Alpinestars Tech Air Off Road Airbag | It's Time to Adopt Airbags (in-depth review)
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2024
- Motorcycle Airbags are here and they now make sense for both on and off road riders. Today I review the Alpinestars Tech Air Off Road Airbag. Future reviews will cover the Tech Air 5 and other systems. #revzilla #alpinestars #airbagssave #motorcycle
⚡ Sizing: Use the size chart! I am wearing a Large. My T-Shirt size is Large.
⚡ Washing: You can wash it if you remove the "brains" from the back.
⚡ Battery Life: Alpinestars claims 30 hours on a charge (4 hour charge time)
➕Revzilla Airbags Save Page: imp.i104546.net/Qy73V9
➕Buy Tech Air Off Road: imp.i104546.net/9g0avY
➕Buy Tech Air 5 (what I'm using for street rides): imp.i104546.net/m5YVDy
➕2024 Gear Guide Download: tinyurl.com/3jtkmdvz
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: / bigrockmedia
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⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
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00:00 Intro
01:21 Why Airbags?
03:00 Airbag Types
06:08 Function
13:15 Cost
14:43 How to Wear It!
20:24 Backpack Use?
22:12 Downsides
23:45 Always Airbags - Авто та транспорт
Are you ready to adopt airbags? Why or why not?
⚡ Sizing: Use the size chart! I am wearing a Large. My T-Shirt size is Large.
⚡ Washing: You can wash it if you remove the "brains" from the back.
⚡ Battery Life: Alpinestars claims 30 hours on a charge (4 hour charge time)
➕Revzilla Airbags Save Page: imp.i104546.net/Qy73V9
➕Buy Tech Air Off Road: imp.i104546.net/9g0avY
➕Buy Tech Air 5 (what I'm using for street rides): imp.i104546.net/m5YVDy
➕2024 Gear Guide Download: tinyurl.com/3jtkmdvz
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia
⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
Just another reason why your my favorite motorcyclist on yt
My helite airbag saved me from any life changing injuries from my accident last year.
Just had an accident with 70 mph on. Interstate. Sliding down the road. I also wore a riding suit too.I believe the airbag saved me from many min injuries. Never ride without one. I walked away.
wow, amazing! glad you are ok
Which airbag were you wearing?
Its the sudden stop they say.
So glad that you're alright
Been riding and racing for 30 years. The older I get, the less shit I wear. So yeah, f this noise.
Klim Ai-1 saved my ass in rough crash last year. 2 titanium rods in right arm, 3 in right leg, chunk out of helmet and left knee reconstructed with cadaver parts on the sixth and final surgery - I don't even count the broken left hand after what I went through with the left knee - LOL. Back of airbag vest was mangled and even thought I had broken limbs my back, neck and spine and torso writ large were not even bruised or sore. Total game changer, y'all. Came off the bike at 50MPH in six lanes of traffic.
Wow. Glad you're ok
I respect the heck out of your honesty and transparency. It's at the very beginning, no dancing around it, no trickery, no "*" in the bottom corner with tiny print.
Other channels should take note.....some have turned into glorified salesman.
Their approach screams "disingenuous" to me. So much so that i have i no linger subscribe to their channels, and no longer watch any of their content.
In a world filled with scams, biased reviews, and beginners giving advice and act as if they've been into the hobby for decades, it sure is nice to have a few channels which are authentic and honest.
Many might disagree with my opinion, that is fine, doesnt mean im wrong though.
I’ve been wearing a Helite Turtle tethered for a decade. Probably have around 100K miles on it. The cable/steel ball connector finally broke. I bought another Helite, Hi-Viz, and will repair the original and have a spare or one to donate to a new rider.
Helite is relatively lightweight. I wear it over my Aerostitch one piece. You get used to tethering. Adjusted properly you can stand while tethered riding off-road. Don’t have to worry about charging while on multi day camping trips. Simple, proven technology.
On one occasion I did perform an unplanned, sudden, airborne dismount (yeah, I crashed) while bouncing down my dirt road. I’m in the air, heard a pop. Next thing I know I’m on my back in a cloud of dust watching my rear wheel spin. It felt like I was jumping backwards into bed. The next day the only part of me that was tender was my rear end. 5 minutes to replace the gas cylinder and you’re ready for more action.
