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2025 Canadian Guide: Top 5 Inflatable Airbag Riding Vests — Expert Picks to Ride Safer (Tethered vs Wireless Explained)

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Inflatable airbag riding vests are wearable safety systems that rapidly inflate on fall detection to protect the torso, ribs and pelvis. In Canada they are increasingly used across eventing, fox hunting and everyday riding because they combine high-impact protection with freedom of movement. Buyers here prioritize reliable inflation systems (tethered and wireless), cold-weather performance, quick reset or recharge after deployment, integration with helmets and body protectors, and coverage tailored to their discipline. Modern models emphasize rechargeable inflators, lightweight/ventilated fabrics for layering in variable climates, and well-tested attachment options for cross-country and stadium use. For Canadian riders, durability, water resistance, and independent safety verification are also major decision drivers.

Quick Menu

1. Best Jacket Integration

2. Best Pro-Level Protection

3. Best Value / Budget-Friendly

4. Best Spine Stabilization

5. Best Lightweight Commuter

1
BEST JACKET INTEGRATION

Helite Zip'In 2 Airbag Vest

Helite

Helite's Zip'In 2 Airbag Vest is positioned as a premium integrated option for riders who want a zip-in system that pairs with compatible jackets for wide coverage and streamlined wear. It commands a higher upfront price than some competitors but offers durable construction and user-friendly cartridge replacement that can lower lifetime costs compared with cheaper, disposable designs. Against the rest of this list it stands out for integration and build-quality, trading a premium for a more refined fit and repeated-use reliability.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Jacket-zip cloak

  • Snap-inflates fast

  • Jacket-zip cloak

  • Snap-inflates fast

Review Summary

89%

"Owners praise the Zip'In 2 for very reliable, fast inflation and seamless integration with compatible jackets, delivering premium protection; common complaints are the high price, added weight and ongoing cartridge costs."

  • Hidden stealthy fit

  • Zip-in system for secure integration with compatible motorcycle jackets.

  • Hidden stealthy fit

  • Zip-in system for secure integration with compatible motorcycle jackets.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Helite's Zip'In 2 Airbag Vest is positioned as a premium integrated option for riders who want a zip-in system that pairs with compatible jackets for wide coverage and streamlined wear. It commands a higher upfront price than some competitors but offers durable construction and user-friendly cartridge replacement that can lower lifetime costs compared with cheaper, disposable designs. Against the rest of this list it stands out for integration and build-quality, trading a premium for a more refined fit and repeated-use reliability.

  • Jacket-zip cloak

  • Snap-inflates fast

  • Hidden stealthy fit

  • Zip-in system for secure integration with compatible motorcycle jackets.

  • Gas-cartridge inflation that rapidly deploys air chambers to protect the back and torso.

  • Jacket-zip cloak

  • Snap-inflates fast

  • Hidden stealthy fit

  • Zip-in system for secure integration with compatible motorcycle jackets.

  • Gas-cartridge inflation that rapidly deploys air chambers to protect the back and torso.

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$800-1000 CAD

2
BEST PRO-LEVEL PROTECTION

Point Two ProAir Vest

Point Two

The Point Two ProAir Vest is a market-leading equestrian airbag favored for its balance of proven protection, ease of use and broad acceptance in competition settings. It typically delivers strong value by combining lightweight ergonomics with reliable inflation mechanisms, making it more affordable over time than some premium integrated systems while still offering competitive coverage compared with Helite's higher-end models. Compared with the Hit-Air options, the ProAir is more tailored to horse riders and prioritized for sporting use rather than commuter or general-purpose riding.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

Review Summary

93%

"Users consistently rate the Point Two ProAir as best-in-class for fit, comfort and consistent deployment with a lightweight profile; downsides cited are the premium price and the recurring cost/availability of gas canisters and servicing."

  • Pit-stop refills

  • High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.

  • Pit-stop refills

  • High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

The Point Two ProAir Vest is a market-leading equestrian airbag favored for its balance of proven protection, ease of use and broad acceptance in competition settings. It typically delivers strong value by combining lightweight ergonomics with reliable inflation mechanisms, making it more affordable over time than some premium integrated systems while still offering competitive coverage compared with Helite's higher-end models. Compared with the Hit-Air options, the ProAir is more tailored to horse riders and prioritized for sporting use rather than commuter or general-purpose riding.

  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

  • Pit-stop refills

  • High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.

