Hey folks, I'm contemplating picking up either an airbag suit or a vest in the relatively near future. I'm leaning towards the TechAir system as it seems the turnaround time from the service center is way quicker than the D-Air system. I've also contemplated going with an airbag vest over my current leathers - most likely either the Helite Race vest or the Hit Air Race vest. Are the internal suits like TechAir and D-Air worth the extra investment over the vests? The vests are considerably less expensive, although the Helite Race vest nears the price of the TechAir vest, but you have to tack at least a $1,000 suit on top of that. Any input is appreciated. Just looking for additional protection on track. All of these options are way cheaper than my health insurance deductible, so it seems like a no brainer either way. Thanks in advance.
I have the Hit-Air old style vest. I've had it for several years now. Deployed it once- it was very effective! Completely immobilized my head/neck and sausaged my torso in airbag. Super fast and easy to repack, literally just a couple of minutes. I'd like to get the race version at some point because having the CO2 canister in the back would be a lot better than in the front, like mine is.
I've had the Hit-Air system in the past and now have a Tech-Air. Theoretically the Tech-Air can deploy faster, since the computer will figure out you're crashing before the tether of a Hit-Air would rip. I did this write-up on D-Air vs Tech Air recently since I love over researching and gaining information: Dainese has two different setups: Misano and Mugello R Alpinestars has just one, the Tech Air Race (well, they have a street too, but that's beside the point) In terms of coverage, Alpinestars is equivalent to the Mugello R. Misano has a lot less coverage. Pricing: Misano: $2080 Mugello R: $4500 Tech-Air Race: $1150, a compatible suit is $1000-2000 These are MSRP, if you give Ridersdiscount a call I think you'd be pleased too. For me it came down to coverage and flexibility. Alpinestars has the massive advantage that it isn't fully integrated into the suit. This has two benefits, first you can just pull out the vest and send it in for repair (whereas with Dainese you have to send in everything), and second is you can move it around. I had to buy just one airbag and I move it between my street jacket and my track suit. There was a hiccup this spring with Tech-Air availability but it seems to have mellowed out a bit. So the Misano is the cheapest way to get an airbag suit, the Alpinestars is in my opinion the most flexible way and middle of the road pricing, and the Mugello R is, by all accounts, god's gift to mortals, and it is priced like it too.
I have had the hit air race vest going on 6 years or so been down once and deployed it simple repack and 15 minutes later it was good to go. it does a great job of protecting head neck and upper torso. I also where padded shorts from bohn to help my hips and upper thighs from bruising. Tech air at some point likely in my future but I feel safer in my air vest than without it
Thanks Knolly. This is pretty much the same conclusion I've come to regarding the different airbag options. Do you know how Alpinestars suit sizing compares to Dainese? Thanks.
One thing to keep in mind also (to complicate things) is that you can get certain custom suits made to fit with the A stars airbag installed. I was measured by the guys below (Mithos leathers) and was kicking around the idea of going down that path, as I am 6 ft 6 and suit fitment can be a challenge. If you can fit in a standard suit that is ideal I think as you have one throat to choke for any issues. But for the folks that are regular fitment outliers, some companies are starting to integrate the A stars system into custom suits. Just something to think about. https://www.mithos-sport.com/en/racing/racesuit
That's a good option too. I wonder what a custom suit runs. I decided to give the Helite GP Air vest a try. It seemed like the best mechanical option. I was a little turned off by the Tech Air's lack of neck protection, even though it is by far faster than the GP for deployment. My Dainese suit is still in solid condition. I think I'll save the Tech Air or D-Air for when I need a new suit. Maybe the cost will come down a bit more by then...
i know you made your decision, but i'll give my $0.02 on the Alpinestars and this vest in general. I haven't "tested" the airbag yet, but I've been really disappointed at the level of customer service from Alpinestars. My vest was defective (bought new) - it wouldn't charge. Alpinestars thought I would pay out of pocket for shipping to CA for them to inspect the vest - i didn't think so. After 2 weeks of down time, they offered me 2 options: a refurbished vest with cosmetic issues or they can send the vest to italy to get repaired which would take 4 weeks. neither of those options sound acceptable for a nearly brand new vest. so, without even having properly used the vest, I paid for something that I haven't seen in 3 weeks, I've done 2 trackdays without it and they haven't responded back to me and are still in possession of my vest. If you discharge the co2 or need to send the vest in for other maintenance/repairs, expect to be out of commission for 3 weeks on top of service charges and shipping. I think you made a wise decision with Helite for many reasons. Alpinestars should really figure out their shit before they introduce something to the public.
Wow, that is brutal. I'm a HUGE stickler for after-sales support, and that is complete crap. They should have given you a new zip-in vest.
update from last night - Brian Van from STG got on the phone with Astars and got everything taken care of. new vest is on its way. It's upsetting that Alpinestars couldn't resolve this issue with me as all warranty claims go through the manufacturer anyway. However, i'm pleased that the sales/support from STG is on a different level where they really do care about customers.
Ran the Helite GP Air vest for the first time yesterday at BFR. Thankfully, I didn't need it. Vest is overall pretty comfortable. I run a size large at 6' and 185, and it fits perfectly. Only real issue I have with it is the vest interferes with looking directly down - helmet hits it. Other than that, no restrictions of movement or any other negative affects. I will say, with chest/back protector inside the suit, suit, AND a vest, it feels like I'm wearing a ton of shit, because I am. But, it's worth it if it saves me a big injury at some point.
I got the TechAir Race vest and on my very first lap with it, I deployed it.... It was a lowside and not a bad crash, but I didn't even realize it deployed until I stood up and felt like a buff guy. I walked away with zero upper body soreness, so I'm guessing it did its job. It fits nicely in the suit and is very easy to use. I would recommend.
You still wear back protector and chest protector AND the vest? Is this normal or extra precaution? I thought point of the vest was to eliminate need for those? That is a lot to squeeze in the suit!
with a tether vest yes 100% back and chest protector in case you don't separate from the bike. or what if you get hit from behind from a flying bike? it happens be prepared
Ohhhhhh thank you for the VERY important clarification....I thought he was talking about wearing those items and a non-tethered internal suit vest (ie TechAir). Thank you for making the distinction clear so nobody (like me) misunderstands! I read his comment again and see where I missed that critical point!
i have been down sliding on the ground going sweet my bag didn't !!!@#$$ puff instant stay puff and now i can't pick up my bike. Pretty sure the D and A bag suit still have a back protector. battery failure forgot to charge ect can happen nothing is fool proof
Dainese makes it clear D-Air does NOT replace the back protector and you still need to wear a separate one. The Tech-Air vest has an integrated back protector.