Like Ian, I won’t ride without an airbag. Everyone’s situation is different. But definitely check them out. Remember, cracked ribs only hurt when you breathe. See y’all in Redmond and GetOn Fest Sturgis. Ride safe.
Great info
Thanks for the review. It’s a no brainer, it’s on the list for my next gear purchase.
Glad to help
Picked one up for my upcoming 40,000 mile ride. Concerned it might be stifling in hot conditions. I have a traditional armor set up waiting for me in San Diego incase the Tech Air doesn't work out. Thanks for your motorcycle journalism - it's a positive contribution to the riding community.
I tried riding in it around the block and it was 70f. I immediately started sweating on my chest area since there is virtually zero airflow. I then tried my Alpinestars A10 and I was momentarily cold because of the great airflow and the fact that I was damp on the chest area. That sealed the deal for me. It’s an incredible piece of equipment but it’s too warm for summer riding. Also, it doesn’t have any side rib protection and that’s the area I usually bust up.
The best motorcycle related reviews on YT or anywhere for that matter!!! TY!!!
Glad to see you did a review on these, I will be getting one!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for the wealth of information that you give to all of us out here in the motorcycling community. I believe in all the gear all the time. Thanks to you, I am buying that airbag system.
You have probably saved someone’s life with this video. I have been on the fence about air bags for a while and think you have just convinced me to go for it!😊
Glad I could help!
This was a really well thought out and presented video. Very nice job.
Thank you kindly!
Fully agree. I'm a huge fan on airbag technology and will continue to invest in it as it improves over the years to come.
On a recent trip my friend highsided his KTM 890 wearing a Dainese airbag. He hadn’t thought about his back pack which was tightly fitted. When the airbag deployed it cracked a couple of ribs as had no room to move. Other than that the airbag did a great job and he walked away with only a broken toe. So it’s good that you pointed out loosening the back pack, as obviously very important!
Another great video👍
Awesome info Ian. Thanks for the review. This is a realistic concern for the aging moto connoisseur 😉
I have worn an airbag corded vest style by HitAir for over 10 years now. ABSOLUTELY I agree they offer a massive improvement in safety. My bag has deployed once (other than a test deployment when looking at buying one). I was dismounting from my bike by standing on the left side drivers peg and had my right leg way up in the air to clear my tailbag. I was a putz and had NOT put the stand down properly or left the bike in gear(DUMB). The bike rolled off the stand an I fell very hard on my left side on our concrete paver driveway. The bag went off, everything worked and I got up without scratch or a wrenched neck or sore shoulder. I was SO impressed, I'm in my 70's and I would at the very least badly wrenched my neck and likely broke my left collar bone. I wear the bloody thing ANYTIME I'm on the bike under power - Yes, even moving it around the driveway! As to tethered -frankly at the time i purchased mine the inertial operated systems were very expensive and if deployed one lost the bag for most of a riding season (I live in Canada - shorter season). I wear a vest style and it's simply the last thing I put on, I wear my usual gear depending on conditions and simply throw the vest on top. I have NEVER had it deploy accidentally (takes quite a tug to deploy it) and recharging it costs $30 canadian and 10 minutes.
LOVE your channel and my off road riding is limited to gravel roads.
Great info and feedback
Thanks for the comprehensive detailed video. And for your thoughts and inputs. Appreciated 👍
Ride safe y'all
Thanks for watching!
Already got it. Thanks for your review. It solidified my purchase! Greetings from Norway! 😊
Same. :)
Great to hear!
Thanks Ian, I appreciate the effort you’ve put into this review. I’m definitely looking at this sort of protection after a long period of recovery from a traffic crash. I’m yet to decide on which particular one to go with, but this has been very helpful. 👍🇦🇺
Thank you for sharing this video!👍🏻
This is a timely video and you’ve crammed a lot of useful information into it. I’ve owned the Tech Air 5 for about a year, which works well under racing leathers as well as with street riding gear. I find the battery life to be considerably better than anticipated. It took sometime to get used to pulling it on simultaneously with the upper portion of my race suit, but it is comfortable once in place. The back portion is no big deal when compared with the usual track-focused back protector.
The new Alpinestars releases, including this off-road version, are really interesting, not only due to the armor, but particularly because the user can now change the canisters.
I’m older, and, for me, the biggest concern about spills and thrills is time lost due to recovery. Injuries and surgeries are not fun, but it is the forced time off the bikes that hurts the most.
