Do you use an airbag? D-Air, Tech Air?
Discussion
According to MCN, airbag-equipped jeans are available from around £399 now:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-kit/airbag...
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-kit/airbag...
Through a combination of this thread and also getting it in my head from somewhere else, I think it is time to invest in an airbag of some description or other.
Not sure what to go for, though... guess there are pros and cons to each type available at the moment. I ride mainly on the road, a bit of commuting and weekend fun rides, plus a few trackdays a year and occasional (once a year, if that) touring.
I like the simplicity of the Helite tethered job, the fact it would work over the top of existing riding gear, virtually zero maintenance, and the neck protection looks good, but would need to accept that it would probably only activate in extreme situations (highside, or some other rapid unscheduled dismounting) and not e.g. if being rear-ended in traffic. Their e-Turtle might address that, but for the money of that plus the additional sensor I'd probably be tempted to one of the other options.
A* Tech 5 air - this looks good, I like the look of the protection it offers, and I like the idea of it working underneath existing riding gear. I think the reality is that while it would fit fine underneath my textiles, my 2 piece RST leathers are a bit on the tight side for this to work, but I'd need to try one and check.
Seeing as I wear (and am perfectly happy with) RST gear, I'd be tempted by a new RST jacket with integrated airbag at around the £450 mark to go with some riding jeans. I do not like the thought of the ongoing subscription to In&Motion though - that grates for some reason. But on the positive, I could then swap the box of tricks into a (not yet owned or purchased) RST air suit for track work assuming I'd also pony up the additional £8 a month for the track subscription too.
Any up to date 2023 views or reviews that anyone has or would like to share? Anyone running any of these systems and happy/not happy/words of advice they would like to impart?
Not sure what to go for, though... guess there are pros and cons to each type available at the moment. I ride mainly on the road, a bit of commuting and weekend fun rides, plus a few trackdays a year and occasional (once a year, if that) touring.
I like the simplicity of the Helite tethered job, the fact it would work over the top of existing riding gear, virtually zero maintenance, and the neck protection looks good, but would need to accept that it would probably only activate in extreme situations (highside, or some other rapid unscheduled dismounting) and not e.g. if being rear-ended in traffic. Their e-Turtle might address that, but for the money of that plus the additional sensor I'd probably be tempted to one of the other options.
A* Tech 5 air - this looks good, I like the look of the protection it offers, and I like the idea of it working underneath existing riding gear. I think the reality is that while it would fit fine underneath my textiles, my 2 piece RST leathers are a bit on the tight side for this to work, but I'd need to try one and check.
Seeing as I wear (and am perfectly happy with) RST gear, I'd be tempted by a new RST jacket with integrated airbag at around the £450 mark to go with some riding jeans. I do not like the thought of the ongoing subscription to In&Motion though - that grates for some reason. But on the positive, I could then swap the box of tricks into a (not yet owned or purchased) RST air suit for track work assuming I'd also pony up the additional £8 a month for the track subscription too.
Any up to date 2023 views or reviews that anyone has or would like to share? Anyone running any of these systems and happy/not happy/words of advice they would like to impart?
ccr32 said:
Through a combination of this thread and also getting it in my head from somewhere else, I think it is time to invest in an airbag of some description or other.
Not sure what to go for, though... guess there are pros and cons to each type available at the moment. I ride mainly on the road, a bit of commuting and weekend fun rides, plus a few trackdays a year and occasional (once a year, if that) touring.
I like the simplicity of the Helite tethered job, the fact it would work over the top of existing riding gear, virtually zero maintenance, and the neck protection looks good, but would need to accept that it would probably only activate in extreme situations (highside, or some other rapid unscheduled dismounting) and not e.g. if being rear-ended in traffic. Their e-Turtle might address that, but for the money of that plus the additional sensor I'd probably be tempted to one of the other options.
A* Tech 5 air - this looks good, I like the look of the protection it offers, and I like the idea of it working underneath existing riding gear. I think the reality is that while it would fit fine underneath my textiles, my 2 piece RST leathers are a bit on the tight side for this to work, but I'd need to try one and check.
Seeing as I wear (and am perfectly happy with) RST gear, I'd be tempted by a new RST jacket with integrated airbag at around the £450 mark to go with some riding jeans. I do not like the thought of the ongoing subscription to In&Motion though - that grates for some reason. But on the positive, I could then swap the box of tricks into a (not yet owned or purchased) RST air suit for track work assuming I'd also pony up the additional £8 a month for the track subscription too.
Any up to date 2023 views or reviews that anyone has or would like to share? Anyone running any of these systems and happy/not happy/words of advice they would like to impart?
I ride a variety of different bikes and wear different kit, all on the road, pleasure/touring, no track or off road. I had a tethered helite for a while(inspired by my mother who fell off her horse at 72 wearing one and was unhurt). I've since upgraded to an e turtle and much prefer it. Its less bulky, a charge lasts a long time, and you don't have to worry about the tether. I like the simplicity and flexibility of it. The charger cable is fairly small so easy to pack for tours etcNot sure what to go for, though... guess there are pros and cons to each type available at the moment. I ride mainly on the road, a bit of commuting and weekend fun rides, plus a few trackdays a year and occasional (once a year, if that) touring.
I like the simplicity of the Helite tethered job, the fact it would work over the top of existing riding gear, virtually zero maintenance, and the neck protection looks good, but would need to accept that it would probably only activate in extreme situations (highside, or some other rapid unscheduled dismounting) and not e.g. if being rear-ended in traffic. Their e-Turtle might address that, but for the money of that plus the additional sensor I'd probably be tempted to one of the other options.
