Alpinestars has been a leader of rider airbag protection since the Tech-Air project began in 2001. By 2009 MotoGP riders benefited from airbag protection with the Tech-Air Race. Just a few years later in 2011, Alpinestars brought the Tech-Air Race to the public. The original systems were great for protecting racers and track riders, but in 2014, with the launch of the Tech-Air Street, everyone could reap benefits from airbag protection. In 2019, Alpinestars launched the Tech-Air 5, a more refined street application that generated momentum for mass adoption.

Since Tech-Air 5′s original debut and, now, the release of the new Tech-Air 5 Plasma, Astars has continually developed a system for every rider. From the Tech-Air 3 street application, to the Tech-Air 10 and 7x track application, to the Tech-Air Off-Road rally and adventure bike application, Alpinestars offers a Tech-Air for everyone. It even has a newly announced system for motocross, the Tech-Air MX. But the new Tech-Air 5 Plasma may be the best system yet.

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma is the most functional and sensible airbag system due to its three-discipline application. This Tech-Air with three modes (Track, Street, Off-road) provides airbag protection regardless of the surface you are riding. With the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, you can buy one system and use it for every application.

Tech-Air 5 PlasmaThe Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma ($789.95) is a new standard for airbag comfort and utility. This is the lightest Tech-Air ever; Alpinestars claims the new system is 25% lighter than the original Tech-Air 5. Its slim, monolayer design is constructed from a thin, breathable, moisture-wicking material with stretch mesh panels throughout. Compared to the Tech-Air systems we’ve worn in the past, the 5 Plasma is lighter and more comfortable. We tested it in three disciplines in one day (off-road, street, track) and found the Tech-Air 5 Plasma seamlessly fits under an Alpinestars adventure jacket, street jacket, and race suit.

Alpinestars’ Tech-Air 5 Plasma three riding modes (Off-Road, Street, Track) can be quickly changed with a button on the LED display. Simply zipping up the Tech-Air activates the system. A one-second vibration will signal the system is on, a five-second vibration will signal the system is off after unzipping the central closure. A short vibration sequence will occur when switching ride modes. The Tech-Air 5 Plasma has 30 hours of active battery life and can be charged while riding via the integrated charging port.

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma’s airbag provides full upper body coverage including chest, ribs, back, and shoulders. The airbag has the highest-level industry standard operative pressure. Six sensors (three accelerometers, three gyroscopes) monitor every millisecond, allowing the airbag to deploy ahead of an impact during a crash. The system is self-serviceable without tools and the airbag is certified for up to six deployments. After six deployments, the airbag needs to be inspected by Astars to ensure its integrity has not diminished. Replacement argon canisters are available for $119.95 each.

Our day spent in the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma was filled with gear changes as we rode three different disciplines in one day. Riders have to be adaptable, and so must their equipment. With nothing more than a base layer and the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, I easily changed from ADV gear, to street gear, and into a race suit while wearing the airbag system. Changing ride modes is easy with the touch of a button and the system is virtually unnoticeable while riding.

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma is the most seamless and comfortable airbag system I have experienced. Out of all the gear we can wear, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma is one of the least noticeable. Will the Tech-Air 5 Plasma influence mass adoption of airbag systems for motorcyclists? With its versatility and comfort, we think so.