I own the tech air 5, 10 and now the 7x. Had the 7 for two months, and ridden in it for approximately 1000 km on a Ducati V4 street fighter. I like how the 7 provides more lower back protection than the 5. The 7 is a lot quicker to put on than the 10. I ride with a Dainese one piece race suit on the road and the 7 is highly comfortable and lower profile than the 5 or 10. The 7 is the same sizing as the 5 and 10; if you’re a medium in the 5 or the 10, you are a medium in the 7. It is FIM homologated and phenomenal protection for the money. The best protection you could buy to strap on your body when I started riding over 30 years ago was a level 1 back protector. The 7’s level of protection (transmitted force to the body) is equivalent to something like wearing nineteen level 1 back protectors. That is some progress with safety.
I picked up a 7x last week from a trackside vendor (shout out to Justin at Trackside Parts!) and like everything about it better than the 5. Much easier to put the suit on, better ventilation, user serviceable.
@@rao_v It does for me and I've heard others say the same. Side-by-side, the only major dimension where the 7X is bigger is length in back. The sleeves/shoulders are notably thinner and the longer sleeves fit more tightly. I find it easy to put on, then put the suit on, which is a massive hassle with the 5.
I wear a Klim A1Rally. When I bought it almost 2 years ago, it was the most comfortable and cool to wear (I took out the chest protectors because I no longer ride off-road), I could replace the cannister myself and it was among the best for neck protection. If I were to buy an airbag today, I think it would be this 7X. As it is, I’ll keep wearing my current airbag for a few more years, then see what the latest and greatest is and replace it.
This is essentially a v2 of it since it can be wore standalone. It has the same protection (with slightly more coverage on the tail bone), has the benefit of 4 deployments self service total instead of one and done like the tech-air 5. Don’t see how many ways an iteration of the tech air 5 would separate itself enough from the 7x. Only thing I can think of is if they try to compete in the ‘over the jacket’ airbag market aka its abrasion resistant.
@@ImTheBoss914 This is not really a comparable product in terms of form factor. This cannot be worn standalone with a jacket, and must be used with a suit due to the extended tail section.
@@Pheil I hear ya, although it is longer protection in your tailbone area, I watched another YT Shorts person mention how they rode it on an upright bike and it wasn’t notice able at all. If you search shorts you should find a video talking about him tracking with it. However aesthetically yea it would stick out the jacket however you can simply tuck the extra portion in your pants if it’s really that long. Aside from that, that’s really the only main difference between the two, if they were to make a new tech air 5x, and if I’m wearing an airbag I’d rather protect my whole spine.
@@ImTheBoss914the tech air 5 also has a soft back protector. More comfortable for longer daily use. It also inflates more. I’m personally waiting for the 5x to come out since I only occasional go to track days and I want a more universal product. (I’ll keep using my helite for now.
You're not wrong. But just imagine it going to about your tailbone. If you ride a cruiser, for example, and the seating position means you'd potentially be sitting on the lower portion of the airbag, you can simply fold it out of the way.
@@TroySiahaan Thanks for the reply. I ride a touring/adv bike, so definitely seated upright. I have been conflicted between the TA5 vs TA7, as it seems the TA7 is a little thinner under your jacket. But leaning toward TA5 due to how low the 7 extends.
@@skunkwurk2503i have a TA5 on my Multistrada 1200. It fits great under all my touring,mesh jackets etc. i think this 7x would stick out a fair bit in every one of my jackets. This is more for those cafe posers with their panigale v4's or actual track guys. But honestly if I rode track i would buy the full 10x. Don't really see the point of this on the street,who wears a suit on the street??
Great review, Did the lower back protector give you any uncomfortability on your naked bike. Seems so low that it would cause some issues while riding.
I love the idea and appreciate the improvement in protection. However I am really struggling with my Tech-Air off-road. It is so freaking hot, that I am constantly fighting heat exhaustion. It was so bad on a recent trip, that on the 4th day I ran without it and finished my trip without it. I know, they use it in the Dakar so obviously they can handle it. Its just my experience, I want to love it but I was hating riding while wearing it.
