The Tech-Air® 3 system is Alpinestars latest and greatest airbag system designed for toruing and commuter riders. The Alpinestars Tech-Air® 3 airbag vest is versatile enought to perform either over or under your riding jacket/suit. It uses same algorithm as the Tech-Air® 5 system.
When you put the Tech-Air® 3 system on, there are several magnets and attachments to take note of. First, the base of the zipper mates with the other side easily thanks to a magnet that lines it up perfectly on the first try. There is a fabric flap that overlays this end of the zipper and stays in place with another magnet, protecting your tank from zipper scratches. Further up the main opening the chest portion of the airbag connects to the left side of the chest with a magnetic button that holds it in place. When you fully close the diagonal main zipper another magnet near the top activates the system. This magnet is part of the LED display, which also has a haptic alert that vibrates when it arms and also when the battery is low.
The Tech-Air® 3 system protects the full chest and full back. The “brains” of the system are housed in a waterproof container on the rear left of the jacket. It’s kind of bulky, but once you have the system zipped closed it rests comfortably in place. You can also add a passive back protector in the pocket that can be accessed via zipper on outside of the garment (see related products below). Since the Tech-Air® 3 system is designed to be worn over or under another jacket they haven’t included the back protector here. Also, the Tech-Air® 3 system works as a CE level 2 back protector when deployed but if for some reason it doesn’t deploy you’re going to want that passive armor. Their is a small zippered storage pocket on the right side of the belly as well.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest is designed for touring riders and urban commuters. Alpinestars provides some conflicting information on off-road use, at one point saying it is good for “light off-road adventure riders” and later saying that it is not suited for off-road. I’d take this to mean if you’re on a maintained road you’ll probably be fine but if you ride in conditions that get into aggressive angles or loose pack that kicks the rear end out unexpectedly then you might have an accidental activation. So off-road adventure riders beware.
Overall the Alpinestars Tech-Air® 3 system is a great versatile airbag option for touring and urban riders. We’re excited to see Alpinestars continue to expand their airbag lineup and innovate in this advanced form of protection that ultimately saves lives and brings more riders into our sport. :: Mike, 12/15/2022