Help with Helite vest fitting?

[Katjianna]

Hi all, my first post in many years as I get back into riding and I have a question. Not currently with a trainer right now so I need some help.

I was fitted to a size Xs Helite Zip 2 air vest by a local tack shop. Was in between the XS and S size wise, but the canister “tipped out” and the vest was too baggy on the small.

Questions:

1.) I have a fists width of room between my torso and the vest in the XS, does this allow enough room to inflate? Does it inflate out it seems from what i see in the videos?

2.) I bought a Dada vest cover for it, same size XS but I feel like it constricts the vest even more and reduces that fists width room. Do folks usually size up in the Dada vest to allow some more room? Will it zip in properly if i do that? With the XS cover now it feels too snug.

3.) Does the canister have to go outside of the vest? I see some vests its inside and others put the canister outside?

4.) If I go into 2 point the canister pokes my in my chest (boob haha), is this common? Maybe my form is terrible? I tried a long but it was too tight in the hips and bunched up.

Honestly I’m a bit intimidated by this vest, I’ve heard the stories of ribs breaking in a rotational fall etc. Not sure which way ill go with it, but I’d at least like to get the sizing correct so I can make a choice.

Thanks!

[hrlo_1722]

Contact Catherine at Ride Equisafe

[fourfillies]

Love my Helite but I’m a medium. It doesn’t sound like it is fitting correctly (shouldn’t be poking you).

[Mallard]

I have a Helite, also size XS. Had for nearly 2 years. Wear it every single ride. I find it very comfy.
I ride in a dressage saddle and can’t remember the last time I did two point, but I don’t find the canister digs into me.
The canister does not sit actually outside the vest. I don’t think it the ‘bump’ is really visible. I am a barely 5’ / 112 pound 72 year old with rather generous boobs. I can bend over and put my paddock boots on and pick out my horses feet quite comfortably while wearing it.
Size small was too big for me. The canister is larger in the size small and it felt very heavy for me.
I’ve had a minor fall when my horse (14.3 Morgan) tripped over a pole and the vest did exactly what is was supposed to do when I slipped off over her shoulder. It inflates outwards…looks like an old-fashioned boating life jacket… and was not too uncomfortable at all. I also accidentally set it off twice when I first got it.
I wear a very light-weight quilted Kerrits jacket under the Helite in the winter. I’m in Ontario and we get cold weather. I do have a Helite zip-on outer vest vest for it but have never used it.
The Helite vest is so much more comfortable and cooler in the summer, compared to my old Tipperary Eventer

[Pennywell_Bay]

Definitely contact the person listed above. If your vest fits that poorly, you may as not wear one at all (and there is dispute on that subject anyway but not going there in this thread).

[Katjianna]

Ah maybe mine is too small then. I am about 5’8" 125 pounds

[Cowgirl]

I had a different brand of vest, but mine was too snug. I fell, the vest inflated, and I broke four ribs and had the wind completely knocked out of me. I have a new vest now, a Point2 and have a fist+ room and sure I have enough room for inflation without breaking my ribs and completely knocking the wind out of me. The type of vest I bought is adjustable–the old one was a zip in. The zip in was much more flattering, but I would ONLY buy an adjustable vest now to have enough room for inflation. I would have been better off without the vest the time I fell. You are also better off if you can try the vest on than if you order it long distance, no matter who you buy it from, to make sure it fits correctly with enough room for inflation.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Depending on your torso, you may need the Long/Tall vs the Regular length vest. That might explain the awkward fit if it’s cut too short for your height.

[Mallard]

When I got my vest I tried on a few different brands/sizes and chose the Helite as the best fit for me.
As well, the staff at the store had me put it on and pulled the cord on the canister so I could see, feel and hear what happened when it inflated.

[Katjianna]

Thank you, this is good to know!

[Katjianna]

So I ended up driving to Dovers today and going with a Hit Air. I tried on a few Helites and just really dont like the way they fit me. Plus I’m in SoCal so it gets hot here. I have an old Hit Air back when the size was so adjustable it would go from M to an XL, and the fit confused me! The newer H2 Advantage size medium fit me like it was custom made! had a fists room on the torso and couldn’t even feel the canister! I emailed Hit Air and they said this model can be worn without a body protector. Worth the drive, I’m happy and more confident getting a couple of 2 year olds lightly started under saddle with this vest!