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Alpinestars Tech-Air Suits

8K views 44 replies 10 participants last post by  gustaveberg 
#1 ·
Anyone running the tech-air system yet? Anyone plan on getting one in the near future? Trying to decide if I should go with a suit that is capable of using tech-air system in the future.

I was at Revzilla over the weekend and tried on the GP Pro suit, fit really well in a size 56 with room for the back protector or the tech-air unit. Suit has most the features you could want on a suit and has really good reviews from what I can find, it also has the ability to accept the tech-air system. The tech-air system is another $1100 on top of the suit, so it's not something I would buy this year, or maybe ever...not sure.

The other suit from them I'm really interested in is the Atem V3. It's essentially the GP-Tech V2 (top of their line) minus a few small features, but the biggest difference is it does not accept the tech-air system. Over the GP Pro the Atem has several upgrades, mostly in the impact areas like shoulders, knees, and hips. The actual suit itself is also fully CE certified vs. most suits just use CE certified material/armor.

The Atem and GP Pro are exactly the same price, so really the trade off comes with Atem you get more armor/slide protection, with GP-Pro you can upgrade to the air bag at a later date.

Any input from anyone who's used the new tech-air system or has researched them extensively would be appreciated!

https://www.alpinestars.com/products/road/suits/gp-pro-leather-suit-tech-air-airbag-compatible-fa18

https://www.alpinestars.com/products/road/suits/atem-v3-leather-suit-fa18
 
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#2 ·
I almost got a GP Pro from a guy in Canada selling one cheap. However it was a size 50US/60EU and apparently that size is not compatible with the Tech-Air system. All the other sizes smaller than that are compatible, but not 60EU or above. I'm afraid to get a 58 because I don't think I'd fit well in it. I'm not built like a pro athlete unfortunately. Going by the Alpinestars measurement chart, I'm all over the place. For legs and arms I could fit in a 54 or 56, for chest I could fit in a 58, but lower torso/belly area I'd need like a 62 lol Also I'm not sure if in those charts they account for back protector space.

The MX-1 suit I've been using for years is a 56EU but it was pretty damn tight at first and then I had it enlarged a bit in the torso, so it's probably more like a 58 now, and I can only fit the thinner back protector that came with the suit. I have a brand new thicker back protector that I can't use because it won't fit. I just don't get why they made the new suits only be compatible with the Tech-Air systems up to a certain size. Why can't they make all sizes be compatible?
 
#3 ·
I hear ya on the size thing, chest for me is 56 but mid section I could go 52-54 then hips and thighs I need to go back up to 56. I did get a size 54 on, but with a back protector in I seriously think I had trouble breathing. I tried on the new Rev'It Spitfire in a 54 and it fit really well, except the arms were made for orangutans.

I did not know the tech-air size only went up to a certain size...have you checked that recently? Just looking at their website it says they have a size 64 euro which would be like a triple xl.
 
#5 ·
I thinking about it .... just concerned with durability (my Vanson leathers are built like a tank! And weigh about as much too!) - i’ve crashed in them half a dozen times over the last ten years without needing them repaired. Also don’t know how much I would like the single zipper: “Old guys” like me appreciate the double zipper on my Vanson for anything from making it easier to get in an out of with sore shoulders, to easier to take a pee in ... to easier to cool off without taking the suit off!

I have a feeling that the new suits would feel like i’m wearing almost nothing compared to my old suit of armor! That would be nice...

Alpinestars Tech-Air Race Airbag System | 13x Forums
 
#6 ·
What a coincidence, I'm actually coming from a Vanson as well...love the double zipper! I got it from a friend who was getting out of racing/track days. I wore it for two seasons and it has served me well, I had one low side and I got rear ended in it one time, it also had been through several crashes before me. I cannot believe how much it weighs compared to the new suits. Trying on the Astars and moving around on the bike they had in the shop was much different. The stretch panels and materials in the new suits go much further then what the Vanson has, it really helps you get around on the bike and let the suit move with you.
 
