Air Vest Buyer's Guide | Brand Comparison

An air vest is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a rider can own. But with so many options across brands, certifications, and designs, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every air vest we carry — by brand, fit, protection level, and best use — so you can ride with confidence.

A sizing consultation is strongly recommended for all air vests before ordering. Please review our return policy prior to purchase.

Quick Start

Model	Fit	Works Well For	Doesn’t Work Well For
Equestro Airbag with D30 Back Protection	Slim	Short or Regular Waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Pear shape Long waist
Equiline Belair	Slim	Long or regular waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Pear shape Short waist
Equiline Oxair	Middle	Long or regular waist lengths Rectangle or reverse triangle	Pear shape
Equiline Eclair	Middle	Long waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Pear shape Short waist
Equiline Kids Air Vest	Middle	Regular to long waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Children that are super slim Pear shape Short waist
Equitheme AirSafe	Middle	Narrower hip	Pear shape
Equitheme Air2	Middle	Regular to long waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Short waist Pear shape
FreeJump Equestrian Airbag	Relaxed	Regular to long waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Short waist Pear shaped
FreeJump X’Air Safe	Slim	Regular to long waist All body types	Short waist in larger sizes
Hit Air Pro 3	Relaxed	Short to regular waist All body types	Long waist
Hit Air Advantage H2	Slim	Regular to long waist Rectangle or reverse triangle	Short waist Pear shaped
Hit Air VH Low Profile	Slim	Short to regular waist All body types, but particularly good for pear shaped	Long waist
Horse Pilot Twist’Air	Slim	Regular to long waist All body types	Short waist
Penelope Airlight	Middle	Short, regular or long waist All body types, but especially good for pear shaped	Long rectangle
Point Two ProAir	Relaxed	Regular to long waist All body types	Short waist
RaceSafe VeloAir	Slim	Short to regular waist All body types, but especially good for pear shaped	Long waist
Seaver SafeFit	Middle	All waist lengths Rectangle and reverse triangle body types	Pear shape
Spark Hippodrome	Relaxed	Regular to long waist Rectangle and reverse triangle	Short waist Pear shaped body type
Spark Manège Low Profile	Middle	All waist lengths Rectangle and reverse triangle	Short waist Pear shape

Equestro Airbag with D30 Back Protection

Certified to NF S72-800:2022. Lightweight technical materials with a low-profile silhouette. Integrated D30 back protection. Comprehensive torso and spinal shielding. Minimum rider weight: 55 lbs (child), 77 lbs (adult).

Equiline Collection

Equiline has been a trusted equestrian brand since 1989. Their air vests are developed in partnership with Allshot and made from Cordura stretch with 3D mesh lining. All Equiline vests use a mechanical cable release and are reusable with a replacement CO2 cartridge. These all run longer than the average, giving more comprehensive lower back protection and particularly beneficial for riders that are long waisted.

Equiline Belair

Certified to NF S72-800:2022. Includes a built-in level 1 D3O back protector panel. Can be worn over or under airbag-compatible jackets (min. 15% elastane).

Equiline Oxair

Suggested for cross and eventing. Includes a level 1 D30 back protector. Front closure with 3 adjustable buckles. Can be worn over all types of equipment. Cordura stretch with 3D mesh lining.

Equiline Eclair

The Belair’s sister vest — same construction and <80ms inflation — but without the D3O panel, making it lighter and more streamlined. Suggested for showjumping. Can be worn under compatible jackets (min. 15% elastane) or over.

Equiline Kids Air Vest

Young riders (minimum 17kg). Ergonomic fit for smaller bodies; includes a level 1 D30 back protector.

Equitheme Collection

Equitheme air vests are developed in collaboration with FreeJump and certified to NF S72-800:2022. Both models feature 100% Italian fabric and a powerful, lightweight gas generator.

Equitheme AirSafe

Slim-fitting vest with +10% perforated fabric for ventilation. Does not require a body protector underneath. Protects cervical, back, lumbar, sacrum, pelvis, and thorax. These run narrower in the hip, so ideal for riders that are upside-down triangle shaped. Two lengths per size (XS–L) for regular or slim fit. Adult minimum 77 lbs; child minimum 55 lbs. Developed in collaboration with FreeJump.

Equitheme Air2

The first traditional eventing-style airbag certified to NF S72-800:2022. Slim fit; can be worn alone or over a body protector. Adjustable front closure with solid plastic clips. Weighs 900g. Developed in collaboration with FreeJump.

FreeJump Collection

FreeJump is a French performance brand known for pioneering airbag technology in equestrian sports. Their vests are engineered for speed, precision, and protection.