Thanks for the review Troy. Are you absolutely sure the hard parts on the back are lower profile than the 5? It looks bulkier where the canisters are. It’s the one thing I dislike about the 5. I like how the back protection extends down to the tailbone in the 7. I find it astonishing how many manufacturers have a back protector and pocket for it that stops 3/4 of the way down.
Great informative video. I did notice that the velcro for the back pad is very similar to the horrible velcro in my A* jacket that let's armor slip out over time. Disappointing for something so expensive.
I've got one, and it's great, but I do wonder how much chest protection it actually has when there's that huge gap between the left and right chest airbags.
I have a 7, and I really like it. It’s comfortable and pretty breathable considering what it is - it’s better than the Ixon I originally had. And that’s important to me. There’s always a tension between protection and breathability, whether for jackets/pants/gloves. I full covered chest will be more protective, but will be terrible in terms of heat. I ride in 0 - 40 C conditions, occasionally up to 46 C, so not excessively sweating encased in plastic is important to me. That gap because of the double zippers in the front is my least favorite part of the vest, even though it does allow air in. So I got some CE2 chest protectors, figuring that because CE2 chest also includes a force transfer component that any impact between the zips would transfer to the airbag.
I hope the next version is better designed, with a lithium battery that lasts much longer and I dont like the idea that if a little magnet in plastic shield dislodges your vest does not deploy.
I'm in the market of both a 2-piece suit and the Tech Air 7x. How should I go about sizing, so that the tech air fits the suit? If you have any advice, it would be appreciated. Nice vid also, thank you.
You cant safely use a 7x with a 2 piece suit because the lower back section of the 7x would tuck into the pants but there would be no space for expansion if it is triggered off. The 5 is the better option for you I suggest. I ride with the 5 with jacket and pants, and the 7X with a one piece suit.
@ hmm ok. Thank you for your comment. Informative. Talked to Alpinestars yesterday, more so about which size I should choose on the suit to fit a Tech Air system the best way, but they didn’t actually mention what you commented about. And I gave the name of the 2 pc suit I’m in the market of buying. Well, I’ll have to see. Would you say Tech Air 5 is enough, even tho 7x is newer and supposed to be better?
@ different people like different levels of coverage. I bought the seven because I wanted lower black and coccyx protection , whereas the five stops in the lumber region. But many people swear by the five. It has better coverage around the side of the ribs than the 7. Two piece suit, get the five. If you buy a techair compatible race suit, it has built-in expansion, so you don’t need to go one size up.
Outstanding review! I'm curious what level of impact triggers these to inflate? I wish there was one specifically for off road that could inflate more than one time on a ride.😅 Thank you.
We agree, but only if they would do large enough sizes! How difficult is it to design an under jacket, mechanical or electronic long battery airbag vest in large sizes...
@@EvMc305 3, 5, 7x, 10v2, street, race, offroad. All are still for sale if I look at stores near me. It seems to me that the street and race are discontinued, but that isn’t very clear, and most reviews of newer airbag systems don’t mention that they are a successor to the street/race. With the street/race discontinued it seemed to me that the named products are the old ones and the new ones are the numbered products. But they just released the offroad as well. And then there is the 3 (which unlike the street/race is still visible on Alpinestars website). I thought that was an older model but the 3 is actually newer than the 5.
TROY! (I'm still not using my real name but I knew you when you were a young-punk writer at SR!). So: do you wear a chest protector with this, too? That seems to be what all the Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP guys do.
@@TroySiahaan Hah! I'm not saying! But I did start wearing an Alpinestars Nucleon chest protector this year. It's lightweight and breathable and I don't notice it all when riding. I definitely want an airbag vest and I'm sure I'll get one in the future but it'd mean I'd have to get different gear to accommodate it if I'm in an accident and it inflates. I've noticed this year how much extra room there is in MotoGP rider's race suits for this.
Interesting.. I’ve reached out to them multiple times recently and have been able to speak with specialists. Every interaction was above and beyond. I only called to speak with the Tech Air team, so I can’t speak about their other depts.
Had also a lot of bad expierences. (only relates to the EU Support). Reaching anyone is Impossible. For refueling my tech Air race I was waiting once 11 Month, and the 2nd time 3 Month.