Alpinestars is providing a real service in their continued development of these sophisticated devices and accompanying firmware, and I am glad you partnered with Revzilla to share this information with us.
Another excellent production. Ian not only reviews the product but also gives practical tips how to use the airbag in a variety of scenarios AND how to integrate it with other gear. 5 stars! I am now considering buying this gear because I can see the solution of what to do after the airbag deploys. Before I supposed that one would finished the ride with a deflated bag and no protection. The cartridge idea is great. 👍 👌
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Ian!! Think the technology is finally here!. Def getting one..
Right on!
Thx for the review...greetings from Norway :)
Ian, I really appreciate your in depth reviews on gear. I have gone through so much gear over the years and returned a lot due to odd fitment etc, detailed reviews are very helpful to give me some insight before I buy 👍
Glad to help!
My wife and I have been using the Spidi tethered air vest for the past 5 years. Mainly when riding pavement. Fortunately I have never deployed the vest and my wife only once on zero mph tip over on her 990 ktm. Just last week we replaced the Spidi with the Alpinestars Tech 5 air bag system. The tech 5 is so comfortable under my Klim Baja jacket. We ride probably 40% gravel and forest roads and according to the Tech 5 manual is applicable to the Tech 5. The vest of course blocks some air flow but much less than the full off-road Alpinestars off road version. It is nice to know your spouse is protected as much possible plus the cost is off set when compared to a hospital visit.
I just picked up a Helite vest and love it. As an older rider it definitely gives me more confidence when riding alone. I went with a tethered vest due to the simplicity and lack of possible false deployment.
I’m wearing a Dainese Smart Vest - love it. No tethering, no subscription, but also no shoulder/collar bone protection. There’s some trade off.
Main issue that I’m experiencing is that I bought all my gear to fit snug but not uncomfortable. The idea is to avoid that protection pads are moving on impact. With it being snug, though, the airbag vest may not have enough space to fully inflate. I might have to buy a new coat to accommodate the vest. Still a good investment, though.
Ian, thanks for putting this video out! I’ve been trying to find an armor jacket but couldn’t make up my mind. Riding in the Temecula area the temp changes throughout the year get pretty crazy. I’m glad you included the different combinations of riding gear depending on weather and temp. Last time I went riding with the Monkeys I almost ate it a few times and I need it up my protection game. Thanks again!
Many thanks Ian! Great to hear your opinion about it. I agreed that its so much safer to ride with a airbag. I will buy the Revit avertum very soon! Thanks a lot, your reviews are very honest
Had not thought about or considered an air bag until seeing this video. Will consider it now, and, if/when, will of course use your links. Thanks.
Great video. I went with the Klim product last summer and wear it every time now. No brainer!
Great video!
Another great detail video thanks so much 👍 they are very much appreciated. I have a Klim airbag for road & adventure riding but I'm now seriously thinking of upgrading to the Alpinrstars 👍 best wishes Karl in Australia 🇦🇺
Glad to help
Really helpful video, I don’t wear a airbag but from the comments here and fortNines comment on armour I think we should all be buying one. Thanks for showing how they can be used in the real world..
Thank you Ian, that's a good review. I'm rolling on a EVS Ballistic for quite a few seasons. works really good of slow trail riding. The airbag sounds really good for dual sporting and street where the speeds are higher and impact greater.
Hi Ian. Very informative video on a very interesting topic. I’m interested in the Tech Air 5. I think that air bags for motorcyclists may improve motorcycle safety significantly. Thanks for the information. Great video!
I have Helites new off-road airbag and I love it. None of this subscription bill shit, digital like alpinestars, it has two cartridges so you can just get up and go without reloading it. Love it!
I bought this same one. 1 month ago I watched a 19 yr old at 50 mph go down infront of my truck about 30 ft in front of me. He slid on his chest for about 30 ft. And only had a helmet and no other gear. He had some serious road rash on his chest. I usually where a leather jacket and other gear. The leather jacket has no protection for the chest. I and I will not ride without aleast the tech air on. Whether it deploys or not just for that reason. This thing is awesome. Great review again.
Thanks again for this awesome video, I’ve seen these advertise. Thank you so much for demonstrating. I will need to get to a store and try them on. I have protective gear in my Klime outfits plus my revitt protection suit for off-road. Question for you, instead of sending the suit belt back to Alpin stars maybe they might have a contract with a certain bike dealer where you could take it in locally and get it serviced. Have you heard of that?
