Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System Vest

[Groanup]

I received my Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 air bag vest yesterday.
Today I'm returning it, and I'll tell you why...

 

It looks like a terrific piece of equipment. Coverage is excellent with the ribs and shoulders being covered as well as chest and back. There is a hard back protector built in which contains the electronics. It's actually pretty comfortable inside my jacket although it is kind of heavy at around 4 lbs. It doesn't really breath as well as they say it does. I did not wear it on the bike though, so it might be better "on the move". It's just what I was looking for, but...

 

On page 9 of the manual is a section titled "section 4. Limitations of use". It takes up the bottom half of the page, and lists all the things you are NOT supposed to do to/with your airbag vest. They are all printed in bold red type. The very last item says:
"WARNING! Do not use the system 2000 meters above sea level as low pressure may damage the internal battery"...
This line did not show up in the "online" manual I looked at, which was for a previous version called the "Tech-Air road".

 

If you only ride at lower elevations, this might be perfect for you. I spend lots of time 2000 meters or more above sea level.

To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

[RandyShields]

Very helpful information.  I know a few guys looking at this product. Thanks for posting.

[marcopolo]

Ditto.  Thanks for making us aware.  I was also considering the Tech-Air 5.

[Rockosmith]

That is a very restrictive limitation.  Thanks for sharing this discovery!

[marcopolo]

Yesterday, I sent an email to the product specialist at Alpinestars USA for the TechAir 5 (I first called, but was told he was on the road all week).  I asked him about the altitude warning in the manual.  This was his reply to me:

 

"The Tech-Air 5 will function as designed at any altitude. Elevation will not affect the system’s performance in detecting crash scenarios or deploying and providing essential rider protection whatsoever. In fact, the thinner air actually works to the system’s advantage. Prolonged or perpetual use of the system above 6,500 ft can over time effect the overall battery life. However, this happens at a very slow rate over years, not days or weeks, and given the 30 hour battery life when fully charged, detecting any loss of battery life is imperceptible.  You can use your Tech-Air 5 at altitude without any worries of it not working properly."

 

[ferdiii]

After watching this video on youtube, i´m not sure if I would buy an alpinestar airbag vest...

 

[Skywagon]

i dont know about the vest but thought it was super cool the center stand deployed and stood the bike up....He might be dead but at least his bike is ok.

[Yair Kohavi]

I've purchased my tech air 5 in Athens on 25.5.21.

I've noticed that the air bladder is completely messy inside the vest.

I didn't find any guidance in the user guide so I ask your advice how to e-organize and connect the airbag inside the vest.
Thanks.

[Lowndes]

On 6/20/2021 at 8:54 AM, Yair Kohavi said:

I've purchased my tech air 5 in Athens on 25.5.21.

I've noticed that the air bladder is completely messy inside the vest.

I didn't find any guidance in the user guide so I ask your advice how to e-organize and connect the airbag inside the vest.
Thanks.

Yair - you should contact Alpivestars about this.  It sounds serious.