Tech-Air 5 PLASMA Airbag System

Lighter and better ventilated

Back protection has long been a feature of our clothing. With independent pieces that are worn with straps and kidney belts, to clever stuff such as Knoxs’ integrated Microlock armour. The smart money, though, is on the relatively new wearable airbags.

The Plasma back protector is light and flexible

 These are made by a number of different manufacturers and just one of them is the Italian clothing giant that is Alpinestars who make their own range titled Tech Air.

A better cut makes it so much easier to wear

 Alpinestars have been at this for a number of years and now we’re seeing the second generation of these pieces being launched through the companys’ dealer network. The latest of these is the Plasma. It’s a Tech Air 5 design.

All of the internals are removable for cleaning

 One of the unfortunate things about these units has been the amount of space that they take up. Indeed, before Alpinestars came along, some of the first ones were so bulky that they could only be worn over a jacket or suit. These days they have a type of crash detection system that allows the airbag to inflate in milliseconds. The technology is very impressive, especially when seen being used in action!  

Because of its' size it can be worn with a lot more jackets

 This new system is called the PLASMA and an enormous amount of effort has gone into making it lighter as well as more effective. The idea was to create the minimum amount of bulk to both reduce the amount of weight being worn as well as maintaining the line of ones perfectly tailored Italian motorcycle jacket. Having dropped the weight by a staggering 25% when compared with the old Tech 5, it now weighs a shade over 1.5 kilos, they would appear to have got this one right on both counts.  

LED lights are used to monitor and confirm modes

 From a simple mechanical point of view it provides coverage for the chest, ribs, back, and the shoulders. The garments cut has been extended to cover a larger area as well as more comfort around the back, neck and under the arms. It also has a PLASMA back protector. This is flexible and allows for airflow. You can see the evolution from the old and simple back protectors in this one.

Real world wearability

Also very clever are the three riding modes. Depending on where you’re riding and how the unit will adapt to the level of shock that it takes to set it off. Set it to street for regular riding, off road for trails and enduro with race being for track days. Battery life is as much as 30 hours and can be recharged from a regular domestic socket. If it is set off the wearer simply has to replace the gas cannister. This is easier and faster thanks to a new Velcro closer that allows the wearer to change it for a new one without any tools or specialist assistance.  

Now with easier access to the gas cylinder

Its’ base is single layer stretch material. This is where it gains in the savings in the weight and bulk departments. The fabric used is much, much more breathable. The whole thing can also be stripped out to just the fabric for washing. This last bit should, at least, ensure that you don’t become even less popular than you already are.

Talk to Ola at Megabikes for all the details.