The smartest motorcycle vest? | Alpinestars Tech-Air

[@BrandonBicasso]

Everybody loves a good doughnut right?

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

Hell yeah 😂😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@Anton_G_604 you sugar lover. Meanwhile I just stuffed my face with kic kacs and cheese cake brownies 🙃

[@synonomike]

I have the Alpinestars Tech-air Street. I got hit by a car 2 months ago while on a a roundabout, I high sided, impacting first on my right shoulder, the bag deployed and I can honestly say I didn't feel a thing. I 100% recommend the Alpinestars, the next fews days after I just had all over muscle soreness, something to be expected...

[@BrandonBicasso]

First off, glad that you are okay! And that’s great news that it prevented life threatening injuries!

[@donrudeboyt1895]

You are the reason I decided to invest in a full face helmet. I wear a vest for work that helps keep me safe. These vests could do the same on the bike. Good vid.. 👍🏼

[@BrandonBicasso]

I rock that full face regardless of temps now! Lol. I did before the crash, but if I'm test riding something and half is my only option I'll do it then. Majority of the time I'm full faced, though.

[@RebelRides]

These things will only keep getting better 👍

[@BrandonBicasso]

100%+!

[@oklahomahank2378]

I have gotten off the bike and forgotten I was tethered numerous times. You are not likely to pull the bike over. It takes 60 pounds of sudden force to set off the Helite. I think the Alpinestars is progress, but for me the Helite is a high viz vest I can put over any jacket.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good info. Someone had a video on an airbag vest from AliExpress similar to the Helite. For $140 I think.

[@Mrmarginofsafety]

Great interview, I like the shoulder and collar bone protection over the other brands and wearing this under leathers of my choice. With this system you can ditch your current back and shoulder armor giving more flexibility and buy a less expensively armored jacket if you choose. Medical bills will make this look cheap if it does it's job.

[@pomajzsolt4363]

I'm in the uk. He said they can replace the canisters for a small fee.The vest cost around 500-550 pounds and the refill cost 270.I don't think this is a " small fee."

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good point.

[@johnnyjo532]

But it protects against broken bones and visiting hospital so 270 is very cheap and I would pay much more for my safety, because maybe ab broke bone never heals.

[@pomajzsolt4363]

@@johnnyjo532 Yes i agree with you.You can't put price on safety.

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@johnnyjo532 considering I broke 3 fingers in my last accident, I definitely don't want to break anymore. I'm with you on that.

[@waskogiovani6014]

I was thinking the same thing and plus the packing you gotta take it to a certified professional to do that that's another $200, so you are better off buying a new one

[@peterkrajnc9607]

A very good report. Thank you very much. Also the statements during the ride were helpful. If the TechAir 5 also had RaceTrack mode, it would probably be perfect. The coccyx is not quite as well protected as with Helite, but TechAir 5 has better protection for the shoulder and upper arm. It is also important that the airbag vest gets along without GPS, especially in the mountains the signal can get lost.Ride Safe. Peter, Black Forest, Germany

[@p6x2]

I am in the market for one of these Air Bag jackets; either Dainese or Alpinestars; one comparison one cannot ignore is maintenance cost. Your Alpinestarts tech was rather candid with his "small" service fee... the cost is actually of $300.00, every two years, or every 500 hours of use, whichever comes first; 42% of the jacket's initial cost. The Dainese only requires maintenance every three years, and there is no limit on the hours of operation. The maintenance cost of the Dainese is free; however if you deploy the Airbag, it is $300 to get it reset. Right there, I find the operating cost of the TechAir5 onerous. 500 hours is not so much for a guy like me that rides every day to work, and uses his bike for leisure.

[@PrecisePBJ]

Add a body air conditioner, keep the battery life @ 30hrs, and I am in. 👍🏼✌🏼

[@BrandonBicasso]

Now THAT would be something. I'm sure it's coming. There's an air conditioned helmet floating around the web somewhere currently.

[@UhuruFrontier]

The pull cord system also allow you to change the canisters as well. The prices are dropping too. Believe me, if you have an accident, you won't care how much you invested in the vest.

[@BrandonBicasso]

True! I wouldn't be surprised if we see it in every jacket in the next 5 years. And I agree on the accident part. It probably would've saved the majority of the road rash and broken bones I had on my last accident.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I have one of the tethered brands. The advantage is you just put in a new canister and ride on. I have had it deploy in a back country crash and didn’t even realize it had deployed as my adrenalin was off the charts. I do think Alpinestars has really stepped up their game on this one. The old ones could only be used under specific jackets.

