Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 VS. Tech-Air Race for Race Track Use | Sportbike Track Gear

[@oneviperbite]

Wow, I've been using my Tech Air 5 for about a year now and I love it because out of all of the airbags, the coverage is superior to all. When the track algorithm got released, I thought I could invest in a new racing suit that didn't have integrated airbags (again, not a fan of the coverage built into those as it is quite minimal because it's geared for the track and not the streets). So I bought a new Dainese suit and I've really been struggling to put the suit on over the Tech Air 5. How I didn't have the idea to put the vest inside the top part of the suit before putting it on, I have no idea, but I tried this after watching your video and it finally all fit properly with the sleeves and back protector in place properly. Thank you!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome, happy to hear you got that sorted out. - Van

[@eitanhawk]

Hi Van, Can you please do a video demonstrating how you put the tech air 5 with a race suit? I got the idea but I’d like to see it in action.

[@falkdal]

The trick for putting on the the vest pre-tucked into the suit was magic! I've had my race vest on back order for months and was resigned to keeping it since I couldn't get the vest to fit under my suit to save my life, but once you shared your way of doing it I was able to fit it easily and the suit feels very comfortable with the vest underneath. Result!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Happy to hear it helped out! - Van

[@YouTubeKing007]

Best bike gear reviews on planet earth, period. Thank you sir!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for the kind words. - Van

[@lukerides5562]

Thanks for such a detailed explanation on both airbags. This video after watching so many definitely made me decide for which one to go for. Keep up the good work and reviews. Best wishes from 🇪🇸Spain 😊

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@apantelop]

Great review. I have a Tech-Air Race vest and you can also change the FW between race and street mode using a desktop app (you need a windows laptop). In street mode it can deploy both canisters at once, in race mode it will only do one at a time.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for watching. We have the Tech Air Race as well and you are correct, that model also allows you to switch between street and track. - Van

[@OzTrollracing]

Man I haven't had a bike in about two years glad to see Bryan is still around!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

16 years and still going strong. - Van

[@OzTrollracing]

@@sportbiketrackgear always enjoyed your content mate. Always informative 👌

[@lifeatredline1783]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I just bought a Alpinestars Missile Ignition suit from STG last week. Awesome service and suit by the way, but was apprehensive about the price of the TechAir Race. This answers all the questions I had when this news came out. Thanks Brian. I hope to see you and Max in Washington this year for MotoAmerica at The Ridge Motorsports Park.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for your business. We will be at the Ridge for sure, come on over and say hi if you go to the race. - Van

[@rtsrider4579]

Just traded the race version for the 5. This review confirms the decision. STG’s always solid on their info.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for watching! - Van

[@ducatidiet9789]

Thanx for all the valuable details! Awesome. Very happy to see that my newly purchased Tech-Air 5 is compatible for track days.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@Purepresa]

Master Class review by B Van….stunning as usual. I don’t even watch other reviews anymore Great job!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words. - Van

[@GiorgioComo86]

This video is pure gold, I just bought an Absolute suit and decided for TA Race to be put under but... it’s out of stock everywhere! I still would prefer the Race version just for the zip and velcro fix, the 2 deployment thing is not a big issue since with about the same money you get 2 TA5 which are cheaper to repair (first 3 times each). Also if I get 2 units I still will have 1 in house when the other one is out for maintenance. So I’m changing my mind and I guess TA5 is a good solution also, but... I just don’t like that it’s not attachable to the suit! Anyway thanks for the video, you nailed it! ps. another good thing for TA5 is that in street version it’s comparable with Race vest since both use all their cartridges when the airbag pops in :)

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for watching! - Van

[@nayr8453]

I see that Monster Energy Lo-Carb. You are a man of impeccable taste and culture.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Appreciate you! - Van

[@tomman2]

Really good info and will help me make a decision when I'm ready for my first airbag gear. Thanks, STG!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@raleighrider7121]

Holding out hope still that my Tech-Air Race arrives soon 🙏 Not having to to fuss with getting the suit on and off, in-between sessions, during those 90-100 degree days is worth the premium price tag alone. (Mid-Atlantic Region gets humid AF during spring/summer) TDJU FTW!

[@agro6821]

I’ve got both the Race vest and the 5 and out of these vest I prefer the race vest. I like how the back protector is a level 2 on the Race vest over the level one on the techair 5 plus it’s about 2” longer on the race vest. My thinking is if the airbag fails to deploy I know my back has better protection with the race vest plus it feels more premium. Not to take anything away from the techair 5 it’s a great piece plus it is a bit cooler on hot days. Anyhow good luck with your purchase hope it rolls up soon.👍

[@sportbiketrackgear]

TDJU is a trip that is for sure. 100% dumpster fire. Fingers crossed the Tech Air Race Vest show up soon. We have way too many on backorder right now. The coronapocolypse has created some real issues we are all dealing with now. - Van

[@borisnedwed-humaninthecenter]

Good video. Just to mention: the 2 times deployment for the race vest is only up to size XL. Above that only one deployment. I have a 2XL. 😊

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are correct the XXL uses both cartridges for one deployment like the TA5. - Van

[@jcaccord]

You guys are awesome for doing this video. Great content as always, super relevant for us riders. Good on Alpinestars for offering the new algorithm. I have both the tech air race and the tech air 5, but as an occasional track rider this now makes the race version a bit redundant for me. May have to go up on the used market. Gonna go try my suit on now over the 5 to see how much of a pain it is hah.

