2025 Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag Vest Review

The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma ($789.95) represents a significant advancement in motorcycle rider safety, building upon over two decades of research and development in airbag technology. Initiated in 2001, Alpinestars’ commitment to enhancing rider protection has culminated in this state-of-the-art airbag system, designed to make motorcycle riding safer.

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The Tech-Air 5 Plasma features a complete redesign of its outer chassis, focusing on rider comfort and mobility. Constructed entirely from stretch materials, including a single-layer stretch mesh in non-airbag areas, this zip-up-style vest offers vastly improved flexibility and breathability. The system is approximately 25% lighter than its Tech-Air 5 predecessor, weighing 3.7 pounds in size large. The vest fits true to size. Additional sizes are available in XS to 4XL.

“It’s a really low-profile system that almost just feels like a gentle hug of safety around you as you’re riding in it,” says Brent Jaswinski, sales communications manager at Alpinestars. “The other big thing too is how high up the stretch materials go, particularly in the armpits. We really worked on the ergonomics of this system to increase its comfort even further as well.

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“Not only is the collar an overall deeper cut for better ventilation, less material, but also the armpit, kind of pectoral areas are also cut deeper and that stretch, that single layer stretch airflow material also goes all the way up there,” Jaswinski continues to explain. “So that’s one thing that you’ll probably notice right off the bat, especially when you put the system on, but especially depending on the bike that you’re riding. So regardless of whether it’s like a standard, an ADV bike or a touring bike, or particularly like a sportbike with clip-ons, you’ll feel that reduction or lack of material there in your pectoral areas, you know, really contributing to that comfort.”

Alpinestars’ product offering operates without tethers, physical sensors on the bike, or reliance on GPS. Instead, it utilizes an array of triaxial sensors—three accelerometers and three gyroscopes—that monitor the rider’s movements in three dimensions. These sensors communicate with an integrated computer, analyzing data in real time to detect potential crash scenarios. Upon identifying an imminent collision, the system deploys an argon gas canister, inflating the airbag within 20 to 50 milliseconds—significantly faster than the blink of an eye. This rapid deployment is crucial, as it aims to fully inflate the airbag before the rider’s first impact during a crash.

The Tech-Air 5 Plasma offers three modes: Race, Street, and a newly introduced Off-Road mode. Users can easily switch between modes via a button located on the lower right area, with the system providing haptic feedback to confirm the selection.

The vest is also user-serviceable and machine-washable (after removing some of the components); replacing the neatly integrated argon canister (inside the back protector) after deployment is a toolless process. Replacement canisters cost $119.95. After six deployments Alpinestars recommends that you send in the vest for air bladder replacement. Additionally, the system boasts a battery life of up to 30 hours on a full charge, with charging facilitated through a standard USB-C port neatly hidden inside the control panel.

Alpinestars’ Tech-Air technology is distinguished as the only airbag system certified to deploy ahead of the first impact in a crash scenario. This proactive approach to rider safety sets it apart from reactive, tether-based systems, which may not deploy in time to prevent initial impact injuries.

The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma is a testament to the company’s dedication to rider safety and technological innovation. Its easy-to-wear design, advanced sensor technology, and user-friendly features make it a compelling choice for motorcyclists seeking enhanced protection across various riding environments, on virtually any type of motorcycle.