Alpine stars Tech Air Plasma 5 airbag jacket

[Pukmeister]

I went back today to buy the Plasma as they only has a large or medium size but at the last minute I decided to wait until they could get an XL from another store before committing, its probably due in around Wednesday. I'd like to wear it for next Fridays tour to Switzerland and back.

The large size fitted me perfectly across the shoulder and arm areas but felt just a wee bit snugger than I would like across the chest.

As I ride daily year-round plus tour for a week, I need the thing to fit me comfortably 100% and at £700 I need to be sure I haven't compromised comfort. It will get well-used.

 

[Arsey]

I’ve just seen that Adventure Rider have 25% off the spare canisters so have ordered one . The photo shows two but pretty sure you only get one .

 

[Pukmeister]

I’ve just seen that Adventure Rider have 25% off the spare canisters so have ordered one . The photo shows two but pretty sure you only get one .

A good discount assuming they fit the plasma airbag vest. I may well buy one assuming they are correct for it (guess I will know once I buy one).

 

[Arsey]

A good discount assuming they fit the plasma airbag vest. I may well buy one assuming they are correct for it (guess I will know once I buy one).

Well, yes, obviously I wouldn’t order the wrong one ! Type II is for the Plasma

 

[Pukmeister]

The XL sized Alpinestars Tech Air5 Plasma arrived from York this afternoon so I popped into Infinity Southampton after work and tried it on. Despite expecting it to be too large, it turned out to be a perfect fit and very comfortable. I’m a 35” waist and 44” chest and it was so comfortable on the ride home that I forgot I was wearing it. The shop are mailing the empty retail box to me in case it ever needs returning for a service in future.

I got 10% discount with my Blue Light card so £70 off RRP at £629.99

I will get a spare canister for it in due course, glad to have it in time for Fridays European annual bike tour.

Thanks to all for the recommendations, I’m very pleased with my new purchase.

 

[Arsey]

The XL sized Alpinestars Tech Air5 Plasma arrived from York this afternoon so I popped into Infinity Southampton after work and tried it on. Despite expecting it to be too large, it turned out to be a perfect fit and very comfortable. I’m a 35” waist and 44” chest and it was so comfortable on the ride home that I forgot I was wearing it. The shop are mailing the empty retail box to me in case it ever needs returning for a service in future.

I got 10% discount with my Blue Light card so £70 off RRP at £629.99

I will get a spare canister for it in due course, glad to have it in time for Fridays European annual bike tour.

Thanks to all for the recommendations, I’m very pleased with my new purchase.

Cool .
I’m similar size and also got XL. As you found out , you soon forget you’re wearing it

 

[Pukmeister]

I’ve removed the OE back protector armour from my Enduroguard jacket as it’s no longer essential, but unsure about the need to remove the shoulder armour?

The vest has an inbuilt “Plasma” back protector but no shoulder armour as standard, relying on the airbag. Im thinking if the armour isn’t uncomfortable I can leave it in, just in case of a system malfunction.

 

[Oldrat]

Adam, I’m pretty sure that the tw4t in the cap mentioned leaving them in, in his monologue.

 

[Arsey]

I’ve removed the OE back protector armour from my Enduroguard jacket as it’s no longer essential, but unsure about the need to remove the shoulder armour?

The vest has an inbuilt “Plasma” back protector but no shoulder armour as standard, relying on the airbag. Im thinking if the armour isn’t uncomfortable I can leave it in, just in case of a system malfunction.

I’ve removed mine as the airbag more than covers it in both my Goretex jacket and rider shirt I’m taking to Spain this week

 

[Pukmeister]

Adam, I’m pretty sure that the tw4t in the cap mentioned leaving them in, in his monologue.

If only I could endure listening to him, I might have learnt from him. Thanks for letting me know.

 

[Pukmeister]

Just got back from an eleven day bike tour to Austria/Germany/Italy/Switzerland/France whilst wearing my new Alpinestars TechAir5 Plasma vest.

My thoughts:

In everything from rain and cold mountain passes through to the last few days of riding in a heat wave, I was very comfortable wearing the vest. So much so that I didn’t even notice I had it on. I left the OE shoulder armour in place in my BMW Enduroguard jacket but removed the OE back protector pad.

I have sweated fairly heavily in 30+ degrees heat over the last few days, so each evening I turned off the vest and then gave the armpit mesh area only a gentle hand wash in the hotel wash basin with shampoo at each hotel stop and then let it air dry in my room overnight. I didn’t want it getting too funky smelling, I will strip it all down and hand wash the fabric vest properly now I’m home and then let it line dry.

To be fair I would have been sweating heavily regardless of the vest, airflow through my Enduroguard jacket with all vents open was very good anyway. I wore a bamboo mesh tee shirt under the vest to let my skin breathe and sweat to evaporate, brilliant compared to other textiles like cotton that feel wet.

I think my new airbag vest is brilliant, not much else I can say really. Maybe one day these will be incorporated as standard kit into bike jackets, I’d like to see that happen.

 

[Arsey]

Just got back from an eleven day bike tour to Austria/Germany/Italy/Switzerland/France whilst wearing my new Alpinestars TechAir5 Plasma vest.

My thoughts:

In everything from rain and cold mountain passes through to the last few days of riding in a heat wave, I was very comfortable wearing the vest. So much so that I didn’t even notice I had it on. I left the OE shoulder armour in place in my BMW Enduroguard jacket but removed the OE back protector pad.