#8 ·
For what it's worth, I know a couple of guys that used Vanson suits for many years, built like tanks as Duc995 said, and they lasted them for well over 10 years and multiple crashes. They switched to the modern Alpinestars suits (not sure if GP Pro or GP-Tech) along with the Tech-Air systems and they LOVE the suits. However they came at a pretty high price, one that I simply can't afford. One of them is a dealer for Alpinestarts and I think he still paid over $3000 for his suit, but it was custom made and has the Tech-Air system.
 
#11 ·
I have been contemplating the tech air system for a couple years now.... ( my 8 broken ribs and broken collarbone was easily avoidable with the tech air system)



I tried on a few at the IMS and the off the rack suits tey had, If I wear the tech air in the suit I need 1 full size larger than the same suit without the airbag suit inside.... ( and yes the A* suits of today feel great and light and allow lots of movement on the bike........ I still feel like my Z custom leathers I wore for some 20 years were built like tanks and made to crash as often as one desired without the leather or seems giving way, but modern day armour and placement is much better than anything made in the early 90's)
So I guess you would have to commit that you are always going to wear the airbag suit inside your suit when you buy, or the suit would be too small with it or too big without it??? Too bad so sad when you need to send in the airbag suit to get serviced.....


I am still in that......... I want it, and really I "need" it, but man......


like others have noted- if I go by the sizing charts and I am anywhere from a 40 to a 50 depending on which area you want to measure.....
Funny thing is, my 12 year old AGVSport 2 pc suit is a 42 and fits looser than my 5 years old AGVSport 1 pc suit in a size 46 or the A* that I have worn only twice is a 58 and I can niether get the shoulders on nor off without help on the A*

One of the other things for me........ I want some perforation but not tons and tons- it doesn't routinely get that hot in MN and I want to be able to wear the suit in spring and fall when often I leave the house in the 20's, 30's or 40's.. (or have a liner- then the whole size things goes askew yet again)....... It is rare we see more than a few days in the 90's and rarer still that I ride on those days..... but seems everytime I go to AR it ends up being 100*+

I am contemplating just having one of the several companies that will custom build me a suit that will incorporate the A* airbag suit inside......... it is mostly just stretch panels so the suit can stretch when the airbag deploys....... but then again I want the A* airbag system and to go to them to get measured.........
But the $250 re-charge fee and shipping to from is a down side for sure.......... Sure you can get 2 inflates out of it before you have to send it in, but the sending it in with only one suit means a bunch of time without it........ definitely a strike against!!

There are some other airbag options, but all of them have upsides and downsides...figuring which is best for you is a predicament..... especially when you want to wear it street and track.

Sadly like many- I don't want to spend a few grand and find out after using it several times it is not what I really want......... I ahve an entire closet of old suits and jacket/pant combos that I felt weren't good purchases or simply did not fit once purchased (and bought based on the sizing charts)- or after simply gaining 12 lbs they then don't fit for shit.......

No words of advice for anyone from me on this one.......good luck and happy hunting for what you desire........
 
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#12 ·
I have been contemplating the tech air system for a couple years now.... ( my 8 broken ribs and broken collarbone was easily avoidable with the tech air system)

......... Sure you can get 2 inflates out of it before you have to send it in, but the sending it in with only one suit means a bunch of time without it........ definitely a strike against!!

There are some other airbag options, but all of them have upsides and downsides...figuring which is best for you is a predicament..... especially when you want to wear it street and track.

Sadly like many- I don't want to spend a few grand and find out after using it several times it is not what I really want.........

No words of advice for anyone from me on this one.......good luck and happy hunting for what you desire........
Eight broken ribs and a collarbone...those are the stories that make me think I should go for the air system!

Ya, I'd say the killer with all of the in-suit systems at this point is having to send it in for recharge. I think the Dainese system is even more expensive and time consuming to get recharged. I do see a lot of people using the over suit vests, which are like half the price....but I'd like to see some actual data between the two styles.