You're a cool guy, I don't even ride a motorcycle, but I watch all of your videos.
Intrigued with the advancements with air bag technology. Anything that might keep me out of the hospital or keep me riding is worth consideration. Temperature management for both cold and hot weather the only thing giving me pause. Thank you for the deep dive - objective review regardless of how the product was sourced.
Thank you, Ian!
My pleasure!
Fantastic presentation. You certainly covered most points. Cost is cheap. I've noticed the equistrian trial races use them ofcourse the 'crash' is alot simpler. Kudos to alpine star and yourself with the fashion breakdown.
I’m 100% getting one. I’m waiting for a shop in my area to have it to pull the trigger. I want to make sure it fits. Proven to save lifes and major injuries at the dakar rally. I won’t wear that for enduro stuff (to warm, to heavy) but any high speed logging road/dual sport ride for sure
Great review Ian as always , life is worth more than gold...
Not if you cannot enjoy it. Not a life lived if done in a bubble where no skills and thought are required due ot being over proyeted. The sport, activity will die as a result.
@@human1513You certainly proved a point here. Not sure which point, but good work.
Been waiting for this product to be released outside of professional Dakar racers. Will definitely be purchasing one in the future. I am a rider that actually likes wearing a Leatt, in a minimal hurry to be on the first product run of the airbag system
great review! And I just realized that thanks to a defibrillator installed in my chest, I can no longer wear my neck brace. It sits right on the location of the unit under my skin. I may have to go to one of these things.
It's on my list for purchase although I don't know which one yet; inside, outside, tethered or non-tethered. Thanks for showing this one though as it's been helpful.
I’ve had the Tech Air Off-road in my shopping cart for a couple months now. I was waiting for your thoughts! I’m 61 and unfortunately when I fall I don’t bounce like I used to! I’m more like an egg…I crack when I fall! I’m in San Diego so as you know it gets hot when you ride offroad so that’s a factor for me. I’m also glad to hear there is rib protection. The cost of entry looks high but for me if it keeps me off the injured list it’s worth every penny!
I wear one since last season but thank god never saw it in action. I believe in that and I am sure it can prevent a lot of damage.
Bought a tech air 5 this year. Like riding a motorcycle, but also have a family to get back to
Helite turtle 2 tethered, simple, reliable, inexpensive replacement cartridges. Thinking about electronics soon with AI development . Nice for off road, thanks Ian
I picked up a Klim A1-1 a couple months ago. I went back and forth between tethered and non, over or under. I live in So Cal, so when it is hot, it will be hot no matter what, but the Klim fits very snug and is comfortable under my various jackets (Latitude, Baja S4 and Marrakesh), and will not block air flow on my summer jackets. the Alpine Star looks nice , but would be too bulky for me.
One reason I chose the Klim is because they also offer a Rally mode so it will not deploy quite as easily with an off road tip over (that being said I am on road much more than off road).
I read all the complaints about subscriptions but in the end it is worth it to me (you can buy the Klim outright for 300 bucks more but I chose the sub plan due to smaller initial investment ($400) plus the module will be replaced if there are any hardware updates or issues). It is just a part of my hobby (pay for my Garmin in reach sub as well).
I have the Klim as well, and the subscription complaints are way overblown. Ryan F9 didn’t exactly help, telling everyone that their vests would suddenly stop working out of the blue if someone’s visa expired.
I've had a kilm for 4 years, id rather get updates and 4 years in I spent the same as this new one. I'll probably replace it with the same next year.
I'm also using the same system as is in the Klim (In&Motion) and I'm happy paying the subscription. I've received excellent customer service from In&Motion when I needed it.
Ditto here. The Rally version has been my go-to for 2 years. It is breathable and stretchy, and works well over my LD Comfort base layer and under my Marrakesh, even in hot temps. I opted for the subscription with In&Motion. I’m not seeing any advantage of the Astars over this setup.
@@4940markhutchins Not as much shoulder protection on the Klim.
I have an A* Tech Air 5 and while it doesn’t allow air flow directly to the body, enough air flows around it to make it not feel too hot unless it’s in the 90s for me. Fortunately haven’t needed it but it’s great protection and I’m glad I bought. I do worry about false deployments but based on Revzilla reviews I’ve read, those seem to have decreased so they must have updated the algorithm.
