Alpine stars Tech Air Plasma 5 airbag jacket

Post-Tour launder and reproof of my Enduroguard textile kit with Nikwax Tech-Wash and Tx Direct.

Yesterday I stripped down my TechAir5 Plasma and hand washed then rinsed (twice) the vest part in laundry detergent and some Dr Beckmann odour remover then let it drip dry on the line. Just had about 30 minutes reassembling it section by section, a bit like wrestling and Octopus. I have a newfound respect for bagpipe players. 😁

Whilst my vest wasn’t smelly, I had sweated in it quite a bit and I was very surprised at the shitty brown colour the wash water turned.

The poppers are colour coded and each airbag panel goes into its respective pouch in the vest, the only drama is turning the pouches inside out to locate each colour coded popper and feeding the electronic module and wiring through its respective Velcro pads, elastic loops and cloth ducting, obviously don’t go tugging at the connectors just tease the wiring back through the duct a little at a time.

I didn’t remove the gas canister (no need to), I just separated the back protector completely with airbag bladders and front electronics module/loom from the cloth vest.

Airbag Vest is now tested, back on charge and smells delightfully clean and fresh.

Don’t be afraid to strip and wash your vest, just take your time and be methodical.

Here’s a good YouTube video on dis/reassembly

 
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Arsey said:
The gloves are off

As much as many on here CSTC, the twat in the cap speaks the truth here .

Having done 5/6000 miles using my Plasma, I wouldn’t wear any other for the reasons he explains.
Click to expand...
What is the point of an airvest if it isn't to protect in an accident. So why wear a plasma 5 that has no chest certification at all, because it is comfortable. Is it the adage, something is better than nothing?

I have been considering changing my Helite turtle 2 for an electronic vest. After loads of reading, the Tech air 3 + seems to be a good choice, wearable under or over your jackets (therefore could be used with heated gear (tech air 5 plasma can't), is certified to level 2 both front and rear, with some neck roll protection.

Is there a marked difference in comfort between the 5 plasma and the 3 (haven't tried either yet) that makes the 5 plasma the better choice for less protection?

Interested in views, not out to diss any of the products just interested in experiences.

EDIT - having read the linked article from Moto legends, they make some valid points and I get the compromises. Think I need to try both :)
 
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casbar said:
What is the point of an airvest if it isn't to protect in an accident. So why wear a plasma 5 that has no chest certification at all, because it is comfortable. Is it the adage, something is better than nothing?
Click to expand...
Exactly the point I raised with the Alpine rep at the Bike Shed Show few weeks ago. He claimed (front, shoulder, collar bone) that it was tested but not certified but still 40 times more protective than any armour. I also spoke with the Bennetts who was also at the show. Told him about my conversation with the rep and he said he will go over to the stand and have a chat over his claim, now unless is certified the reps claim is not justified, people look at the label and most haven't got a clue what they mean or if they do maybe they get something else. The previous A5 was certified front and back L2.

Why flat cap has gone postal over Bennetts is a mystery. Bennetts was following the certification labels in the jacket.

Bennetts video ref airbags and :

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma video that triggered Flat cap, Bennetts actually praised the Tech-Air 3:



Saying that, even a Level 1 bag is better than nothing. What counts is that you use one. Shoulder/collar bone bag on 5 only helps if you land on your shoulder. Most collar bone brakes happen when the hand is outstretched, look at this clip. All the guys tucked their arms in towards the chest and just let gravity do the rest. How they do it is a mystery when all the instinct is to stick your hand out.


For me the choice was between the Tech-Air 3 v2 and Dainese Smart Air, both L2 front and back. Dainese updated few weeks ago the battery life to 18 hours and reduced the price. Someone mentioned a price as low as £415. Also the vest is smaller but the same cover as version 1 (which I had) and they use the same material as the 5, thin breathable material.
Both Tech Air 3/Smart Air can be used over/under a jacket, both fold small and fit in a 30l top box. The Tech-Air 3 has the same construction/material as the older Dainese vest. Plus a pocket for a back protector. But a bit heavier than the Dainese.
I went for the Dainese in the end, will do a review soon, comparing old v new. My understanding is that a new vest is due out next year according to the Dainese shop in London. I assume a back protector insert or a pocket for back protector is the update? I have DO3 L2 back protectors in all my jackets.
However looks like the French bag is covering the most.
PS.
Asked the Alpine rep why heated vest/jacket are not to be used with the Alpine airbag systems. Dainese didn't gave me a reason. They just said don't.
When the bag deploys it "may" rupture wires in the heated vest, causing a short and possibly a fire. This is a "get out" put in by lawyers to cover themselves.
You can use a Cool Down vest with any jacket or vest from Alpinestar/Dainese range.

​

 
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casbar said:
What is the point of an airvest if it isn't to protect in an accident. So why wear a plasma 5 that has no chest certification at all, because it is comfortable. Is it the adage, something is better than nothing?

