Held eVest Pro review | Motorcycle airbag with impressive coverage

Date reviewed: January 2025 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: £524.95 | www.held.de

The Held eVest Pro on review here uses the In&motion ‘Performance’ module, which is also found in the Ixon IX-U05. This has a completely different shape to the ‘Essential’ module fitted to the Held non-Pro eVest for instance, as it covers not just the chest and back, but also the sides and the shoulders. It does however cover less of the abdomen.

As it uses In&motion technology, the control box – supplied with the eVest pro – requires activation with either an additional payment of £400 to buy it outright (and forever receive algorithm updates for that version), OR pay £120 / year to rent it. But remember, one control box can operate any In&motion-equipped product, so if you have airbag leathers from RST, for instance, you can use the control box you already have in this, rather than buy another. The advantage of renting is that you get a lifetime warranty, and if the control box is significantly changed, you’ll be given the new one. If you’d bought it outright though, it would continue to work in the same way as it always had…

To properly understand the certification standards used, and to choose the most protective, please visit our guide to the best motorcycle airbags here.

Pros & Cons

Features

Just like the Ixon IX-U05, the Held eVest Pro’s bladder loops across the back, over the shoulders, down the chest, and around the ribs. Where it differs most is in the D3O Level 2 passive back protector (most In&motion-equipped airbags use a Level 1 back protector), and the optional D3O Level 1 chest protector inserts, which cost an extra £53.95. I’d strongly recommend these, as they make a big difference to the potential protective performance, but we’ll cover that later.

The Held eVest Pro is made of a mix of fine mesh and stretch fabric, and is designed to fit under your other kit. Unlike the Ixon, it doesn’t come with straps to keep the arms held down when putting your other gear on, but it does have a silicone bead around the ends of the sleeves and the bottom of the waist.

The Held eVest Pro comes with a D3O Level 2 back protector as standard, but the chest protectors are optional (I recommend getting them)

As it’s designed to go under other gear there are no pockets, but the eVest Pro is as compact as it can be. The hard outer shell over the passive back protector doesn’t add much bulk, and my only slight criticism would be that the button to release the control box, while redesigned, is still a bit stiff to operate.

Due to the fact that it uses the In&motion control box, the Held eVest Pro can theoretically be used in pretty much any riding environment (though if used on track, you MUST have leathers designed for an airbag). By default your In&Box controller will have your choice of one riding mode, but you can pay for others:

• Street: For use on roads

• Track: Based on algorithms developed in MotoGP. For closed circuits, hill-climbs and supermoto

• Adventure: Based on algorithms developed in Dakar. For trail, leisure enduro and all-terrain rallying

• MX: For closed-circuit motocross and supercross with jumps

• Adventure Race: For experienced / advanced Rally Raid and Enduro competition riders

For most riders like me, the street mode will cover them for everything. I’ve used the In&motion system on track (getting my knee down is about as hard as I go) and when riding gentle green lanes, both with no problems.

Can you wear the Held eVest Pro with a rucksack?

As long as it doesn’t weigh more than 8kg, and there’s at least 10cm of space at the shoulders, you can wear a rucksack with the Held eVest Pro, but it must NOT have chest or abdominal straps. You also shouldn’t use rucksacks that harness across the chest like those from Kriega and the Oxford Atlas.

Held eVest Pro deployment test

The muffin deployment at the waist is still under development…

Trigger method

To get a full understanding of how the In&motion trigger system works, check out this complete guide here. Put simply, it uses a variety of sensors to constantly monitor your body position, detecting crashes and impacts when riding or stationary.

Because In&motion gathers anonymised data from every control box, it’s able to constantly refine the algorithm based on not just crash data, but also normal riding. While it’s impossible to say which electronic system – be it from Alpinestars, Dainese, In&motion or Held – would be ‘best’ in any given situation, the way this device works means it has the potential to be particularly accurate.

Can you accidentally trigger the Held eVest Pro?

As with all In&motion-equipped airbags, the inflator can be replaced by the owner if it fires.. The canister costs £94.99 and is the same capacity as that used in the older model In&motion airbags, but it’s important to note that the connector has been redesigned, so make sure you get the correct one.

The In&motion Performance Module used in the Held eVest Pro should be inflated a maximum of five times before the vest is checked or replaced.

Despite trying very hard, I’ve not been able to accidentally trigger an In&Motion system either on or off the bike (except when I specifically wanted to).

Protection & Certification

Like all airbags using In&Motion technology, the Held eVest Pro is not tested and certified in the same way as the passive armour fitted to your riding kit, or indeed its own back protector or optional chest protectors. The standard accepted across Europe (except France) and the UK for airbags is EN1621-4, which uses a kerbstone-shaped striker hitting a hemispherical anvil that represents the shape of your body.

However, In&Motion (and Helite) use the French CRITT standard, which has a flat striker hitting a flat anvil. It’s very different dynamics, and in testing I carried out at an independent lab, the CRITT-certified airbags were unable to meet the requirements of EN1621-4. However, EN1621-4 airbags have been able to pass CRITT.

