Alpinestars Tech-Air Airbag Vest System Review at RevZilla.com

[@alessandrofumi7932]

I think the price is ok, considering it's a innovative product. The only thing that I am concerned about is the fact that it doesn't protect the neck/block your helmet a bit. Hope they will introduce a new version with neck protection soon

[@RyanTW23]

Alessandro Fumi exactely, I think with the helite airbag you have way better neck protection but the deployment system (or whatever it's called) is bad compared to the tech air which works with sensors and stuff like that.

[@jadoncampbell2740]

@@RyanTW23 but the helite is more drabble and reliable. has no battery and user replicable co2 so I like the helite also has a large air volume

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

Considering how many helmets are north of $500, I can't really say this is that expensive.

[@bakerwatches3586]

Can you do a video on the street one

[@niallobrien4736]

Thank you Anthony for your very helpful explanation of all the facts. Much bettet than any of the staff I've dealt with in stores here in Austalia. It's probably important to note that the jackets for the Street version aren't as stylish as Race jackets. Alpinestars need to look at that.

[@JohnJay2142]

As they say in the video, you can switch the race vest to run the street firmware.

[@Fred-eg9sx]

I was walking and tripped over a rock. And air street deployed. It was kinda awkward.

[@brewwatchco]

I wonder how comfortable the vest is underneath the race jacket. Does it make the suit a lot tighter or is it pretty slim fit? My A/S missile suit is already very tight.

[@RevZilla]

It does make things tighter, so if your Missile suit is already tight, I'm concerned this might not fit. -DrewZilla

[@navinpraveen3342]

What a great review. 👍

[@smokey9063]

I just realised I ordered the wrong vest gutted... I have the tech air v2 suit and got the tec air 5😭.. It is easily done but i need the tec air street .. should i get the XL .. my suit is a 56..

[@windyrun7979]

Looks like a great vest for core and shoulders. What do you recommend to use to add neck protection? Leatt brace? Can Leatt be used under the vest or under the corresponding garment to get neck protection?

[@RevZilla]

This actually provides some neck protection as well. You should not use a neck brace with an airbag vest, as the airbag vest needs that space in which to expand. -DrewZilla

[@shockadellick]

+Windy Run Alpinestar isn't complete. It lacks neck protection, and must be sent back to the manufacture for resetting in the event of accidental deployment. Helite or C-Protect Air are the best vest one can buy. Any and all airbag jackets are fast enough to protect before hitting the ground. Alpinestar is over priced, and lack the protections the rip cords offer.

[@dbehr27]

shockadellick hey shockadelica, I see you hating in a bunch of different replies on here. I think you to be transparent and admit that you work for one of these other companies. For Christ's sake!

[@georgechristopoulos7779]

Hi, will I be able to wear a neck brace/support together with the airbag, or my helmet will skyrocket in case of a deployment? :-)

[@RevZilla]

This is not designed to be used with a neck brace. -DrewZilla

[@georgechristopoulos7779]

@@RevZilla Thanks for your prompt reply

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome!

[@FoxMauser]

They didn’t factor in a neck brace into the design, doesn’t mean you can’t wear one. They just can’t endorse it because of liability. There was someone who had the airbag tested with the neckbrace on and he didn’t see any issues.

[@Kurti112]

So do I understand that right, that you have to sent the vest after deployment to an alpinestars dealer to replace the cartridges?

[@RevZilla]

In the event of a deployment, you request a service in the Tech Air Online Portal (for Tech Air owners) and then send the vest to Alpinestars for a service and re-pack. In the case of the US, that's the main Alpinestars US Headquarters in California, not the dealer. -DrewZilla

[@Kurti112]

RevZilla Thank you very much. I am mostly riding street ans I want to Buy a one piece suit with air bag with as much Protection as possible. Would you rather recommend Alpinestars or dainese for mostly street and sometimes track use?

[@RevZilla]

I would recommend Alpinestars. -DrewZilla

[@Kurti112]

RevZilla Hi, just bought a Race Vest here in Germany, tried to Switch the Firmware to Street, Now it shows me a continious red LED, even tho i followed the instructions. What is the matter, did you have an issue like that yet?

