Jacket Safety Approvals?

[DancingMonkay]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at jackets to buy right now. I just got a Shoei TZ-R, which has safety approval ratings from Snell and DOT, which was gone over in my MSF class, and I got myself some Joe Rocket Super Motos with knuckle and finger armor. My question, before I buy a jacket, is whether or not jackets have safety ratings like DOT and Snell for helmets. I see these things called CE, Polyester Ballistics, etc. Any useful info on jacket protection?

Thanks,
Monkay

[grappler]

I don't think there are any ratings for the jackets themselves.

"CE approved" is for the armor in the jackets.

[Olivia Chillia]

Some makers list the denier number. This is not terribly helpful unless you're comparing two jackets made of the same material with different denier numbers.

[bikebonechick]

There's a jacket called "Hit-Air" that protects riders in the event of an accident. From the Hit-Air Website: "The Hit-Air system uses CE certified armor to protect the shoulders, elbows and the spine but most importantly, the Hit-Air system also incorporates an air cushion system. In the event of an accident and a rider is thrown from the vehicle or horse, the air cushion instantly inflates (within 1/2 second) to protect the rider's body.

Activation is simple and automatic. A coiled wire is attached to both the vehicle and the jacket or vest. Once the rider and the vehicle or horse, are separated, the coiled wire pulls a "key" out of a gas release system and inert gas inflates the air cushion. The inflated jacket provides the necessary impact protection. After a few seconds the gas is automatically released through the gas release valve.

The Hit-Air system with its instant activation is the ideal safety for motorcyclists and horse back riders!!"

[grappler]

I can see myself forgetting that I had it on and walking away from the bike only to inflate like a balloon.

BTW since this is your first post I'm assuming your just spamming this product.

[Olivia Chillia]

I can see myself forgetting that I had it on and walking away from the bike only to inflate like a balloon.


LOL That was my first thought. Like Bloat from Finding Nemo.

[bikebonechick]

That's the wonderful thing about it -- it won't inflate by accident like that. You'd have to have force like when you are thrown from the bike... You'd just sort of get stuck and then remember to take it loose.
I love the visual though! LOL :)