Do you use an airbag? D-Air, Tech Air?
Discussion
If it's any reassurance, after a similar trip, I did an unscheduled forward roll across a garage forecourt. Thankfully – despite entertaining customers at Clacket Lane services with my gymnastic abilities – the Tech-Air didn't inflate. It's been more reliable than my previous Hit-Air.
I chose to send my Tech-Air back once and was impressed by Alpinestars. Older stock took a while to start up, so the shop sent it back for an update. The airbag went from me to the retailer to Astars in Italy, who updated the firmware and returned it to me – all within a fortnight. Quick and easy.
And I received a detailed report of the status of every airbag system (about twenty components: battery health, firmware, etc), along with the personal name and signoff of the individual technician who put his name to confirming that my airbag was working perfectly. Can you image getting this level of service with a car’s airbag system?
I chose to send my Tech-Air back once and was impressed by Alpinestars. Older stock took a while to start up, so the shop sent it back for an update. The airbag went from me to the retailer to Astars in Italy, who updated the firmware and returned it to me – all within a fortnight. Quick and easy.
And I received a detailed report of the status of every airbag system (about twenty components: battery health, firmware, etc), along with the personal name and signoff of the individual technician who put his name to confirming that my airbag was working perfectly. Can you image getting this level of service with a car’s airbag system?
FC-Moto (German online store) have Helite Turtle air bag vests for about £330 delivered. Thinking about buying one.
Is there anybody on here that owns one? I just cannot figure out the sizing. Have followed their sizing guide and measured myself _with_ bike clothes on, as per their instructions. Comes out at 50 inches waist and 50 inches chest. I'm 38 inch waist if I'm just buying regular clothes.
The also have Large-Long and Large-Long plus regular Large and XL.
According to the size guide, I should be buying the very largest XL-Long size, but that does not seem right compared with all the other clothes I buy. Well maybe it does make sense as their size tops out at XL which is what I often buy whereas other brands of gear go up to XXXL. Anyway, anyone who owns one, comments on the fit and the size you have compared to your waist/chest size would be appreciated.
Is there anybody on here that owns one? I just cannot figure out the sizing. Have followed their sizing guide and measured myself _with_ bike clothes on, as per their instructions. Comes out at 50 inches waist and 50 inches chest. I'm 38 inch waist if I'm just buying regular clothes.
The also have Large-Long and Large-Long plus regular Large and XL.
According to the size guide, I should be buying the very largest XL-Long size, but that does not seem right compared with all the other clothes I buy. Well maybe it does make sense as their size tops out at XL which is what I often buy whereas other brands of gear go up to XXXL. Anyway, anyone who owns one, comments on the fit and the size you have compared to your waist/chest size would be appreciated.
Iminquarantine said:
FC-Moto (German online store) have Helite Turtle air bag vests for about £330 delivered. Thinking about buying one.
Is there anybody on here that owns one? I just cannot figure out the sizing. Have followed their sizing guide and measured myself _with_ bike clothes on, as per their instructions. Comes out at 50 inches waist and 50 inches chest. I'm 38 inch waist if I'm just buying regular clothes.
The also have Large-Long and Large-Long plus regular Large and XL.
According to the size guide, I should be buying the very largest XL-Long size, but that does not seem right compared with all the other clothes I buy. Well maybe it does make sense as their size tops out at XL which is what I often buy whereas other brands of gear go up to XXXL. Anyway, anyone who owns one, comments on the fit and the size you have compared to your waist/chest size would be appreciated.
I have the same vest in XLL, I'm a 42 waist but was 44 when I ordered it. There is some adjustment on the straps but I'm on the tightest adjustment over full winter kit. I would imagine it would hang off you. In the unlikely event you're in Central Scotland you're more than welcome to try itIs there anybody on here that owns one? I just cannot figure out the sizing. Have followed their sizing guide and measured myself _with_ bike clothes on, as per their instructions. Comes out at 50 inches waist and 50 inches chest. I'm 38 inch waist if I'm just buying regular clothes.
The also have Large-Long and Large-Long plus regular Large and XL.
According to the size guide, I should be buying the very largest XL-Long size, but that does not seem right compared with all the other clothes I buy. Well maybe it does make sense as their size tops out at XL which is what I often buy whereas other brands of gear go up to XXXL. Anyway, anyone who owns one, comments on the fit and the size you have compared to your waist/chest size would be appreciated.