[@Impervium1090]

Interested in hearing how the 5 works out for you under your track suit. I agree the race version is sort of redundant now for us occasional track day riders. I really want to get an airbag this year and was dreading the price of the race version, so this new tech 5 might be the perfect solution

[@sportbiketrackgear]

When you try it on make sure to put the vest into the suit and tuck the arms of the vest into the sleeves of the suit. This was the easiest way to put the suit on over the vest. - Van

[@theadventuresofMrB]

So in terms of comfort is they any difference between the two ?. I am in the process of deciding which one to go with .I am a track day rider occasionally a racer .

[@adaptiveagile]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for these reviews. The best on KZbin. Stay safe.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@ebr-fan1117]

Great video as always Brian. Thanks for the update and breakdown.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@TheMrWaby]

Thanks for this, I just saw the press release from Alpinestars about being able to switch algorithms. Nice to have a more detailed breakdown. I have the Atem two piece suit and I wear the Astars Track Vest 2 underneath, so I can see putting on the Tech 5 first and then the jacket as being not much different than what I do now, probably have to take just a little longer to adjust the vest's sleeves. Definitely see the Tech 5 now with a better bang for your buck value.

[@armandol1826]

How's the track vest 2? I'm thinking of getting it

[@TheMrWaby]

@@armandol1826 I like it, I don't use the chest protection with it, but the new more flexible pieces are out now and i might try that. It's pretty comfortable, and surprisingly breathable. I don't use the waist belt as I find the vest nice and snug on its own. I've even worn it under my Revit Horizon 2 jacket and pants when zipped together too. After a little while riding, I forget that I'm even wearing it.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Wearing the TA5 with a 2 piece suit would make putting in on a little easier for sure. This is a solid option for the track and the price is much better than the 1150 for the race model. - Van

[@DjDiaben]

Under the same suit, same dude! Excellent T_T I got the Tech-Air 5 since a few weeks now. Got it after watching some of your videos. Very satisfied with the fit :)

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Happy to hear you like it. I think Alpinestars has the best airbag product on the market today. - Van

[@AlexQoelet]

Very helpful Brian, answered all the questions I had - thank you!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@wrightrc3976]

I like the 👊 bump in the intro right be before y’all hit the track

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Pretty awesome to be sharing this with Max Van that is for sure. We are blessed. - Van

[@darcy4289]

The race version can plugged into your computer and put into either 1 cannister deployment mode,( race track, min hazards to hit ) or 2 cannister deployment,( Street, which gives you more protection due to more hazards to hit)

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Yes you can switch modes on the Race version from street (both charges per deployment) to track (one charge per deployment for all but the XX-large size). - Van

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Appreciate you, Mr. Van! 👨‍👩‍👧❤

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van

[@lukaszg74]

I bought this vest hoping in the future I will be able to use it on the track, that's a great news

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Good to go now, should be an easy transition. - Van

[@giodc8599]

Great video, Brian. I recently had a pretty big crash and luckily i suffered nothing but a good concussion. Still, this was my first big off in 3 years on track and i have been considering an airbag vest to use under my suit. I have been waiting for a good standalone option and finally it seems like Alpinestars has given us the ability to use the TA5 on track. Great detail in your videos as per usual, i loved also the demonstration of their fit under the suit. Now i am even more convinced to buy the newer model for when i return to riding. Thank you!

[@giodc8599]

Just bought this unit today in Australia and i am having massive issues keeping the vest connected to my phone in order to complete the update to the new software. Anyone else had issues? Not sure what the heck is wrong. Over 10 attempts now and still no luck. Most i managed to get was 95%.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome, happy to hear this was helpful. - Van

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I did not set up this vest to test this myself. Hopefully others who have done this can chime in. - Van

[@mauricegb]

I wish I had seen this video before I went trying on suits here in the uk last weekend! I had the exact same problem, no way was the suit going on over my Tech Air 5. Great tip I will try it out. Shame the shop didn’t have the same advice

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We have a lot of time invested in the Astars aribag products and race suits here at STG. - Van

[@Bikeadelic]