I could sit here and say Walmart has the worst customer service. You might think your experience was bad and the next guy might think his was amazing. So how about you shut up and say things actually matter matter
@@_Bryant.R I have heard the level of customer service one may received is dependent on the region. AS Cust service in the US is really good, per my experience, while I’ve heard it’s Cust service internationally is in the toilet. Quite the opposite for Held. Held’s US Cust service is piss poor, while their EU customer service is spot-on. I won’t purchase Held due to the lacking level of customer service in the US. If I was in Europe, I’d definitely give them consideration. It is a shame, but organizations allow the culture to be created.
The big issue with airbag tech is the cost. You can't just buy the airbag system; you need to buy a new jacket. You need to size up. Many people have "lifetime" jackets. If you bought a top quality jacket years ago, and have taken care of the leather (and haven't crashed), it will still be perfect. Also, people don't tend to get slimmer as they age so it's probably a little tighter than it was when you bought it. So, it's a serious investment of both the bag and a new jacket. Companies like A* would be well served by offering a discount on any jacket bought alongside the airbag. They'd see a lot more uptake.
@@Waldo1122 Maybe if your government just funnels all your tax money to arms dealers. MY taxes pay for my healthcare. If there is a clear fault from another vehicle, their insurance pays for it.
I'm not a fan of airbag vests that rely on electronic sensors. My Hit-Air MLV-P works with a tether...and no, you won't deploy it by simply walking away from the bike. It slips over any jacket I wear. and it covers more of the body than this Tech Air bag does. Plus, when it deploys, like on a Stop And Drop, I can put a new canister in for $30 and I'm on my way. I don't need to send it to anybody for inspection. It's the KISS principle.
it's cool but I'm too fat 🤣 only option for me if they made motorcycle jackets with airbags already in them or make really big size to wear on top of the jacket
They only make these for guys the size of 12 year olds. When do real sized men get to wear safety gear? Airbags and pants are impossible to find in big sizes.
4xl is available. I'm 46" chest and my XL Alpinestar airbag fits well. It isn't cut for a big belly. I suspect Alpinestar have done their market research and decided there isn't any viable demand beyond 4xl which I think would fit a 130 kg man, or about 300 pounds I think in American. I'm not sure there are many riders over 300 pounds the world over. 4xl would fit a very big man. Try one. Unless you're carrying a beer keg belly you'll find an AS airbag that fits you.
I own the tech air 5, 10 and now the 7x. Had the 7 for two months, and ridden in it for approximately 1000 km on a Ducati V4 street fighter. I like how the 7 provides more lower back protection than the 5. The 7 is a lot quicker to put on than the 10. I ride with a Dainese one piece race suit on the road and the 7 is highly comfortable and lower profile than the 5 or 10. The 7 is the same sizing as the 5 and 10; if you’re a medium in the 5 or the 10, you are a medium in the 7. It is FIM homologated and phenomenal protection for the money. The best protection you could buy to strap on your body when I started riding over 30 years ago was a level 1 back protector. The 7’s level of protection (transmitted force to the body) is equivalent to something like wearing nineteen level 1 back protectors. That is some progress with safety.
I picked up a 7x last week from a trackside vendor (shout out to Justin at Trackside Parts!) and like everything about it better than the 5. Much easier to put the suit on, better ventilation, user serviceable.
It looks much bigger than the Tech Air 5. Does it really fit into a Dianese suit better?
@@rao_v It does for me and I've heard others say the same. Side-by-side, the only major dimension where the 7X is bigger is length in back. The sleeves/shoulders are notably thinner and the longer sleeves fit more tightly. I find it easy to put on, then put the suit on, which is a massive hassle with the 5.
@@mfennell70 Very helpful thanks!
100% agree
This video is far more informative than the user manual that comes with the vest.
You are such a good communicator. What a great video. Editing, filming and sound. Impressive.
I wear a Klim A1Rally. When I bought it almost 2 years ago, it was the most comfortable and cool to wear (I took out the chest protectors because I no longer ride off-road), I could replace the cannister myself and it was among the best for neck protection.
If I were to buy an airbag today, I think it would be this 7X. As it is, I’ll keep wearing my current airbag for a few more years, then see what the latest and greatest is and replace it.
I hope there's a v2 for the tech air 5. I want the multiple deployments and self arming features.