Got my helite with tether. Good stuff.
I also have an airbag, from In&Motion, that I wore for a while, but I gave up as, in summer time, I was totally wet when arriving to destination...even if the airflow is improved with some jackets, you sweat too much with them. But I agree 100% that it is a great piece of protection
Great vid! I was planning on the Helite to avoid (forgetting) charging. BUT, does only the alpine save collarbones? I was "really lucky" when I got hit by a car that ran a red 6 weeks ago and only broke my wrist, not my collar bones. Yay Aerostich and Shoei!
Great video! Im in on the airbag sinds I have the Revit aventum, a Alpinestars product. It works! I tested it practising emergency breaking. I came to a full stop and lost my ballance, fell and airbag popt, Before I had a bulky Dainese air vest, I didnt like it. Im a daily rider, hope I dont pop it soon. Cheers from the Netherlands.
Deployment when stopped or slow seems problematic given the cost and hassle, especially for off-road.
Love your review. It's an excellent product, I have it myself. 👍
And I haven't crashed offroad since I have it. I guess, subconsciously I don't wanna activate it. 😅
One additional downside you didn't mention: washing it is quite a complicated process. 😬
After >20 years of riding without a major accident / injury I had a bad crash (high side) in 2019 resulting in a destroyed collarbone that has taken me many years and multiple surgeries to recover from, no airbag but my helmet definitely saved my life and my other gear likely reduced the level of other injuries. Since then I have purchased the best available airbags in an attempt to reduce the risk of that happening again. That injury has cost me many times the cost of an airbag in direct medical costs and in terms of lost life opportunities it's orders of magnitude. A year ago I also ended up at the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident and saw the tragic aftermath that I suspect might have been avoidable with gear like this. Beyond just reducing injury recovery I think protecting your torso area is also a potential life saver for more serious crashes.
In 2020 I got the Tech Air 5 which I have used extensively and more recently I also got the Tech Air Off road as soon as it became available. It's true that all these systems bring with them a little extra discomfort/bulk and less airflow which isn't ideal but I still don't ride without them.
I fortunately haven't had a chance to crash test either system but as suggested in the video I now see these systems much the same as I do a helmet, essential safety gear now that it is available. If you are riding a $15K bike wearing a $500 helmet (and probably at least another $500 in gear) then an extra ~$500-700 for an airbag seems like a pretty reasonable investment (
Very well said thank you
@@BigRockMoto Forgot to mention in my comment but thanks for everything you do on this channel BTW, I really appreciate your detailed and thoughtful videos and reviews, top notch stuff.
Love your videos Ian.
For the last 2-3 years I have been thinking of buying an air bag system. 2 years ago, almost bought the Helite tethered. Last year almost bought the Helite electronic version. Most of my riding is ADV/Dual sport with occasional sport touring. This should be good for all. Unfortunately, last month I just replaced my 2010 Alpinestars Bionic body armor shirt with the Leatt Body Armor 3DF based on your recommendations. I won’t hold you to it, but if your video came out 2 months ago, I probably would have skipped the Leatt.
I bought the Tech Air 5 as soon as it was available l several years ago and will be adding Tech 10 for my racing leathers. This will be my next investment for off-road and adventure. The only annoyance is that while the off-road vest is available the canisters are “out of stock” but, at least, there is finally a SKU available.
I purchased the tech air off-road the day it came out. I didn't know it was even coming. I wanted an airbag but none were really what I wanted for offroad and adventure riding - this fit the bill.
I've had one deployment so far and it wasn't actually necessary. However it was in "street" mode while I was riding through a snowy paved road. Lost the rear and dropped the bike but I didn't even fall over. Now I keep it in Enduro as default unless I'm doing urban riding since Street is meant to save you if you're hit by a car while stopped - something that is rare on adventure ride.
Now I'm looking for a mesh jacket to replace my Halo since that has non-removable armor and like you I prefer to keep the tight armor over the jacket armor.
Hey Ian, thanks for this airbag video. Are you doing an Arai XD5 review?
Probably
Ive had the klim airbag for 3 years. People rag on it cause they have a subscription OPTION but it lowers the initial cash outlay. Fits great under gear not to hot in the summer
My Helite Adventure coat saved me when I was ejected from my BMW 1250 GSA. I wear the Helite on every ride. I prefer the Helite product because it doesn't require a subscription or returning it to a repair center for recharging after deployment and it doesn't need charging. Yes there my be an advantage to an electronic device but I'm fine with my Helite Adventure Coat and my Helite vest. I can't endorse wearing an airbag enough.
