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FAQ
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Why has Segura developed a mechanical airbag?Primarily a specialist in motorcycle equipment, Segura has, over the years, acquired considerable know-how in the design of effective, reliable protection systems. Inspired by our airbags for motorcyclists, our development teams have applied their know-how so that horse riders can enjoy their sport with the utmost safety. The C-Protect Air® by Segura Equitation is designed in France and Made in Portugal and is unlike any other product on the market. Made from Softshell fabric, it’s discrete design and effective deployment are unique among mechanical airbags, making it the most competitive airbag on the market today.
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How does the C-Protect Air work?When the wearer is unseated from their horse, the elastic lanyard attaching the C-Protect Air® vest to the saddle stretches until it detaches from the vest. This triggers a mechanical system that pierces a gas canister. The gas is released near instantly into the bag to achieve optimum pressure for protection in 0.162 of a second.
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In what situations am I protected?The C-Protect Air® provides protection in the event of a fall in which the wearer is accidentally unseated from their horse. In addition to the level 1 back protector built into the vest, the airbag inflates, reducing the impact of the fall on the wearer’s chest, stomach and torso, neck, spine and lower back. The vest is worn in addition to the usual riding gear to reduce the risk of injury.
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How long does the airbag take to inflate/deflate?The airbag inflates in less than 0.162 of a second to effectively protect and stabilise the torso by absorbing the impact. It then deflates very slowly, but you will have to remove the canister to fully empty the gas inside the vest.
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What areas of the body does the C-Protect Air® vest protect?The C-Protect Air® protects the entire chest, stomach and torso, neck, spine and lower back.
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How fast does the airbag deploy?The tension in your vest lanyard must be correctly adjusted. When the lanyard detaches during a fall and the airbag system is triggered, the C-Protect Air® reaches optimum pressure for protection in 0.162 of a second.
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Can I move when the airbag is inflated?Yes, you can get up and move around as the vest does not obstruct your arms or legs. The vest does not constrict the wearer, it simply provides shock-absorbing protection in the event of impact.
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After my airbag has deployed, is it reusable?Yes, if the vest is not damaged, it can be reused once you have replaced the gas canister with a new one and reset the trigger. However, if the outer shell of the vest is damaged, you should ask for advice at one of our approved Segura C-Protect Air® retailers. Please read the instructions in the instruction manual or view the Reset section on our website where you will find a detailed tutorial explaining the procedure.
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Is the gas canister dangerous?No, the CO2 inside the canister is non-toxic to both rider and horse.
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How much does the C-Protect Air® weigh?The C-Protect Air® weighs 1.3 kg (including the EC back protector) and the C-Protect Air Kid 800 g.
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Does the C-Protect Air® come with a warranty?Yes, the C-Protect Air® comes with a two-year legal warranty.
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Is the C-Protect Air® certified?Yes, the vest is EC certified by an independent body, ALIENOR CERTIFICATION. The EC mark recognises that our product meets all the applicable European requirements and standards.
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Can I travel by plane with my C-Protect Air®?Yes, legislation allows for the transport of self-inflating personal safety devices that operate with non-flammable, non-toxic gas canisters. Segura Equitation gas canisters fall into this category. You can therefore transport your airbag vest, appropriately packed to prevent accidental deployment, along with four gas canisters per person, by air (in the cabin or hold). However, airline companies need to give prior approval so you should declare it with the company or travel agency for approval.
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Is the C-Protect Air® compatible with all saddles?Yes, except for very large saddles. The vest’s lanyard simply needs to be attached to a fixed, solid point. For this, a special attachment system is provided: the saddle strap, which attaches to the stirrup bars on any riding saddle. Our instruction manual provides all the information needed to attach the saddle strap, and a detailed tutorial on the procedures to follow can be found in the Set-Up section on our website.
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How do I attach the lanyard to my saddle?The lanyard is fitted with a carabiner that clips onto the D-ring on the saddle strap. Please read the instructions in the instruction manual or view the Set-Up section on our website where you will find a detailed tutorial explaining the procedure.
