Airbags - an update

So, I realize this is a personal choice- do whatever you think is best. I guess I’ll start with this to head off any controversy. If you’re “against airbags,” then this is not the post for you- why you decided to click on it, not sure, but read on if you’re curious and open-minded.

Once upon a time helmets were optional and a source of debate- much less so now. In some states near me you still aren't even required to wear one. All I can say on that is that some of the dweebs in those states choosing to wear a helmet may have already gone down before, but are now up and riding again with shiny new lids. Also true, is that virtually none of those cool riders that you see without helmet have ever bounced their heads against the pavement. Just something to consider...

I will make an exception on the "to each his own" idea about this one thing..... I’ve seen too many young attractive women in just shorts and a halter top on the back of both cruisers and sport bikes. Well, I always say to myself, “yeah, she’s pretty now, but.....” YOU are responsible for the person on back and if that’s your MO, you’re an idiot. There, I said it.

On to airbags..... They're the new thing that some people like to point to as an unnecessary hindrance to “the freedom of riding.” That's cool- not judging you, just don't judge me. Professional racers wear them on controlled tracks, so I've decided the odds out here on the street are just as unfavorable, but the circumstances are much further beyond my control. Unlike on the track, those cagers on their phones with a beer between their legs are not professional drivers and, to be fair, neither am I- so, with that, I choose to wear one. I’ve been down twice and the second time I had on an airbag. I was injured, but credit the airbag to reducing those injuries. I get to ride again and choose that over a potentially shortened time getting to enjoy riding so right now I can feel and look more “free.”

So, when scouting out the best system several years ago I arrived at the MotoAirBag from Italy. It’s not as well known as other options, but I believe that it may offer the best overall protection and, it’s an analog system. It is tethered, but the leash locks much like a seat belt when you have a sudden movement. Unlike all other tethered systems that wait to employ once you reach the end of the leash, this one locks down and goes off no matter how far out the leash is extended. Also, the coverage is better than most, if not all, other systems. BUT, it is worn over the jacket and in summer it gets very hot- blocking any airflow that hits the vest.

After a few 95 degree rides this year I decided to look over the choices again and the AlpineStars Plasma kept coming up as the best choice. I ended up buying it and I can say that it is much cooler, lighter, and I like the fact that it goes under your jacket. There are tons of reviews on it, so if you’re considering an air vest, and not scared off by the electronics, I think you should definitely check it out. It’s safe to say that it is generally considered the top choice these days in protection.

Here’s a video I viewed recently that compares a lot of brands and gets into the certification levels. It is interesting to note that this reviewer chose the MotoAirBag that I first owned. If it’s not too hot outside and you don’t mind having it over your jacket, I agree that it’s a great system and one that I have personal experience with in a crash. For hotter weather and a sleeker profile I think the AlpineStars with the electronic smart brain is the best choice.

I first decided to get an airbag after reading about another rider who had a bad crash and THEN made that decision. It occurred to me that you don’t always get a second chance to make smarter decisions, so I opted-in earlier. Different article here, but similar....


Of course, whatever you do is a personal decision- just consider the options, choose wisely, and ride on.....

I looked into air bag vests quite extensively and came to the same choice you did when it comes to the current best vest out there. I plan to get the air bag backpack when I get the money because I'm too fat for the vests. I figure the backpack is better than nothing at all.

As far as helmets go, I watched a video of a kid that gave it too much juice coming out a driveway and the rear slipped out and he went down with a head injury. Had he been wearing a helmet, it would have been a headache instead of a ride to the hospital for such a low speed incident. My state doesn't require them and my cousin has a balled spot because of it, luckily he was on grass when he went down.

Anyway, I'm a big fan of the air bag veat and the air bags that come in some of the newer Goldwings. Would be nice if more bikes would offer them.

I’ve been riding with an airbag something for at least 15 years. I started with a Hit-Air mesh jacket, to Helite tethered, to Alpinestars Tech Air 5 and now Helite E-Turtle Vest (summer use). Fortunately, never had one deploy. For me the extra protection provides some peace of mind for this 75 year old to continue enjoying wind therapy.

I have the older Tech Air five and wear it all the time. The new plasma version is 25% lighter, better ventilation and recharging the vest’s CO2 cylinder is user-friendly. My version must be sent back to the factory after being deployed. These really are an awesome bit of safety kit. Yes, they are expensive, but how much is your life worth? The earlier version like mine are selling for about half the price they used to be now that a newer version is out, but they are still a really good vest.

I procrastinated on buying an airbag until 2022, which is when I high-sided my VMAX. Six broken ribs, a finger that's now unusable for life, and a cracked Schuberth helmet. Took me 30 years to do some damage, lol. Three months later, I bought a leather airbag vest, a leather jacket, and a ventilated mesh jacket (all from Helite), and I haven’t looked back since. And, well, my Goldwing has an airbag too, but that was just because it was the only model available in stock.. Now I am happy it has one.

Nashvegas said:

I have the older Tech Air five and wear it all the time. The new plasma version is 25% lighter, better ventilation and recharging the vest’s CO2 cylinder is user-friendly. My version must be sent back to the factory after being deployed. These really are an awesome bit of safety kit. Yes, they are expensive, but how much is your life worth? The earlier version like mine are selling for about half the price they used to be now that a newer version is out, but they are still a really good vest.

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The older version actually offers better protection, but as you said it's a little heavier and warmer. The new ones allow you to change the canister yourself. One reason the Alpinestars are so popular is that there is no monthy or yearly subscription. Buy it (new or older version) and you're good to go....