As an avid motorcyclist myself, I’ve often been asked, “What’s the best motorcycle airbag jacket out there?” Well, my fellow riders, after some extensive research, let’s shed some light on this life-saving apparel.
Now, you may be asking, “Airbag jacket? Do I really need one?” Well, look at it this way, when the rubber meets the road, and you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, these jackets can provide an extra layer of protection that could very well save your skin. Imagine having a personal bubble of safety around you; it’s like a superhero suit but for motorcyclists.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the top contenders in the airbag jacket game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or you ride your trusty hog every day, investing in an airbag jacket just might be one of the smartest choices you make. Stay tuned, my motorcycling amigos, as we dive into the world of inflatable jackets guaranteed to keep you safe and stylish.
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1. Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System
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2. Dainese Smart Jacket
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3. Helite Adventure Touring Airbag Jacket
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4. Klim Ai-1 Airbag Vest
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5. Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag Jacket
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As a motorcycle enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for the best protection gear. Let me introduce you to my current favorite, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System. This autonomous motorcycling airbag system is one of the newest additions to Alpinestars’ protective lineup, and it’s no joke!
What I love about the Tech-Air 5 is that it’s a slim, self-contained wearable airbag vest. You can wear it under any proper fitting textile jacket, Tech-Air compatible jacket, or even a leather jacket with a 4 cm space around your chest circumference, and that’s versatility.
The deployment rate is very fast, taking only 20-40 milliseconds, depending on the size. There are two modes available, street and race. The battery life lasts for an impressive 30 hours and includes Bluetooth and app integration. Maintenance is also a breeze; simply spot clean and air dry.
PROS
- So much better than the tethered airbag.
- The sizing seems to ring true.
- Size Variety: Unisex XS-4XL.
- Stealthy, not obvious that you’re wearing it. Good for impressing the lads.
CONS
- The price tag is pretty high; this airbag system might ask you to break open your piggy bank.
- Not the lightest kid on the block, but still better than a backpack full of bricks.
- A wee bit of a bugger to get on and off. But a few minutes here and there are definitely worth it. But not much in the ventilation department, which is good for colder climates, presumably.
Where To Buy
2. Dainese Smart Jacket
Recently stumbled across the Dainese Smart Jacket, and honestly, it’s quite the game changer. In fact, a top contender is certainly among the best motorcycle airbag jackets out there. Allow me to break down this tech-savvy safety vest for you.
First off, it’s not even a jacket – it’s a vest. Yup, that’s right. Perfect for those who want to keep their arms free and allow for more ventilation. Now, you might think that this lightweight airbag vest would be lacking in protection, but that’s where both yours and my perceptions were wrong. It uses the advanced Dainese D-air® airbag technology, the same type that’s used in MotoGP™.
The wearable device has a battery life of 26 hours and meets or exceeds CE Level 2 for airbag chest protection. It can be worn under or over any jacket or outfit and contains seven onboard sensors, and the data is monitored 1,000 times per second.
PROS
- Lightweight and foldable which means no more being bogged down by bulky airbag jackets.
- As it has a versatile fit, it can be worn over or under any other jacket, making it great for any outfit. It even comes in XS-2XL!
- No connection is required making it a breeze to hop on and off your bike.
- Unlike other airbag jackets, it has great ventilation.
CONS
- Pricey as well, but that’s going to hold true for most of the ones on our list.
- If triggered, you’ll need to send it back to Dainese for a replacement, which is costly.
- The algorithm isn’t exactly perfect, as it may fail to deploy under certain slower conditions.
Where To Buy
3. Helite Adventure Touring Airbag Jacket
I want to share with you my recent discovery, the Helite Adventure Touring Airbag Jacket. It’s a durable, waterproof motorcycle jacket designed for both commuters and off-road riders. A realistic upgrade to safety gear with this stylish and practical option.
I am interested in the Airbag Technology HELITE TURTLE® Euro CE certified, which deploys in less than 0.1 seconds and also has features such as a Humax waterproof, windproof, breathable membrane, wide retro-reflective piping on the front, back, and arms, technical textile CORDURA® which is highly abrasion resistant, and a thermal removable liner made of polyester.