Simon craffer did a tech talk about the protection GP riders wear and he said most of them use the tech 5 because it gives more room and better air flow. I have a 4SR suit with velcro straps at the top for a Astars race but i just tuck them through the canister tubes to hold the vest in. I'm also going to get some velcro stitched onto the sleeves so they will fit my race suit better still. Another tip is you can reach inside a tech 5 and undo most of the fasteners that hold the airbag. Then you can tuck most of the bag inwards in the vest so you can safely clean and dry the arm pits. I always try to wear something under my tech 5 to try and minimise the smell that builds up. Sadly they didn't use antimicrobial fabric or if they did it sucks.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Max and I just spray Febreeze on our Tech Air Race vests and call it a day. Thanks for sharing. - Van

[@Bikeadelic]

@@sportbiketrackgear oh god I wouldn't want to smell them at the end of a season! 😂

[@chrischan3409]

Alpinestars owes you big for this tip! I have not found this information anywhere else and was ready to give up on the Tech Air 5 due to the sleeves not fitting right under the suit. It seems like it would have made a lot more sense if it came with long sleeves or some sort of elastic leash that attached to the fingers. Would taking the inner soft shoulder padding to give more room be a bad idea?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I would not remove the shoulder armor on the suit. If the crash is not enough to deploy the airbag you may need that armor in the shoulder. The vest is designed to be used with the shoulder armor in place. - Van

[@Drjfever]

Very hard to use the tech air 5 vest in a race suit because it isn’t zipped into the suit and just rides up when you try and put the suit on. First hand experience.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You can not have the vest on then pull the suit up afterwards. Take the TA5 and slide it into the suit, tuck the arms of the vest into the sleeves. I grabbed the suit and vest at the waist then slipped my legs in with no issues. From that point slip into the suit. I tried to wear the vest and tried to put an undersuit on over the vest. Both of those failed. The above method worked no problem. - Van

[@mikeshaw1459]

Bro! Killing me! Bought the race and owned it a month before this update. Only reason I bought the race was because of its dual purpose. It seems the Tech5 has better coverage, and more versatile and cheaper! Tell me something the race does better. Please hahaha

[@sportbiketrackgear]

In all sizes with the exception of the XX-Large the Race model offers 2 deployments in comparison to 1 for the TA5. Also attaches to the suit. - Van

[@smokey9063]

Hey Van.. good news after watching your videos I bought an alpinestar tec air v2 suit.. black grey florence yellow. Firstly it looks cool👌.. I wish I had seen this video last week as when my suit arrived and I looked at the tech air 5 I was gutted you cannot integrate it to the suit .. also word of warning when you get your suit.. wear it around the house as much as you can as I could of bet my life the tech air would not fit underneath.. But after being advised to wear the suit it does actually fit . And it feels good.. mind you if the suit goes off at the moment my eye balls might pop out but I have been told the leather can stretch upto 2 sizes bigger over its lifetime so I can still eat some cake 😁.. I have always gone with dainese but this is so much better I figured if you've got your boy one its gotta be good.. The app is pretty cool too.. so thanks for the advice on the size EU 56 . 6'4 .. 34 waist 44inc chest.. Great video and thank you 👌👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🤘🤙🥳🏍💨💨💨ps took me about 30 minutes to get the tech air 5 in my brand new suit .. it needs some stretching first..

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No worries, thanks for watching. - Van

[@smokey9063]

@@sportbiketrackgear great channel... 🏍💨💨

[@ebr-fan1117]

@@smokey9063 I an trying to understand what you meant by the tec air v2 is not compatible? Isn't this suit made for that tech air vest?

[@TheDriversPerspective]

Just ordered one from you guys today. Hit the deck at the kart track on my supermoto and bruised by ribs pretty good...would have been a good idea to have this for that.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for the order and enjoy the vest. - Van

[@davskok]

even some od the MotoGP riders have actually used the Tech Air 5 (with changed algorhythm) instead of the Race Vest because of the volume

[@sportbiketrackgear]

One of our riders has crash tested the Tech Air 5 vest and was convinced it saved his collarbone. Now that you can run the race program in the vest it is another great option for the track. - Van

[@XtremeCoke]

Hi Brian, thanks for the info and great info here. A question I had in mind that, race vest and TA5(in track setting), do they have the same deflation time, or otherwise which is longer? oh another one, does the race vest covers a little further down towards tailbone or not while everything else remain the same(same guy, same leather) I'm surprised that Alpinestar call TA5 "Strickly Street Only" few months back and by introducing new firmware/algorithm then call it track ready today. I was more focus on the collar bone protection, seems the race vest provided a little more padding there. not sure if there is any different though. Not sure if Alpinestar shoot their foot there by pricing TA5 half the price of race vest, either in a good or bad way. Thanks Thomas

[@sportbiketrackgear]

The protection from the two vests will be very similar in the end. The time to inflate is just a touch faster with the 5 and it seems to stay inflated longer (not sure there is any benefit from that). The difference in inflation time is due to the fact the 5 can only deploy once and uses both cannisters each time where the race can deploy twice using one cannister each time (all sizes except the XX-Large). If there is any difference in length of the vest it is very slight and a non issue/benefit. Hope this helps, Van

