This document is a user guide for Point Two Air Jackets, an advanced inflatable body protector system designed for equestrians. The manual covers various models including the ProAir2 Adult/Child, Hunter/Z-Style, and Soft Shell Gilet/Vest.
Function Description
Point Two Air Jackets are inflatable body protectors that utilize an advanced airbag system to provide superior protection for horse riders in the event of a fall. When the airbags are fully inflated, they offer protection from impacts against soft or hard ground, or objects such as trees, vehicles, posts, or rails. The system also aims to reduce the risk of injuries from being kicked, trodden on, or crushed by a horse. When inflated, the airbag system supports the collar of the neck and trunk, reducing the risk of over-bending the spinal column.
The airbag system is activated by a lanyard attached to the saddle. If the rider falls or is thrown from the horse, the lanyard tightens and pulls a release pin from the trigger body. This action causes a spring to push a piston into the neck of a CO2 cartridge, discharging CO2 into the airbag until full inflation is achieved. Peak inflation is maintained for 10-15 seconds, after which the CO2 gradually discharges through a decompression outlet in the trigger body.
Important Technical Specifications
Testing and Approval:
The body protectors are tested at SATRA Technology Centre, Kettering, UK, against the manufacturer's specifications and conform to SATRA M38: July 2012 – Requirements for air-vests for use in horse riding. The test apparatus and impact performance requirements are identical to those specified for EN 13158:2009 Level 3 body protectors. EC Type-Examination certification is issued by SATRA Technology Centre Limited, Notified Body No. 0321, and the products are CE marked, indicating compliance with the EU Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC.
Material Content:
- ProAir2 & Hunter Outer Cover: 100% Polyester
- ProAir2 & Hunter Lining: 100% Polyester
- Airbags: High-quality resistant polyurethane sheaths, designed for optimal shock absorption.
CO2 Cartridge Specifications:
- Adult's sizes: Type: CO2, Canister volume: 60cc, Weight: 182g +/- 3g, Container: cast steel; welded tap, Reference: LS-6013-ew-Cn3L-45.
- Children's sizes: Type: CO2, Canister volume: 50cc, Weight: 152g +/- 3g, Container: cast steel; welded tap, Reference: LS-5116-EW-Cn4R-HLT.
- Temperature Range for Cartridge Use/Storage: Below 45°C/113°F and above 0°C/32°F. If stored below 0°C, it must be warmed up before use or replaced with a warmed cartridge.
- Cartridge Reusability: CO2 cartridges are not reusable and must be replaced with a fresh cartridge of the same capacity after each activation.
- Weight Check: The cartridge weight should be checked yearly and should not differ by more than 3g from the engraved weight.
Sizing (Measurements in cm):
- ProAir, Soft Shell & Hunter (Adult):
- Rider Height: 154-188
- Rider Chest: 90-115
- Rider Waist: 85-110
- Rider Hip: 90-140
- Waist-to-waist over shoulder: 82-110
- Nape of neck to coccyx: 65-83
- ProAir CHILD:
- Rider Height: 130-160
- Rider Chest: 75-98
- Rider Waist: 70-92
- Waist-to-waist over shoulder: 64-88
- Nape of neck to coccyx: 52-64
Usage Features
Fitting:
The body protector should cover specific areas:
- Bottom Edge: Not less than 25mm below the ribcage anteriorly, reaching the pelvis laterally.
- Posteriorly: Not less than 15cm below the level of the top of the pelvis on an average adult.
- Top of Back: Just reach the level of the seventh cervical vertebra.
- Front: Reach the top of the sternum.
- Collar-bone: Cover the lateral 75%.
It is crucial that the vest is not fastened snugly to the body to allow space for airbag inflation. Adjust straps or try a larger size if necessary. Remove all pointed objects from clothing before wearing.
Saddle Attachment:
The adjustable saddle attachment is secured to the saddle's D-rings and stirrup bars. The lanyard clips onto the central ring of this attachment. It is vital to use the supplied Point Two saddle attachment and not D-rings or other saddle parts, as this could cause malfunction or premature inflation. The lanyard should be short enough not to wrap around the saddle but not so tight as to restrict rider movement. Always detach the lanyard before dismounting to prevent accidental inflation.
Precautions after Activation:
- Ensure safety before removing the body protector.
- The airbag remains inflated for 15-20 seconds before gradual deflation.
- Do not block the decompression valve.
- If external damage occurs during deployment, contact Point-2 Equine Ltd.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning:
- ProAir2 & Hunter: Wipe clean with lukewarm water only. Hang on a hanger in a well-ventilated space to dry. Do not machine wash, bleach, tumble dry, or iron.
- Soft Shell (removable outer): The outer jacket can be removed and washed gently/delicately at 30°C. Line dry. Do not bleach, tumble dry, iron, or dry clean. The inner layer (containing airbags and trigger) cannot be laundered; wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat and sunlight. Ensure all pocket zips are closed before washing.
Storage:
Store on a clothes-hanger in a dry, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the garment. Do not sew or stick anything onto the body protector to prevent piercing the airbags.
Servicing:
- Frequency: Point Two requires annual servicing, after six inflations, or after a particularly heavy fall or a fall into water.
- Process: Servicing includes airbag removal, integrity verification, shell washing, trigger cleaning, and full pressure testing of the airbag. Any weaknesses found will result in free airbag replacement.
- Warranty: All Point Two air jackets come with a lifetime warranty on the airbag component, subject to annual servicing. If reduced airbag performance is detected, the airbag will be replaced free of charge.
- Voiding Warranty: Servicing by anyone other than Point Two engineers will void the lifetime warranty of the airbag and trigger system.
- Lanyard Check: Regularly check the lanyard for signs of wear and tear and contact Point Two for professional inspection and replacement if needed.
Resetting the Trigger and Replacing CO2 Cartridge:
- Procedure: A detailed step-by-step guide is provided for resetting the trigger and replacing the CO2 cartridge, including visual aids. An instructional video is available at www.pointtwoairvests.com.
- Important: These steps must be followed in sequence to avoid damaging the release pin. An adult should reset the jacket after activation.
- Cartridge Type: Only genuine Point Two gas cartridges of the correct size (60cc for adult sizes and Child Large ProAir, 50cc for Child Small, Medium, and CXL) with the correct bayonet fitting should be used. Screw-fitting cartridges are not compatible.
- Safety: Ensure the empty cartridge is completely empty before removal. Keep spare CO2 cartridges out of children's reach. Do not dismantle the release pin or remove any parts of the trigger system.
General Warnings:
- The foam in the body protector is sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can reduce its protective properties.
- Any alteration, incorrect cleaning, or misuse may be detrimental to protective performance.
- Injuries cannot be entirely prevented by this body protector, especially in cases of severe torsion, flexion, extension, or crushing of the body. Protection from neurological spinal injury is not guaranteed.
- The jacket protects only when inflated.
- No garment or backpack should be worn over the Point Two jacket.
- Pregnant women are advised not to wear the air jacket beyond 18 weeks of pregnancy due to theoretical risks.
- Point Two disclaims responsibility for injuries or death incurred while wearing its products, as equestrian sports are inherently dangerous.
Point Two Air Vests are manufactured and serviced in Great Britain and the US.
Need help?
General
To Next Page