PROS
- Incredibly fast detection and inflation time (under 60 milliseconds)
- Fantastic design that can actually cater to Touring enthusiasts
- Protection for vital body parts, including the spine, neck, thorax, and abdomen
- The build quality feels phenomenal.
CONS
- Price range might make your wallet flutter nervously.
- Definitely more on the heavy side, so better start lifting those weights.
- The size fits very much on the tighter side to the point where you might wonder, did you recently put on a few pounds? On the safe side, size up.
Where To Buy
4. Klim Ai-1 Airbag Vest
In the world of motorcycle safety gear, the Klim Ai-1 Airbag Vest, a little marvel, is the result of a collaboration between Klim and In&Motion. And guess what? It’s the first wearable airbag that uses artificial intelligence to continuously evolve and improve! No more stagnant safety gear, folks.
Another thing that piqued my interest in the Ai-1 was its ability to inflate and protect within 60 milliseconds. My friends, that’s faster than the speed of a blink! Now, if I ever find myself flying off my bike, I know this vest is bound to safeguard my spine, neck, thorax, and abdomen. It’s truly the guardian angel of motorcycle airbag vests.
The vest has a battery life of over 25 hours and can be fully charged in 3 hours, and can receive wireless firmware updates for its In&Box algorithms. It comes with a CE EN1621-2 certified static back protector and can be connected to a smartphone app.
PROS
- Incredibly fast detection and inflation time (under 60 milliseconds)
- Collaborative design by trusted brands Klim and In&Motion
- Protection for vital body parts, including the spine, neck, thorax, and abdomen
- A much more affordable option
CONS
- The subscription business is something many don’t like. If not paid, you could die.
- Not suitable for off-roading, so don’t go for bumpy rides wearing this.
Where To Buy
5. Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag Jacket
As the name suggests, this brilliant piece of motorcycle gear combines airbag safety with pleasant airflow, making it a ride-saver (pun intended) in several ways.
I mean, who wouldn’t love to ride on those hot summer days, feeling the air breeze on their torso while being protected by cutting-edge airbag technology? That’s what drew me toward this jacket. When fully inflated (in less than 0.1 seconds, no less!), it’ll protect my shoulder, elbow, and back. Talk about being fast and furious yet cool and safe!
Now, a cool airbag jacket is fantastic, but this bad boy doesn’t stop there. When the skies turn gray, it has a removable fleece-lined rain cover. Not only does it keep me warm, but it also ensures I stay dry in those pesky drizzles! As a fan of multitasking, the Helite Free-Air mesh airbag jacket serves multiple purposes, making it an excellent investment.
PROS
- Excellent airflow allows you to breathe a sigh of relief in hot weather while staying protected.
- The airbag deploys in under 0.1 seconds—good luck finding something faster!
- Added rain cover for those surprise showers.
CONS
- Mechanical tether is not a deal-breaker, but the airbag relies on mechanical tethers to inflate, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- Like anything that’s worth having, this jacket comes with a slightly hefty price tag.
- Sizing may be a tight fit for some, so sizing up might be better.
Where To Buy
Conclusion
After digging through heaps of information and considering various airbag jackets, I’ve developed an unshakable appreciation for the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System. This gem checks all the important boxes for me.
It’s got an electronic system that boasts a lightning-fast deployment time of just 40 milliseconds, faster than standard airbag jackets. That’s an eyeblink, folks! Plus, it covers critical body parts like the chest, ribs, shoulders, and my precious back.
Ventilation? Check. The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System knows that looking cool is just as important as being cool. When I’m cruising on my motorbike, I don’t want to feel like a sweaty lump of dough in an oven.
No dramatic conclusion spiel or trumpets here, but if you’re in the market for an extraordinary motorcycle airbag jacket, I highly recommend you consider the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System. Trust me; it’s enough to make anyone feel like a MotoGP hero without the need for a cape.