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Correct me if im wrong... since the race version self arms i could use it with a mesh jacket that is not fitted even if its not alpinestara

[@RevZilla]

Unfortunately, no, as the jacket would still need to be designed to accommodate the airbag expansion. -DrewZilla

[@tipame4004]

can I wear it without jacket (just under tshirt)?

[@RevZilla]

No, you would still need an abrasion resistant layer to protect the airbag overtop of it like a jacket / riding shirt.

[@ivanplevneliev4612]

Can I install the street vest in women Stella GP-R air tech compatible jacket?

[@RevZilla]

The original Street Tech Air Vest can ONLY be installed in "Tech Air Street" compatible jackets as it needs to plug into the jacket in order to function. The Stella GP-R Jacket was only made for the Tech Air Race system, not the Street.

[@mikemarsnyc]

Question regarding the Tech-Air Race Vest - when you switch the algorithm to street mode, does it fire both canisters simultaneously, or is the only thing that changes the fact that it deploys at stop?

[@GXM0000]

both canisters will deploy in Street mode (one time use)...in race mode (track) one will deploy and you'll still be able to continue riding until the second deploys

[@RevZilla]

@Michael Mars The response from @lionheart7476 is correct. When in street mode, both canisters fire for the faster deployment. -DrewZilla

[@paulopinto7054]

RevZilla but in street mode the airbag work more fast? En about the sensors? Work olso more fast end more crach area of ​​observation or prespection from one coming crach?? Thank u for yor videos

[@abakedpotato1486]

Can I use the tech air street on a jacket that isn’t “compatible” because most of them are sold out and most likely won’t be restocked... the only ones left in stock are very ugly or can I use the street on race compatible jackets?

[@RevZilla]

No, the Tech Air Street really needs to be used in a compatible jacket that has the stretch and expansion panels that accommodate the inflated airbag. -DrewZilla

[@ShahIsKing]

That intro tho. 😂

[@toadamine]

what's the Kilo-newton transfer rating on this? better than CE-2? better than a forcefield sub4?

[@RevZilla]

The airbag itself does not have a CE rating, but the back protector itself is still a CE Level 2 back protector, so it's at or below 9 kN. The airbag system allows about 2 kN transfer, so it's even below the Pro Sub4. -DrewZilla

[@toadamine]

RevZilla wow that's really good... better than I expected...

[@nigelbosworth5769]

no its only level 1

[@Ch1oeW]

Hey Revzilla, I have a question about the Tech Air 5 jacket Im hoping you could help me with. Do you know if we need a full protective jacket to wear on top of the vest, or is a motorcycle jacket shell more advisable as the vest is like under armor? I'm concerned about the bulky and heat factor. Any suggestions?

[@RevZilla]

You still need to wear a proper motorcycle jacket with shoulder and elbow armor. -DrewZilla

[@aadilsarfani8408]

Can someone from RevZilla comment on whether this has neck support comparable to the Helite jacket?

[@RevZilla]

It does not have as much neck support as the Helite, but the Alpinestars airbag deploys faster than the Helite. -DrewZilla

[@aadilsarfani8408]

Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome! -DrewZilla

[@churchofmarcus]

Did you slow down the deployment video? It looks like it deploys very slowly.

[@edwildman2542]

Yes, for Video Purposes we were using a special compressor that allowed us to show the coverage area, but is much slower than the actual deployment time. The actually deployment take 25 milliseconds to fully inflate. It's startling how fast a real deployment happens.

[@stuwdav]

Great video - the best source of info on the internet for the Tech-Air. Is there a list of jackets for the Race and jackets for the Street version?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, all are listed at the link below. We call out Race vs. Street in the Product Title. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/alpinestars-tech-air

[@canarywolf7678]

I tried it on with a missile jacket and i looked like a hunchback 10x. Maybe the jacket was too big but it felt tight.

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

Can I use this air bag with a cooling vest under without damaging it?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, though the cooling vest will likely be less effective due to less airflow. -DrewZilla

[@albertptran]

Looks cool but how come the deployment looks slow compared to Hit-Air or Helite?

[@RevZilla]

UPDATE: the reason it was able to be inflated and looks slower when inflated was that we had their inert test unit that expands with a compressor, not an inflator. In real use, it deploys in 45ms. -DrewZilla

[@tony2227]

RevZilla Well the question is ... is this better than helite?... because price wise is a lot more than the helite...but this one seems to be only for racing ?...talk to me revzilla..