I have been considering changing my Helite turtle 2 for an electronic vest. After loads of reading, the Tech air 3 + seems to be a good choice, wearable under or over your jackets (therefore could be used with heated gear (tech air 5 plasma can't), is certified to level 2 both front and rear, with some neck roll protection.

Is there a marked difference in comfort between the 5 plasma and the 3 (haven't tried either yet) that makes the 5 plasma the better choice for less protection?

Interested in views, not out to diss any of the products just interested in experiences.

EDIT - having read the linked article from Moto legends, they make some valid points and I get the compromises. Think I need to try both :)
Click to expand...
What’s the Helite Turtle certified level ?
 
zoltan said:
Exactly the point I raised with the Alpine rep at the Bike Shed Show few weeks ago. He claimed (front, shoulder, collar bone) that it was tested but not certified but still 40 times more protective than any armour. I also spoke with the Bennetts who was also at the show. Told him about my conversation with the rep and he said he will go over to the stand and have a chat over his claim, now unless is certified the reps claim is not justified, people look at the label and most haven't got a clue what they mean or if they do maybe they get something else. The previous A5 was certified front and back L2.

Why flat cap has gone postal over Bennetts is a mystery. Bennetts was following the certification labels in the jacket.

Bennetts video ref airbags and :

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma video that triggered Flat cap, Bennetts actually praised the Tech-Air 3:



Saying that, even a Level 1 bag is better than nothing. What counts is that you use one. Shoulder/collar bone bag on 5 only helps if you land on your shoulder. Most collar bone brakes happen when the hand is outstretched, look at this clip. All the guys tucked their arms in towards the chest and just let gravity do the rest. How they do it is a mystery when all the instinct is to stick your hand out.


For me the choice was between the Tech-Air 3 v2 and Dainese Smart Air, both L2 front and back. Dainese updated few weeks ago the battery life to 18 hours and reduced the price. Someone mentioned a price as low as £415. Also the vest is smaller but the same cover as version 1 (which I had) and they use the same material as the 5, thin breathable material.
Both Tech Air 3/Smart Air can be used over/under a jacket, both fold small and fit in a 30l top box. The Tech-Air 3 has the same construction/material as the older Dainese vest. Plus a pocket for a back protector. But a bit heavier than the Dainese.
I went for the Dainese in the end, will do a review soon, comparing old v new. My understanding is that a new vest is due out next year according to the Dainese shop in London. I assume a back protector insert or a pocket for back protector is the update? I have DO3 L2 back protectors in all my jackets.
However looks like the French bag is covering the most.
PS.
Asked the Alpine rep why heated vest/jacket are not to be used with the Alpine airbag systems. Dainese didn't gave me a reason. They just said don't.
When the bag deploys it "may" rupture wires in the heated vest, causing a short and possibly a fire. This is a "get out" put in by lawyers to cover themselves.
You can use a Cool Down vest with any jacket or vest from Alpinestar/Dainese range.

​

Click to expand...
Thanks for the information - will help with my decision
 
JohnnyBoxer said:
What’s the Helite Turtle certified level ?
Click to expand...
Helite Turtle is CRITT certified, French certification, not the EN certification (although there is not currently an EN cert for electronic deployment. It has a level 2 back protector and provides level 2 chest and also has very good neck protection.

Bennetts seem to have a bit of an issue with Helite, I spoke to the UK director of Helite and asked him about the Bennetts testing, he wasn't very complimentary and stood by the Helite product which is produced in France, the company did all their own R&D and the owner is the designer. I have been using a Helite for nearly 10 years, been rear ended twice when blood biking and the vest deployed both times, no injuries.

The Helite chap mentioned there is a 7% failure to deploy rate with the electronic triggers, not sure if that is just the Helite electronics, but I know I would be in the 7%, I'm lucky like that.

I just fancy a change, but not sure if there is a product that fits the bill yet, like the Tech Air 5 plasma, but not the level of protection, plus I think I want a vest to wear outside my jackets, that is why I was looking at the Tech Air 3. Will also look at the Dainese, but the option is wait to see what else appears on the market :)
 
casbar said:
Helite Turtle is CRITT certified, French certification, not the EN certification (although there is not currently an EN cert for electronic deployment. It has a level 2 back protector and provides level 2 chest and also has very good neck protection.

Bennetts seem to have a bit of an issue with Helite, I spoke to the UK director of Helite and asked him about the Bennetts testing, he wasn't very complimentary and stood by the Helite product which is produced in France, the company did all their own R&D and the owner is the designer. I have been using a Helite for nearly 10 years, been rear ended twice when blood biking and the vest deployed both times, no injuries.

The Helite chap mentioned there is a 7% failure to deploy rate with the electronic triggers, not sure if that is just the Helite electronics, but I know I would be in the 7%, I'm lucky like that.