[@Sig721Tau]

Dude, I felt bad for that crash dummy's knees. Ouch! My life is definitely worth more than $680 dollars. Meaning, I would buy this new air bag vest.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Knee capped! I agree.

[@rickdelmonte1682]

Nice video. I have been riding with a Hit-Air vest, which I think was the original vest. However you have to remember to connect the tether, something which I have forgotten multiple times. I have looked at the Dainese vest, but I was not impressed by the coverage it provided. I think the Tech-Air looks like the best one. I am going to buy one as soon as it is available.

[@thomaschadwick8379]

If you can charge your phone everyday, or your Sena com, you can top off the charge on a ABJ. It just becomes part of your routine.

[@GenZBiker]

Dang I’d definitely like to check that out. Doesn’t look very stylish but I love the safety aspects of it! 🙏

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, the Dainese one looks a lot better and more casual for any riding apparel.

[@GenZBiker]

Brandon Bicasso Yeh dainese is cooler looking for sure.

[@ignitiontherapy]

Thanks for putting the video together. I have the race vest and am looking to getting the 5.

[@GareyCooperdude]

Nice review. I own a Dainese and there were two things that pointed me in their direction. One was the fact that it is already available. I don't believe that the Alpinestars is widely available yet. The second is that with the Dainese you can wear it OVER your jacket. This means that your current jacket selection will work with the vest. I have a couple of leather jackets and they are too tight to allow the airbag to deploy under the jacket..... I think the plus for the Alpinestars is that there is more coverage than on the Dainese? A last comment on them is that they are gonna add a layer of stuff on you when riding. In San Diego, where I live this is going to be even warmer come the summer months. Any as I said Nice Review!

[@waskogiovani6014]

Wow you did an amazing job with this review covering pretty much everything that's needed to know. I ride a electric motorcycle and I was wondering wish one would be the best vest for me so thank you for clearing that out for me because if I bought the dainese one that wouldn't have worked for me so thanks bro keep up the good work who knows you might've saved my life already with this video 🤣👍👍👌👌👌

[@eriklindholm6577]

Thank you forwarded it to my friends

[@BrandonBicasso]

❤❤❤

[@Tracks777]

amazing stuff

[@BrandonBicasso]

Agreed!

[@russcoaus2043]

Hi bro nice stuff as always very smart technology hope you and your family are well 🖤🇦🇺👍

[@BrandonBicasso]

Likewise! ❤

[@wtfsagigawatt1915]

Great video! Didn’t even know these things existed.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I did with Dainese and MotoGP, but knew nothing about the Tech-Air and Helite. Super cool tech.

[@brianhaygood183]

Good review. The thing you didn't mention with the Helite or Dianese is that those two offer far less protected area than the Alpinestars. Collarbone injuries are really common for motorcyclists, and that first x-ray you now don't need is going to pay for the vest. I don't think the Alpinstars is perfect, and I think these will continue to evolve, but having worn the A* (and had it deployed as shown in this video), and worn the Dianese, the coverage area difference is huge. I expect the next version of Dianese is really going to have to step up its protection. I think the lesser brands like Helite and Spidi will just keep offering cut-rate gimmicks that people will just buy because they are cheaper. The Spidi and Helite aren't even that much cheaper, oddly. Also, the need for a GPS connection for the Dianese is just bizarre.

[@jeffmoat6820]

This is so incredibly informative. Thanks very much

[@BrandonBicasso]

Awesome! Glad you got something out of it!

[@vaughanscott7308]

The alpine stars guy looks very professional.

[@BrandonBicasso]

He was!

[@Goetterdaemmerung]

How much bigger do you need the jacket in relation to your Standard size? They say 4cm circumfence around chest but is this L if you wear M or XL if you wear M? Any experiences or thougths?

[@BrandonBicasso]

The chart at the bottom on the Tech-Air 5 webpage explains that. www.alpinestars.com/tech-air-5-airbag-system

[@Goetterdaemmerung]

Sorry but thats the sizing for the tech air itself Not the jacket???

[@BrandonBicasso]

If you're wearing a super fitted leather jacket, would make sense to size up. A mesh jacket that fits true to size should be fine since it has more room to give on expansion.

[@Goetterdaemmerung]

Thanks for answering. Sorry again but I got a Textile that has tiny room front and back but if I see the ta5 inflated it looks as if would collaps into my breast if there’s not enough room - it looks very tall inflated

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@Goetterdaemmerung Nah, you're fine. It's a good question. I'd watch reviews on it to be sure of the sizing. I'm assuming that it would be okay since a jacket that's too baggy reduces the effectiveness in event of an accident. 4cm is about the length of a pinky finger. And I do think that demo inflation may have been a bit over exaggerated with the amount of air.

