Helite Turtle 2

I removed the Helite back protector since my jackets have back protectors. Wore both for awhile but it was just too bulky for me.

We use Helite vests on duty and I use it for leisure as well. Advice from Helite was remove your jacket protector and keep the Helite one as its part of the tested package

Boxflyer said:

This is a recap of an accident where I was rear ended and my 2016RT was totaled.

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?100781-2016-R1200RT-Accident-Recap-Helite-Turtle2&highlight=Helite

I had removed the back pad from the Turtle2 and only had the protection of my Motoport Mesh Kevlar jacket.
The impact from the rear was so severe that as the bike moved forward, out from under me, my body’s apparent rearward motion sheared off the 49L top box from the bike.
The 2 vertical inflatable tubes in the Turtle2 were so effective at protecting my spine that I had ZERO injuries from the accident.

I installed a new CO2 cylinder in the Helite and continued wearing it after that.

Wear whatever is the comfortable combination of jacket back pads, but be sure to always wear the air vest.
Brad

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Awesome, Brad! Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree! And, I hope I never have to share your experience! I have been wearing mine along with all my ATGATT stuff, and I am grateful I can. Cheers!

casbar said:

We use Helite vests on duty and I use it for leisure as well. Advice from Helite was remove your jacket protector and keep the Helite one as its part of the tested package

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This I what I've done as well.

I don't get why people buy something and then come with a work around. The vest is tested and approved with the fitted back protector. So if you remove it, you are taking away from its tested and approved state. The only question should be, shall I remove my back protector from the inner garment or wear both. Just because someone got rear ended and didn't have their vest protector in and everything turned out ok, doesn't really make a case for doing something. What about if whilst landing on your back, there was something sharp that punctured the inflatable vest, but the fitted back protector would have added a protective cover as well as protecting your back. But like all things, its a personal choice, personally, I wear the kit as it was designed and tested to be worn

I always wear my Helite Turtle II all the time with either my Alpinestars leathers, or my BMW Air Flow suits. The Helite vest fits loosely so I do not have any problems wearing both. I am not an engineer, and I would not take a chance second guessing my safety options.

I have an e-vest, spoke to Helite and they said remove the jacket back protector.