[@bernicemcnutt8401]

I just have the tech air race but getting the tech air 5 probably use the tech air race for a backup.....👍

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Never a bad idea to have a back up. We have 2 vests for Max. - Van

[@zero11010]

Very thorough breakdown!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for watching. - Van

[@Bikeadelic]

Right thank you! My tech 5 went off and bks leather told me that they had to replace the bag as well. I checked with Astars website and the part that said you only need to the canisters for the first 3 deployments was gone. Be careful van they are changing their info and the official stance earlier this year for tech 5 was replace everything.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I have spoken to them within the past two weeks. This is current information. - Van

[@jonasrueda4195]

Thanks for your super knowledge that you share with us. Would I be able to use the Tech Air 5 with a mesh jacket? My body runs extremely hot all of the time even in the winter I am hot and sweating. I would like more added protection when riding. Thanks.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Yes you can use this with a mesh jacket as long as there is enough room to allow for the deployment. - Van

[@timwu12]

I'm guessing we should discontinue using a separate back and chest protector if we're using either of these products in our suit, right?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Max and I do not wear another chest or back protector with the vest on. - Van

[@guywithahelmet9597]

Yea buddy! Get them squats haha. Thanks for the info! I gotta invest in a vest!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

An airbag vest is a good investment if you have the budget for it. - Van

[@zeluisferreira]

Nice vídeo ,congratulations, alpinestars it's best

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for watching. IMO Alpinestars has the best airbag products on the market at this time. - Van

[@windyrun7979]

That suit looks really tight with either the airbags installed. Do you have a video where you deploy one of the airbags when its in the suit? I find it hard to believe there is room for the thing to expand in that suit.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

The suits have additional expansion panels to manage the deployment. Max has deployed his airbag 8 times over three years now and it has worked very well each time. - Van

[@jr.6199]

Thanks for another great review. Did you have the MMs of room inside your race suit with TA5 vest deployed as they suggest? It looked very snug when zipped up and I'm looking to buy another race suit just to fit in the new air vest now...

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You either need to have an airbag compatible garment that offers enough stretch paneling to manage a deployment or there has to be an additional 4cm of space in the chest of a non-airbag compatible garment. If you need some help finding the right gear please shoot an email to [e-mail] and the team will get you sorted out. - Van

[@jr.6199]

@@sportbiketrackgear right, so did your suit have that stretch paneling or was that sit a suboptimal fitting example?

[@848evo4]

Brian Van, is the Absolut suite air bag set up like what I see some GP riders using where they just zip the suite up and don't have to zip and hook the air bag before zipping up the suite? great video!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

With the Absolute suit you install the airbag behind the liner. This makes putting the suit on easier and improves the comfort a bit as well. This applies only to the race model of the airbag. - Van

[@slapsak1]

can you please make video comparing race airbag options? - Alpinestars costs 1200€ every rechangh 300€ + that you need to send it. normaly when you go on Racetrack, you stay there for 2 days. If you fall first day, then you ride one day without Airbag. now i am looking for some better options, for example IXON Airbag, you can change the "bomb" alone. it seems like better options. we need some reviews what to do. Alpinestars and Dainesi are to expensiv to maintain.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

At this time we are only offering the Alpinestars Tech Air Race (two deployments), Alpinestars Tech Air 5 (one deployment), Alpinestars Tech Air 10 (one deployment) and the Klim Vest (In&Motion one deployment). Max is using the Tech Air 10 and the Tech Air Race for a back up now. If you want to ensure you have more than one deployment the Tech Air Race is the way to go. We were hoping to have the RST Airbag Suits here this year but there was some drama with the licensing agreement so they will not be in the US until next year. RST uses the In&Motion airbag which can be recharged by the user up to three times before it needs to be sent in for service. Hopefully we will have them here next season. - Van

[@64t120r]

I like a perf suit for airflow. How much hotter is the suit with the vests in place? Our temperatures in the summer are probably average to a lot of peoples, but we have a lot of humidity. That's the killer.

[@lukaszg74]

It's a big difference to be honest

[@sportbiketrackgear]

It is another layer and you for sure notice it. Having ridden in one for a couple of years now I would say it is not that bad. Once you get moving you don't really notice it. Where you do notice it is when you crash. - Van

[@sportbiketrackgear]

And I would say it is not that bad. For sure it is another layer but I would say once I get rolling I stop thinking about it at all. - Van

[@lukaszg74]

@@sportbiketrackgear can't comment on race version but tech air 5 is blocking loads of wind , riding in my mesh jacket with or without its like night & day . I wouldn't ride without one thought

[@damytzeus]

it's a plastic bag. it doesn't breathe. you'll sweat, like wearing a plastic bag.

