Is a motorcycle airbag worth the money? Alpinestars TechAir offroad Dakar explained and tested
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- Safety is a huge factor with extreme desert racing and so I’m a huge believer in the use of air vests. This video I talk through the specifications and my experience with the Alpinestars TechAir off road Dakar approved protection.
It appears like a normal full body armour with elbow, back, shoulder and chest protection but it also has a seamlessly integrated airvest system. It’s a little bulkier than a normal protector but it's incredibly comfortable - and body saving. It feels like a normal body armour but with a bit more bulk and is designed to deploy the airbag system in a crash. Intelligent accelerometers and gyroscopes can tell exactly when the rider needs it deploying before you even hit the ground! Thankfully, you're not going to have an embarrassing curbside inflate as the technology is far more attuned, knowing what's an actual crash versus a little stumble.
This is a compulsory kit for most of the major rallies and it's already saved many breaks and most probably deaths.
More information on: www.alpinestars.com/pages/tec...
The Dakar approved version will be available on the wider mar
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Wished I'd had one of these 8 weeks ago. Broken ribs
Can’t wait for this to be available for the general public. I’d be definitely invest in one. Safety and Health is priceless.
Stoked that A* has this TechAir system for Rally/Offroad (ADV) riders due out soon! Especially one that comes with twin canisters that can be replaced by the user. Unlike their TechAir 5 and 10 systems which have to go back to Alpinestars at a reasonably significant cost. Not sure if the TechAir 3 needs to go back? I also like that they specifically mention on their product site that the airbag covers the neck, so looks like it negates the need for a neckbrace? It also sounds like it'll come with a couple of different riding modes, Rally and Light Trail/Road which is going to be the perfect set-up for offroad ADV riding. Cracking video and I love that you're filming this product segment mid-race...brilliant!😂
Thanks mate, been waiting for this review!!!! Stay well mate
No problem 👍 I hope you enjoyed
I could have used one on my 1290 SAR, minor bike damage but I broke 8 ribs (flail) broken shoulder blade and a collapsed lung. Will be investing in one as soon as riding season starts again. Thanks for the review!
What clever design piece of safety gear. Sounds like it saved you from a potentially bigger injury. Great video, enjoy your riding.
thanks Andy, yeah it certainly has and since I made this I had two offs in morocco! defo saved me!
@@TheGirlOnABike Ouch, Stay safe. I rode motocross as a young teen. I have revived my interest in all things motorcycle recently purchasing a Husqvarna TE310 4 stroke. I refreshed my riding with a two day course and did an online test as required in NSW Australia to get my licence. I can now ride on the road for short trips and not get into trouble with the police. Most my riding will be Enduro type stuff and avoiding roads and traffic. I enjoy watching your videos, keep them coming.🌻
I got the Helite one a few years ago at Goodwood
btw I did see you at the ABR but you are a busy lady !
aw sorry i was busy, what an epic event! see you next time
Very cool! glad you have it, that being said, I hope n pray you do not need it!!!
I have had a few offs whilst wearing it and mega thankful i had it, it has been a literal lifesaver, hopefully no more to come!
Bouncing a round with joy: 45 quid! 😆 Great piece of kit! 🤩
haha yeah
Have 'used' my Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest twice now ... once at 40 KPH into a ditch on a corner off-road ... no bruises or breaks and simply replaced CO2 cylinder on the trail and continued on in the group ride. Seems expensive until its NOT :)
Oh wow super glad you are ok and 100% right, I think the money is worth it for when it can be needed, I think it saved my life before! Keep riding safe woo!
I know what you mean ;) helite saved my day...
Wow, things have changed since I did enduros/rallys! I imagined these being something out of James Bond or Jackie Chan, but they're REAL.
haha soo true
Hello Vanessa
Cheers for the videos.
How warm is the airbag vest compared to a conventional one?
Can it tell the difference between a little spill and a crash?
Ignoring the price and availability for a second, do you think these vests are getting refined enough so they would be practical for normal trail or enduro riding?
With regards to body armor fitted to women; my partner Linda seems either have to comprise on the chest plate but have arms and shoulders that fit or she has to go for a larger size so the chest fits better but then the shoulders and arms are a bit baggy. We have thought of looking at horses riding chest and back protectors as they have plenty designed for women but I doubt they are as comfortable as something made for the job.
I do wonder if a fix could be as simple as a manufacturer offering a shaped or shapable chest pad that you could just swap for the flat plate in a mans jacket (at least on soft armour). The same upside down may be good for those folk with a bit of a Homer Simpson belly.
Have a good one.