This is essentially a v2 of it since it can be wore standalone. It has the same protection (with slightly more coverage on the tail bone), has the benefit of 4 deployments self service total instead of one and done like the tech-air 5. Don’t see how many ways an iteration of the tech air 5 would separate itself enough from the 7x. Only thing I can think of is if they try to compete in the ‘over the jacket’ airbag market aka its abrasion resistant.
@@ImTheBoss914 This is not really a comparable product in terms of form factor. This cannot be worn standalone with a jacket, and must be used with a suit due to the extended tail section.
@@Pheil I hear ya, although it is longer protection in your tailbone area, I watched another YT Shorts person mention how they rode it on an upright bike and it wasn’t notice able at all. If you search shorts you should find a video talking about him tracking with it. However aesthetically yea it would stick out the jacket however you can simply tuck the extra portion in your pants if it’s really that long.
Aside from that, that’s really the only main difference between the two, if they were to make a new tech air 5x, and if I’m wearing an airbag I’d rather protect my whole spine.
@@ImTheBoss914the tech air 5 also has a soft back protector. More comfortable for longer daily use. It also inflates more.
I’m personally waiting for the 5x to come out since I only occasional go to track days and I want a more universal product.
(I’ll keep using my helite for now.
Amazing review. After watching this I retuned my tech Air 5 to exchange it for Tech Air 7.
It would have been nice if he turned around and showed how far the TA7 sticks out below the jacket.
You're not wrong. But just imagine it going to about your tailbone. If you ride a cruiser, for example, and the seating position means you'd potentially be sitting on the lower portion of the airbag, you can simply fold it out of the way.
@@TroySiahaan Thanks for the reply. I ride a touring/adv bike, so definitely seated upright. I have been conflicted between the TA5 vs TA7, as it seems the TA7 is a little thinner under your jacket. But leaning toward TA5 due to how low the 7 extends.
@@skunkwurk2503i have a TA5 on my Multistrada 1200. It fits great under all my touring,mesh jackets etc. i think this 7x would stick out a fair bit in every one of my jackets. This is more for those cafe posers with their panigale v4's or actual track guys. But honestly if I rode track i would buy the full 10x. Don't really see the point of this on the street,who wears a suit on the street??
Great review. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Any testing ratings for these? Or data about impacts?
Great review, Did the lower back protector give you any uncomfortability on your naked bike. Seems so low that it would cause some issues while riding.
@@twistychaserNJ No, I have no issue on my naked bike
I have a V4 Streetfighter and it isnt an issue.
I love the idea and appreciate the improvement in protection. However I am really struggling with my Tech-Air off-road. It is so freaking hot, that I am constantly fighting heat exhaustion. It was so bad on a recent trip, that on the 4th day I ran without it and finished my trip without it. I know, they use it in the Dakar so obviously they can handle it. Its just my experience, I want to love it but I was hating riding while wearing it.
That dongle is in pack with airbag when you buy it or where can be found to buy it?
The two side chest zippers tend to creep up I've noticed, and +1 on a kill switch, that would have been really nice
Great info man, very detailed!
Thanks for watching.
Great detail video! life saving gear
Thanks for watching.
Any protection on the front?
Yes, the airbag covers the shoulders, collarbones, and ribs.
And the chest
I’ve read that one of the new Tech Air air bag vests has removable components so the chassis can be laundered. Does the 7x have that function?
I'd like to buy one. But the available sizes make it impossible. I'm not huge, but 2XL seems like it won't fit judging from A* charts.
Thanks for the review Troy. Are you absolutely sure the hard parts on the back are lower profile than the 5? It looks bulkier where the canisters are. It’s the one thing I dislike about the 5.
I like how the back protection extends down to the tailbone in the 7. I find it astonishing how many manufacturers have a back protector and pocket for it that stops 3/4 of the way down.
Granted, I didn't measure the profile difference, but simply with the naked eye the 7 looked slimmer than the 5.
The 7 is ENORMOUS
So is this an improvement from the Air Race? If my suit had the air Race would the 7 fit and be better?
Great informative video. I did notice that the velcro for the back pad is very similar to the horrible velcro in my A* jacket that let's armor slip out over time. Disappointing for something so expensive.
What size are you wearing and how tall and weight are you? Chest width?
I've got one, and it's great, but I do wonder how much chest protection it actually has when there's that huge gap between the left and right chest airbags.