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How do I attach the saddle strap?The saddle strap has two adjustable loops that hook over the saddle’s stirrup bars. Adjust the position of the D-ring to the height of the pommel then clip the lanyard carabiner to the D-ring. Check that the vest’s lanyard pulls taut when the rider stands up in the stirrups with their legs straight; this will ensure that the system deploys rapidly in the event of an accident. Please read the instructions in the instruction manual or view the Set-Up section on our website where you will find a detailed tutorial explaining the procedure.
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Can the airbag be triggered if I forget to detach myself from the saddle?Probably not because a force of at least 10 kg is needed to release the key ball to deploy the airbag system. While this is easily achieved in a fall, you will simply feel a tug on the lanyard if you dismount normally.
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Can I wear the C-Protect Air® in the rain?Yes, the Softshell fabric has been treated with a water repellent coating so the vest is water resistant. It is not fully waterproof, but can be worn in wet weather (rain, snow, mist, etc.). After wearing your airbag vest in such conditions, hang it on a coat hanger in a dry place.
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Can I wear the C-Protect Air® over any kind of clothing?Yes, the vest can be worn over any riding jacket, long or short. Ensure there are no blunt objects in the pockets that may cause injury in the event of a fall. When buying your vest, ensure the fit is appropriate for the way you want to wear it (with or without a jacket underneath). This is simply a question of personal comfort, and will not affect the airbag’s effectiveness in any way.
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Can I wear a rigid protective vest under the C-Protect Air®?Yes, cross country protective vests or other similar equipment will not affect the airbag’s deployment. When buying your airbag vest, ensure the fit is appropriate for the way you want to wear it (with or without a vest underneath). This is simply a question of personal comfort, and will not affect the airbag’s effectiveness in any way. However, the airbag should always be worn over the top of your other riding equipment.
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Can I wear a rucksack or clothing over the top of my C-Protect Air® vest?It is not advisable to wear a rucksack or clothing over the top of the vest. This may prevent the vest from deploying and could slow down the bag’s inflation. However, you can wear the C-Protect Air® over the top of any clothing. This is simply a question of personal comfort, and will not affect the airbag’s effectiveness in any way.
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How do I reset the system after it has been deployed?To reset the trigger, unscrew the trigger cap using the Allen key provided with the vest, and line up the piston with the key ball slot. Next, insert the key ball and hold it in place while you screw the cap back on as far as it will go so that the spring is compressed. Unscrew the old canister and screw in a new, ready-to-use gas canister. Please read the instructions in the instruction manual or view the Reset section on our website where you will find a detailed tutorial explaining the procedure.
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Can I reset the system after it has been triggered?Yes. To reset the system please read the instructions in the instruction manual or view the Reset section on our website where you will find a detailed tutorial explaining the procedure.
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Can the CO2 canister hurt me if I fall on it?No, the airbag inflates between the body and the CO2 canister. When the airbag is deployed, the canister and its system cannot dig into you. What’s more, the gas is non-toxic to both rider and horse.
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Can the C-Protect Air airbag vest be washed by hand, machine washed or dry cleaned?The vest can only be washed by hand (30°C maximum). There is no need to remove the inflation system. Rub the vest using a soft brush or damp sponge covered in soap, rinse, then leave to dry on a coat hanger in a dry, ventilated place.
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Does the vest require any particular care?No specific care is required other than cleaning the vest (by hand at 30°C max) and weighing the canister every year as specified in the instruction manual.
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Are any tests required?As specified in the instruction manual, the canister must be weighed every year. A gas canister has an estimated life of 5 years.
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What is a canister's lifespan?The estimated lifespan of a gas canister is 5 years. The exterior surface of the canister can, however, be affected by external conditions and use. The C-Protect Air® gas canister must be stored at an ambiant temperature to prevent the risk of leakage and the canister must be weighed every year, as specified in the user manual.
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Where can I buy a new canister?In our network of Segura C-Protect Air® approved retailers. Find your retailer on our Dealers page.
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