[@martinfoster5163]

I’d trust the electronic versions more than mechanical. Smarter people than me have said the tethered deploy too slowly because the tether needs to extend fully before inflation even starts. I’ve had 3 crashes in my life and in 2 of them I didn’t leave the bike! So a tethered system wouldn’t have deployed. Also, I ride standing up quite a lot so I’d need an even longer tether which would make the deployment even longer. There are now electronic vest systems for about £300 ($400) from In&Motion (multiple vendors use them) where you rent the brain or just buy outright. I personally like the coverage of the A* tech-air 5 best but replacement after deployment is crazy inconvenient and expensive. Helite’s NEW e-turtle might be a good compromise.

[@robzz9002]

I’ve been looking at airbags as I’m planning to buy one soon. Already got an alpinestars tech air ready leather jacket, but at the moment I’m leaning towards the newer electronic helite vest as it seems to protect the neck better than the others. I’ve done a lot of searching and I can’t find any videos/photos of the tech air 5 when it’s deployed with the wearer having a helmet on. Would really like to see how much it restricts neck movement. I think not much, if at all, which is why they aren’t showing it.

[@BrandonBicasso]

That’s a good point. Didn’t think about that. Every time I’ve seen it, people haven’t had helmets on.

[@vederchi]

Do you have any plans for leg protection pants or a leg wrap of some kind? Thanks!

[@josephjennings9462]

Hi I have a question that’s not answered in the video. How does this vest perform in the likes of a track day?

[@BrandonBicasso]

I’d think it should be fine for a casual day. More riding days on track are recommended to use the suit.

[@thornhillwilliams2025]

Informative video. Thanks

[@BrandonBicasso]

❤❤❤

[@norsmanadventures]

That riding bit at the end looked like Wisconsin.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Bama. Close enough 😂

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

Outstanding technology ! Very intriguing! Well done man! Information galore ! Nice bike too !

[@BrandonBicasso]

All that! ❤❤❤

[@russcoaus2043]

Bro you have a very nice motorcycle 🇦🇺😎👍👍👍

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Russell!

[@oscarmaldonado2826]

Great review!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Glad you think so!

[@f99o46]

YES Good stuff

[@BrandonBicasso]

Glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@debbieymthao]

Would you be able to wear this vest under a different branded race suit?

[@BrandonBicasso]

You should be able to although you'd want the Tech Air Race which is for the track. Tech Air 5 is for the street.

[@jstahlisrael6597]

Question: why wouldn’t some type of inflatable vest always be required kind of like seatbelts?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good question. In my area, motorcycle licenses aren't required to operate a motorcycle. Lack of safety standards across the industry, maybe?

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

If that thing blew up on me I would probably have a heart attack Brandon😂🤣 amazing technology these days Brother 💯✌️😎, ride safe brother 💯

[@BrandonBicasso]

LOL!!!! The expansion itself would cause another accident. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

@@BrandonBicasso LMAO 😂🤣😂🤣

[@ChadGrimes]

It would be a weird situation where you would be away from any electricity for 40 hrs. Most people who put themselves in that situation would probably find a way to charge it anyway through solar. It would be cool if they had the ability to switch battery packs

[@BrandonBicasso]

Maybe in another version. Good point though.

[@OBH24]

Hi there! Can you use a back bag while using it?

[@BrandonBicasso]

I don't see why not. You can wear this with a jacket long as the jacket does not restrict the airbag from deploying. Alpinestars gives guidelines on how much room is needed for deployment. This version is meant to be worn under a jacket so a backpack should be fine.

[@OBH24]

@@BrandonBicasso thank you very much for getting back to me!!

[@scillanunziata1357]

Thanks for the video. It can be used on the TRACK? Thanks. Ciao

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yes, there's the "Tech-Air" that's built for the track versus the "Tech-Air Street and Tech-Air 5" for everyday riding.

[@emiliandarie7277]

Hello, please how much does it exactly weight ? Thanks

[@fnordist]

Why don't you produce gloves and retrofittable handlebars so that clothes can be charged using non-contact induction charging?

[@BrandonBicasso]

🧐, that's a great idea actually

[@abdulrhmanaljassmi32]

thanks for the informations

[@gotiualexandru5219]

That 'small' fee for refiling the gas cartridges is 300$. That is just pure greed. Other very good companies(helite or spidi) sell replacement cartridges for 20$ and it does not take 1 day to recharge the vest. I live in Romania and it takes 3 to 6 weeks for that whole process to be completed. Thats a lot if you bear in mind that Alpinestars has a very strong presence in europe. Other than that this is the best airbag vest on the market.