FreeJump Equestrian Airbag

The second-generation FreeJump airbag, the first certified to NF S72-800:2021. Features a new cut for better protection, new breathable/elastic/silky fabric, a new lightweight gas generator, and a patented ball cord for simplified rearming. Child minimum 55 lbs; adult minimum 77 lbs.

FreeJump X’Air Safe

The X’Air Safe is a true 2-in-1: the airbag is integrated inside the body protector, certified to both NF S72-800:2022 (airbag standard) and EN 13158:2018 BETA Level 3 (eventing body protector standard). Delivers 8x better protection than a body protector alone and 4x better than a body protector with an airbag on top. 20% lighter than a body protector + airbag combo. Military-grade Cordura outer fabric; 3D mesh interior; complex dual-foam system.

Hit Air Collection

Hit Air is the original air vest manufacturer with over two decades of airbag technology experience. All Hit Air vests use a high-speed key ball mechanism and are certified to CE NF S72-800:2022. Every vest includes a CO2 canister, All-In-One Adjustable Bungee Lanyard/Saddle Strap Combo, and tool kit.

Hit Air Pro 3

Larger airbags with reinforced padding at the chest and spine; airbag positioned at the back of the key box for enhanced shock buffering. Best when worn over a body protector where required. Ideal for riders preferring a relaxed fit and those that are shorter waisted. The only vest on the market with a diagonal rib strap. Black and Navy; English and Western.

Hit Air Advantage H2

Harness-style design worn close to the body with enhanced inner padding at the back, hips, neck, and rib cage. Does not require a separate body protector for most disciplines (USEA cross-country excepted). Ideal for riders with a longer torso and a rectangular build. Black and Navy; English and Western.

Hit Air VH Low Profile

Soft, flexible fabric with a flat design that minimizes CO2 canister visibility. Sits invisibly under an approved show coat or over. Ideal for shorter waisted riders. Runs slim. Black only. English and Western.

Horse Pilot Twist’Air

Certified to NF S72-800:2022. Developed with In&Motion (specialists in ski and motorcycle airbags). Bi-stretch lightweight material; mesh panels on sides and back for breathability. Features a patented magnetic cable that connects and disconnects with one hand — no need to let go of the reins. Red pull tab reminds rider to disengage before dismounting. Runs longer for more comprehensive lower back protection. Simplified ergonomic reloading system. Minimum rider weight 44 lbs — one of the lowest minimums available.

Penelope Airlight by FreeJump

Designed specifically for women; one of the lightest airbag vest available. Micro-perforated fabrics for ventilation. Protects cervical, lumbar, sacrum, pelvis, and thorax. Neck brace stabilizes the spine. Runs shorter and more generous in the chest and hips. Available in two lengths in sizes XS and S. YKK zip with Penelope’s signature Point Sellier silver stitching. Certified CE per EU 2016/425 by ALIENOIR CERTIFICATION (NF S72-800:2021).

Point Two ProAir

Certified to CE EN 13158 (Equestrian Standard) and Satra M:38. Lightweight and durable with a pleated neck for optimal inflation and neck/collarbone protection. Extended shirt tail protects the lower back, kidneys, and coccyx. Adjustable straps for fit. Can be worn with or without a body protector. Ideal for riders needing adjustability and those that are long waisted.

RaceSafe VeloAir

RaceSafe’s newest vest, engineered to feel almost unnoticed on the rider while delivering instant, reliable protection. Premium materials with stretch built in for inflation. Works particularly well for riders that are wider in the hip.

Seaver SafeFit

Ultra-lightweight at under 600 grams. Micro-perforated stretchy fabric for ventilation and freedom of movement. Protects back, lumbar, neck, cervical spine, rib cage, pelvis, and sacrum. Works well for those that are rectangular shape. Unique feature: pairs with the Seaver SAFERIDE app (iOS & Android) for fall detection and geolocation alerts to loved ones. Includes a free one-year SAFERIDE subscription.

Spark Collection

Spark air vests are certified by ALIENOR CERTIFICATION and CE “by expert assessment” according to NF S72-800:2022 by CRITT SPORT LOISIRS, conforming to EU 2016/425 regulation. Both models protect the entire upper body from neck to SI.

Spark Hippodrome

600 Denier polyester construction; third front clip for added support; reflective piping for visibility; mesh bands for breathability. Can be worn over a body protector. Works well for those with a longer waist.

Spark Manège Low Profile

Incredibly lightweight with mesh side inserts for a barely-there feel and complete freedom of movement. Ideal for both daily riding and competition.

Not sure where to start? We strongly recommend a sizing consultation before ordering any air vest. Contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your body, discipline, and budget.

Air Vest Buyer's Guide: Find the Right Vest for Your Ride