FAQs
Q: Do Point Two jackets frighten the horse when they go off?
A: Not in our experience. None of our sponsored riders have reported any problems, although every horse is different. We have activated our ProAir jacket in front of 25 horses in the parade ring at Punchestown in December 2010 and none were spooked.
Q: Once the jacket has been inflated, can I reuse it?
A: Yes. You just need a new canister (UK price £17.50), that you can put into the jacket yourself.
Q: Can you breathe in a Point Two when it is inflated?
A: Yes, but you have to make sure you don't do it up too tight. The P2-RS is fitted by a retailer in exactly the same way as the original Racesafe. It is designed to be a snug, but not tight fit, and to hold you enough to allow you to flex. To fit the ProAir jacket correctly you must be able to fit two fists inside. If it's too tight, it won't do its job correctly.
Q: Do Point Two jackets inflate inwards or outwards?
A: All air jackets inflate in the direction of least resistance — ie away from the body. The Point Two ProAir inflates in the same way as a child's armband would when blown up for a swimming pool. If the jacket is done up too tightly, it may cause some discomfort (see above). The air vest component of the P2-RS is on the outside of the Racesafe body protector, so the sensation will be different again.
Q: Do Point Two jackets require checks or maintenance?
A: We recommend the airbag is serviced yearly, or every six falls/inflations.
Always check for wear and tear if you are at all concerned, and send jacket it in for a service if you've had a particularly bad fall.
Q: Can I wear my ProAir underneath other clothing?
A: Yes, so long as it is loose enough and the lanyard's function is unobstructed. For example, William Fox Pitt wears his beneath his cross-country colours. If you wear it underneath a number, ensure the string around the neck is a bit looser than it would normally be if you were not wearing the air jacket.
Q: How are Point Two jackets activated?
A: The air jacket is inflated by a C02, stored in a canister on the front of the jacket. When the rider separates from the saddle, the canister is activated by the release of a lanyard that is clipped from the jacket onto an attachment on the saddle. Once the air bags are activated, they will inflate within 1/10th of a second — roughly equivalent to the blink of an eye.
Q: Can I roll in a Point Two jacket when it is inflated?
A: Yes, you should still have full movement of your arms and legs. We have done extensive testing with jockeys and riders in other disciplines and the jacket did not stop them rolling in the event of a fall.
Q: How long does the Point Two take to deflate?
A: Both the ProAir and P2-RS inflate in within a tenth of a second, and will hold the rider tight for 15-20 seconds. After this, they will deflate within two or three minutes. However, should you have a fall while on the cross-country course and want to continue, the P2-RS can be instantly deflated by the removal of the canister. Unscrewing it takes just seconds and will work as an instant release valve. The ProAir needs to be removed before you continue.