One of the most exciting upcoming industry releases this year will be Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 airbag system. For many years the Alpinestars brand has worked on airbag technology that numerous MotoGP riders have relied upon for their physical safety, especially when getting into a crash.
The Tech-Air 10 is their latest development that is considered by many to be the ultimate choice in rider protection and will now be available to the consumer market. Price wise, it is slightly on the higher end for motorcycle gear, but well worth the cost when you factor in its ability to safeguard a rider's upper body to the upper thigh area, including back protection.
Its design features up to 12 sensor points that when triggered as a crash happens will cause the suit to deploy airbags. It has a sophisticated crash detection algorithm that you can set based on riding style. Once deployed, the airbags will be able to reduce impact force by as much as 95%. A much larger margin than what you would get with regular riding gear like leather motorcycle jackets, and a much higher probability you will manage to walk away from even the most horrendous crash.
In keeping with its tech title, the suit can be managed and monitored through a Bluetooth connection to a remote wireless display that tracks battery life, operational status and trip data. Its lithium-ion battery can run for up to 24-hours’ worth of riding time.
Note that given this product’s limitation in only safeguarding riders from the chest to upper legs, it is important to prioritise investment in good motorcycle helmets. Head and neck injuries are still the most common and often traumatic injuries suffered by riders, hence the need for helmet that will not only provide valuable protection during crashes but will also help ensure better visibility, especially in adverse weather.