Janluke said:
Not sure what the difference is. I'm 6ft, tall in the body rather than long legs, length wise its spot on.
I can take some measurements if that helps
Think we are different enough shape that it wouldn't make sense I can take some measurements if that helps
But how do you find the back protector for storage when you aren't wearing it? Would I be able to fit the vest in bike luggage?
Iminquarantine said:
Think we are different enough shape that it wouldn't make sense
But how do you find the back protector for storage when you aren't wearing it? Would I be able to fit the vest in bike luggage?
While comfortable when wearing it, the back protector area is quite stiff. Its not heavy but I think it would awkward to fold and fit into a traditional topbox or panniersBut how do you find the back protector for storage when you aren't wearing it? Would I be able to fit the vest in bike luggage?
Junior Bianno said:
Well - that was an interesting weekend! Picked up my new Alpinestars Tech-air 5 airbag on Friday - just in time for an overnight trip down to the Mull of Kintyre. All was good during the day - vest was comfortable and there were no issues. Instructions were clear and managed to get it hooked up to app etc.
Got to the hotel carpark and that all changed! It was a tricky steep driveway with a not very level parking area. I was a bit concerned I had parked the bike right and perhaps wasn't paying as much attention as I should to getting off the bike gracefully. It's a big old machine (Multistrada) and with panniers I find it a bit tricky to get on and off at the best of times. Anyway, I managed to catch my foot on pannier as I got off and stumbled backwards. Didn't hit the deck but nearly did. Sure you can guess where this is going. Next thing I know there's a big pop, the airbag had gone off and I looked like the Michelin man. Was quite a shock tbh.
Surely this can't be right. The bike was parked and I fell in the same way as if I had tripped over a kerb. Took it back the shop and they are sending it back to Alpinestars for a report. Need to wait and see if it's faulty. If not I don't know where to go with it - would not be happy walking about with something that could pop at the least misstep and cost £269 every time it happens!
It was a PITA the next day as well. I wanted to wear the vest as I didn't have a back protector in the jacket, but it was still half full of air. Did get it on but it felt uncomfortable and I looked fairly ridiculous. It did fully deflate after a few hours to be fair.
Definitely something to consider if you're thinking about getting one of these vests.
What would have happened if you were riding a superbike and went from hard left to hard right? Surely that would trigger similar?Got to the hotel carpark and that all changed! It was a tricky steep driveway with a not very level parking area. I was a bit concerned I had parked the bike right and perhaps wasn't paying as much attention as I should to getting off the bike gracefully. It's a big old machine (Multistrada) and with panniers I find it a bit tricky to get on and off at the best of times. Anyway, I managed to catch my foot on pannier as I got off and stumbled backwards. Didn't hit the deck but nearly did. Sure you can guess where this is going. Next thing I know there's a big pop, the airbag had gone off and I looked like the Michelin man. Was quite a shock tbh.
Surely this can't be right. The bike was parked and I fell in the same way as if I had tripped over a kerb. Took it back the shop and they are sending it back to Alpinestars for a report. Need to wait and see if it's faulty. If not I don't know where to go with it - would not be happy walking about with something that could pop at the least misstep and cost £269 every time it happens!
It was a PITA the next day as well. I wanted to wear the vest as I didn't have a back protector in the jacket, but it was still half full of air. Did get it on but it felt uncomfortable and I looked fairly ridiculous. It did fully deflate after a few hours to be fair.
Definitely something to consider if you're thinking about getting one of these vests.
