Rennie Scaysbrook | May 19, 2024
If you’re getting a little dizzy at the number of new airbag systems on the market right now, you’re not alone. This is firmly the age of the bag, and as consumers, we’ve never had such a choice when it comes to what, really, is the biggest safety breakthrough for riders since Barry Sheene invented the back protector.
The canvas vest looks the part and plays the safety game better than anything else on the market.
Alpinestars has been one of, if not the first (depends on who you ask), to offer airbag protection to consumers. New for 2024 is the Tech-Air 3, the latest airbag vest from Alpinestars. The Tech-Air 3 of 2024 is a revised version of the unit we saw come to market in 2022, not all that different in terms of overall shape and cut except for the zipper that runs vertically rather than offset, which Alpinestars implemented to hide the fact you’re wearing an airbag in the first place. The new Tech-Air 3 is designed to look as seamless as possible, to the point that with the zipper all the way open, you can fold the bladder inside the liner and out of sight. You get two zippered hand pockets, two zippered chest pockets, as well as an inner pocket for, I kid you not, storing your gun. Because everyone needs a place to store their gun.
On the Tech-Air 3, you get one deployment per canister. A new canister costs $99, but if you have three deployments, you’ll need to get the bladder itself replaced. That’ll cost $199, but you get a free canister with it (you might also want to invest in some rider training).
The hardware is the same as the older Tech-Air 3 and uses six integrated sensors (three accelerometers including one triaxial accelerometer, and three gyroscopes including one triaxial gyroscope).
When you have a crash and the airbag inflates, the system’s full chest and full back protection is Category II Certified PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under European Law, and it’ll remain inflated for at least five seconds from the point of activation.
The zip on the back means you can slip a back protector in if you want some extra safety from your vest.
The lithium-ion battery is charged via the USB-C port on the inside left of the garment, just under the panel. From fully flat, it’ll take about four hours to charge, which will give you about 40 hours of ride time. A single charge of one hour will give you between 8 and 10 hours.
And, of course, the Tech-Air 3’s status and any electronic system updates sent out by Alpinestars can be checked via the Tech-Air app that you’ll install and connect with your vest once you buy it.
Lowdown | Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest
Standout Feature: Comfortable, good looking, discreet protection
List Price: $649.95 (canvas); $749.95 (leather)
Discreet
Easy to use
Airbags are easily the most important safety innovation in decades
More than one deployment would be nice
Rider Analysis | Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Canvas Vest
I’ve been wearing AStars airbags in my racing suits since 2017 but have traditionally shied away from using them on the road because they were bulky and heavy and often didn’t fit well with the tight style of leather riding jackets.
I’m glad this has changed. Admittedly, I don’t have much experience with the old Tech-Air 3 vest, but I’ve worn the new one on a few bike launches and almost every time I’ve ridden on the road since I got it a few months ago. It’s become part of my kit so seamlessly that I don’t even notice it.
The vest has a slightly nicer, snugger fit than the outgoing model from 2022, plus the extra pockets are a nice touch. I’ve had a number of crashes on the racetrack in Tech-Air systems and thank God I had them on because they have saved me from certain pain and worse, but I’ve yet to (and hope never to) utilize one on the road.
That bladder can be folded out of sight when the zip is fully open.
My mate, Troy at motorcycle.com, has, in fact, crashed on the street in a Tech-Air vest and now won’t even look at a bike without it on, so that’s good enough for me.
Overall, the new Tech-Air 3 is comfy, looks good, is light, and is a little more discreet than the 2022 edition. You can wear it inside your jacket if you want, and I have done so with touring gear, but it’s best worn on the outside of your jacket for maximum comfort.
The system also comes in leather, if that’s your jam, and I’ll admit it does look pretty damn cool. The new Tech-Air 3 is the first airbag vest I now ride with constantly. I ride for a living, so that’s the best compliment I can give it.
To learn more, visit www.alpinestars.com
