saddle, be sure to secure the strap to your swells and horn through multiple loops. I was able to dismount once without triggering the vest, and thus added another loop around my horn. Today I was glad I’d done so, as I think the vest deployed when I was higher in the air than it would have.
This vest is expensive and IMO worth every penny. I just ordered a 3-pack of replacement cartridges. I feel even more confident knowing the vest performs exactly as described.
Date published: 2019-06-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Gabriele from
Super Comfortable and Great Fit
After breaking my neck as a result from a bad equestrian fall I am so happy this vest gives me a sense of security.
So easy to wear. Don’t even notice it when schooling or competing.
Date published: 2018-08-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Horsecrazy from
Great product!
I just purchased this vest a couple weeks ago. I wear it every time I ride. It's very comfortable.
Date published: 2018-05-16
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Ride on from
Very comfy
I wanted something light weight with out all the bulk and being able to move freely was a big thing I ride western so when I looked at this vest I did a lot of product research do to the cost and I found that everyone loved it so I took the plunge a little skeptical about the attachment to activate it I attached it to my pommel I had plenty of free movement without getting caught up in it and free to move around in the saddle as a trail rider would I give it’s 4 stars because I hope I never have to use it but if I didn’t or I hope it makes the 5 Star
Date published: 2018-04-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rider54 from
Worth Every Penny!
I bought this last Xmas, husband insisted. 54yrs old jumping 3'3-3'6 2x-3x times a week. Amateur, full time job, mortgage, etc. I have come off 2 times and it has worked perfectly every time! Maybe a bruise here and there but nothing major! Not hard to change cartridge-just follow the guide. I wear every time I jump, a great piece of safety equipment and mind. Be Smart!
Date published: 2017-08-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Debbie j from
Highly recommended
I bought this after coming off my horse and taking quite awhile to recover from broken ribs. It was recommended to me by a woman that was wearing it when she fell and had no injuries from which to recover. At age 66 I don't bounce anymore. Better than bubble wrap!
Date published: 2017-07-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Yasmin from
Low Profile Safety Vest
I was pleasantly surprised by how low profile this vest was when I got it. The CO2 canister arrivers separately, I read through the attached booklette pretty easy to assemble. I did read other reviews who mentioned the vest runs small. I found the opposite. I got the smallest size (since I run a size 2 in regular clothing) and it was a little big for me. I adjusted the internal belt which helped, but its still a tad large around the chest. I attached it using the hand grab supplied to my saddle and was ready for action! We live in So. CA, so it did run hot to ride in (and its only May!). It does allow for some air flow as the vest is partially open. But overall honestly, after 2 bad falls in 12 months, its worth the peace of mind. Highly recommend! It was backordered but I ordered anyway based on the recommendation of the rep I talked to and it arrived before the date stated.
Date published: 2017-05-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Grateful Rider from
Worked! Wish Sizing Were A Bit Different
I bought this in January. I got the smaller size of the two options because I needed the smaller size for my chest size. I did wish that it were a bit longer over my tailbone. But I specifically wanted the Hit Air because of the size of its neck roll and the protection it provides to the head as a result, so I decided I'd be okay with the shorter coverage.
Yesterday I got to see it in action. I came off my horse as a result of a buck. The vest inflated as I came off and before I hit the ground, although it actually didn't reach full inflation before I hit and continued to get tighter as I scrambled up. Everything from my mid-back up was perfectly fine - no soreness whatsoever. My head was protected from impact by the neck roll. I did have lower back pain (right above the tailbone), but got checked out and it was only bruised - nothing broken.
I firmly believe that without the vest I'd be in much worse shape than I am. And note that I was wearing only the air vest, without a passive vest underneath. I am very, very happy that I had my vest on and plan to continue to wear it, even at shows over my jacket.
Date published: 2017-04-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
horsegirl from
Lightweight
I have worn this several times..I can hardly tell I have it on..very lightweight! Glad to have this safety piece if I have an unforeseen dismount..Hopefully I will never have to use it but so glad that I have it now.
Date published: 2017-04-03
Rated 3 out of
5
by
dogpatch from
Sizing is Wierd
I owned a Hit-Air vest before and stupidly sold it, so now I am in the market for another one. The sizing on the Hit-Air Advantage says one size will fit small to extra large. I called SmartPak to confirm this. Extra large usually covers me for most items, but unfortunately, this vest didn't even come close, so sadly, I had to return it. I know that the vest is a great item and regret that this one didn't fit. In notes below, I have marked "runs small". That is for someone looking for extra large, especially that will go over bulky outerwear.