I have sweated fairly heavily in 30+ degrees heat over the last few days, so each evening I turned off the vest and then gave the armpit mesh area only a gentle hand wash in the hotel wash basin with shampoo at each hotel stop and then let it air dry in my room overnight. I didn’t want it getting too funky smelling, I will strip it all down and hand wash the fabric vest properly now I’m home and then let it line dry.

To be fair I would have been sweating heavily regardless of the vest, airflow through my Enduroguard jacket with all vents open was very good anyway. I wore a bamboo mesh tee shirt under the vest to let my skin breathe and sweat to evaporate, brilliant compared to other textiles like cotton that feel wet.

I think my new airbag vest is brilliant, not much else I can say really. Maybe one day these will be incorporated as standard kit into bike jackets, I’d like to see that happen.

Agreed .

Fourth trip with mine Done about 1500 miles in last 8 days in temps ranging from 6 to 29 degrees . It’s brilliant . As you say , you don’t know you’re wearing it . Not ‘washed’ mine yet

 

[casbar]

Just got back from an eleven day bike tour to Austria/Germany/Italy/Switzerland/France whilst wearing my new Alpinestars TechAir5 Plasma vest.

My thoughts:

In everything from rain and cold mountain passes through to the last few days of riding in a heat wave, I was very comfortable wearing the vest. So much so that I didn’t even notice I had it on. I left the OE shoulder armour in place in my BMW Enduroguard jacket but removed the OE back protector pad.

I have sweated fairly heavily in 30+ degrees heat over the last few days, so each evening I turned off the vest and then gave the armpit mesh area only a gentle hand wash in the hotel wash basin with shampoo at each hotel stop and then let it air dry in my room overnight. I didn’t want it getting too funky smelling, I will strip it all down and hand wash the fabric vest properly now I’m home and then let it line dry.

To be fair I would have been sweating heavily regardless of the vest, airflow through my Enduroguard jacket with all vents open was very good anyway. I wore a bamboo mesh tee shirt under the vest to let my skin breathe and sweat to evaporate, brilliant compared to other textiles like cotton that feel wet.

I think my new airbag vest is brilliant, not much else I can say really. Maybe one day these will be incorporated as standard kit into bike jackets, I’d like to see that happen.

Really like idea of this vest over my Helite Turtle. But I can't reconcile buying something that has no chest protection. I suppose if it had chest protection it would be more bulky and not as comfortable. I'm yet to try one on, so think I'll try one and see. Great to read all the positive reviews

 

[Arsey]

Really like idea of this vest over my Helite Turtle. But I can't reconcile buying something that has no chest protection. I suppose if it had chest protection it would be more bulky and not as comfortable. I'm yet to try one on, so think I'll try one and see. Great to read all the positive reviews

It does have chest protection Just not as much as some more cumbersome offerings

 

[casbar]

It does have chest protection Just not as much as some more cumbersome offerings

Just read the review Bennett’s did and they state it is not certified at all for chest and it’s level 1 for back. Saying that, the Helite doesn’t get top marks, don’t think John M is a fan. The Motoair seems to score best

 

[Pukmeister]

Its better to wear one than not wear one, and my BMW Enduroguard jacket has zero chest protection anyway.

Instead of listening to some online blokes opinions on them, I recommend you visit a supplier and try one on.

You might just be surprised at how much protection they offer, and how likely you are to wear it for every ride over something else that you might not.

 

[Pukmeister]

Note that the level one protection stated for the back is NOT the airbag, just the "Plasma" red back protector which is inert and does nothing, no inflation from it.

Once the airbag inflates, reportedly it gives the equivalent protection of wearing eleven back protectors according to the Alpinestars guy I spoke to, along with protection of the collar bones, shoulders,upper arms and thorax (chest, ribcage and sternum) areas.

 

[Arsey]

To say there’s no chest protection is bollox

 

[DS]

Agreed .

Fourth trip with mine Done about 1500 miles in last 8 days in temps ranging from 6 to 29 degrees . It’s brilliant . As you say , you don’t know you’re wearing it . Not ‘washed’ mine yet

Just done my first proper long distance ride from the Picos to Malaga via the Pyrenees with the Plasma. Temperatures ranging from 12’c to 34’c. Wore it under a Klim Induction with a wind jacket when needed in the Pyrenees. Not once did it bother me. By the way, Klim Teton merino t shirts are the bollox. I have no shares in Klim . And another btw, the Guardian Civil TRAFFCIO and Mossos are cracking down on speed in the Pyrenees. Saw quite a few foreign plates bikes pulled up roadside by them.

 

[Arsey]

Just done my first proper long distance ride from the Picos to Malaga via the Pyrenees with the Plasma. Temperatures ranging from 12’c to 34’c. Wore it under a Klim Induction with a wind jacket when needed in the Pyrenees. Not once did it bother me. By the way, Klim Teton merino t shirts are the bollox. I have no shares in Klim . And another btw, the Guardian Civil TRAFFCIO and Mossos are cracking down on speed in the Pyrenees. Saw quite a few foreign plates bikes pulled up roadside by them.

Similar !
Must have done 5000 miles with my Plasma by now . This last 2 weeks in temps from 6-31 and you just don’t know you’re wearing it . Think we’ve seen one police car in 2000 miles. Not one in Pyrenees riding full length of N260