Janluke said:
Back protector is approx 47x25 cm
I rolled it up and remeasured 33x24x21 then took a couple of pics, bike and beer can for scale. It rolled up smaller than I thought tbh so prob would fit in a decent top box
Thanks very much for that. Just ordered a vest plus additional CO2 cartridge for £350. Will see how it goes. I rolled it up and remeasured 33x24x21 then took a couple of pics, bike and beer can for scale. It rolled up smaller than I thought tbh so prob would fit in a decent top box
Cant remember if I replied to this post and cant be arsed to read through to check
I bought a D-Air 1pc after getting into track days in 2016 and at first using an A-star 1pc set of leathers
I'm near 40 and have a lot of metal in me so it does play on my mind crashing and hurting myself
For me I wanted something simple, put on and its just does its thing without any faffing. This suit does that. Really comfy on the bike, great quality and when I'm home I can plug it into the laptop to check my lap times (it has all sorts of clever graphs)
If I set the air bag thing off I can send to Dainese London or my local dealer (who I think sends to them to then send to Italy). I'm told its approx 1 week turnaround
Its expensive initially but think its worth it
I bought a D-Air 1pc after getting into track days in 2016 and at first using an A-star 1pc set of leathers
I'm near 40 and have a lot of metal in me so it does play on my mind crashing and hurting myself
For me I wanted something simple, put on and its just does its thing without any faffing. This suit does that. Really comfy on the bike, great quality and when I'm home I can plug it into the laptop to check my lap times (it has all sorts of clever graphs)
If I set the air bag thing off I can send to Dainese London or my local dealer (who I think sends to them to then send to Italy). I'm told its approx 1 week turnaround
Its expensive initially but think its worth it
The Moose said:
Junior Bianno said:
Well - that was an interesting weekend! Picked up my new Alpinestars Tech-air 5 airbag on Friday - just in time for an overnight trip down to the Mull of Kintyre. All was good during the day - vest was comfortable and there were no issues. Instructions were clear and managed to get it hooked up to app etc.
Got to the hotel carpark and that all changed! It was a tricky steep driveway with a not very level parking area. I was a bit concerned I had parked the bike right and perhaps wasn't paying as much attention as I should to getting off the bike gracefully. It's a big old machine (Multistrada) and with panniers I find it a bit tricky to get on and off at the best of times. Anyway, I managed to catch my foot on pannier as I got off and stumbled backwards. Didn't hit the deck but nearly did. Sure you can guess where this is going. Next thing I know there's a big pop, the airbag had gone off and I looked like the Michelin man. Was quite a shock tbh.
Surely this can't be right. The bike was parked and I fell in the same way as if I had tripped over a kerb. Took it back the shop and they are sending it back to Alpinestars for a report. Need to wait and see if it's faulty. If not I don't know where to go with it - would not be happy walking about with something that could pop at the least misstep and cost £269 every time it happens!
It was a PITA the next day as well. I wanted to wear the vest as I didn't have a back protector in the jacket, but it was still half full of air. Did get it on but it felt uncomfortable and I looked fairly ridiculous. It did fully deflate after a few hours to be fair.
Definitely something to consider if you're thinking about getting one of these vests.
What would have happened if you were riding a superbike and went from hard left to hard right? Surely that would trigger similar?Got to the hotel carpark and that all changed! It was a tricky steep driveway with a not very level parking area. I was a bit concerned I had parked the bike right and perhaps wasn't paying as much attention as I should to getting off the bike gracefully. It's a big old machine (Multistrada) and with panniers I find it a bit tricky to get on and off at the best of times. Anyway, I managed to catch my foot on pannier as I got off and stumbled backwards. Didn't hit the deck but nearly did. Sure you can guess where this is going. Next thing I know there's a big pop, the airbag had gone off and I looked like the Michelin man. Was quite a shock tbh.
Surely this can't be right. The bike was parked and I fell in the same way as if I had tripped over a kerb. Took it back the shop and they are sending it back to Alpinestars for a report. Need to wait and see if it's faulty. If not I don't know where to go with it - would not be happy walking about with something that could pop at the least misstep and cost £269 every time it happens!
It was a PITA the next day as well. I wanted to wear the vest as I didn't have a back protector in the jacket, but it was still half full of air. Did get it on but it felt uncomfortable and I looked fairly ridiculous. It did fully deflate after a few hours to be fair.
Definitely something to consider if you're thinking about getting one of these vests.
Realised I didn't update the above. I bought the airbag from my local J&S. Took it back to them and explained what happened. They sent it back to Alpinestars in Italy. Took over 3 weeks (Covid delay apparently), and they just sent it back - serviced, airbag recharged and the software updated. No other explanation. All done under warranty. No mention on the £269 charge.
Not exactly reassured about the product reliability though.
I reckon three weeks is reasonable (in the middle of a pandemic), along with the free service and recharge.
As Alpinestars has updated the software, isn’t this update is the fix? I guess Alpinestars can hardly say: “We’ve added significant training data to improve the machine learning regarding deployment under x, y, z circumstances.’
As Alpinestars has updated the software, isn’t this update is the fix? I guess Alpinestars can hardly say: “We’ve added significant training data to improve the machine learning regarding deployment under x, y, z circumstances.’