  • Multiple sizes and elasticated panels deliver a close, performance-oriented fit.

  • Race-fit hug

  • Ultra featherlight

  • Pit-stop refills

  • High-volume airbag design that provides broad torso and spine coverage.

  • Multiple sizes and elasticated panels deliver a close, performance-oriented fit.

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$900-1400 CAD

3
BEST VALUE / BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Hit-Air Advantage Vest

Hit-Air

Hit-Air's Advantage Vest is a versatile, cost-effective choice that often leads on accessibility and budget — it provides dependable inflation performance at a lower entry price than many European rivals. Its technical advantage is simplicity and broad sizing, which makes it attractive for riders wanting a straightforward, low-maintenance airbag without the premium integration features of Helite or the competition-focused fit of Point Two. In this lineup it represents the best value-for-money and widest distribution, though it generally sacrifices some of the refinement and tailored coverage of the higher-priced models.

4
★★★★☆
  • Lanyard-triggered classic

  • Wallet-friendly safety

  • Lanyard-triggered classic

  • Wallet-friendly safety

Review Summary

80%

"The Hit-Air Advantage is seen as a solid-value, durable airbag vest that inflates reliably, but many find it bulkier and less refined than top-tier models and some report awkward tether setup or slower reset times."

  • Size-flex straps

  • Tether-activated inflation using a replaceable gas canister for impact protection.

  • Size-flex straps

  • Tether-activated inflation using a replaceable gas canister for impact protection.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Hit-Air's Advantage Vest is a versatile, cost-effective choice that often leads on accessibility and budget — it provides dependable inflation performance at a lower entry price than many European rivals. Its technical advantage is simplicity and broad sizing, which makes it attractive for riders wanting a straightforward, low-maintenance airbag without the premium integration features of Helite or the competition-focused fit of Point Two. In this lineup it represents the best value-for-money and widest distribution, though it generally sacrifices some of the refinement and tailored coverage of the higher-priced models.

  • Lanyard-triggered classic

  • Wallet-friendly safety

  • Size-flex straps

  • Tether-activated inflation using a replaceable gas canister for impact protection.

  • Lightweight, breathable construction suited to daily riding and commuting.

  • Lanyard-triggered classic

  • Wallet-friendly safety

  • Size-flex straps

  • Tether-activated inflation using a replaceable gas canister for impact protection.

  • Lightweight, breathable construction suited to daily riding and commuting.

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From 1417.56$
4
BEST SPINE STABILIZATION

Helite B'Safe Vest

Helite

The Helite B'Safe Vest is a best-in-class option for riders seeking a middle-ground between cost and protective ergonomics, offering solid chest and torso coverage with Helite's signature mechanical reliability. Priced and positioned below the Zip'In 2, it delivers many of the same safety benefits in a standalone vest form, making it a technically robust alternative for riders who do not need jacket integration. Compared with Point Two and Hit-Air, the B'Safe emphasizes comfort and consistent deployment performance while remaining competitive on long-term maintenance and spare-part availability.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Armor-style coverage

  • Zip-and-go liner

  • Armor-style coverage

  • Zip-and-go liner

Review Summary

85%

"Reviewers appreciate the Helite B'Safe for strong torso and back coverage and dependable deployment; criticisms center on its older, bulkier design and higher cost compared with newer, sleeker options."

  • Reusable canister-ready

  • Inflated chambers that wrap and stabilize the spine and lower back on deployment.

  • Reusable canister-ready

  • Inflated chambers that wrap and stabilize the spine and lower back on deployment.

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

The Helite B'Safe Vest is a best-in-class option for riders seeking a middle-ground between cost and protective ergonomics, offering solid chest and torso coverage with Helite's signature mechanical reliability. Priced and positioned below the Zip'In 2, it delivers many of the same safety benefits in a standalone vest form, making it a technically robust alternative for riders who do not need jacket integration. Compared with Point Two and Hit-Air, the B'Safe emphasizes comfort and consistent deployment performance while remaining competitive on long-term maintenance and spare-part availability.

  • Armor-style coverage

  • Zip-and-go liner

  • Reusable canister-ready

  • Inflated chambers that wrap and stabilize the spine and lower back on deployment.

  • Zip-in compatibility and multiple adjustment points for a secure, tailored fit.

  • Armor-style coverage

  • Zip-and-go liner

  • Reusable canister-ready

  • Inflated chambers that wrap and stabilize the spine and lower back on deployment.