Paul
hey Paul, lots of questions. Ok yes it is warmer than normal but not hugely.It is hotter yes, it has the extra layer of the membrane that inflates but it's not killer hotter. I use it for desert rallies and have ridden in 45-52 degrees heat and coped. It is worth it for the protection. Yes the electronics in the CPU are mental clever and have years of riding data to know when to deploy. I have had small offs and not set it up, but the big ones it has ALWAYS deployed. I hear you on the chest protection. I have [if it's not too personal to say] 32DD chest so a small waist and pretty big features proportionally. I always wear mens gear as I've never found a decent womens one. I don't really feel the need. The chest plate covers me, yes it sits on an angle over my boobs and makes me look like a teenage boy but it protects me. I don't really feel I need a boob contoured one if I'm honest. I realise that is zero help and probably no answering the question haha. Hope that helps Paul
@@TheGirlOnABike Cheers. Not too personal, we all have bodies. Have a good one!
Paul
What a great bit of kit!!
By the way what are the race pants you are wearing please?
They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯
@@TheGirlOnABike
Thanks👍
Last I knew they didn't have the technology for non tethered air vests for off road. Now I see it may be available in 2024 here.
I was researching big Heavy Tech Vests for Snowmobile racing. Being too warm is not a problem with snowmobiles.
I learned that one of the worst injuries is you crash and break your ribs and broken ribs puncture your lungs then you suffocate.
Knowing that, A Tech Vest seems very Important.
I think the Brand is Helite that makes a very simple less expensive example that is tethered to a cable ..
Helite Turtle II $700.00 for example .
Helite has a non-tethered version called the e-turtle but with less sensors than the Dainese Smart Vest.
yeah that's fair. This is all non teathered and has insane CPU intelligence for sensoring when it needs to deploy. The Alpinestars is one of the more expense ones from my understanding but having seen various examples in the rally bivouac I know which one I would wear to protect me. Cheaper isn't always better I guess.
The air vest is hot I just about coped in Spain with a Macna cooling vest and light jacket. Prob is designers don’t think u need to make the jacket from vest to allow air flow it is stupid to wear it outside as the abrasion will wear material away
Is it different from the airbags worn in MotoGP and World Superbike? (It's good to see them being more widely used.) The reason I ask is I've seen racers set them off by being a little too energetic whilst celebrating and wondered how different it would be in relation to all of bumps you take dealing with non-flat surfaces. Finally, would you consider wearing one on your daily commute?
This one is designed as an offroad one so it caters for those bumps you are referring too. But you can get various styles for the different riding terrains e.g off road, on road etc
Airbag vests are revolutionary in the motorcycle world. The last revolution was helmets many years ago.
I'm an airbag user and tester but not for Alpinestars. I am limited to tethered systems (Helite Turtles in my case) because I live in Mongolia, although I'm British. The argon canisters are just not available here and as you said, flying any pressurized canisters is difficult and very expensive. Luckily, CO2 canisters are a commodity item, cheap (£3 each) and can be transported overland from China to me.
One nitpick: the pressure in the canister might be very high (I don't know the number) but after it fills the airbag it's probably more like tire pressure. I also don't know the number but it's around 10psi. That's a good thing because if you're numbers were correct, the bladder would be rock hard and not help you at all. In fact, the bladder wouldn't be able to contain that kind of pressure.
I believe that the Helite Turtle2 fills to about 20psi when it is deployed from what I was reading a couple days ago. I am waiting for mine to get here.
@@myronhorvathsk I'm not sure. The pressure varies a lot based on bladder size. My wife's M size and my XL use exactly the same 45g canister and the pressure is substantially greater in the M when inflated.
Typically manufacturers only offer 2 sizes of CO2 canister over 7-8 sizes of vest, each with their own bladder size. So you can see how the pressure would vary significantly over that range.
@@martinfoster5163 yeah based on that there would be a variance on actual inflated pressure for sure.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
Have friends who wear air vests when they ride there horses. Before she was thrown and broke a rib and punctured her lung. Not ever again since they now wear the vests always, when riding.
that's ace to hear, it's amazing how the technology has evolved and adapted to different sports
When will this actually be available? They announced it 2 (!!!) years ago!
the rumours are early 2024!! Fingers crossed
looks smart
Its a great piece of kit!
Technical progress saving our chests and ribs. Is that kit hotter than a conventional (say Ortema) protector in the heat? Thanks, Günter/Nürnberg
It is hotter yes, it has the extra layer of the membrane that inflates but it's not killer hotter. I use it for desert rallies and have ridden in 45-52 degrees heat and coped. It is worth it for the protection
@@TheGirlOnABike Thanks, Vanessa, then I have to get one. Falling on your ribs is a real pain. Cheers, Günter/Nürnberg
Yep...you are worth saving.
Do you get separation anxiety I did when I had to ship my Yamaha TT350 went before me especially half round the world.
Can you re-use the air bag part for a period of time or once used you replace the bladder along with the gas cylinders.
no you can use the vest over and over, I don't believe there is a limit. You just change the gas cylinders and charge the electrics [battery easily seems to last 24 hours]
Most important is the inflation around neck which prevents spinal problem. Sadly majority of these vests don't have it. Paradox, as cheap roped chinese have it....Luckily my helite vest had it too nd really saved my life....
