Lenny Scadesbrook | May 19, 2024
If you’re feeling a little dizzy with the number of new airbag systems currently on the market, you’re not alone. We are in the era of bags, and as consumers we have no such choice in what is the biggest safety advance for riders since Barry Sheene invented the back protector. There was no.
Alpinestars was one of, if not the first (depending on who you ask) to bring airbag protection to consumers. New for 2024 is Alpinestars’ newest airbag vest, the Tech-Air 3. The 2024 Tech-Air 3 is a revised version of the unit that hit the market in 2022, and there’s not much difference in terms of overall shape and cut, except for Alpinestars’ zipper that runs vertically rather than offset. there is no. The fact that it is equipped with an airbag in the first place. The new Tech-Air 3 is designed to look as seamless as possible, and when the zipper is fully open, the bladder can be folded inside the liner and out of sight. There are two zippered hand pockets, two zippered chest pockets, and an additional internal pocket for gun storage. Because everyone needs a place to store their guns.
Tech-Air 3 allows one deployment per canister. A new canister costs $99, but if you deploy three, you’ll need to replace the bladder itself. It costs $199, but comes with a free canister (which you can also invest in rider training).
The hardware is the same as the old Tech-Air 3, using six integrated sensors: three accelerometers, including one 3-axis accelerometer, and three gyroscopes, including one 3-axis gyroscope.
If a collision occurs and the airbag inflates, the system’s full chest and back protection is Category II certified PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under European law and remains inflated for at least 5 seconds from the point of deployment. Masu.
The lithium-ion battery is charged via the USB-C port located on the inside left side of the garment, just below the panel. It takes about 4 hours to charge from a fully flat state, giving you about 40 hours of driving time. One hour of charging gives you 8-10 hours of use.
And of course, you can check the status of your Tech-Air 3 and any electronic system updates sent by Alpinestars via the Tech-Air app, which you install and connect to your vest after purchase.
Lowdown | Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest
Distinguishing features: Comfortable, good-looking and discreet protection
List price: $649.95 (canvas); $749.95 (leather)
modest
easy to use
Airbags are arguably the most important safety innovation in recent decades
It is useful to have multiple deployments
Rider Analysis | Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest
I’ve been wearing AStars airbags in my racing suits since 2017, but I’ve traditionally avoided using them on the road because they’re bulky, heavy, and don’t match well with the tight style of my leather riding jacket.
I’m glad this has changed. Admittedly, I don’t have much experience with the old Tech-Air 3 vest, but since I got it a few months ago, I’ve worn the new vest on several bike rides and almost every time I hit the road. . . It’s become part of my kit so seamlessly that I don’t even notice it.
The vest has a slightly better snug fit than the previous 2022 model, and the extra pockets are a nice touch. I’ve had a number of crashes on the race track wearing the Tech-Air system, and I’m grateful that it saved me from certain pain and worse, but I still haven’t used it on the track. I never use it (and I hope I never use it). road.
My friend Troy from motorcycle.com actually had an accident on the road wearing a Tech-Air vest, and now he won’t even look at his bike without it on. That’s enough for me.
Overall, the new Tech-Air 3 is comfortable, good-looking, light, and a little more modest than the 2022 version. It can also be worn inside a jacket if desired. I did so with my touring gear, but it’s best worn outside of a jacket for maximum comfort.
This system is also made of leather, which I admit looks pretty cool, if that’s your thing. The new Tech-Air 3 is the first airbag vest that I currently wear all the time. I drive cars for a living, so that’s the best compliment I can give.
If you would like to learn more please visit: www.alpinestars.com
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