Ian, I just got the Apecat 9L from Mosko Moto last week. I think you'll like it, especially with your current setup/air protection system. Have you tried it yet or have one ?
I bought one this year. Lower cost because Chinese but it had good reviews. :-) To me, it is a feature equivalent to a safety belt: it adds excellent protection for a limited hassle.
Hit air (OG Japanese air bag manufacturer - also used by Japanese Moto Police) is the most cost effective and they offer multiple options: with or without back/chest protector integrated. I use their race vest on my sports bike (gas canister on the back) and regular vest on my other bikes where it’s not an issue. Simple gas canister that you can replace yourself. And you can keep all your riding gear no issues. I always use layers and close to body armor anyway, and this just fits over no hassle.
Only problem I have is I can't find replacement cartridges anywhere. Thankfully I haven't set mine off yet, but it's just a matter of time. As for airbags, this is the first full season I'll have converted to the airbag. It took about a week to get used to it (and stop worrying about it randomly going off) and just ride. It's nice knowing I have the protection should I have a really bad one.
I thought you went Tech Air 5 - did you upgrade to the off-road version?
Hi Ian and thanks for another good review. It’s good that you got your vest when you did because they are not to available. I tried to order one from Revzilla today and was told my size ( Large ) will not be back in stock till early 2025. Do you have any thoughts on the road version? I guess this will be the only option.
17:40 that's a summer jacket if you live in Alaska. If summer sees temperatures nearing 50 Celsius even a T-Shirt can feel too much. :)
Very informative video, thank you. I wished you'd have talked more about the backpack style airbags. Maybe in the future you can review that too... thanks!
A well designed airbag like the A* Tech 5 and Helite Turtle series also protect your neck so you don’t need a neck brace. The Helite Turtles also protect your coccyx. Unfortunately Helite’s electronics are sub par to Klim and A*, so stick to tethered if in the US.
I live in a warmer part of the US. I use the Dainese D-air vest because I can wear it over my Knox Urbane mesh. I've found this combo has the best airflow. The only drawback to the Dainese D-air is that the canisters sit lower on the back and place the mass lower instead of on the shoulder blades; but, unlike the A-stars, it can be worn as the outer layer. I encourage everyone to find the airbag system that works best for them and ride safely.
Great info thanks
Happy user of Helite Turtle 2 (tethered).
Great video, made me consider getting one for me and my old man (hes an enduro rider)
I wanted to ask you to make a video with your thougths about the kave 800x, i know that theyre not available yet and information is limited but i would like to hear your take on their claimed stats..
Thanks in advance, best moto content on youtube :)
I will once they are here in the US
$1,000 alpinestars vest covered by a $700 Mosko jacket. West coast adventure riders are walking around with outfits more expensive than Hollywood stars.
still worth it to have your life spared and injury free
How much will the ER, surgery, and PT cost?
@@Slov_no guarantees that you won't be injured. But should lessen the extent of the injury.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this.
Good gear is expensive. The problem is deciphering good from the gougy marketing speak and ADV is scam city despite it being arguably the most demanding riding anyone can do.
Like the vast majority of ADV boots don’t protect your ankles at all. Dropping a 400lb bike- even an 890 on you- sucks lol.
There is 0 emphasis on knee stabilization in this world too which is weird. I don’t want to tear my ACL hitting a rock or tree.
I would love if someone could come up with a AAA rated (70mph) abrasion resistant shell to layer gear under. Mosko is kinda close.
It is so much easier to wear your own merino base layers, a chest protector, and then add on airbag vest, abrasion shell, and maybe a puffer underneath than to try to combine that all into one hot, stuffy jacket.
Don’t even get me started on the pants hahaha
I have a Helite airbag vest, which I think I will prefer to the electronic alternatives. I like and trust the simplicity of the tether (which I've never pulled accidentally, even when I forget it when getting off the bike). I also think the $300 USD check-up cost is not to be underestimated. If you have even simple falls, that will run into money, and the canisters for this vest seem much more expensive than the Helite..
Regardless, I think airbag systems are a brilliant way to go, and I feel better wearing it. Hitting the ground is never fun, and if it saves your life (or your spine) even once, its worth it.
