AIRBAG VESTS REVIEW
SRG Shot Air Guard review
The first airbag system approved for off-road competition, and Shot has nailed it. The catch is the total cost of ownership.
Summary
The SRG Shot Air Guard is the first airbag system approved for off-road competition, and it predicts a crash and inflates before impact in 0.06 seconds. D3O plates front and back give solid protection even with the system off, the mesh vest ventilates well in the heat, and it's slim enough under a fitted jersey. At 1.8kg it's on the heavy side, and once you add the IN&BOX and servicing, the total investment is significant.
Pros
- First airbag system approved for off-road competition
- Predictive inflation fires before impact in 0.06 seconds
- D3O plates protect front and back even with the system off
- Ventilates well and sits slim under a fitted jersey
Cons
- High total cost once you add the IN&BOX and servicing
- Relatively heavy at 1.8kg
- Not washing-machine safe, servicing required periodically
The SRG Air Guard is the first airbag system approved for off-road competition, and Shot has got it right. It predicts the crash and inflates before impact, in 0.06 seconds, rather than reacting during it.
Protection and fit
You get a front D3O plate, the airbag system and a rear spinal D3O plate, so even with the system off it’s proper armour. The ventilated mesh vest breathes well in the heat, and it sits slim enough under a fitted jersey. It’s jet-wash safe as long as you avoid the electronics box.
The cost
At 1.8kg it’s on the heavier side, and once you add the IN&BOX and the servicing (good for five inflations before a service), the total investment is significant. But for competition-legal airbag protection, Shot has hit it out of the park.
Who it's for
Racers who want competition-approved airbag protection.
Anyone prioritising the highest protection ceiling.
Riders who race in the heat and want ventilation.
Who it's not for
Budget-conscious riders.
Anyone put off by the ongoing servicing cost.
Riders who want the lightest possible vest.
Bottom line
Shot has hit it out of the park on protection. If the total cost of ownership works for you, it's some of the best safety kit available.
Common questions
Does it fit under a race jersey, or will I look like a bag of spuds?
It sits slim enough under a fitted jersey, so you're not fighting it on the bike. The vest itself is ventilated mesh and breathes well when it's hot out, which matters more than people think when you're two motos deep in the heat.
What does it actually cost to own?
That's the catch. On top of the vest you've got the IN&BOX, then periodic servicing. The system is good for five inflations before it needs a service. Add it all up and the total investment is significant, so budget-conscious riders should go in with eyes open.
How do I clean it and how long before it needs servicing?
It's jet-wash safe as long as you keep the spray away from the electronics box. Don't put it in the washing machine. Servicing is required periodically, and you get five inflations out of it before it has to go back for a service.
Do I still get protection if the airbag isn't armed?
Yes. There's a D3O plate at the front and a spinal D3O plate at the back, so even with the system switched off you're wearing proper armour. When it is armed, it predicts the crash and inflates before impact in 0.06 seconds rather than reacting during it.
In detail
More airbag vests
Other airbag vests we've tested
Alpinestars Tech-Air MX review
8.5 / 10