MOTORCYCLE safety technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and Alpinestars has now unveiled the latest generation of its intelligent airbag system — the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma.
Described as the lightest, most comfortable, and most advanced airbag vest the Italian brand has ever produced, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma is the result of more than two decades of research and replaces the Tech-Air 5 in the existing product lineup.
It arrives with new sensor hardware, upgraded software, and a weight reduction of approximately 0.4kg over its predecessor.
Priced at RM3,682 and available in sizes XS through to 4XL, the Plasma targets road, track, and off-road riders who want active airbag protection without the need for a tethered system.
A Sensor System Built on Racing Data
At the heart of the system is a six-sensor configuration comprising a tri-axis accelerometer and a tri-axis gyroscope. All motion data is processed in real time by an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.
What sets the Plasma apart is the crash and riding database Alpinestars has been building since 2004 — including data gathered from MotoGP riders using Alpinestars systems. Millions of kilometres of riding data and thousands of crash incidents have been used to fine-tune the system’s response for greater accuracy.
Three Riding Modes, Three Sensitivity Levels
Riders can select from three riding modes — Street, Race, and Off-Road — each with a different activation sensitivity tuned for its respective scenario.
When the system detects a crash event, the airbag can inflate in as little as 20 milliseconds. Activating the system requires nothing more than zipping up the vest and ensuring the front magnetic flap is secured.
An LED light combined with a subtle vibration confirms that the system is armed and ready.
Lighter and More Flexible Than Ever
At approximately 1,530 grams, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma is said to be 25 percent lighter than its predecessor — making it the lightest airbag vest Alpinestars has ever produced.
The new design is also slimmer and more flexible, allowing it to be worn underneath a riding jacket without the need for an additional separate back protector.
Advanced But Not the Flagship
The trade-off is that the Plasma offers slightly reduced coverage compared to the premium models in the range such as the Tech-Air 7 and Tech-Air 10.
While no airbag vest is truly breathable, the Plasma incorporates several airflow channels across the shoulder and back areas to improve comfort during longer rides.
Protection Levels and Post-Crash Costs
On the safety certification front, the vest includes a Level 1 back protector, and the airbag system itself is certified to EN1621-4:2013 Level 1 — a standard that tests resistance to sharp object impacts using the same methodology applied to conventional armour.
After deployment, the gas cartridge can be replaced by the user at a cost of approximately RM550, provided the inner airbag bag itself is undamaged. Each inner bag is designed to withstand up to six deployments before requiring full replacement at around RM1,650.
Alpinestars also recommends replacing the entire system after 10 years of use, with periodic servicing every two years or every 500 hours of riding.
Companion App and Battery Life
Like most modern connected devices, the Plasma pairs with a dedicated app that displays system status, battery level, and firmware update notifications. A ‘MyRide’ function also allows riders to record and map their riding routes.
Power comes from a built-in lithium-ion battery offering up to 30 hours of use, charged via a USB Type-C port on the LED display module.
The Evolution of Airbag Technology
Although jacket airbags have existed since the late 1990s, Alpinestars is among the pioneers of electronic tether-free systems. Research began in the early 2000s, with the first electronic system tests conducted in 2004.
The technology made its MotoGP debut in 2009 through the Tech-Air Race system, before being made available to commercial customers — initially limited to one-piece race suits.
By 2014, standalone modular systems began rolling out for broader everyday use.
Source: MotorcycleNews.com