I’ve owned the tethered and the klim. Got the techair and it’s my fav. Too hot for two stoke dirt bikes for me. But great for adv.
Excited for a Helite off road airbag. The A-stars service and reload model is ridiculous. I bought a Tech Air 5 but returned it immediately. Love my tethered Helite turtle. I’m thinking maybe the Helite backpack could make a good off road airbag, but don’t really want the tether for standing up and their algorithm on the electronic model isn’t developed for the off road use like this one.
silly question (maybe), but for warm weather riders, do y'all where base layers under you riding pants. (well, besides the obvious, i hope). I mean like synthetic or merino stuff.
I wear a tethered Hit-Air airbag vest since day 3 of my motorcycling life. Hi-viz yellow over a hi-viz jacket. Yes, I'm a traffic cone. It's okay, but I wouldn't mind something that is integrated in a jacket and tetherless for the convenience of it. Then again, I'd have to charge it and hope that the processor interprets my trip over the handlebars as an actual crash.
I prefer the Helite backpack airbag, its so much more convenient but for offroad perhaps this is better.
My techair5 went off when I fell over while stationary at a gas pump (kickstand flipped back up and didn't realize). I wish there was a minimum speed setting because it's about $250 (including shipping both ways) for a recharge.
If I have a snug Klim Induction could I wear the airbag on the outside or would that affect it's performance?
I’ve got the Helite electronic backpack. I wear a backpack every time I ride anyways so there was no additional gear.
Do they have longer torso versions though? The one you're wearing seems quite short in terms of torso length. I'm 6ft2 inch with a 32-inch inseam which means my torso is fairly long, and this thing looks like it would be too short.
We have the Helite e-turtle Vests because of the 'I pay, I own', rechargeable with cheap CO2-canisters, no need to send it in, possible to connect it with a fork sensor for head-on-chrashes. Some even use them for offroad because of the affordable rechargeability in the field and ready for the way home. Whay is the e-turtle not a thing, even if revzilla sells it ?
So, would it make sense to go down to the Baja S4 (carrying shell) from the Carlsbad?
I definitely will want to get an airbag system but I have not been riding much recently and the last couple times I did I tipped over my Tenere 700 . The armor I wear was fine for that , wouldn't have needed much in those cases . My only concern is that going out on a ride is that your day is done if you have a tip over , you wouldn't want to continue riding if you're expecting to get on the Hwy . Like the idea that you don't need a neck brace because that was going to be my next purchase , guess I need to figure out what type of airbag system to go with . Thanks Ian .
Yes! I bought a Helite e-Turtle for the street, knowing that I would eventually have to also go to an off-road airbag vest. The Turtle would just be too restrictive for the dirt & the wrong algorithms.
Two of my buddies crashed on tarmac & both injured their ribs during a fun run dual sport event. So I struggle w what seems like a lack of protection there w both of the off-road bags, Alpinestar & the soon to come Helite off-road. Both supposedly tested at Dakar. Spoke w a Helite Rep who said they are focusing on life-threatening injuries. And wanting to get their algorithms right before release. So… I would be really interested in a comparison btwn the two when Helite finally comes to market.
I wear the helite airbag (corded, not electronic), pretty much everytime I get on the bike. Eagerly waiting for the next gen tech of these bags I can wear on street that are demonstrably better than the cord mechanisn.
Hope they make them for kids sizes too. Would love to take my kids on rides once they grow up a bit.
I have one, i purchased it the day it was delivered to the bike store. I am going to use a Warm and Safe 12v heated base layer in cold conditions underneath it. This should reduce the amount of layers/ bulk and the need to remove/ add layers in changing conditions.
Would you say this blocks more air than the Klim A-1?
I have friends that tested when they did Dakar and said this was the ticket. I have about 600 miles now and this is the way to go. The only draw back that I have found is that I had to get bigger jacket.
Thanks Ian. Would have been great if you could have, safely, fallen off your bike and shown a deployment along with the process of resetting the airbags. Will look to the manufacturer for this.
I didn’t even know this dropped. Saw someone in Europe with it and have been waiting for it to come online to buy it. Those Helite vests are just way too hot almost all year here in Tennessee.
What is the material in the body and sleeves? Is it stretchy or breathable? It looks suffocating.
I would love to get one, but they can't be shipped to Alaska.