[@bertje5386]

How you likeing that cruisecontrol brandon?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Works wonders ❤️❤️❤️

[@bertje5386]

@@BrandonBicasso i ordered one yesterday lol

[@Bush0r]

Tests from the "TÜV" Germany have shown that those airbag vests are pretty much useless above 70km/h. :|

[@BrandonBicasso]

Hmm... I wonder why? Because the airbags don't last long enough? Or because of body roll causing head injuries?

[@Bush0r]

Actually i dont remember.. it was a couple of month ago I read that article. :/

[@Goetterdaemmerung]

The Test is still online - ADAC airbaigwesten - it was no Good Test becuase cable was located in Bad Position Not under the dummy and much Too Long line... thats why it inflated too late but that was against manual hints

[@Berecutecu]

Does anyone has the link with the source of the tests commented? I just found something from 2013

[@oklahomahank2378]

That test was on a tethered model. It showed that if you smack your head on something, the vest won’t help. It also showed that if you set the tether too loose it won’t go off in time. As stated above, they set up the tether wrong. Edit: I can’t find my link to the original study now, but here is a link to a German motorcycle magazine article on it. It is not just airbags, it says pretty much anything is useless if you hit a stationary object at over 50 kmh. www.motorradonline.de/ratgeber/motorrad-unfallstudie-ab-70-km-h-hilft-auch-kein-airbag/. Edit 2. Here is the 2013 report. The Dainese received a “very good” rating and the Helite a “good.” I wonder if people are confused by the more general remarks they make that nothing works on a sudden impact above a certain speed. I suppose it is also possible some people just don’t like airbags and are looking for negative reports, like on ABS. www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/motorrad-roller/2013_systemvergleich_schutzsysteme/default.aspx

[@sz8558]

The helite requires 60lbs of force to deploy, which is going to happen if you get rear ended.

[@benghazi4216]

And it has a larger volume, since it's worn over everything

[@BlazinSpeed]

I sent the smart D air vest back to rev zilla and changed for the tech air 5 which I am waiting on. The D air doesn’t in my opinion work under jackets it added 3 inchs in chest size when I measured with it on and then needed 2 more inches for clearance as size 44 chest I would need a 49 inch chest jacket to meet requirements. The back protector houses a lot on the D air and is big adding the 3 inches. The D air has about 2/3 the protection of tech air 5. D air you must have a MacBook or desktop to work it is not compatible with smart phones or tablets. In Europe the have a way bigger selection of airbag brands Ixon was one of the best before tech air 5.

[@markfosseth8047]

How breathable is it ? Pls be honest, thx

[@richardstrother2140]

Can this vest handle a wheelie?

[@BrandonBicasso]

Don’t see why not

[@doitwithj.a.m4029]

Nice

[@BrandonBicasso]

💯😎

[@hogeonshin3033]

good

[@khaliddaylami406]

Hilarious how people consider cost differences of a couple hundred dollars to buy an airbag vest that is their second choice, yet willing to buy a motorcycle, accessories and gear worth thousands more. If you are spending a total of $10,000 on a bike including spending on gear and accessories, insurance etc who cares if the airbag is $600 or $800? That’s $200 difference ie 2% difference to sway you getting the airbag you don’t want? choose the one right for you.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Fair points!

[@jstahlisrael6597]

I disagree, if you’re rear ended while wearing the highlight vest and the rear end is bad enough you’re gonna be pulled off the motorcycle inflating the helite vest. I trust nuts and bolts more than algorithms and “smart vest“ but to each his own.

[@BrandonBicasso]

True, it was more of a what if though. There's many ways for it to happen.

[@simondavis741]

Good video, apart from the ‘on bike’ bit where the stupid loud pipe drowned out the commentary..

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, it was my helmet actually. Messed up the mic placement. Sorry about that.

[@xcg1234]

There is a video on Tiktok a guy's Alpinestars airbag deployed simply because his girlfriend pat his back.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Seriously? Wow

[@michaelbates3709]

It does not protect you stomach, one key area

[@BrandonBicasso]

good point

[@saliston]

You need to get a new bobber or other indian.

[@iLwSZ]

Alpinestars actually sued Dainese.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yikes

[@fartontheway9435]

And Dainese won

[@intotheblue1145]

Their customer service is non existent. Box shifters. After sales is a no no for them. I have dumped my vest and gone with another make. It is really ARROGANT to ignore people paying high prices who have software issues. How am i going to ride with it on with any confidence if they treat me like this? So i voted NO.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, I’ve heard that from a few people long after this video was posted. Disappointing.