Wearable Air Bag For Horse, Cycle Riding

Wearable Air Bag For Horse, Cycle Riding LIVESTOCK Horses/Mules 30-5-30 Anybody who's ever been thrown from a horse or a motorcycle (including this writer in both cases) knows the pain and even potential paralysis that can result. Personal airbag systems are now available in the U.S. for horseback riders and motorcyclists alike. "You wear them like regular vests or jackets," says Alex Von Pichl, U.S. distributor. "When they blow, the top pops up and fills to protect the neck and the bottom pops down and fills to protect the lower spine. In less than half a second, you are surrounded by an airbag with 1,500 psi and as hard as a basketball." Von Pichl said the systems are so fast that sometimes a helmet won't even hit the ground. The air bag keeps the head up and away from contact. "You can use these over and over. You just have to replace the air canister if they deploy," says Von Pichl. "I was at a motorcycle show, and there are lots of protective jackets, but none with neck protection. They are just skid plates." A person wearing the vest or jacket simply hooks a coiled cord to saddle or bike seat. When pulled, it activates the gas canister. After a few seconds the airbag deflates. Von Pichl's website shows all models and a video of how the airbags work. Wearing an airbag vest or jacket (priced between $499 and $699) may even pay for itself before long. Von Pichl says insurance underwriters are considering the impact on liability. In the meantime, buyers are considering just the impact. "I sold one to a guy at the show I attended, and he called me two days later," says Von Pichl. "He had a wreck and told me the jacket saved his life." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Triple T Sales, 7526 E. Burning Tree Drive, P.O. Box 476, Franktown, Colo. 80116 (ph 303 688-8113 or 800 829-8643; fax 303 688-8114; sales@tripletsales.com; www. tripletsales.com).

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