In Gear: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma Video Review – Slimmer, Lighter, and has an Off Switch!

Alpinestars has been on the forefront of standalone airbag technology for over two decades, incorporating lessons learned from the highest forms of racing into safety gear you and I can wear whenever we ride. In fact, Alpinestars spent years simply gathering data into body movements in the fractions of a second before and during a crash. Why? So its airbag system could be completely independent and not rely on tethers or GPS to operate. The latest in its Tech-Air line of airbags is this, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma. A complete redesign of the original Tech-Air 5, the Plasma improves on several areas where its predecessor needed help. First, it’s slimmer. A complete re-think of the materials and construction of the vest results in a system that’s slimmer than before. Much of that comes down to the Plasma CE Level 1 back protector. Second, it’s lighter. Lighter-weight materials and the reduction of one of the inflation canisters helped bring down the weight. Third, you can replace the canisters yourself in about 30 seconds – and up to six times before sending it back for inspection. Fourth, there’s now an off-road mode to go along with the street and track modes. Better still, you can toggle between the modes with the simple push of a button on the front of the vest. No more having to go into the app and selecting that way (though you still can if you want). And lastly (fifthly?), there’s an off switch! Alpinestars has kept the price the same as the outgoing Tech-Air 5 at $789.95, while replacement canisters cost $119.95. If a complete repack is needed after the six deployments, the price should be similar to other Tech-Air systems at $299 (pricing not confirmed as of this filming). Sizes run from XS to 4XL and the unisex construction means there is no Stella version for women.