Vests are definitely getting better and better with much more protection, sounds like you are lucky you had one, im glad you are ok!
did ti have enough inflation around neck to lock your neck/spin / helmet when you crashed ? @@TheGirlOnABike
Maybe it's only available in Europe because I can't find any retailers in the US carrying it. Looks interesting.
It's currently not available on the market only for specific races. It should be available early 2024 tomorrow.
@@TheGirlOnABike Is there a way an amateur hobby mx rider can get their hands on one of these already? Broke my collarbone and I am very interested in buying one before 2024, so I still got some peace of mind when I start riding again late season. Especially when it gets slippery in autumn.
What's a good brand of 'base layer' to buy for hot weather riding?
Personally i like the Alpinestars base layers
Wow. Shes not annoying in the slightest.
🤷♀️😂
Could you please spell the "Hocus pocus, magic, myshybygydybydybyaa" part? Haha good one :)
hahaaaa that's made me chuckle. I think you spelled it perfectly HA
Does this vest cover the ribs Vanessa? I broke a couple in June after I got a pinch flat, and damaged them again early Nov falling out of a deep rut 😢
Yeah it does. Ouch. Sorry to hear that
What are those pants you’re wearing? They look ideal
They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯
Looks like the Vest your are testing is for off road riding. Does not look like it has any Anti-Abrasion Properties. Just trying to point out that Street bike and Dirt Bike Protection may be totally different models.
Correct, this one is for offroad
Where did you got those info?
The airbag has only 1 deployment not 2, so not sure where did you get this information, or this model 🤔
Next generation vests have 2 deployments. The first models only 1
@@TheGirlOnABike I've the Alpinestars air vest tech 5 "last model", has yes two cartridges but both deploy during activation, and it need to be served once deploy...
Which model are you talking about?
You're correct for techair 5. I'm wearing the techair off road which is a different model and it has two deploys. So we're both correct just talking about different models
@@TheGirlOnABike Hello :) Wow... very probably your model does not come here in the USA, It's definitely worth having two deployments instead of one...
I used the Air-5 only 3 times and the led light stopped working, so I had to send it to the manufacturer for repair, a little annoying as it was basically new "30 days", and I had to spend for shipping and not be able to use it, but fortunately, I had also the Dainese Smart Jacket "long slave with protections and airbag purchase in Italy "only please where this model is available", and shipped here to USA", which it do not have APP connection, but a beautiful big led light "visible from the rear mirror". and a vibration alarm that advises anytime the status changes.
Definitely, the LED location and size help a lot, and I love the possibility of using the Dainese jacket alone without having to use the Air-5 also the jacket on top "Dainese has the waist adjustment and two external pockets".
Nice review, thanks! If only they made one for us big girls who have big chests...
The market is ever expanding, so hopefully in time there will be a large array of options for all ages, sizes etc
Definitely worth its weight in gold.
agreed!
Vanessa Sparkle Hands
haha yey
Time for air bag around pelvis and femurs
They do it with on road airbags. Look at their Tech Air 10 system.
@@ThemadViking793 not road user friendly better is top and bottom separate Honda got it right with gold wing build it into tank. Hardly noticeable weight ( except if u come off it’s on the bike not u)
anyone know what pants she's wearing?
I do! Hehe.. They are the Woodsman Enduro Pant by Mosko Moto and I highly reccomend!!
What's definitely not worth the price tag are those fancy pants you're wearing.... protections is where most of the money should go.
👍
30 yrs in A&E 5 years covering Moro sports armour is next to useless back armour doesn’t really work as your spine is a double s not straight air bags is Best why do u think cars don’t have armour
Promo`SM
I was super interested in this, until I tried one on. Uncomfortable, bulky, felt hot in a climate controlled building. The electronics need to get significantly smaller and the airflow better before this will be appealing to the general population.
Im sorry you feel that way, everyone has a personal preference and in my opinion it is super lightweight and extremely breatheable, in fact i prefer this over regular full body armour 🤷♀️ but thank you for watching the video 😎
I'd say it's something you get accustomed to wearing. Also when you smack the ground hard once or twice it kinda readjusts a persons thinking, kind of like a reset button. Lol I went down almost 2 weeks ago, and let me tell you I wish I had one already then, mine will be here next week.
I hope I never see you riding an electric motorcycle. Remain a girl of water and fire
check my channel I have ridden a few electric bikes! Energica, Electric Motion etc
I am going to post this and hope that before you block me for spaming that you look at the video I am referencing and see that I am doing this for the same reason you did this video, safety.
CZcamsr ARiemann1 about three months ago did a video called "Are rider airbags are the best crash protection?" literally, so OK his grammar is not so hot but in the video he demos the vest in slow motion and you can see it inflate before he hits the ground how the sensors/gyros know he is in a crash not something else is amazing but it works if anyone is interested go watch the video.