Salted_Peanut said:
I reckon three weeks is reasonable (in the middle of a pandemic), along with the free service and recharge. ’
In normal circumstances yes, but I had had it for less than a day before it went off so I'm miffed.Salted_Peanut said:
As Alpinestars has updated the software, isn’t this update is the fix? I guess Alpinestars can hardly say: “We’ve added significant training data to improve the machine learning regarding deployment under x, y, z circumstances.’
Possibly, but absolutely no feedback isn't very useful. Even something like "it's possible this software update with help the problem" would have been nice.Junior Bianno said:
Possibly, but absolutely no feedback isn't very useful. Even something like "it's possible this software update with help the problem" would have been nice.
I agree. In your shoes, I would ask the shop to make this complaint to the local Alpinestars representative. And I'd also write a complaint to Alpinestars' head office for good measure.Birky_41 said:
Cant remember if I replied to this post and cant be arsed to read through to check
I bought a D-Air 1pc after getting into track days in 2016 and at first using an A-star 1pc set of leathers
I'm near 40 and have a lot of metal in me so it does play on my mind crashing and hurting myself
For me I wanted something simple, put on and its just does its thing without any faffing. This suit does that. Really comfy on the bike, great quality and when I'm home I can plug it into the laptop to check my lap times (it has all sorts of clever graphs)
If I set the air bag thing off I can send to Dainese London or my local dealer (who I think sends to them to then send to Italy). I'm told its approx 1 week turnaround
Its expensive initially but think its worth it
Sounds pretty good - iv noticed a lot of the custom 1 piece suit makers now are offering "airbag ready" suits, also RST offer a 1 piece air bag equipped suit.. Is the airbag built in to your Dainese 1 piece??? Im assuming that some of the custom 1 piece airbag ready suits are to be used with an additional third party air bag?I bought a D-Air 1pc after getting into track days in 2016 and at first using an A-star 1pc set of leathers
I'm near 40 and have a lot of metal in me so it does play on my mind crashing and hurting myself
For me I wanted something simple, put on and its just does its thing without any faffing. This suit does that. Really comfy on the bike, great quality and when I'm home I can plug it into the laptop to check my lap times (it has all sorts of clever graphs)
If I set the air bag thing off I can send to Dainese London or my local dealer (who I think sends to them to then send to Italy). I'm told its approx 1 week turnaround
Its expensive initially but think its worth it
Thread update on the Helite size guide. At least from my single data point.
Helite have sizes which they call LL- Large Long and XLL Xtra Large Long. These are NOT long. They mean fat. You buy the S, M, L, XL based on your height and you buy the "Long" or standard/regular based on if for your height, you are fat or not fat.
Additionally Helite tell you to measure with your gear on. DO NOT do this. Measure yourself WITHOUT your gear and just buy your size based on your size with just a t-shirt on. There is quite a bit of chest/waist adjustment, you don't have to get the size exactly right.
Helite have sizes which they call LL- Large Long and XLL Xtra Large Long. These are NOT long. They mean fat. You buy the S, M, L, XL based on your height and you buy the "Long" or standard/regular based on if for your height, you are fat or not fat.
Additionally Helite tell you to measure with your gear on. DO NOT do this. Measure yourself WITHOUT your gear and just buy your size based on your size with just a t-shirt on. There is quite a bit of chest/waist adjustment, you don't have to get the size exactly right.
s1dew1nd3r said:
Sounds pretty good - iv noticed a lot of the custom 1 piece suit makers now are offering "airbag ready" suits, also RST offer a 1 piece air bag equipped suit.. Is the airbag built in to your Dainese 1 piece??? Im assuming that some of the custom 1 piece airbag ready suits are to be used with an additional third party air bag?
Airbag-equipped Dainese leather jackets (e.g. the Racing 3 D-Air) and race suits all have the D-Air system built into them. It helps keep down the weight and ensures the jacket or suit is designed for the job, i.e. with stretch panels in precisely the right place to let the airbag inflate fully.Similarly, airbag-equipped RST leathers have the In&Motion system integrated into them.
Also, some custom suit makers have "airbag ready" suits. They vary which system they use. Hideout, for example, generally makes its custom leathers with the In&Motion airbag. (But can use other airbag systems if you wish – it's bespoke, after all.) In contrast, BKS Made-to-Measure only offers the Tech-Air system despite its otherwise tailor-made service.
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