Riding Airbag Vest – Which one suits you? | IQ Horse
IQ Horse · Safety Advisor

Riding Airbag Vest:
Which one suits you?

Four models, an honest comparison. No blanket recommendation – but the right vest for your riding, your budget, and your everyday life.

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Decision Aid

Three Questions – One Clear Answer

01

How important is no cable on the saddle to you?

02

What takes precedence?

03

How do you mainly wear the vest?

Our Recommendation for You
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Overview

The four models

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Top Innovation 2025
Horse Pilot E-Twist'Air Airbag Vest
Horse Pilot
E-Twist'Air Airbag
⚡ Electronic · Wireless
  • ✦ Deployment < 60 ms, fully automatic
  • ✦ 6-axis sensor, 1,000 analyses/sec.
  • ✦ Re-Zro ® Level 2 back protector
  • ✦ Standard NF S72-800:2022 (equestrian specific)
  • ✦ Complete freedom of movement, no saddle cable
Current Price
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Horse Pilot Twist'Air 2.0
Horse Pilot
Twist'Air 2.0 Unisex
🔗 Cable · Magnetic closure
  • ✦ Magnetic lanyard system, one-handed
  • ✦ 42 g CO ₂ – highest gas volume in comparison
  • ✦ Standard NF S72-800:2022 (equestrian specific)
  • ✦ Wearable over & under jacket
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Equitana 2023
USG AIXPLORER Cordura Airbag Vest
USG · EquiAirbag®
AIXPLORER Cordura®
🔗 Cable · EquiAirbag®
  • ✦ Robust Cordura ® outer material
  • ✦ 45 g CO ₂ , incl. cartridge & tool
  • ✦ Inflation time 80 – 85 ms
  • ✦ 2nd place Equitana Innovation Award 2023
Current Price
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USG AIXPLORER Softshell Airbag Vest
USG · EquiAirbag®
AIXPLORER Softshell
🔗 Cable · EquiAirbag®
  • ✦ Softshell surface, elegant look
  • ✦ 45 g CO ₂ , incl. cartridge & tool
  • ✦ High Neck Protection – Whiplash protection
  • ✦ Additional coccyx area protection
Current price
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Detail Comparison

All Features at a Glance

Feature E-Twist'Air Twist'Air 2.0 AIXPLORER Cordura® AIXPLORER Softshell
Deployment Technology Electronic, wireless Cable (magnetic) Cable (carabiner) Cable (carabiner)
Saddle cable required ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Standard / Certification NF S72-800:2022 ⬆ NF S72-800:2022 ⬆ EN1621-4 EN1621-4
Deployment Time < 60 ms not specified 80–85 ms 80–85 ms
CO₂ Volume Inflator (reusable) 42 g (market maximum) 45 g incl. tool 45 g incl. tool
Integrated back protector ✓ Re-Zro® Level 2 ✗ ✗ ✗
Neck/Throat Protection ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ High Neck Protection
Coccyx Area Protection ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓
Outer Material Recycled Nylon / Elastane Bi-Stretch / 3D Mesh Cordura® (robust) Softshell (elegant)
Wearable over jacket ✓ ✓ ○ limited ✓ Show jacket
Origin Made in France Made in France Germany/EU Germany/EU
Award TOP INNOVATION 2025 – Equitana 2023 (2nd place) –
Special Feature First wireless riding airbag Highest gas volume, magnetic leash Cordura robustness Whiplash prevention
Note on Standardization: NF S72-800:2022 is the first and so far only standard specifically developed for riding airbag vests – based on real fall data from equestrian sports. EN1621-4 is a CE-certified airbag standard from the motorcycle sector, which also offers valid protection but is not specifically designed for equestrian sports. Both standards permit sale as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the EU.
IQ Horse Assessment

Who chooses what?

⚡
E-Twist'Air
For riders who don't want a cable
The right choice for all who prioritize maximum freedom of movement: no saddle cable, no need to think about detaching before dismounting. The integrated Re-Zro® Level 2 back protector makes it the most technologically complete solution.
🔗
Twist'Air 2.0
For Horse Pilot fans who accept a cable
Those who know and appreciate the cable system get the equestrian-specific standard NF S72-800:2022 and the highest CO₂ gas volume in comparison – for particularly fast and quiet inflation. Discreet, elegant, well-designed.
🏇
USG AIXPLORER Cordura®
For robust everyday riders & show jumpers
The proven EquiAirbag® system in a durable Cordura® jacket. Especially interesting for active show jumpers who appreciate a robust surface. Awarded 2nd place at the Equitana Innovation Prize 2023.
🏆
USG AIXPLORER Softshell
For competition & elegant appearance
The most inconspicuous vest in comparison – smooth softshell surface, fits under show jackets. The only vest with additional coccyx and extended neck protection (High Neck Protection) in comparison.
4
Airbag models
in assortment
2
Technologies:
electronic & mechanical
☎
Personal advice
0176 30664511
Frequent Questions

What riders ask us

Do I have to detach the airbag vest before dismounting? +
For all cable models (Twist'Air 2.0, AIXPLORER Cordura® and Softshell), absolutely yes – otherwise the airbag will deploy when dismounting. With the E-Twist'Air, this is completely eliminated: no cable, no risk of unintentional deployment when dismounting.
What is the difference between NF S72-800:2022 and EN1621-4? +
NF S72-800:2022 is the first standard developed exclusively for riding airbag vests. EN1621-4 originates from the motorcycle sector. Both standards permit the sale of protective gear in the EU.