[@LagSpiniX]

Do you think Alpinestars will redesign the Race with that lighter honeycomb backplate? At first I bought the 5 but it was just too much struggle to put it on..

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I would expect to see a new race version for the start of 2022. - Van

[@erikkassermo9709]

Hi Brian, great video! I’m riding in a Missile tech air suit, track days only. If money wasn’t an issue would you go for the race or the 5 version?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

IMO they are both excellent and will get the job done. The biggest difference is the race can deploy twice and the 5 can deploy one time. - Van

[@motosagela]

Here is a question @sportbiketrackgear: I have a Tech-Air Race with two deployments. I'm going to drop it off to their office in Torrance, CA (I live in LA) for service, which is $300. Should I just not service it, and pay the extra $400 and get the Tech-Air 5 instead? Tech Air Race will only work in my Tech-Air compatible suits. I could probably sell my Tech-Air Race and make up the difference. Your thoughts are highly welcomed. Thanks!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You definitely have some options to consider. Personally I would have the race model repacked and continue using that as long as you have a compatible garment to use it in. You are already invested in the race model so you may as well repack it and get some more value out of it. - Van

[@motosagela]

@@sportbiketrackgear I appreciate the advice. I'll drop off the Tech-Air Race vest today in Torrance. Thank you!

[@kristake69]

great review! I have the Tech-Air Race Vest, never triggered, and now I would like to use it also on street, with one of the new Alpinestars leather jackets... do you think the old Vest will fit inside the ones Tech-Air 5 ready? And how about the leds, how can I check the status if the new jackets don't have the status leds on the sleeve?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

To use the Tech Air Race Vest you have to use a jacket that is compatible with the Race Vest. Here is a list of the compatible jackets that are still available: Alpinestars Specter Leather Jacket Tech-Air Airbag Compatible www.sportbiketrackgear.com/alpinestars-specter-leather-jacket-tech-air-airbag-compatible/ Alpinestars GP Tech V2 Jacket Tech-Air Race Compatible www.sportbiketrackgear.com/alpinestars-gp-tech-v2-jacket-tech-air-race-compatible/ Alpinestars T-Missile Drystar Jacket Tech-Air Compatible www.sportbiketrackgear.com/alpinestars-t-missile-drystar-jacket-tech-air-compatible/

[@RoyRacing185]

Hi guys! I have the tech air race for 2 years know but was interested in the difference between the tech air race en tech 5. If I had to choose know it would be the tech 5. If my math is correct at the 8th! crash the tech air race is “cheaper”. Seeing I have it 2 years now and recently got my second crash…

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Both offer excellent protection. If you are racing (and it is in stock) the Tech Air Race is a solid option with the 2 crash capability. - Van

[@mantastvar9709]

Hey Great review as always! Just wondering with the sizing, I'm thinking of buying a Tech 5 as I had a nasty crash last year which broke me Colar bone, I had DAINESE D2 size 56 EU, I wonder if I need to go for size 58 to get the Tech Air 5 fot properly? Now when using 56 I had always used DAINESE PRO-ARMOR BACK PROTECTOR and but it was at the comfort limit. I'm 185cm tall and weight about 100kg. any feedback apreciated.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I would suggest the 58 Euro for you based on the numbers you shared. - Van

[@maximilianspieler2796]

NGl. I only came here to find out how the hell to put on the suit with the TA5. Just couldn't get it on.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Hope this helped, you need to put the vest into the suit then slip it all on. - Van

[@sp00ky1969]

Could I ask a question? Tech-Air Race - do the lights on the back of the vest show status in the same way that the lights on the suit do? I don't have the suit to try it yet but the vest itself only shows solid red all the time. I've used the software and it says all is fine and there are no issues. I'd appreciate guidance from yourselves or anyone who reads this and knows the answer.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I am pretty sure you will need the LED harness in the suit or the jacket to show the status of the vest. - Van

[@sp00ky1969]

@@sportbiketrackgear Thanks Van. It looks like you are right. You'd have thought you could at least get an indication about whether or not it's charged. Anyway, I appreciate the reply. 👍

[@LongDogRacing]

So, with an airbag vest, are you no longer supposed to use a chest protector? Also, are you now supposed to remove any of the suit armor, like the shoulders? Thanks!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

With the airbag vest we do not use any chest armor in addition to the vest. You will need to leave the shoulder armor in the suit in case the crash is not bad enough for the vest to deploy. - Van

[@tpainter2]

I have the techair5 I just wish it had the same Velcro attachments that the race version had so it isn’t always a two piece when pairing with a techair compatible jacket.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

This was designed as a universal unit so they are not part of the deal. End of the day this works well, you just need to slip it into the suit/jacket then put your arms in. - Van

[@damytzeus]

you can add the velcro to the tech air vest

[@bradymason6983]