Date published: 2016-11-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Judy from
Peace of Mind
Sales and service for this item was excellent! Let's face it; an equestrian life is a joy and a risk. Purchasing the Hit Air Advantage Airbag Vest has given me that extra boost of confidence. The time and care in my phone order gave me assurance that the fit would be correct. I love it!
Date published: 2016-08-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Stella from
Smartest investment I ever made!
My husband - who is an avid downhill mountian biker - pointed out the obvious to me - he wears a full face helmet, neck protector, and body armor to move at speed through obstacles on something that doesn't "spook" - and all I was wearing was a helmet! This vest seemed like a no- brainier. I wear it every time I ride - yes - even in dressage tests. Today I finally had a real-world test - not 'cause my horse was naughty - he simply slipped on the grass at the canter and went down - I was tossed clear and the vest inflated - I didn't feel a thing and I loved how the collar prevented my neck from getting bounced around. My highly reactive and spooky Arab wasn't phased by the noise at all and since I didn't get a hard bump I wasn't phased by the fall either and was able to stay calm and keep him calm. He was fine too:) I have watched several friends (and my husband) suffer with broken backs, necks and pelvises from whitewater kayaking, biking, and snowboarding - at best you lose months trying to recover and sometimes you don't recover at all - we spend tons of money keeping our horses safe - take advantage of the technology that may help to keep you safe too.
Date published: 2016-07-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jeannette from
Comfortable, non obtrusive when riding.
This vest has given me back my confidence to ride after having taken a fall. I forget I have it on when I am riding.
Date published: 2016-07-20
Rated 4 out of
5
by
emily87 from
Makes me feel safer on XC
I was concerned at first with the sizing b/c there are limited options but was pleasantly surprised how well the vest fits over my other XC vest. I can hardly tell I have it on. I also like the new design on the back. One of the reasons that I have waited to get an air vest is b/c I felt like some vests are too long in the back and this modified design is more contour to your body, but when it is popped the air bag overs the correct parts.
Date published: 2016-06-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Peggy from
I have 2 of these vests!
I should have bought this vest years ago! Am currently riding a green gelding on trail who is going through a spooky phase. Well, at least I hope it's a phase :-) Anyway, I have had 4 "opportunities" to try this vest out and it is just perfect. The vest blows up immediately and I almost bounce when I hit the ground. I bought another one for my young friend to use when she rides along with me. It's so worth every penny. Buy one and save yourself lots of pain and injuries!
Date published: 2016-05-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
erdoc from
Every rider should have one
I bought this for my daughter. I was concerned about the fit; it only comes in 2 sizes and she was probably right in between. It fits fine but I would consider that it has to go over a heavy coat in the winter in the northern states. I ordered it in early Dec and got it in mid January. Quite a wait. The shipping date changed every 2 days. However now that it is here, I am happy. I hope we never have to see if it really works. It is expensive, but I know that a broken neck or back is much more expensive.
Date published: 2016-02-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Base1 from
Came off horse stepped on me.
Came off horse, he stepped on me, hoof print on the back of the vest, I didn't feel a thing. Everyone who saw it had heart failure, I got up and said I'm ok.
I have between 3 and 4 pounds of Harrington rods in my back,
Date published: 2016-01-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
nanart from
Safe Landing
Sorry, should have hit 5 stars, not 1! My review is the previous one.
Date published: 2015-11-20
Rated 1 out of
5
by
nanart from
Safe Landing
I have a good seat and can ride out most anything until the day my horse tripped and his head dropped out from under me and I had no choice but to fly off. Cracked a few places in my back which is what drove me to search for a way to avoid this should I ever fall again. This vest was so worth the investment. 6 months later my horse tripped and dropped out from under me again but his time I was wearing this vest and it worked beautifully and saved me from any injury. I will never ride without it.
Date published: 2015-11-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
bugsie from
probably saved my life
I bought this last year after a park accident resulting in a lumbar fracture and broken pelvis. I had it on last weekend when I was "ejected". It might have saved my life, in addition to my helmet, but certainly protected me from injuries more serious than a broken shoulder! The only addition that I could suggest would be shoulder "caplets". I'm so glad I made this investment, and Thanks to Dover Saddlery and Smartpak for making it available to recreational riders.
Date published: 2015-09-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Gallopup from
Good Decision
As a foxhunter and jumper I am so glad I purchased this item for the 2015-16 hunt season. I wear a pacemaker and cannot believe I did not get this long ago!