I have a 7, and I really like it. It’s comfortable and pretty breathable considering what it is - it’s better than the Ixon I originally had. And that’s important to me.
There’s always a tension between protection and breathability, whether for jackets/pants/gloves. I full covered chest will be more protective, but will be terrible in terms of heat. I ride in 0 - 40 C conditions, occasionally up to 46 C, so not excessively sweating encased in plastic is important to me.
That gap because of the double zippers in the front is my least favorite part of the vest, even though it does allow air in. So I got some CE2 chest protectors, figuring that because CE2 chest also includes a force transfer component that any impact between the zips would transfer to the airbag.
I hope the next version is better designed, with a lithium battery that lasts much longer and I dont like the idea that if a little magnet in plastic shield dislodges your vest does not deploy.
I'm in the market of both a 2-piece suit and the Tech Air 7x. How should I go about sizing, so that the tech air fits the suit? If you have any advice, it would be appreciated. Nice vid also, thank you.
You cant safely use a 7x with a 2 piece suit because the lower back section of the 7x would tuck into the pants but there would be no space for expansion if it is triggered off. The 5 is the better option for you I suggest. I ride with the 5 with jacket and pants, and the 7X with a one piece suit.
@ hmm ok. Thank you for your comment. Informative. Talked to Alpinestars yesterday, more so about which size I should choose on the suit to fit a Tech Air system the best way, but they didn’t actually mention what you commented about. And I gave the name of the 2 pc suit I’m in the market of buying. Well, I’ll have to see. Would you say Tech Air 5 is enough, even tho 7x is newer and supposed to be better?
@ different people like different levels of coverage. I bought the seven because I wanted lower black and coccyx protection , whereas the five stops in the lumber region. But many people swear by the five. It has better coverage around the side of the ribs than the 7. Two piece suit, get the five. If you buy a techair compatible race suit, it has built-in expansion, so you don’t need to go one size up.
How tò connected to see the led to arm ?
Outstanding review! I'm curious what level of impact triggers these to inflate? I wish there was one specifically for off road that could inflate more than one time on a ride.😅
Thank you.
BlipShift shirt @Trizzle? I like that one.
What's Trizzle my Nizzle??😊
Bingo. I'm a car guy, too, and I like this shirt because it has my first car - a Datsun 510.
What brand jacket is that?
We agree, but only if they would do large enough sizes! How difficult is it to design an under jacket, mechanical or electronic long battery airbag vest in large sizes...
These will be great for the track day guys. The tech air 5 will still be the better option for street only riders.
That’s true if they’d only bring out a tech air 5 with self replaceable cannisters
What’s the jacket model?
I'm wearing a Cortech jacket here.
I see they haven't improved the airbag coverage much.
Alpinestars isn’t making their line-up very clear with all the different models, some with a number and some without.
Tech 5 7x 10v2 what don't you get😅
@@EvMc305 3, 5, 7x, 10v2, street, race, offroad.
All are still for sale if I look at stores near me. It seems to me that the street and race are discontinued, but that isn’t very clear, and most reviews of newer airbag systems don’t mention that they are a successor to the street/race. With the street/race discontinued it seemed to me that the named products are the old ones and the new ones are the numbered products. But they just released the offroad as well.
And then there is the 3 (which unlike the street/race is still visible on Alpinestars website). I thought that was an older model but the 3 is actually newer than the 5.
@@EvMc305 3, 5, 7x, 10v2, Offroad, Street, Race.
@@henryslager9406 Offroad, street, race is modes not models... If you're spending almost $1000 you should do some damn research.
@@Waldo1122 lol do the research yourself. These are actual Tech Air products.
no backshots to see if the coccyx protector is sticking out??
TROY! (I'm still not using my real name but I knew you when you were a young-punk writer at SR!). So: do you wear a chest protector with this, too? That seems to be what all the Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP guys do.
I do. Mainly to give myself as much protection as I can in the event the tip of a handlebar tries to impale me. And now I'm wondering who you are!
@@TroySiahaan Hah! I'm not saying! But I did start wearing an Alpinestars Nucleon chest protector this year. It's lightweight and breathable and I don't notice it all when riding. I definitely want an airbag vest and I'm sure I'll get one in the future but it'd mean I'd have to get different gear to accommodate it if I'm in an accident and it inflates. I've noticed this year how much extra room there is in MotoGP rider's race suits for this.