At this point I think I'm leaning more towards picking up the Atem suit, but I plan on going back to try both on again when they have both in stock. I think it's really going to just come down to comfort and which suit I'll feel better in, I think the Atem is even a little more racefit than the GP pro, so that might nix that option....we shall see I guess
 
#19 ·
Those seem to be very common on the east coast. Before I moved out here I had only seen like 2-3 people using those. Then I came here and half the guys on the CCS grids are using them and most track day instructors that I've seen. It's crazy!

I would much rather have an in-the-suit system like the Tech-Air, but god damn they're expensive and you have to have a suit that's designed for it, which are also expensive.
 
#14 · (Edited)
one thing to keep in mind, if you have a fall and break a bone, can you still work? do you have sick days you can use? i had my first fall on track oct 1 and broke my collar bone into 5 pieces and fractured my ankle. 1 surgery, 1 big plate, and 7 screws later, the collar bone is back together but the 8 weeks off for it to heal up would have been an issue without sickdays at work. just another thing to think about... might be enough to be proactive and get into an airbag suit...

-b

A* Tech Air on order from my local shop
 

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#15 ·
I just totaled my 17’ zx-6R on jan 9th this yr. Guy that caused it didnt stop...needless say is il be getting it buy time i get my 19’ ZX-6R!! Its been a month later and i cant hardly use my right arm still cause damage from wreck. Dr said nothing was broken but i had severe contusions to my right leg and shoulder plus damage to rotor cuff. Said no torn tendons or ligaments but i dont believe him being month later and cant hardly raise it, have no strength in it, bad as its still hurting, cant sleep so im going in AM for different opinion. Fortunatey my ins has filed it as uninsured motorist and payinv my dr bills, pain n suffering plus lost wages being out work a month now possibly longer!! My advice to any rider out there is its a sensible buy yes its EXPENSIVE!! But how much is your life worth to you?!!? Mine is priceless being i have 2 sons( 11&7) i want to be here to watch them grow into men and have their own famalies!!( God lord willing). Okay sorry guys for such long post
 
#18 ·
WOW, glad you are pretty much OK. Don't do track days but have been seriously looking into the over vests. Ive seen a few inflate during crashes and the little stats Ive seen look good. Was in the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro AL today and they had a Tech Air jacket or vest thing. It was $500 but I stopped inquiring when I found out it was Ex Large.

I don't have to worry about sick days or paid time off as every day is a Saturday :) However when I had my scooter crash at 15MPH and shattered my kneecap I was out of the office for two months and spent a fair amount of time in rehab. But that was before retirement and I worked for a great company and had like 6 months of sick time accumulated.
 
#23 ·
German Appeals Court Rules In Favor Of Dainese In Patent Infringement Case With Alpinestars



THE MUNICH COURT OF APPEALS RULES AGAINST ALPINESTARS IN D-air® PATENT INFRINGEMENT

Munich, Germany - After a long judicial battle, the Munich Court of Appeals (following the Munich Court decision of First Instance I in August 2017) reached a final verdict that the Tech-Air™ Street airbag Vest (for road use) and Tech-Air™ Racing airbag Vest (for track use and road), manufactured and marketed by Alpinestars, infringe on Dainese's European patent EP 2 412 257 B1.

This comes after the German Federal Patent Court had previously ruled in 2017 that Alpinestars violated Dainese's D-air technology; a decision which Alpinestars appealed. The current decision by the Munich Appeals Court in this infringement proceedings is only appealable by way of the German Federal Supreme Court.

The Munich Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Dainese regarding the core issues of the litigation, has issued the judicial order:

1) prohibiting Alpinestars to commercialize the Tech-Air™ Street Airbag Vests and Tech-Air™ Racing Airbag Vests in Germany;

2) ordering Alpinestars to recall any such vests which Alpinestars has supplied since 1 July 2015 and which are still in the possession of commercial customers in Germany;

3) Compensating Dainese for all damages suffered due to the sale of the infringing vests in Germany since 1 July 2015.

This decision is a major victory for Dainese in an intensive patent litigation fight against Alpinestars in Italy, Germany, the UK and France.
 