Date published: 2015-07-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Foxtrotlove from
Excellent product
Very nice vest. Light weight,fits well,seems to be well made. Luckily haven't had to experience how well it protects, but I feel much safer wearing it.
Date published: 2015-05-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
PonyFromTheSouth from
If you event this should be mandatory
This product has saved me probably months of injury. I've had it for almost four years now and have had it save me more than a handful of times. Not even for bad falls or naughty horses - just simple unpredicted nonsense that can happen with horses. I love this vest, it is lightweight and not a flour sack like the Point Two Pro Air. The canisters are easy to remove and vest is easy to deflate. When it comes to safety, really no matter your level, consider one of these vests for cross country. It really will save you a lot of pain.
Date published: 2015-05-04
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Doc Barb from
Hit Air Vest
I did a ton of research and I am 100% sure that this is the best on the market. It has the fastest delivery time in the event of a fall. The company was the first to go into motorcycle vests and then went to equine vests. It is really comfortable. You can order buckle extenders and a foam back which goes on the velcro that is on the vest for additional support. (from Hit Air) This vest is very comfortable. I wore a black jacket (winter) under it and my husband was surprised that he could not see the vest--that it was conservative in appearance. This is a MUST for anyone on a horse. Workmanship is excellent!
Date published: 2015-01-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
My childrens Dad from
Great product!
IMO this should be mandatory riding equipment for minors. As is the case with most recreational (e.g, bicycle helmets) AND professional (e.g, football helmet face masks) activities/sports the use of protective equipment is often slow to be incorporated. As more professionals endorse and use inflatable vests, alongside vocalization on the benefits of wear, perceptions will change, followed by rapid acceptance and wider affordability.
My adventurous teenage daughter is aware (as are all the girls) that she is the ONLY person in her riding class (actually the entire training facility) that uses and who's parent's require her to wear the Hit Air vest as a condition for riding lessons. She fell out of the saddle on her third class. Everyone heard the instantaneous "poof" of the vest inflation. The horse ran for the pasture as my daughter, un-injured, stood and said with a big proudful grin "I fell off my horse." A quick vest change and she was back in the saddle. Yes - my family is new to the sport. I understand that injuries can/will happen. Most are minor, some serious, rarely fatal. I cannot protect her from every accident; however, I can try to minimize the Injury. That is my job as Dad.
IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY -- THEY ARE A GREAT VEST!
Date published: 2014-12-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rocky from
Fits great...
Hasn't gone off yet, because I haven't fallen yet.... but so glad I have a little extra insurance. The best fits easily and beautifully. No one can tell it's not a normal piece of clothing unless they look carefully. It's lightweight. It fits over my coat or just over my jacket or just a shirt. Easy to adjust. Super easy to clip in and out. Does not get in the way when riding or posting. What's not to love?
Date published: 2014-12-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
zonicles from
Actual use in a wreck
II had a wreck driving my carriage when my mare bolted. I broke three ribs and was laid up for about a month. After that happened, I wore this vest. A good thing because the goofy mare decided to bolt and fling me out of the carriage again. I can say that it isn't any fun landing on the ground but with an inflated vest, it meant no broken ribs and way less pain. With my new horse (no more bolting mare for me), I use this when I ride or drive him. I am thankful that I have had no further need to test it.
Date published: 2014-10-06
Rated 4 out of
5
by
JancieTate from
Beware the size chart is not accurate
I love the confidence the vest gives me that my core will be protected in case of a fall. However unless you are the measurements for the medium size in the size chart you may need the extenders. I wish smart pack would carry those or the next size up vest. I would also recommend ordering a CO2 canister. That being said I do love the vest and it is light and fairly cool. I wear this and my helmet on all my rides.
Date published: 2014-09-26
Rated 4 out of
5
by
bugsie from
Added layer of protection
Two episodes of broken bones in my back/pelvic in 2 years, falls from "high places", so I bought this to give me the self confidence to get back in the saddle. It is very light weight, and not hot. I have voluntarily dismounted from the saddle, forgetting to untether it, and it hasn't gone off. I'm very glad for the fact that it requires 35 lbs of pressure to inflate. Glad I bought it. I would suggest that they include 2 air cartridges in the price instead of just one, since you would have to wait for the shipping of a new air cartridge if you set it off.
Date published: 2014-08-15
Q & A
Videos
How to replace air cartridges in Hit Air vests
Whether you're a barn manager, trainer, experienced eventer, or parent, the ability to change the CO2 canister in air vests is a essential skill
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