Tech-Air® Race Vest System Alpinestars Black/Yellow

The result of over a decade of development in MotoGP and following on from Alpinestars’ first-generation racing airbag system and the launch of the ground-breaking Tech-Air® Street, this latest version of Alpinestars Tech-Air® technology brings full upper body protection to serious track day and performance riders. The Tech-Air® Race Vest System Alpinestars Black/Yellow is completely self-contained, meaning there are no bike-to-rider set-up configurations required, which ensures the ultimate in convenience, freedom and versatility. When fully inflated, the system’s airbag offers critical protection to the back, kidneys, chest and shoulders. Plus, with a simple upgrade the versatile system firmware, the Race system can be configured to run the Tech-Air® Street setting for non-race use in road and off-road situations. The Tech-Air® Race vest must be used in a Tech-Air® compatible garment.

The electronic Airbag Control Unit (ACU) is incorporated within a strong, lightweight, ergonomic polymer back protector, optimized for race and track use. Since the electronic sensors are incorporated in the system’s chassis, it means the vest is completely self-contained and can be worn interchangeably with compatible garments. The main shell is made of an advanced multi-material that incorporates Lycra®, 2D mesh and Cordura, while the interior comprises of perforated Lycra, 3D mesh and soft touch edging for high levels of comfort. What’s more, it incorporates removable inner mesh and an elastic Velcro® waistband to position the airbag system and ensure custom fit and improve adjustability. The ACU has been homologated to ECE R10 04, which ensures the electromagnetic integrity and stability of the unit.

The system uses an integrated, certified lithium ion battery, with a battery life of 25 hours and a recharge time of approximately 6 hours. The micro USB charger allows convenient recharging of the system, with one hour of charging time giving four hours of riding coverage. The system vest incorporates convenient connection system, allowing the system to be connected to a race suit quickly and easily for peace-of-mind activation of the airbag and a LED display.

Upon the identification of a crash situation, a protective airbag is deployed, providing unrivaled protection to the rider with a maximum inflation time of 45 ms, based on the volume of the airbag size.

Technical description:

• Specially designed, race-developed back protector, offering comprehensive inflatable full upper body protection for back shoulders, kidney area, chest and upper abdomen
• System’s firmware is upgradable and can be configured to run the Tech-Air Street airbag settings for non-racing use in road and off-road situations
• Ergonomically profiled, performance fit airbag vest gives full upper body protection and is optimized for use with Alpinestars compatible racing/performance leather suits and jackets
• Electronic sensors incorporated in the system’s chassis, mean the vest is completely self-contained and allows it to be worn interchangeably with compatible garments
• When running the Tech-Air Street setting, it provides protection at standstill
• Fully autonomous system – no external sensors
• Advanced multi-material main shell incorporates Lycra®, 2D mesh and Cordura
• Interior comprises of perforated Lycra, 3D mesh and soft touch edging for high levels of comfort
• Incorporates removable inner mesh and elastic Velcro® waistband to position airbag system and ensure custom fit and improve adjustability
• Inner ventilation channels for additional airflow
• Color coded front YKK zippers allow for the vest to be easily and securely attached to the outer jacket
• Integrated, certified lithium ion battery
  • ECE R10 04-certified (guarantees the electromagnetic integrity and stability of the unit)
  • ACU is seal-protected within vest to ensure its all-weather performance and the vest and componentry are certified to function in all weather conditions between -10⁰C and +50⁰C
  • Battery life: up to 25 hours
  • Charging time (full capacity): approx. 6 hours
  • Operating temperature: from -10 °C to +50 °C
• Deployment system utilizes argon inflator cartridges which are CE certified to ISO 14451 standard (can only be activated by the electronic unit; the certification also guarantees safe handling, installation and transport)
• Category II CE Certified to the 686/89/EEC European PPE Directive, using a version of EN1621-4:2013, which guarantees impact protection performance between 45 milliseconds to 5 seconds