[@kendrickgoat]

Tony Vasconcelos yes it's better than the helite. No it's not for track use only. It has two modes, street and track.

[@tony2227]

Bike Life I don't know man... because helite is good to go right off the box... BUT this one you have to buy the vest +a jacket and that's BS....without a jacket you can't use it ... and that's being slick ....

[@jameswalt6514]

Just two different things. The Helite only triggers when you leave the bike. This triggers when you get hit as well, whether or not you get off the bike. But the Helite looks to me like actual neck protection, and this gives none. Everything is trade offs.

[@cashflownpv]

Just buy Helite and Alpine S air bag and you're good to go:)

[@DODrumming]

Great until your mates run up and kick you in the back for a laugh 😄

[@adaptiveagile]

@Ozzy-D Time for some new friends ;)

[@0p2mistik]

How does it hold up to rain and moisture?

[@RevZilla]

Alpinestars is not calling this vest waterproof, and I can't say we've really had the means to experiment ourselves. That said - it is an entirely self-contained unit, so I'd be surprised if water were able to get in and affect anything. Until proven one way or another, I would avoid using this in heavy rainfall. -TeamZilla Chris

[@agro3594]

Does this vest cover the sternum?

[@RevZilla]

It doesn't directly cover the sternum, but when the airbag inflates, it definitely creates a gap between the ground and your sternum. -DrewZilla

[@splithorde]

This vest doesn't work. After buying in may 2018, I crashed on track in october 2018 the vest didn't blow up. I returned the product to Alpinestars who notice system is fonctional. They send me the vest back with an invoice of 300euros for maintenance, but vest lights shows there is just one gas cartridge instead of 2 ! I send them a complaint with photos et videos for evidences, but the manufacturer remains the airbag is fully operational. We are en june 2019 I still have no visibility on any replacement of my product still under warranty.

[@windyrun7979]

Where did you buy it? Did the store help you ?

[@splithorde]

Sasie Center (France), yes the seller helped me contacting the supplier, and beginning a complaint. On july 20th Alpinestars has returned a functional vest offering the next corrective maintenance.

[@sukhoi3747]

looks like there will be no ventilation with the airbag system on.. anybody tried this during summer? is it bearable ?

[@RevZilla]

The Tech Air Vest has mesh ventilation panels, so you do get ventilation during the summer. -DrewZilla

[@aaronj08ar]

It's no worse than wearing a perforated race suit, you don't even know it's there.

[@dbehr27]

I've run it for hours on end in 105 plus degree heat and it's no different than any other jacket when moving. When stuck at a light for a long time the bag itself does limit evaporation but when moving the air moves all around in there. This is with the T-Missle Air jacket.

[@dbehr27]

If you don't have the money for the vest and jacket then by all means by a cheaper brand. But to act like it's overpriced is silly. This is Moto GP level tech and one big advantage over tethers is hitting a car (or being rear-ended). Your body may have already hit the car before that tether gets pulled. And the biggest risk for riders is the left hand turner in front of them. The tethered brands will likely not be as effective in this kind of crash. 2nd, how much is the Dainese stuff that also is Moto GP level tech? Same prices (normal retail, not the current close out prices) but you can not use the vest in other suits or jackets. Need something for the track? That race suit is $2,500. Don't want to wear that on your daily commute? At least another $1,500 for a jacket with airbag. C'mon people. Yes, it's not cheap and before I was in a bad accident I don't think I would have coughed up $1,500 for the vest and jacket, but now? After being out of work nearly a month and the horrible pain I went through, I will NEVER ride again without an air bag like this. I can't think of a better reason to have a credit card if you can't pay for it now. And if you want to save more, I have a race vest and T-Missle air for sale in size large, barely used. Sadly, I was too optimistic about losing weight. It's too tight and I've already replaced the vest and jacket with XL versions.

[@bobmcgrath1272]

Couldn’t agree more David. I find it absolutely amazing at the arguments against this tech. Basically people can’t afford it and use their intelligence to throw unsubstantiated criticisms. So silly.