I race flat track and I’m looking for something that can go underneath leathers and found this video. I’m still trying to figure out what to get, would you recommend the tech air 5 or the tech air race?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We use the Tech Air Race for our suits and have had great results. Last weekend one of our friends had a crash at Barber in the Tech Air 5 and it also worked very well. Either is a solid option IMO. - Van

[@windyrun7979]

If the tech air 5 deploys both canisters every time does that mean if fills more volume of airbag than the tech air race? Does this mean the suit or jacket needs to accommodate more expansion when the tech air 5 is used vs the tech air race?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Any of the Tech Air garments can be used with either the race or the 5 airbags. Using both cannisters at the same time inflates the bag a touch quicker. By design the bag can only expand so much regardless of how many charges are used in deployment. - Van

[@PCGamingDeals]

Great video! Does the forearm LED panel on the suit work with the tech air 5?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

The forearm LED panel does not work with the Tech Air 5 Vest. That LED panel is only compatible with the Tech Air Race Vest. With the 5 you can use the LED panel on the front of the vest or monitor it with the app on your phone. - Van

[@wrexicate4516]

So let’s say I have the Tech 5 vest, and I get into a minor accident. The air bag inflates. The motorcycle is a little scratched up but still rideable and I’m fine. Does the vest stay inflated for a long period of time? Or does it eventually deflate so I can then ride home while still wearing it?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No the vest will deflate on it's own. Takes just a few minutes for that to happen. When you ride home you will still have the back protector for protection. - Van

[@rob-od1vm]

i have the tech 5 alpine says if you do hard braking and knee down it can expand in road setting, is it better to set it on race setting even when i drive on the road ?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If you are riding on the road you should be in the road setting. - Van

[@Pmason718]

Brian isn’t the suit a little too tight for the vest (Air5) to deploy properly? I thought you needed a little more space for the deployment

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No this is a Tech Air Compatible race suit designed with additional stretch panels to manage a deployment. - Van

[@nudlaug6327]

Hey, thanks for information. But whats with the „Tech Air Street“ Vest. I do street riding only, and have a Tech Air Compatible Suit. Do you prefer Tech Air Street or Tech Air 5, and why one over the other. Thanks

[@sportbiketrackgear]

100% the Tech Air 5 is the way to go over the Tech Air Street. Not saying the Street is a bad product it was just made obsolete when the Tech Air 5 was released. - Van

[@allanschuster3520]

what makes the "street" suit not applicable to " track?? Thank you.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

The algorithm for the street differs from the one used on the track. Crashes on the street are much different from those that happen on the track. - Van

[@Pmason718]

Outside of the race addition to the firmware (Air 5) do we know what else the firmware might have approved on?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Sorry I do not know if there are any other enhancements to the firmware beyond the ability to go into race mode. This would be a good question for Alpinestars direct. - Van

[@user-jk9zr3sc5h]

Will the suit be damaged when the airbag deploys in your race suit?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I have deployed a vest once and my Son Max has had multiple deployments. We did not experience any damage to our race suits from the deployments. - Van

[@marcelchetty2007]

Howzit... I want to get the tech air 5. Do you guys ship to South Africa?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Yes we can ship it to you. To get a quote please add it to cart on our site along with your shipping details and the site will generate quotes for you. DHL is the most reliable. - Van

[@ernestonoir5796]

great vid, very informative

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for watching! - Van

[@cdrexcod]

Can you plug the tech-air 5 into a tech-air jacket and use the status lights on the forearm?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No the Tech Air 5 Vest has it's own status lights built into the vest located at the lower front. It will not plug into the led harness for the Tech Air Race found on some of the garments. - Van

[@ThemadViking793]

Which one is bigger when they are inflated?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I think they are pretty close with the TA 5 perhaps being a little bigger. - Van

[@ThemadViking793]

@@sportbiketrackgear thank you very much. My problem is, that the suits are pretty tight on the shoulders and the upper arms. Could that become a problem?

[@23NMPA]

How do I know which size is right for me? I have an alpinestars missile v2 professional size 52. I tried the airbag and the size S is really tight and hurts a little in the armpits. Should it be like this or is size M better where there is some slack?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If you are wearing a 52 in the Missile I would suggest a size medium in the vest. - Van

[@MF-yw7vl]

I have a size 52 Dianese tracksuit (full suit) is there a airbag vest like the ones for Alpine suit to work with the Dainese suit...?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No reason not to use the Alpinestars vest under the Dainese suit. As long as you have enough stretch panels you are good to go. - Van

[@Bikeadelic]

Hi van, are you able to share your source on where alpinestars say only the cannisters need replacing on the first 3 deployments for a tech 5 please?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Yes that was directly from Alpinestars here in the US. I work with the person who runs North America and some of his team. - Van

[@Bikeadelic]

@@sportbiketrackgear thanks Van, how long has it been like that with the 3 deployments? I had mine serviced by the only place in the uk that does it and they made me get the whole lot done but i was sure I'd seen a three deployment limit somewhere. They told me it was only a recent thing as of the 17th this month but it seems a very weird coincidence if i did imagine it.

