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Motorcycle safety equipment continues to evolve. Every year, new technical features seem to raise the bar by providing additional protection. Arguably, the most exciting recent innovation to join the two-wheeler segment is airbag technology, which Alpinestars pioneered over 20 years ago. After two decades of research and development in airbag systems, Alpinestars is delivering the most comprehensive protection available with the new standalone Tech-Air 10 system.
At $1000 MSRP, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 rises to the top of the Tech-Air family, which includes the road-focused Tech-Air 3 (available fall 2022), the multi-purpose Tech-Air 5, and the Tech-Air. – Off-Air Off-Road (Available in early 2023) Racing use is the core mission of Tech-Air 10, and will eventually replace the current Tech-Air Racing. Fortunately, Alpinestars reps have assured us that older TA race classes will be supported in the future. What’s so great about the new Alpinestars Tech-Air 10? Extra hip protection has been tested and proven in high-level motorcycle racing in MotoGP.
If you’ve seen a powerful fall from any of the Alpinestars-wearing GP stars, you’ll realize that their airbag system not only provides upper body protection, but thigh and thigh coverage as well. We took the new Tech-Air 10 sampler to the technical Sonoma Raceway for some laps on the Yamaha YZF-R7 at the Yamaha R/World event hosted by Z2 Trackdays.
Next generation tech-air
To date, all motorcycle airbag systems protect the upper body, typically providing shoulder, back, and chest coverage in one form or another. While the Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 achieves all of that, it takes things even further with a new design approach with lap and thigh protection. Washable, long-sleeve, thigh-high false base layer with a series of snaps, pockets and zips. Owners can remove the Tech-Air 10 airbag units from the garment for washing. Vest style Tech-Air systems. My Tech-Air 5 has been known to enjoy an absorbing and time-consuming sponge bath after playing a particular funk.
As the Tech-Air 10 is a self-contained system, it can be worn under any 1- or 2-piece running suit, with extra room around the chest (4cm) and thigh (2cm) to ensure safe air bag deployment. . Alpinestars Tech-Air compatible clothing differs from traditional clothing in that it has specific cutouts and additional accordion panels to allow for air bag expansion. Taking it a step further, the latest Tech-Air garments move the accordion away from the hips and provide a pocket on the inner arm for a modular LED panel. All new for 2022 are airbags that extend down to cover the waist and thighs. A longer, passive CE Level 2 rear bumper adds coverage to the coccyx (tailbone), and a more prominent chest section is also protected. A’stars claims that additional airbag coverage reduces body impact by 95 percent. TA seed owners will note that there are two deployments. Users cannot repack Tech-Air 10; You will need to send the unit to Alpinestars and have the canisters replaced for $199. The airbags are good for up to three deployments before needing to be replaced. That runs $399, and includes new cans.
Now would be a good time to recapture the protection afforded by the deployment of CE Level 2 airbags on the back, hips and chest. According to Alpinestars, the active Tech-Air 10 provides the same impact reduction as the 18 passive CE Level 2 rear protectors. A new waist belt activates the system and features a remote Velcro LED panel, which allows the device to be connected directly from the A. clothing. The remote LED also allows flexibility. A Riders can clip it to their belt, tuck it into an A’stars laser-trimmed inner arm pocket, or find a convenient spot on the motorcycle.
When charging the Tech-Air 10, make sure to stick the LED on the waist strap as it charges the LED and TA 10 at the same time. A full charge takes about four hours and gives you 24 hours of driving time. If you’re in a time crunch, an hour’s charge will get you six hours — plenty for a track day. The rest of the technology is mostly for those with experience in the tech-air race. A dozen sensors (three three-axis accelerometers and a three-axis gyroscope) are placed in the rear bumper and continuously monitor the driver’s every move. Years of data collection improved the algorithm to meet the goal of deploying times. before A crash that allows the airbag to absorb the most important initial impacts. Things happen quickly, and Tech-Air units take anywhere from 20 to 40 milliseconds, depending on the size of the garment. For context, an eye blink takes 140 milliseconds.
Alpinestars continuously collects incident data and updates its algorithm, issuing updates via the Tech-Air app. That same app allows owners to switch between two riding modes—race and street. In Race mode, the system will arm for 10 seconds after exceeding 37 mph. Street mode is always on, mainly due to the stop-and-go nature of street riding, keeping you protected if you rear-end while standing.
Superhero Spandex
Donning the Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 is a special experience because we now wear airbag-onesies. Although some have given up on using base layers under the TA 10, and there are benefits to that on hot days, I found that layering both top and bottom added comfort and helped pull it on and off after a series of rides. – Everyone is unique, and you should follow the sizing guidelines exactly. Although the garment can be easily stretched and does not restrict the movement of the arms or legs, the decisive waist-to-shoulder measurement is very important to avoid mobility problems. It seems good to choose a size too small until you take the boarding position. There’s a different feel to wearing the Tech-Air 10, as opposed to wearing the Tech-Air 5. Wearing the TA 10 is like a compression base layer, as opposed to wearing a sweater or vest style like the Tech-Air Competition. When measured correctly, it becomes an extension of your body. The sleeves have thumb loops to keep them from rolling up when you slide your suit sleeves on. Once you’re done, simply let them sit on your wrist.
Thin base layer material improves fit in areas such as shoulders and armpits. That’s where the Tech-Air 5 comes in if you don’t wear the suit and jacket carefully. On that note, always make sure the airbags are flat and not folded – an important maintenance tip for any Alpinestars Tech-Air system. My only negatives with comfort and fit may be aimed at the neckline, which irritated my bare skin—another factor that prompted me to opt for a base layer up top. Another positive benefit is increased airflow. I felt a huge increase in airflow due to the redistribution of the balloons. The Tech-Air Race, 5 and 3 systems actually carry the word vest – your ribcage is covered with a non-breathable airbag material. However, the Tech-Air 10’s bulky back protector makes lugging it over my shoulders more complicated than usual. Having a friend eases the problem. I haven’t had issues with fellows who aren’t as broad-shouldered, and the time-honored chicken dance is still an effective way to pull off an outfit.
The spandex base layer allows the TA 10 to be modular and compatible with a variety of garments, but there’s more on the horizon. Unlike the Tech-Air competition, the future Alpinestars suits allow the airbag unit from the spandex chassis to be mounted on their skin. Conveniently, subtle movements like breathing arm the device. It is important to remember that the TA 10 should not be stored by attaching it to the waist belt, as this will drain the battery.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 10: Climbing
There’s no denying that motorcycling has its inherent dangers, and wearing high-quality safety gear is one of the many ways you can reduce the consequences of an accident. The Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 airbag is a big step in impact protection that can’t be overlooked whether you’re actively doing track days, club racing or any type of aggressive riding.Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – 3XL
- Color: Black / Bright Red
- Protection: CE level 2 for chest and back
Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 Price: $1000 MSRP
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