Which motorcycle airbag vest is right for motocross? focus on Airbag Shot Cross

And now it's here! After more than two years in development, Shot now offers the 1st airbag vest dedicated to motocross: the SRG-1. Is it a revolution? Absolutely, and in many respects. Optimum freedom of movement, incredible ventilation, featherweight, dual passive and active protection... The list goes on. The real feat, in our opinion? Having succeeded in developing an algorithm that can detect a fall despite the constant gymnastics of the rider and his bike.

The brand's objective: to offer the lightest, most ventilated product possible.

To achieve this, the entire vest is made from technical Mesh. This textile mesh offers maximum breathability. An essential quality for riders who sweat for hours on their bikes.

What's more, the AIR GUARD SRG-1 cross Shot Airbag Vest is designed to offer unrivalled freedom of movement. Its key features? A slim, body-hugging cut, elastic fabric and a side-zip fastening system (the vest slips on like a poncho). A true Damart undershirt! With a featherweight of 1.8kg, chances are you'll forget it's even there.

What about protection?

The SRG-1 combines two types of protection: passive, with absorbent inserts from D30, and active, with the In&Motion airbag system. And yes, this vest is the fruit of collaboration between 3 brands!

There are two protective reinforcements. The first is located at pectoral level to protect the ribcage from a nasty handlebar, while the second secures your spine in the event of a backward fall. Note that this back protector is removable! Airbags complete this protection, enveloping the abdomen, chest, neck and back. Airbags, yes, but they still have to deploy in time, don't they? In this respect, the Savoyards from In&Motion are breaking records. In fact, only 60ms elapse between the detection of a fall and the total inflation of the airbag.

The SRG-1 vest features In&Motion technology.

What exactly is In&Motion? Air cushions, of course, an appropriate inflation system - the inflator - and, above all, an intelligent box: the In&Box.

This little jewel of technology includes an inertial unit with 3 accelerometers and 3 gyroscopes, performing 1,000 analyses per second. It is this unit that is responsible for analyzing the rider's movements to detect a fall. And yes, let's not forget that an airbag is only useful if it's triggered at the right moment and in the right situation. And that's precisely what In&Motion has achieved.

In other words? To develop an algorithm specifically for Motocross. It has to know the difference between a hard turn and a bowl, between a slalom between the trees and a loss of grip, or between a dubious landing after a jump and a real turn. The code used to accurately detect a fall is therefore extremely complex. It required months of data acquisition with riders in each category to fully understand their expectations and, above all, the gymnastics they perform at the handlebars of their bikes.

5 algorithms available: MX, MX Pro, Adventure Race, Adventure Pro, and Adventure

The SRG-1 features two completely new detection modes: Motocross and Motocross Pro. Then there's an Adventure Race profile for enduro or rally raid riders, with an Adventure Pro variant for Dakar and Rally GP aficionados. An Adventure mode is also available for those who prefer the forests of Morvan to the desert of Mauritania. You know the best part? The In&Motion box collects user data to refine the detection algorithms. The more users ride, the more precise the code becomes.

Should you throw away your airbag vest after it's triggered?

Of course not! In this dedicated article, we've examined airbag reconditioning manufacturer by manufacturer. As far as the SRG-1 is concerned, it takes just one minute to deflate it completely, replace the gas cartridge and off you go again. The cartridge in question - the inflator - must therefore be changed after each release. Where can I get one? From an SRG dealer, or from the In&Motion website. 90€ each, yes, that's enough to deter you from picking yourself up every time you go off-road.

Can the airbag be deflated and reinflated ad vitam aeternam?

Nope, after 5 falls, you'll have to go through the reconditioning process. And yes, the cushions do get a bit banged up during each express inflation.

A quick deflation ring for off-road use

Incidentally, one little detail shows that Shot and In&Motion have done their homework: they've developed an automatic quick-deflation ring. What's the point? Well, let's imagine you're in the middle of a cross-country race. Every second counts. Under these conditions, you don't really want to take off your vest and waste time deflating it after playing around. As for the bibendum look, it drastically limits freedom of movement. So what happens? After triggering, the little ring will systematically deflate the cushions in 30 seconds without any action on your part. So you can get on with your special. Of course, this device is best reserved for off-road use. On the road, the airbag must remain inflated to protect you in the event of an over-accident.

How much does an SRG-1 motorcycle airbag vest cost?

The advertised price is less than 400€. Find out more by clicking on the link below. Your physical integrity is priceless :)

----> Cross Shot AIR GUARD SRG-1 airbag vest

Can I wear a neck collar in addition to the airbag?

No, it could even lead to serious injury. Airbags also inflate at shoulder level.

Is the SRG-1 airbag vest water-resistant?

Yes, so you don't have to worry about the electronic box on your back when you set off for Le Touquet in the heavy rain. It also means you can wash your airbag vest underwater.

Is it necessary to rent the In&motion box?

It's essential to buy the box, otherwise the airbag will be obsolete. There are two options for purchasing the In&Box. Either the Revolution package, where you rent it for €12/month (or €120/year), or the Classic package, where you buy it outright for €400.

What is the autonomy of the SRG-1 airbag vest?

The inertial unit needs energy to operate, so it needs a battery. Once charged, it provides 30 hours of autonomy. All you need is a 3-hour charge cycle before you're ready to go again.

Do I need to carry my phone with me?

Usually, In&motion airbags need to be activated by a smartphone application. This means you need to have your phone with you or on its holder. Except that? You rarely enter a motocross round with your bigot in your pocket. So In&Motion has made it possible to use the SRG-1 without an app. You still need it, but only to activate it, not to use it.

Well, we hope this article has given you some information, and maybe even convinced you to buy a Short SRG-1 off-road vest. If you're interested, you can buy it here. Do you love a weekend in the mud? Take a look at our articles on the subject! From tips on fording fords and repairing flat tires on the pampas, to hydrating your bike and gearing up for an off-road endurance race, we've got all the advice you need to make the most of your passion.