As to which is the ‘better’ standard, that’s something only you can decide, but there’s a full breakdown of airbag testing and certification here.

Some CRITT-certified airbags are also ranked on the French SRA website here (at the time of writing, the page has been down for several weeks). In&Motion-equipped airbags all score the maximum five stars here.

I haven’t been able to lab test the Held eVest Pro, but it does use the same bladder and inflator as the Ixon IX-U05 reviewed here, the advantage being a passive Level 2 back protector, and optional Level 1 passive chest protection, both of which sit over the bladders to help spread the load. Here are some relevant results to help with a comparison using the EN1621-4 methodology:

The requirement of EN1621-4 is a maximum force transmitted of 4.5kN to reach Level 1, and just 2.5kN to reach Level 2.

We need to treat these results with caution as the Furygan tested above uses the ‘Essential’ module, which has a lower capacity than the ‘Performance’ module fitted to the Ixon IX-U-05 and the Held eVest Pro. They both have the same size inflator though, so it’s my opinion that the Performance Module achieves a lower pressure, which could explain the different chest results in this EN1621-4 test methodology.

What’s very clear is how much difference adding a passive protector over the In&Motion bladder makes in this test as it spreads the impact force. The MotoAirBag is included as a comparison due to it being a fully EN1621-4 certified airbag that has no passive protection, but that uses a higher pressure for better results in this test.

When carrying out lab testing I also simulated the CRITT test with a flat striker, but this was still using an EN1621-4 hemispherical anvil as I didn’t have access to a flat one. This would have made a significant difference to the results, however these are still interesting comparisons:

Every crash is different, so I can’t tell you which airbag is the ‘best’ – all we can do is compare performance in a lab. I would suggest that having the optional passive protectors fitted to the Held eVest Pro will provide enhanced protection from narrow object impacts like kerbs, roof racks, the top edge of cars etc. I’d also recommend that, even though the eVest Pro’s bladder extends over the shoulders, it’d still be worth keeping the passive protectors in your jacket, as these will spread any impact load over the bladder.

The amount of coverage offered by the In&motion Performance module fitted to the Held eVest Pro is impressive, but comparing the promotional image above of it over a slim, athletically-built man, with the shot of it over my podgy body show how the side bladders can move a fair way forwards when deployed.

The eVest Pro is also certified as C U under EN17092-6, which means it’s a Carrier for armour, to be worn Under other kit. As such, it has not been tested for abrasion resistance.

From April 21 2018, all new motorcycle clothing is deemed to be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To meet this legislation, it must be tested to a recognised standard. For more information on the new laws, click here.

Comfort on and off the bike

The silicone beading around the ends of the eVest Pro’s arms seems to work well; combined with the bladder inside, I’ve not had an issue with it riding up.

I have a size large, which fits me well, though I would note that, while I’m certainly not ripped, I’m conscious of the elasticated sleeves being fairly tight around my biceps. As with anything, it’s important to try it on for yourself.

The Held does of course add extra weight to your kit – 1.98 kg to be precise – but I’ve really never had a problem with anything like this. When you’re wearing it, you just feel like you’re being hugged. It’s quite pleasant.

Silicone beading helps keep the vest in place

Of course, an extra layer can add more heat, and while the bladder obviously can’t let any air through, the rest of the construction is extremely breathable. The back also has a 3D mesh to help air circulate more freely. Conversely, in the winter, the trapped air will help keep you a little warmer, but keep in mind that this airbag must NOT be worn with heated kit, and that it’s taking up some of the space under your jacket that you might have wanted for a thermal liner.

The main bulk of the eVest Pro is at the back, but it’s the inflated size that you need to be aware of. If you don’t have kit designed to be worn with an airbag, in order to find the correct size of jacket to go over the eVest pro you should stretch it out flat and measure the maximum width across the chest to find measurement A. Then measure the circumference of your own chest while wearing anything you’ll have on under your main jacket except the Held vest to find B.

From there, you do the following calculation: C1 = A + A – B. If C1 is less than 13cm, the jacket mustn’t be worn with the eVest Pro. If C1 is more than 20cm it’s fine.

If C1 is between 13cm and 20cm, you also need to measure across the stretched waist of the jacket (D), and the circumference of your waist while wearing your other kit (E). Now, C2 = D + D – E. If it’s more than 18cm, then you’re still fine. Anything less, and the two aren’t compatible.

If your jacket and trousers zip together then the jacket must be designed for an airbag, or the trousers need stretch in the crotch, or the connecting zip needs its own expansion section of at least 3cm in textile kit and 5cm in leather.

One-piece leather suits MUST be designed for an airbag to be worn under them.

Too confusing? Ask your dealer to help you check the sizing.

Convenience

The Held eVest Pro will pack away fairly well, but the main restriction is the hard shell on the back. It should fit in most top-boxes though.

Battery life is around 30 hours of riding, and it’ll go into a standby mode automatically, waking up as soon as it detects any movement. The best bet is to turn it off though by double-tapping the button, and this is essential when transporting it. Like all airbags I;vce tested, the system can be carried on a plane.