[@bobmcgrath1272]

shockadellick FFS. It’s been explained to you TWICE that the tether systems DO NOT PROTECT YOU UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN THROWN FROM THE BIKE. That means any forces applied to your body BEFORE you have been launched 2-3 feet are not absorbed by tether systems. Watch the video where you see the techair deploy in a realistic crash before the rider has left the bike, then try to find a similar one from Helite, guess what..doesn’t exist because they know Helite is less effective. Also love to know how gyros, large data sets mined over many years and mathematical algorithms are less technically advanced than a fucking bit of string.

[@dbehr27]

@@shockadellick It's because of your hyperbole that I feel justified in saying you're either just not very bright or you work for Dainese or Helite or something. Seriously, you think Mark Marquez and most of those other riders are going to put their lives in the hands of "the least technologically advanced airbag system..." or "...the worst"?! Grow up dude. If nothing else, why are you in here trolling still? I'd love to get you a room with all the MotoGP riders and Alpinestars AND Dainese's engineers and have them knock the stupid out of you. Oh, and btw, you probably don't even have a Helite vest and if you do it looks butt ass ugly. And since I can afford to I'll pay more money if only to avoid looking like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. LOL. No offense to Helite either, glad to see them making something that can save lives and is more affordable. Btw, can someone tell me how to block trolls so I don't have to deal with the hate and ignorance?

[@bobmcgrath1272]

shockadellick you’re clearly not too bright. Unsubstantiated claims and false equivalencies. So, whatever can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. I’m not going to spend anymore brain cycles on you. Something tells me you’re going to have a blissfully ignorant life.

[@twodogg6828]

Have a email for me to ask about your price for your vest and suit? @David Behr

[@farschadabolfathi]

Is this one the race version ?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, this is the race version. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-tech-air-race-vest

[@benes39]

Tech air full body is be a jenious

[@Bryan-mg4gf]

Wait you were able to inflate the vest without the jacket. So I can wear this under any jacket ? I just wouldn't be able to see the battery status ?

[@RevZilla]

No, you need to have an Alpinestars jacket that is specifically designed to expand properly to accommodate airbag inflation. There are jackets and race suits that accommodate the race version and jackets that accommodate the street version. -DrewZilla

[@tony2227]

RevZilla So wait alpine will get you for a vest AND THEN YOU HAVE TO BUY A JACKET? Or is the jacket optional?...

[@dvs636]

Jacket and vest sold seperatly. Buy a compatibel jacket and then whe you ready you buy the vest. Vest will only work with a TechAir compatible jacket. Expansion panels and LED panel make the jacket compatibel.

[@tony2227]

dvs636 But do you see my point?.... they want you to spend an absurd amount of money for a vest that you cannot use unless you have a compatible jacket... so you have to buy ANOTHER PRODUCT to be able to use the original product.... it's like buying a cheeseburger with out the buns....it's stupid .

[@edwildman2542]

Yes, Alpinestars offer 2 vests that will be compatible for use in an number of jackets allowing you to move it between multiple pieces. The benefit is that you can buy 1 Race vest which is usable in a Tech Air Compatible Leather or Textile sport jacket and also use it in a compatible race suit without having to repurchase another vest unlike some brands in which the system is not able to be moved from jacket to jacket or jacket to suit.

[@Dr.KennethNoisewater]

can you wear it with any race suit (assuming it fits underneath well)?

[@RevZilla]

No, it only works with Alpinestars Suits for Tech Air, because the suits need to have the appropriate space (built-in stretch) for the airbag to expand. If you already have a race suit, I recommend an external airbag vest like the one from Helite. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/helite-gp-air-track-airbag-vest

[@jameswalt6514]

I just don't understand why Alpinestars doesn't provide the neck protection or offer a model that does. Maybe in time.

[@jameswalt6514]

You can experience serious damage before hitting the ground. Try getting rear ended and sandwiched.

[@dbehr27]

shockadellick hey, alpinestars hater, where's the shoulder protection on the other brand? I just smacked my shoulder into the ground at over 60 miles an hour and the helite would not have dampened that impact, at least at the shoulder. Stop acting like you know everything.

[@bobmcgrath1272]

shockadellick not sure how the Helite will protect you before you’re detached from the bike. Would be nice to see more neck protection on the techair BUT I’d feel much more protected in many more situations than with a tether activation

[@sherifelsakkaf1458]

Thank You .....

[@charlyel-hage9442]

What happens if you don''t use it with a compatible suit?

