So, I bought a point 2 air vest three years ago, have been using it on XC regularly. I finally popped off my horse after putting him to an impossible distance (sorry buddy!)…I basically slid down the neck and landed quite well. I heard the vest go
Pop! Whoosh!..and then got up and realized that the CO2 cartridge had little to NO CO2 in it. Vest did not inflate at all.:eek:
$700 for a vest that doesn’t work- great. Just great.
Glad that I didn’t really need it, but- WOW! Can you imagine that all this time, I have been riding like I am bullet-proof, with a false sense of security, and come to find out- it did not work.
I guess that the cartridges have expiration dates like a carton of milk.
Just plain old sick about it. This is a public service annoucement for those of you who, like me, have not “serviced” the airvest. Get it done!
Even if it works properly, which isn’t guaranteed even when you get it serviced as recommended, it won’t stop bullets!
Sorry about the vest-- although I would never ride as if my safety equipment is going to save me. Your experience and skill, not your safety equipment, should determine what sort of risks you are willing to take. An air vest is not going to protect you from a rotational fall.
Maybe this should be renamed "Owner of Point 2 airvest didn’t work’? Like tack or any other equipment, the vest needs to be checked and serviced!
From the company website
For Point Two products to work as intended, the vests must be fitted, attached and worn correctly. They must also be serviced regularly and kept in a dry, cool environment.
I have a Point 2 that I bought over a year ago still sitting in my closet unused…tell me, do the cartridges have expiration dates on them? On the packaging? Or did you get a dud? Just curious
Thanks for telling us. Sometime we can ignore servicing recommendations. Other times, they are essential. It sounds like the vests really do need annual servicing and replacement of cartridges.
I actually just googled it, and both Hit Air and Point Two say that the cartridges last indefinitely unless they’re rusty or damaged, so I wonder if that was the case or if there was another issue.
How do you keep an XC vest in a cool dry environment all the time?
Was the cartridge empty? Or was it not attached properly to the vest? Or does the vest have a hole in it? The cartridge being empty by the time you checked would not surprise me, as they discharge almost instantly but it sounds like the air didn’t get into the vest.
If you find an answer past back. I have a vest that I have not used, but probably should have it checked before I do!
Yes, please let us know after you figure it out. I wonder if the cartridges last indefinitely in the box, but maybe a year in the vest? If you find a hole, is it obvious or hidden in a seam?
Keep us updated if you find out anything, I wear mine fox hunting, so far I have not fallen with it on.
For that much money I would hope it works!
I love my Hit Air and get a chance to test it at least once a year! I have never had it serviced (my bad!) but this thread made me decide to do that while our season is over. Gotta get a regulation body protector too.
This is an example of what is called, “Fail Dangerous.” ANY air vest is not “Fail Safe.” The require too many direct interactions in order to work. And this is why they should NEVER be required.
Reed
I noticed today that there was rust on the cartridge that did not inflate. My husband and I discussed this and will be getting the vest serviced ASAP. In the meantime, I rode at a schooling horse trials today and I wore both safety vests. My sweet friend showed me how to replace the cartridge with her hex wrench as I lost mine. I was just kidding about riding like I was “bullet-proof”, but perhaps this forum is not the place to kid around. Like any sane person, I want to stay safe and have fun:) Thanks everyone for your kind concern. The rust was there- I need to go to the website and read the manual closer.
So it is a good idea to check the cartridge regularly. I can see how with time and moisture, the cartridge could get rusty.
This thread should be entitled, “My Air Vest Cartridge didn’t work.”
I don’t think it is rocket science 
to service the vests. There are lots of safety devices that require proper fit, replacement, and/or monitoring. Sometimes we are unaware of these requirements. Think helmet chin straps, helmet damage, safety stirrups, leathers, etc etc.
Good to be vigilant.
Now, my vest hasn’t inflated for four years so I think it is time to check out that cartridge!
Thanks for your continued detective work. I am a trail rider, and see more and more vests on the trails. If the air vests turn out to be finicky for eventers, they could need even more care for trail riders.
i understand your comment about bullet proof. Sometimes, when I am riding cautiously and using all of the safety equipment, I feel confident that I am doing my best to stay safe. If something happens, it was out of my control and just meant to be. We all know that we are not really bullet proof.
This thread should be entitled, “My Air Vest Cartridge didn’t work.”
I don’t think it is rocket science to service the vests. There are lots of safety devices that require proper fit, replacement, and/or monitoring. Sometimes we are unaware of these requirements. Think helmet chin straps, helmet damage, safety stirrups, leathers, etc etc.
Couldn’t agree more with your sentiments Winding Down! The cartridge didn’t work because it was not properly maintained. The vest aren’t magical- they need proper maintenance just like anything else. You wouldn’t blame your truck breaking down on the truck if you never changed the oil would you?
I know the vest is easy to buy once and not think about again but you really do need to send it in for service to test for things like air leaks and also change out the cartridge. It’s worth the money to maintain the investment!
It’s a good reminder to get them check. I have the good (un) fortunate of replacing my canister a couple of times this year. I refuse to buy the three-pack because that feels like jinxing myself. But here I am…
The vests are on sale! (use promo code Lauch30) The cartridges are on sale! (promo code: launch50 (50% off) and the service is on sale! (launch10)Use the promo codes from USEA email today… what excellent timing!!!
[QUOTE=RSEventer;8915075]
The vests are on sale! (use promo code Lauch30) The cartridges are on sale! (promo code: launch50 (50% off) and the service is on sale! (launch10)Use the promo codes from USEA email today… what excellent timing!!![/QUOTE]
This is on the Point 2 site? They don’t fit my vest but I have a friend who has a Point 2.