Charging is via a USB-C port, but you do have to take the box out to charge it. Power remaining is shown on the box itself, though the solid red LED that means less than 30% could also mean as little as 6% remaining.

Since the In&motion systems were released, I’ve been suggesting an audio alert of capacity when turned on – perhaps three quick beeps for 50 to 100% charge, two longer beeps for low, and one even longer beep for very low.

You can log onto the In&Motion app to check the battery level, but this is an additional hassle that most won’t want on the way out for a ride.

Updating the In&Box is really easy – pop it on charge, turn it on and open the app – if an update’s available it’s quick and simple to start it running.

Build quality

The Held eVest Pro, which is made in Germany, has an excellent finish and construction. I was disappointed though to see that, like the Ixon IX-U05, the main zip opened itself during deployment. It seems that the locking tab isn’t secure enough, so the force of the airbag firing flicks it up, then it unlocks and unzips.

This is less of a concern than it would be if worn over other gear as the clothing you’re wearing should keep it in place fine. It’d be nice to see a small Velcro tab or similar keeping it down though.

Washing

The Held eVest Pro mustn’t be submerged, so washing it is limited to a careful wipe down, though you can use a shower or garden hose for cold water as long as the control box, inflator and back protector are removed. Leave it to dry naturally at room temperature.

Costs

If you already have an In&motion-equipped airbag system, there’s no additional cost as you can use that one’s unit in any device. However, if this is the only one you own, you will need to choose a way to pay for the In&Box ‘brain’…

Remember that the chest protectors are optional, so budget for them if you’re looking for the best protection from this system.

You’ll initially choose to have your In&motion box run in street, track, adventure, MX or adventure race mode. If you want to use any additional modes, they’ll cost an extra £25/year or £8/month.

In&Motion airbags do not require servicing, though the option to have them checked over by a dealer would be good. Still, the electronics are checked when the controller connects to the internet, and replacement canisters include an adaptor to check the bladder’s integrity.

Held does offer a cleaning service though, costing £31.50 excluding shipping to and from Germany. After five deployments, the company can also carry out a maintenance service for £79.95 (plus shipping), though this doesn’t include replacement of the bladder.

It’s great to see Held offering this support – something it’s no doubt able to do thanks to making the vest in its own factory.

If the airbag is deployed but undamaged (possible as it’s worn under your riding kit), a replacement inflator costs £94.99 and can be fitted easily. Note that the inflator of the newer In&Motion airbags has a new connector, so be sure to order the IMI 7112 version intended for this model.

It’s very rare for decent electronic airbag systems to deploy accidentally now, though if it did happen with the In&motion, the company would be able to analyse the data – if it was a fault in the system, they’d replace the inflator for free.

Three alternatives to the Held eVest Pro

The Held has a lot going for it, especially given the optional passive chest protectors, though testing seems to indicate that the ‘Performance’ module used here mitigates less impact energy than the ‘Essential’ module used in other In&Motion-equipped items. It’s very hard to state which is best though, so understand the differences in products and make your own, informed choice…

• Alpinestars Tech-Air 3, £519.99 | A road-focussed device, but meeting the impact requirements of EN1621-4’s Airbag Level 2, the Tech-Air 3 is easy to store and comfortable to wear over or under your existing kit. Replacing the inflator can’t be done by the user, but it’s carried out in the UK in a matter of days. Read the full review of the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 here. Price over 5 years: £639.97

• Dainese Smart Air, £599.99 | The successor to the Smart Jacket, this offers the same coverage in a more compact shell, and now with level 2 protection at the chest and the back. Updates are wireless and the inflator is user-replaceable up to three times. The battery life isn't as good as the previous model, and it still shouldn't be worn outside your existing kit in heavy rain. Read the full review of the Dainese Smart Air here. Price over 5 years: £599

• MotoAirBag M1, £438 | The MotoAirBag M1 offers exactly the same excellent full chest and back Airbag Level 2 protection as the V4 with the same trigger mechanism, but it’s a stretch construction without the option of mesh sleeves. And it's cheaper Any component of the MotoAirBag can be repaired if necessary after a crash. Read the full review of the MotoAirBag M1 here. Price over 5 years: £540

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the airbags we’ve tested here and be sure to regularly check for the discounts available through Bikesocial membership.

Held eVest pro review - Verdict

The best airbag is the one you wear, and the Held eVest Pro’s optional D3O passive chest protectors – and Level 2 back protector – that help spread impact energy across the airbag bladder definitely appear to better mitigate the transmitted force than without them.

Based on my lab testing, the In&Motion Performance module used here does appear to be a ‘softer’ design than that used in the Essential module that features in the non-Pro Held eVest, but which is better? I really couldn’t say. Having two separate test standards adds enough confusion, but In&Motion’s algorithm is constantly being refined, and combined with the fact that this will be worn under your jacket means you should have passive shoulder protectors over the top too , so the Held eVest Pro seems to be one of the best implementations of the In&Motion technology.

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