I just fancy a change, but not sure if there is a product that fits the bill yet, like the Tech Air 5 plasma, but not the level of protection, plus I think I want a vest to wear outside my jackets, that is why I was looking at the Tech Air 3. Will also look at the Dainese, but the option is wait to see what else appears on the market :)
Click to expand...
Don't the Helite operate using a mechanical trigger?
 
The vest you wear is the one that might save you regardless of whichever one you decide on.

Arsey and I are pretty much in agreement that the TechAir5 Plasma is comfortable enough to wear on every ride. I’ve done around 3000 miles in mine and have zero regret making the investment in one.

I’m certainly much better protected with mine used in place of my simple BMW OE back protector (which is just a laminated rubber panel).
 
Last edited:
Pukmeister said:
The vest you wear is the one that might save you regardless of whichever one you decide on.

Arsey and I are pretty much in agreement that the TechAir5 Plasma is comfortable enough to wear on every ride. I’ve done around 3000 miles in mine and have zero regret making the investment in one.

I’m certainly much better protected with mine used in place of my simple BMW OE back protector (which is just a laminated rubber panel).
Click to expand...
Agree. I’ve worn a Helite Turtle on every ride for 9 years, probably in excess of 15k a year, I don’t find it uncomfortable and take it off when I stop.

All the armour in my jackets is D3O level 2, the Helite has a level 2 back protector so you take the ones out of your jackets.

I agree the Plasma 5 looks a good vest, the thing that is stopping me, less protection than I already have and I prefer vests over my jackets not under.

But any vest is an upgrade to just normal armour.
 
autogs said:
Don't the Helite operate using a mechanical trigger?
Click to expand...
They have a manual trigger or an electronic one. There is apparently a 7% failure rate with electronic vests (according to Helite) depends on what you prefer. It’s second nature to connect the tether now and it takes 40kg of pull to set it off, so if u do forget to unclip, the tether goes tight and the vest won’t go off.

Saying all the above, tech has moved on and I quite fancy an electronic one.
 
casbar said:
Agree. I’ve worn a Helite Turtle on every ride for 9 years, probably in excess of 15k a year, I don’t find it uncomfortable and take it off when I stop.

All the armour in my jackets is D3O level 2, the Helite has a level 2 back protector so you take the ones out of your jackets.

I agree the Plasma 5 looks a good vest, the thing that is stopping me, less protection than I already have and I prefer vests over my jackets not under.

But any vest is an upgrade to just normal armour.
Click to expand...
Have you worn a light, unobtrusive vest under a jacket for comparison ?
I used to have a tethered over jacket vest and used it for a few years but stopped using it when it ruined a trip to Spain and France in hot weather .
Decided I’d rather take the risk than use one .
That was until the Plasma appeared .
I didn’t even take it off when we stopped for coffee or lunch on our recent two week trip , apart from the last three days when temps got near 30 degrees .
 
Arsey said:
Have you worn a light, unobtrusive vest under a jacket for comparison ?
I used to have a tethered over jacket vest and used it for a few years but stopped using it when it ruined a trip to Spain and France in hot weather .
Decided I’d rather take the risk than use one .
That was until the Plasma appeared .
I didn’t even take it off when we stopped for coffee or lunch on our recent two week trip , apart from the last three days when temps got near 30 degrees .
Click to expand...
No I haven't tried one. So I will go try one. I also wear a Gerbing Heated jacket in the winter and a thin base layer, so not being able to wear it with heated gear is another issue, guess I could always keep my Helite as well :)

I've worn my Helite whilst touring in the summer, yes it's hot, but I just put that aside for the protection.

I will have a look at all the options, not trying to diss anyones buying decisions, just interest in the views of others :)
 
casbar said:
No I haven't tried one. So I will go try one. I also wear a Gerbing Heated jacket in the winter and a thin base layer, so not being able to wear it with heated gear is another issue, guess I could always keep my Helite as well :)

I've worn my Helite whilst touring in the summer, yes it's hot, but I just put that aside for the protection.

I will have a look at all the options, not trying to diss anyones buying decisions, just interest in the views of others :)
Click to expand...
I wore my Helite over last 2 weeks in Europe and temps up to 30-35c, over a vented jacket
Didn’t find it a hindrance and allies airflow through
When I stop, I take it off and pop it in a pannier or top box
 
casbar said:
No I haven't tried one. So I will go try one. I also wear a Gerbing Heated jacket in the winter and a thin base layer, so not being able to wear it with heated gear is another issue, guess I could always keep my Helite as well :)

I've worn my Helite whilst touring in the summer, yes it's hot, but I just put that aside for the protection.

I will have a look at all the options, not trying to diss anyones buying decisions, just interest in the views of others :)
Click to expand...
Fair enough .
Was just curious if you’d worn a vest under your jacket to know that you prefer to wear one over the top .
Having done both I much prefer the Plasma as it’s so unobtrusive.
 
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