Okay, so I recently got into this whole motorcycle airbag jacket thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a ride, pun intended. I heard about these jackets that basically have airbags built into them, just like a car, you know? It sounded pretty cool and, more importantly, safe, so I decided to dive in and see what the deal was.
First off, I started looking around to see what my options were. There are a few big names out there, and it got a little overwhelming. I saw something about an Ixon U03 Vest, which looked pretty slick. The price was a bit steep, something like 650 bucks. Then there was the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5. This one seemed really high-tech, with all sorts of sensors and stuff. I guess they all do the same thing in the end, which is puff up like a balloon if you take a tumble.
So, after a lot of hemming and hawing, I decided to just go for it. I ended up picking one that looked decent and didn’t totally break the bank. Putting it on for the first time, I felt like a bit of a Michelin Man, all puffy and bulky. But hey, if it saves my skin, it’s worth it, right?
- Wearing it: Honestly, it took some getting used to. It’s definitely heavier than a regular jacket, and you feel a bit restricted at first.
- Riding with it: Once I got on the bike, though, I kinda forgot about it. It’s not like it gets in the way of riding or anything. I guess that’s the point, right? To be there when you need it but otherwise stay out of the way.
- The Test (not a real one, thank goodness): I haven’t had to “use” it yet, if you catch my drift. And I hope I never do! But it’s good to know it’s there, like a safety net.
Now, I’m no expert, but I figure this is way better than just a regular jacket. If I ever go down, I’d rather have this thing blow up and cushion the fall than rely on just some leather and padding. It’s like an extra layer of insurance, and when you’re on two wheels, you can’t have too much of that.
My Final Thoughts
I guess the bottom line is, this airbag jacket thing is pretty neat. It’s a bit of an investment, and it takes some getting used to, but I think it’s worth it for the added peace of mind. It’s not a magic bullet, and you still gotta ride safe and smart, but it’s like having a guardian angel, made of air, watching your back. Or, well, your whole upper body, really. So, yeah, if you’re a serious rider, or even just a casual one like me, you might want to look into these things. They’re definitely something to consider if you value your skin as much as I do.