[@RevZilla]

An incompatible suit won't have the same expansion panels that a suit designed for Tech-Air has. The airbag needs room to expand, and the compatible suits allow that. -DrewZilla

[@charlyel-hage9442]

RevZilla thank you for the quick reply.

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome!

[@o0Revlimit0o]

Street version please!

[@edwildman2542]

www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-tech-air-street-vest

[@Warhorse469]

I'm still waiting for Alpinestars to make airbag undies to protect the frank and beans.

[@shannonc8759]

If you could buy the canisters separately for like 50 bucks I’d get this otherwise it’s just too much

[@Ruthlessbone]

For the price you'd think you can re-inflate yourself. Instead you have to send to alpinestars to repair it. You still have to pa shipping cost. Just not worth it

[@DODrumming]

Haha, at least you've got a better chance of being around to be able ship one back!

[@shockadellick]

You said, and I quote " the tether systems DO NOT PROTECT YOU UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN THROWN FROM THE BIKE. That means any forces applied to your body BEFORE you have been launched 2-3 feet are not absorbed by tether systems."..... Well with Alpinestars you move a millimeter the cash will be detected if you are lucky. However, Cervical neck protection is MIA. I'd rather have 2-3 feet deployment with something than nothing at all. T-bone a car your dead in any airbag vest. Get hit from the rear with Alpineshit risk broken neck. Alpineshit only offers body protection. Which isn't anything special in the world of airbag suits. Especially on the streets. The most vulnerable part of the body is the neck after the head. 99% of all street crashes go head first. Yes the transfer is head, to neck, to body. Since the body is last to impact, most and usually any airbag vest system meets the hurdle. The only system that will save your ass in a T-bone is Honda's on board system. RIDE SAFE>>>and I wish you the best. At least you're smart enough to get more than an armored jacket.

[@lennykibbs260]

Will Insurance companies that cover the Northeast- even think about offering premium discounts if one was to opt for this system? As they did when airbag tech was first introduced in automobiles prior to being mandated ?

[@RevZilla]

Possibly? We'll have to wait and see. -DrewZilla

[@kevinmonteiro9310]

my mans on the left need to lay of the coke

[@PlayJewel]

This has to be sent to factory every time it crashes vs helite or spidi which have cheaper replaceable cartridges and no need to send back to factory for upto 6 inflations or major damage. And algorithms cannot beat the reliability of a physical tether. This also takes much longer to inflate and this doesnt provide neck protection or helmet immobilization, which is one of the most important feature of a motorcycle airbag. One cannot ride around the town etc wearing a neck brace always.

[@chrisvodka2412]

you are talking BS. You haven't understood the whole video and misinterpreted the inflation shown.

[@bobmcgrath1272]

One major issue with your argument. Most damage to your body will happen before the tether activates. I’ll take the Techair.

[@scotch_onrocks1876]

@@chrisvodka2412 why?

[@scotch_onrocks1876]

I just wear a life raft on my back

[@gregormiller4037]

Same here, i have the Scooby Doo version.

[@instaminox]

why so many dislikes?

[@SouthwestBlue1]

At least it doesn't look like a life jacket.

[@vashpuppy]

Game changer but that price will keep me out of it.

[@michaeljames7472]

Hi, how often should they be serviced?

[@dbehr27]

I have a race vest and T-Missle air for sale in size large, barely used. Sadly, I was too optimistic about losing weight. It's too tight and I've already replaced the vest and jacket with XL versions.

[@paullynch8887]

Way too much $$, then you have to buy their jacket to make it even more expensive. And if goes off you have to send it back to use it again?? This vest is much more expensive than the other brands.

[@horaciogonzalez5749]

paul lynch again is your life lol

[@kierenmoore3236]

Dainese ‘D-Bag’ system ... lol 😜

[@koehlerrk1]

Why argon? CO2 or Nitrogen are a lot cheaper.

[@HyeSpeed]

I think its because it's less likely to leak/more stable.

[@michaelkeith9141]

Rick Koehler, Argon is non reactive, non flammable, odorless, colorless and very temperature stable.

[@EduardoRosu]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😋😐😐😐

[@WhoGoneStopMe925]

This guy is so annoying😂 Where's lemmy or the other white dude?😂