Turtle Technology is the name Helite gives to a specific way of building extra back protection into an airbag vest. It appears in several models, including the Turtle 2, e-Turtle, Vented, Touring and Double Turtle (new range).
The idea behind it
Helite compares the design to a helmet: a rigid outer shell paired with a softer inner material that absorbs the impact. In Turtle Technology, a certified back protector, SAS-TEC level 1 or level 2 depending on the model, sits over the airbag like a shell, so the whole back is covered rather than just the section directly under the airbag.
How it works in a fall
When the airbag inflates, the rigid protector spreads the force of an impact across a wider area of the back, rather than concentrating it on one point. It also adds a layer of defence against sharp or intruding objects that the airbag fabric alone would not stop.
Turtle technology
Why a hard shell over your airbag matters
A soft airbag cushions broad impacts well, but real crashes aren't always broad. Footpegs, kerbs, posts and guard rails hit a small area hard, and that's where a soft airbag on its own is most exposed.
Turtle technology puts a rigid SAS-TEC back protector over the airbag. It works like a helmet: a hard outer shell spreads the force of an impact across the whole airbag, and the softer airbag underneath absorbs it. A back protector on its own guards your spine. With the airbag underneath you also get cushioning for your neck, chest and abdomen, and it deploys in under 100ms.
Distributes impact force 4 times more effectively than a standard airbag, in tests by the independent CRITT laboratory
Spreads the force 10 times more effectively against narrow objects like a post or a mirror
Better resistance to sharp and intruding objects like guard rails, branches or parts of the bike
Protects the airbag from abrasion and damage in a slide
Protective volume
Turtle Technology models carry between 17 and 28 litres of protective volume, depending on the specific garment and size. The Double Turtle sits at the top of that range, at 28 litres. We cover what volume means for protection in a dedicated guide.
Available with either trigger system
Turtle Technology is not tied to one trigger system. It is available with either the mechanical or the electronic airbag system, so the choice of protection style is separate from the choice of how the airbag is triggered.
If you have questions about which Helite model suits your riding, get in touch with our team at contact@helite.co.nz
Frequently asked questions
Is Turtle Technology a separate airbag system?
No. It is a back protection design that works alongside the standard airbag, not a different way of triggering it. You can have Turtle Technology with either the mechanical or electronic system.
What is the difference between Turtle Technology and Double Turtle?
Turtle Technology reinforces the back. Double Turtle extends the same shell principle to the ribcage as well, using side panels to connect the front and back sections of the airbag.
Which models include Turtle Technology?
It appears in the Turtle 2, e-Turtle, Vented, Touring and Double Turtle models.
Does Turtle Technology replace the need for a separate back protector?
For most Helite garments, yes. The built in protector is designed to meet the relevant safety standard on its own, so an additional back protector usually is not needed.
How much protective volume does a Turtle Technology airbag have?
Between 17 and 28 litres, depending on the specific model and size.