[@agro6821]

Van I think if Alpinestars just put the Velcro patches like on there Race vest onto the techair5 vest for there techair compatible race suits it might solve the problem of getting into the suit?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are correct but it does not have the velcro. End of the day getting in and out of this was not that difficult and would get better each time IMO. - Van

[@damytzeus]

you add the velcro yourself to the tech air 5

[@noext7001]

in europe the repair time is 2 month, no big deal

[@sportbiketrackgear]

IMO that is too long to turn that repack around. Should only take a week. - Van

[@jeffbarnard348]

Where do you send these for repair? I swear nobody in Canada seems to have a clue

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Here in the US we send them directly to Alpinestars USA. Shoot an email to [e-mail] and ask the same question. You may need to send it to Alpinestars here in the US. - Van

[@Jacklolow]

When will you have the tech air race back in stock?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We have a large quantity on order now and are hopeful they will be here in the coming weeks. There is no clear date at this time. - Van

[@michaelbabinec]

After a vest has been used either 1 or 2 deployments do you send them in to alpinestars only or are there dealers that repack and inspect them?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

At this time the vests still need to be sent into Alpinestars for repacking. There was talk of certifying dealers to service the vests but this has not happened to date. - Van

[@jstradling]

@@sportbiketrackgear here is the problem with that. I have been trying to get tech support to respond to my emails so I can send my unit in for re-canistering. No luck. At this point I'm trying to see if these are standard co2 canisters so I can do it myself. Product is worthless if you can't get it serviced.

[@damytzeus]

tech race can be programmed for "street" and one deployment. i have both tech air 5 and tech air race. i have my tech air race programmed for street and my tech air race deploys both canisters. neither one breathes well.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

End of the day no matter what you do you are adding another layer so it will be a little hotter. Worth it IMO. - Van

[@damytzeus]

@@sportbiketrackgear true that and... wearing a layer of plastic bag breathes a lot less than wearing a cotton layer

[@yamazaki5833]

Hi , Wow what a good review ! realy great ! . I also have a question for you , i have noticed this in the manual of the tech air 5 vest there was writen that when you don't acceed the speedlimit of 62mph the airbag won't be active. in my opinion i find it strange because we can easily do a highside under 62mph does it mean that the airbag won't deploy ? thanks in advance for anwsering :) Greetings from Belgium :)

[@sportbiketrackgear]

62 is not the number, it is 20-25mph as I remember it. We cover that in the TA5 review where we show the deployment. - Van

[@elgonzo25]

Is the tech air race less likely to deploy by accident? I've heard that the tech air 5 can deploy by you just getting off the bike to quickly

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Since we have started selling the Tech Air Race and Tech Air 5 (I have been told we are the largest seller in the US) I have only been made aware of 1 unwanted deployment that I can confirm. This is out of the hundreds we have sold. Max and I both use this product for the last three years and have not had any issue over multiple deployments. - Van

[@damytzeus]

i have both. i used for race for three seasons. no unwanted deployments. a buddy did have apparently have one deploy from getting shoved or hugged to hard -or something.

[@laborawashere]

I own the tech air 5, my biggest problems with it is the App is garbage, and the lights are hard to see and you have to sorta trust it is turned on. Ideally you would use the app and it would have sound/visual ques but it has horrible connection issues, and it isn't just me look at the app store rating... Other than that it is like wearing a trash bag while you ride, but you can lose some padding some that helps airflow a bit. I almost took it back to store to send back to Alpinstars but after using 4 different devices I was at least able to get it to connect long enough to do a update, and you will want to keep it updated at all times. It will lose connection if you are further than a few inches from the vest so forget using the app features they advertise.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

To be completely fair apps and device compatibility is a huge issue for everyone. We have sold a ton of the Tech Air Race as well as the Tech Air 5 vests (we also personally use the Tech Air Race). As you would expect we have a ton of feedback at this point. The overwhelming majority of this feedback is excellent. I have heard the other features offered in the app to track your ride and such leave a little to be desired. From a standpoint of safety both of the vest are a good investment. - Van

[@herbycarlos6794]

Is the firmware version on the techair race still 3.08? Tried checking the tech air site, but that site doesn't always like to load.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We have not updated our vests as they have both been sent in for repack inside of the last year. Not sure what the most recent version is at this point. You will need to go to the site to check. - Van

[@Impervium1090]

Great video. To clarify- does the tech air 5 work with a race suit like the missile for tech air? Like would it connect to and light up the lights on suit, or is it completely standalone and would just be worn under the suit?

[@Joe_Av]

The Tech Air 5 will work under any race suit but it will not light up the status lights on the sleeve of the suit. It has it's own set of status lights on the vest itself.