If you try to push the orange tab out, it will scratch you. See what I did there.
Alpinestars has absolutely the worst customer service.
100%. I was a big fan until I tried to contact someone - anyone - with questions. The airbag is the only Alpinestars equipment I'll buy now.
Interesting.. I’ve reached out to them multiple times recently and have been able to speak with specialists. Every interaction was above and beyond. I only called to speak with the Tech Air team, so I can’t speak about their other depts.
Had also a lot of bad expierences. (only relates to the EU Support). Reaching anyone is Impossible. For refueling my tech Air race I was waiting once 11 Month, and the 2nd time 3 Month.
I could sit here and say Walmart has the worst customer service. You might think your experience was bad and the next guy might think his was amazing. So how about you shut up and say things actually matter matter
@@_Bryant.R I have heard the level of customer service one may received is dependent on the region. AS Cust service in the US is really good, per my experience, while I’ve heard it’s Cust service internationally is in the toilet. Quite the opposite for Held. Held’s US Cust service is piss poor, while their EU customer service is spot-on. I won’t purchase Held due to the lacking level of customer service in the US. If I was in Europe, I’d definitely give them consideration. It is a shame, but organizations allow the culture to be created.
The big issue with airbag tech is the cost. You can't just buy the airbag system; you need to buy a new jacket. You need to size up.
Many people have "lifetime" jackets. If you bought a top quality jacket years ago, and have taken care of the leather (and haven't crashed), it will still be perfect. Also, people don't tend to get slimmer as they age so it's probably a little tighter than it was when you bought it.
So, it's a serious investment of both the bag and a new jacket. Companies like A* would be well served by offering a discount on any jacket bought alongside the airbag. They'd see a lot more uptake.
Cost? The hospital bills will be well into 5 digits...
@@Waldo1122 Maybe if your government just funnels all your tax money to arms dealers. MY taxes pay for my healthcare. If there is a clear fault from another vehicle, their insurance pays for it.
@@3rduncle As somebody who experienced fracturing a femur in a crash, i can assure you i will take an airbag system over any insurance payout...
Look at the helite turtle. It's a vest that goes over any jacket
I'm not a fan of airbag vests that rely on electronic sensors. My Hit-Air MLV-P works with a tether...and no, you won't deploy it by simply walking away from the bike. It slips over any jacket I wear. and it covers more of the body than this Tech Air bag does. Plus, when it deploys, like on a Stop And Drop, I can put a new canister in for $30 and I'm on my way. I don't need to send it to anybody for inspection. It's the KISS principle.
حلووو ورائع ❤
it's cool but I'm too fat 🤣
only option for me if they made motorcycle jackets with airbags already in them or make really big size to wear on top of the jacket
Zero protection in the middle of your chest. If a footpeg, handlebar or anything hits you near the heart it may be game over. Not a great design.
Not deployed when needed
Can you explain the situation, please?
Helite GP air 2 thetered has a lot more simpler and robust mechanism than this Alpinestars which have plenty points of failure...
Air bag ?
Some states don’t even require helmets 😂😂
You gonna be relying on the state to save your life? really?
@@Inline3speedy
Apparently some people have skulls made of Kevlar 🤣
@@MrWhitelightning73 .. or contents not worth protecting.
@@waynerobertson511
I couldn’t imagine riding without a helmet. But In nearby Pennsylvania, you see it all the time 🥹
Colorado and Wyoming too. Everything I need to know about a motorcyclist is told by their bucket...or lack thereof.
They only make these for guys the size of 12 year olds. When do real sized men get to wear safety gear? Airbags and pants are impossible to find in big sizes.
true
real sized? lol
4xl is available. I'm 46" chest and my XL Alpinestar airbag fits well. It isn't cut for a big belly. I suspect Alpinestar have done their market research and decided there isn't any viable demand beyond 4xl which I think would fit a 130 kg man, or about 300 pounds I think in American. I'm not sure there are many riders over 300 pounds the world over. 4xl would fit a very big man. Try one. Unless you're carrying a beer keg belly you'll find an AS airbag that fits you.