/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/XWWQYTL3J5B7LKXDI354FFF4NQ.jpg "Alpinestars Off-Road Airbag Vest Review With Videos")
“You can’t put a price on safety.” —Skyler Howes, Monster Energy Honda Racing
In the realm of motorcycle safety, innovation is paramount. The Alpinestars Tech-Air off-road airbag vest ($999.95) stands at the forefront of motorcycle safety technology promising to revolutionize rider protection. The Tech-Air vest embodies a sleek, ergonomic design, seamlessly integrating into the rider’s motorcycle gear without compromising comfort or mobility.
“I’ve had a few crashes there to test the algorithm and see how things work,” laughs Howes, who recently competed in the 2024 Dakar Rally. “It’s definitely saved my butt a handful of times and a few times in a really big way.”
Central to its design is the airbag system, strategically positioned to envelop the chest, back, neck, and shoulder areas upon deployment. The vest’s construction prioritizes impact absorption and rider comfort, with strategically placed reinforcements and adjustable straps ensuring a secure fit, without it being overly snug.
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The heart of the Tech-Air vest lies in its intelligent and adaptive airbag system. Utilizing six triaxial sensors, three accelerometers and three digital gyros, it continuously monitors the rider’s movements and environment, ready to deploy between 30 and 60 milliseconds (faster than a blink of a human eye) upon detecting an imminent collision.
A small LED panel on the front of the vest allows the user to select between riding modes (Rally, Enduro, Street), each with its separate programming engineered for the rigors of the application. The battery charges in four hours via a USB-C port and offers 30 hours of use. Users can also monitor the system via an iOS-and-Android compatible Tech-Air smartphone app.
“The version that we wear in the Dakar, like the one that we just raced with, is a little bit simplified,” Howes says. “We don’t have the buttons to choose from. We’re always in Rally mode, obviously.
“What I like about the consumer version is the removable [elbow and shoulder] pads and the comfort in terms of the fabric and all of that.”
Both the elbow and shoulder pads are easily removable, however the generously sized Level 1 back and Level 2 chest protector are fixed. The complete unit weighs nearly 7 pounds in medium. Four other sizes are available from small to double extra-large. For reference, the large vest fit our 6-foot-tall, 205-pound frame well.
During testing, more than a few riders encountered deployments during moderate to big crashes which cushioned impacts and reduced the risk of serious injury for riders during the course of our test near Death Valley, California. Yet the system has enough logic to not deploy during a light tip-over (guilty as charged, lol).
A pair of vertically mounted gas cartridges are hidden behind the back protector offering two individual deployments. Each canister can be replaced individually by the user, with Alpinestars recommending the airbag’s air bladder being replaced after four deployments. However, you’ll have to ship it to Alpinestars for this service.
The versatility of the Tech-Air system deserves commendation. Compatible with virtually any type of jersey or jacket, it seamlessly integrates into existing gear setups, eliminating the need for additional bulk or complexity. Ideally users wear it over a thin base layer, but can also wear it against skin or over a jersey.
Beyond its protective capabilities, the Tech-Air vest excels in terms of usability and comfort. The intuitive interface facilitates effortless activation and deactivation, while the lightweight construction ensures unrestricted movement during rides of any duration.
The vest’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties contribute to prolonged comfort, but like any additional layer, you will get hot if you’re moving around the bike actively.
The Tech-Air vest proves its worth as a vital motorcycle riding accessory. Whether commuting on the road or taking the trail less traveled in search of exhilarating adventures, riders can rely on its unparalleled protection and peace of mind. The vest’s ability to adapt to various riding styles and environments ensures its relevance across diverse motorcycling disciplines. From seasoned enthusiasts to novice riders, its ease of use and effectiveness make it a valuable investment in personal safety. Tech-Air vest transcends mere protective equipment, becoming an indispensable companion for riders seeking ultimate peace of mind during off-roading.