#25 ·
How the hell did they only now reach this conclusion?? Alpinestars has been selling the Tech-Air for a while now. If they really did violate the patent infringement, Dainese and the court should've done something about it BEFORE. The product is already out. I'm guessing Alpinestars will end up just having to pay a fine and get a slap on their hands, but they'll still continue to sell this.
 
#28 ·
Anyone look into the IXON airbag vest? I just ordered a custom suit from Plus Racing. It's their brand new Invader model, which is compatible with the IXON vest (similar style as the Tech-Air in that it goes inside the suit. I didn't order the IXON yet, but I'd like to once I read more about it and see some reviews. I never heard about it until last week. It's cheaper than the Tech-Air and works by the same principle.
 
#30 · (Edited)
^

Wearable under any jacket............ What do they do about the expansion??? maybe it does not inflate as big as the Dianese/Tech Air system???

linky.......


https://www.ixon.com/public/en/ix-airbag-u03-2/

@ 2.9 lbs I wonder how that compares with the Dianese/Tech Air system........

In&motion linky......
 
#31 ·
Interesting, the one you have linked above seems to only mention for jacket use only. Although as you scroll down there's a picture of a guy in a full suit. My guess is with jackets being usually a loser fit than a full race fit suit, you might not need any special expansion features.

At 2.9 pounds I believe it is lighter than the A*, which is close to 5 pounds if I recall.

Looks like you buy the vest then you can outright buy or lease the airbag/ data deployment unit?
 
#33 ·
On my plane back from Italy I sat next to a Dainese store manager lol. He explained to me what the lawsuit means for Alpinestars. They can no longer sell their products in the EU and need to pay Dainese for the lost profits. They still have not filed lawsuits in the USA so Alpinestars can continue to sell here... for the time being.
 
#34 ·
After wearing my squid suit on my Thai scooter I decided it was finally time to pull the trigger on a new suit.

Decided to go with the Atem V3 over the GP-Pro. I was not sure when or if ever I was actually going to get the tech-air system. They also came out with a V2 of the GP-Pro which will not be available till July. V2 has a lot of improvements I like, but I can't wait till July for a new one. The Atem also has a bit more armor and better knee protection IMO, this was something that really helped me make the decision.

I haven't ridden in the Atem yet, but the suit feels very nice sitting on the bike. The stretch panels are insane compared to my current suit. Leaning off the bike doesn't feel like the crotch is going to tear in half, and the A* is much lighter than my Vanson (obviously).

I will say the Atem has much tighter calves than the GP-Pro. Once it is on this isn't an issue, but getting it on is a real taint buster.
The Atem is also maybe a quarter of an inch longer in the legs and arms, this is hardly an issue for me when on the bike...but it's an obvious difference between the two suits. The arm diameter of the Atem also must be just slightly tighter, it is a little more restrictive in the biceps region than the GP-Pro...although I expect this to stretch out fairly easy.

Overall I'm happy with the Atem at this point. It is really quite comfortable when I get it on, which is actually not hard compared to some suits I tried on. The Atem also feels very mobile compared to my old suit, I'm sure the stretch fabric and leather stretch panels really help here. Once I ride with it on I'll try to follow up with a better review!
 

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#35 ·
Looked into the IXON and for $400ish for the air system, then about $400ish for the license..........

Then they say you can recharge and pack it yourself for 3 inflations then they want you to send it in for inspection
since it is protected by the suit and won't get rashed, this seems reasonable
they told me it is about 2 week turnaround on inspection, improvement

I am looking at a custom Plus racing 2 piece that will incorporate the IXON for street use......
told $1149 for 2 piece kangaroo with all the bells and whistles one can have- which doesn't sound terrible, now to think of a color pattern
you know it will have some kawi green in it!! but my bike is red, so white as a primary, some red and some kawi green? or maybe white, black, kawi green?
decisions decisions
 
#39 ·
Here it is. Got my Plus suit today. Fits pretty well for a first try-on. Once it breaks in a bit, should feel even better. Upper body feel is already more comfortable than my old 7-year old Alpinestars.
 

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