[@Impervium1090]

@@Joe_Av Ok that’s what I thought. Thanks for clarifying!

[@Joe_Av]

@@Impervium1090 you're welcome! Can't wait to order mine. I still have about a month before it warms up enough for me to ride so still saving up money to buy LOL

[@Impervium1090]

@@Joe_Av Perfect timing to save! Can’t wait to get one either!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You will lose the lights on the sleeve as the TA5 has them at the waist. The TA5 can be used with any Tech Air compatible race suit such as the Missile. - Van

[@savio.855]

Got a question, in order to avoid a "You can't make this sh*t up"-scenario. Does the Tech-Air 5 work in a suit like a GP Plus?

[@Joe_Av]

It should work under any race suit, just be sure you have room for the vest. It's a standalone unit so it doesn't need to have an attachment point to the suit/jacket it's going under.

[@savio.855]

@@Joe_Av alright, thanks Joe

[@Joe_Av]

@@savio.855 you're welcome!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I would only use this with a suit designed to be airbag compatible. The suit needs to have enough additional stretch panels to allow for the deployment of the airbag. - Van

[@savio.855]

@@sportbiketrackgear okay thanks guys :)

[@dogrange]

I thought Alpinestars said that the TA5 algorithm was for street use only (not for track use) - is that not true any more?

[@dogrange]

Oops, I see that you are saying the TA5 is now switchable race/street!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Alpinestars just released an update that allows the rider to switch from street to track as they choose. You can switch whenever you need to using your phone. - Van

[@VasVF_4]

Is there any info about new Tech Air 10?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We expect to get our first look in April. My Son Max will be racing in the Tech Air 10 this season so we can learn more about the new system. - Van

[@VasVF_4]

@@sportbiketrackgear Since Tech Air 10 still is not available on the market, I decided to go with Tech Air Race. I learned that new Alpine suits do not support Tech Air Race out-of-the-box. Because, simply, they don't have indicators on the sleeve. They support only Tech Air 5 & 10. But I'd like to have 2 deployments, because recharging is costy. But there's a question. Do you know if Tech Air Race will work without sleeve indicators? Do they connect to AlpineStars app to check the state of airbag?

[@608SpeedShop]

Any idea when the tech air race will be back in stock?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I wish I had a good answer for this but I do not. - Van

[@semirmavmudoski6695]

Mugello r d-air or this Two opinion from alpinestars?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I believe the Alpinestars Airbag system is better than the Dainese. - Van

[@semirmavmudoski6695]

@@sportbiketrackgear Dainese it's more compact because is already in suit airbag,but 80% will say alpinestars it's better...thank you sir.

[@Mr-MRR]

Hey Van, can you do a review on the brand new Helite E-Turtle, their electronic airbag?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Sorry but we do not sell their products and have no plans to review them. If they contact us and set us up we would review the products. - Van

[@DavourisRX8]

Can you wash them or at least the underarms somehow ?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You can hand wash this as long as you do not submerge the controller while doing so. These are designed to handle wet weather riding if you get caught in the rain. - Van

[@DavourisRX8]

@@sportbiketrackgear so the control unit is water resistant? At least it is good news that you can wash the rest. I will try dry cleaning too.

[@TDV1]

Just get an Helite, last thing you want to forget to charge it when you need it most.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We have used the Alpinestars airbags for multiple seasons of racing now with several deployments. IMO this product has saved my Son Max from injury more than once. Alpinestars has the best airbag products available today. - Van

[@TDV1]

@@sportbiketrackgear True, but I don't go on track so price isn't justified. I mean it's so expensive for the unit itself and the refilling cost, they truly take you from behind on that. But the above is irrelevant if it saves life. Like your son for example, whatever you paid it's a bargain. More than a bargain, you would have paid infinite more if you could for the same result.

[@sophieclements8272]

I have a super moto and finding knobbies is hard is there any rule to say not to use a rear tyre as a front tyre ? 120/90r17 for a front and have a rear of 140/80r17 both are rear tyres as fronts are not in 17s

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Sorry I am not an off road expert. - Van

[@intotheblue1145]

.Heaven forbid you ever get an issue outside of the US with this company as i had an issue updating software for my NEW jacket and 10 days on STILL NO REPLY. REALLY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE….

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If you have a software related issue you need to work directly with Alpinestars on that. Our team will not be able to assist you with a software update. My staff answers all of the emails that we receive. If you have not seen a response odds are we did not receive the email. - Van

[@kgsxr7s085]

Serial crasher!!! Killing me

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If the shoe fits... - Van

[@proasian3]

Serial crasher? LOL!!!!!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

There are for sure some Serial Crashers out there. - Van

[@oklahomahank2378]

@@sportbiketrackgear My brother in law was a terrible driver. His nickname was Crash. Seriously.