  • Zip-in compatibility and multiple adjustment points for a secure, tailored fit.

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$700-950 CAD

5
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT COMMUTER

Hit-Air MLV-C Light Vest

Hit-Air

The Hit-Air MLV-C Light Vest is aimed at commuters and riders who prioritize minimal weight and compact storage, offering a very affordable, lightweight inflatable solution that inflates reliably when needed. Its financial advantage is clear: lower purchase cost and simple upkeep make it an economical choice for everyday use, though it offers less extensive coverage and fewer premium features than Helite or Point Two models. As the lightest member of this set, it trades some protective area for wearability and convenience on short rides or urban use.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Featherweight commuter

  • High-visibility pop

  • Featherweight commuter

  • High-visibility pop

Review Summary

82%

"The Hit-Air MLV-C Light is popular with commuters for its low profile, light weight and good value, providing competent inflation for urban use; some users note less comfort on long rides and a slightly slower recovery/reset."

  • Quick-cartridge swap

  • Ultra-light, low-bulk construction designed for urban riders and cyclists.

  • Quick-cartridge swap

  • Ultra-light, low-bulk construction designed for urban riders and cyclists.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

The Hit-Air MLV-C Light Vest is aimed at commuters and riders who prioritize minimal weight and compact storage, offering a very affordable, lightweight inflatable solution that inflates reliably when needed. Its financial advantage is clear: lower purchase cost and simple upkeep make it an economical choice for everyday use, though it offers less extensive coverage and fewer premium features than Helite or Point Two models. As the lightest member of this set, it trades some protective area for wearability and convenience on short rides or urban use.

  • Featherweight commuter

  • High-visibility pop

  • Quick-cartridge swap

  • Ultra-light, low-bulk construction designed for urban riders and cyclists.

  • Tether-triggered inflation offering torso cushioning and added neck support.

  • Featherweight commuter

  • High-visibility pop

  • Quick-cartridge swap

  • Ultra-light, low-bulk construction designed for urban riders and cyclists.

  • Tether-triggered inflation offering torso cushioning and added neck support.

Order Now

$300-500 CAD

What research and testing say about airbag riding vests

Research from biomechanics labs, clinical case series and independent impact testing consistently shows that properly worn and maintained inflatable airbag vests can reduce the forces transmitted to the thorax and pelvis in falls. Laboratory tests and real-world case reports suggest lower incidence or severity of rib fractures, pelvic injuries and internal chest trauma when an airbag deploys correctly. Key performance factors demonstrated by studies and independent tests include inflation speed, coverage area, and the vest’s ability to distribute impact energy away from vulnerable structures. While long-term, large-scale randomized trials are limited, the existing body of biomechanical and clinical evidence supports airbags as a valuable addition to a layered equestrian safety strategy.

Lab impact tests show inflatable vests lower peak force and increase energy distribution across the torso compared with no airbag.

Case series and emergency-department reports indicate fewer severe chest and pelvic injuries when airbags deploy, though outcomes depend on fit and deployment timing.

Inflation speed and consistent activation (especially in wireless systems) are critical to protective performance and are primary focus points in testing.

Independent third-party testing and CE/industry compliance checks are useful indicators of product reliability and repeatability.

Maintenance, correct sizing, and proper pairing with certified helmets and body protectors are essential for realizing the protective benefits shown in studies.

This roundup highlights five popular options for Canadian riders: Helite Zip'In 2 Airbag Vest, Point Two ProAir Vest, Hit-Air Advantage Vest, Helite B'Safe Vest, and Hit-Air MLV-C Light Vest. Each model serves different priorities — from the lightweight, everyday comfort of the Hit-Air MLV-C Light Vest to the tethered reliability of the Hit-Air Advantage Vest or the wireless convenience of the Point Two ProAir Vest. For a balance of proven protection, user-friendly recharge/reset features and broad compatibility, the Helite Zip'In 2 Airbag Vest stands out as the best overall choice on this page. We hope you found what you were looking for — refine or expand your search using the site search to compare sizing, certification details, tether vs wireless options, or discipline-specific recommendations.

Discover More
  • Certified Riding Helmets
  • Helmet Liners, Pads and Bags
  • Non Inflatable Body Protectors
  • Impact Reducing Riding Jackets and Shirts
  • Protective Lower Body Apparel
  • Protective Riding Gloves
  • Neck and Spine Protectors

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