Let’s turn our attention to a modern piece of gear designed to add a layer of reassurance to your ride: the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas Airbag System. This system focuses on providing active protection for various riders, from daily commuters to weekend tourers.
The Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas is a self-contained airbag vest. Riders can wear it over their existing jacket or under it, provided there is enough space for deployment. As an autonomous system, it operates without any physical connection to the motorcycle, offering a degree of freedom appreciated by many.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Intelligent Protection
Core to the Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas is an advanced crash detection algorithm. This system, refined using extensive riding data and crash scenarios, employs six integrated sensors (three accelerometers and three gyroscopes). These sensors continuously monitor rider movement. Artificial intelligence helps determine when a crash is imminent, whether a lowside, highside, or a direct impact.
Should the system detect an impending crash, the airbag deploys rapidly, typically within 50 milliseconds. This swift deployment aims to activate before the rider impacts the ground or an obstacle. Once inflated, the airbag provides upper body protection, covering the chest and back. Alpinestars states this reduces impact energy transferred to the rider by up to 95% compared to passive protectors, a significant safety improvement.
Materials and Construction
The Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas features a main chassis of stretch nylon canvas. This material selection emphasizes durability and flexibility. The canvas also includes a water-resistant treatment, suitable for diverse weather conditions.
Critical electronics, including the electronic control unit (ECU), reside within a waterproof enclosure, promoting reliable operation in wet environments. The system functions across a broad temperature range, from -20°C to +40°C. Elasticated side panels allow for comfortable wear and provide the necessary expansion volume during airbag deployment.
Rider Experience and Convenience
The Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas prioritizes user-friendliness and practicality.
- Automatic Activation: The system arms automatically via a magnetic zip closure, simplifying the pre-ride routine.
- Battery Life: An integrated, certified lithium-ion battery offers up to 40 hours of active ride time on a full charge. A complete recharge takes about 4 hours; approximately 1 hour of charging provides 8-10 hours of ride time.
- User-Serviceable Canister: A notable convenience feature allows riders to replace the argon gas canister after a deployment. This reduces downtime and the immediate need for service center visits. The airbag itself holds certification for up to six deployments before requiring a bladder replacement at an authorized service center.
- Packable Design: The vest’s design permits easy storage in a backpack, saddlebag, or pannier when not in use.
- Functional Storage: Practical pockets include two zippered hand pockets, two zippered chest pockets, and an inner pocket. There is also a dedicated sunglasses pocket and a waist loop for glove attachment.
- Customization: The vest’s construction includes openings for riders to add patches or embroidery.
Connectivity and Status Monitoring
Modern technology integrates into system interaction.
- LED Display and Haptic Alerts: An LED display, subtly placed in the front chest pocket, shows the airbag’s operational status. This display also incorporates a haptic alert, providing vibration feedback to confirm system armed status and low battery notifications.
- Bluetooth Connectivity and App: Bluetooth low energy (BLE 5.0) connectivity allows seamless pairing with the Tech-Air App. Through the app, riders can monitor system status, check battery levels, and review ride maps using the “MyRide” feature.
- Over-the-Air Updates: The system’s software is upgradable via the Tech-Air App, keeping the system current with the latest enhancements.
Key Safety and Certifications
- PPE Certification: When inflated, the Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas System’s full chest and back protection meets Category II Certified PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under European Regulation (UE) 2016/425. It aligns with relevant parts of the EN1621-4:2013 airbag certification standard for Level 2 impact attenuation.
- Integrated Back Protector Pocket: The vest includes a pocket for an optional passive back protector, offering an additional layer of protection.
- ECU Seal-Protection: The ECU’s sealed design ensures all-weather performance, certified for operation in a wide temperature range.
Overall, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 v2 Canvas Airbag System offers a compelling option for riders seeking advanced, autonomous protection. Its intelligent crash detection, durable canvas build, user-friendly features, and integrated connectivity combine to create a notable product in motorcycle airbag technology. If the Tech-Air 5 isn’t for you, maybe this option will be.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