A* Tech 5 air - this looks good, I like the look of the protection it offers, and I like the idea of it working underneath existing riding gear. I think the reality is that while it would fit fine underneath my textiles, my 2 piece RST leathers are a bit on the tight side for this to work, but I'd need to try one and check.
Seeing as I wear (and am perfectly happy with) RST gear, I'd be tempted by a new RST jacket with integrated airbag at around the £450 mark to go with some riding jeans. I do not like the thought of the ongoing subscription to In&Motion though - that grates for some reason. But on the positive, I could then swap the box of tricks into a (not yet owned or purchased) RST air suit for track work assuming I'd also pony up the additional £8 a month for the track subscription too.
Any up to date 2023 views or reviews that anyone has or would like to share? Anyone running any of these systems and happy/not happy/words of advice they would like to impart?
I have the Tech Air 5, to be honest I was happy without it, for the amount of riding I do its a bit much, once you have worn an air bag you cant go back, no if's or buts your wearing it!!!! What if that small short ride ends in an off? What if? All that s
t is on your mind when you invest in one.
My rst one piece Kangaroo suit is hanging in the wardrobe un used. A cracking suit that fitted me well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the air bag under it.
Which led me down the rabbit hole of investing in alpine stars kit, I am not convinced about there Tech Air compatibility bks, its basically a size larger on the kit which means longer legs and longer arms .
I look like a fat with short arms and legs in the new kit. Jacket and jeans not so bad .
If you intend to wear a one piece suit with the tech air 5 be warned, there is a technique involved in getting the suit on.
My old Rst suit .
The new Air bag compatible suit, its just a size up from what i need.
Fat bd alert . Me on the left.
t is on your mind when you invest in one. My rst one piece Kangaroo suit is hanging in the wardrobe un used. A cracking suit that fitted me well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the air bag under it.
Which led me down the rabbit hole of investing in alpine stars kit, I am not convinced about there Tech Air compatibility b
ks, its basically a size larger on the kit which means longer legs and longer arms . I look like a fat
with short arms and legs in the new kit. Jacket and jeans not so bad . If you intend to wear a one piece suit with the tech air 5 be warned, there is a technique involved in getting the suit on.
My old Rst suit .
The new Air bag compatible suit, its just a size up from what i need.
Fat b
d alert . Me on the left. mak said:
If you intend to wear a one piece suit with the tech air 5 be warned, there is a technique involved in getting the suit on.
Can confirm this. Last track day I did had to help some poor bugger with a new Tech Air bag get in and out of his leathers (which were also new admittedly). Didn't expect to be touching up a stranger in the pits that day I went for a TechAir 5 a few weeks ago, I'm pretty sure the Helite is almost certainly the most flexible option with no need to buy any other new gear, but my reasoning was this:
- Didn't want the over the jacket type - didn't want it to be obviously visible (yes I'm vain, I like the way my stuff looks and I don't want to shove a vest over the top of it!), wanted easy access to pockets etc.
- I'm a girl and when I tried on other options, very few fitted - sized for men with broad chests, no waist/hips etc. - the TechAir5 fitted ok. This was a big part of the reason I chose it - I tried Furygan and no way was that going to fit ! I have space to get a merino and a heated jacket underneath.
- Wanted electronic not tethered
- initial couple of rides took a bit of getting used to, the back protector is hard not D30, and it has got some weight to it
- the techair5 has a rocket pack type bulk behind you (2 tubes to inflate) which is a bit hunch backy under your clothes
- if you choose not to wear it one day, it would be a mission - I've taken the back protector and shoulder protectors out of my other gear. And it's not bendy so you couldn't pop it in a pannier or anything on a trip.
- battery probably would've lasted the whole 4 days but I did top it up out of paranoia half way. Seemed to do about 20% approx for a full day.
- I think when the weather is warmer it'll also be warmer (of course)
- I've had to buy a new summer jacket because it was too slimline to fit the airbag under. My winter textiles fit over it - but I'm keeping my old summer jacket as well, so if it's really really hot, I might just ride without the airbag
- My leathers .. no chance it will fit.. so trackdays it's either no airbag, or I need a new suit either to fit the tech air, or with it's own integrated airbag. Jury's out currently
- have bought a couple of new jackets (just 'cos I liked them) and had to go bigger sizing of course, so the arms are a bit baggy. Also not great for the ego having to buy really big sizes, although handy for sale shopping when you get the weird sizing !
- I tend to undo the velcro on the vest when in a cafe or whatever, because that disarms the airbag - just paranoid about it going off otherwise!
- Up front it's expensive (I got mine second hand for a big discount) but no subscription. But if it goes off you have to take it to a dealer to be recharged and checked. But you do still have a L1 back protector for the rest of the ride/trip
- Because you take a lot of the armour out of your outer layers, it makes them lighter and I guess in theory you could pack options if you're on a trip !
2ndclasscitizen said:
Can confirm this. Last track day I did had to help some poor bugger with a new Tech Air bag get in and out of his leathers (which were also new admittedly). Didn't expect to be touching up a stranger in the pits that day
Thanks for the help mate, i think you went a bit far though with the reach around 
2ndclasscitizen said:
mak said:
If you intend to wear a one piece suit with the tech air 5 be warned, there is a technique involved in getting the suit on.
Can confirm this. Last track day I did had to help some poor bugger with a new Tech Air bag get in and out of his leathers (which were also new admittedly). Didn't expect to be touching up a stranger in the pits that day Ended getting a non-airbag Sidi suit instead.
mak said:
If you intend to wear a one piece suit with the tech air 5 be warned, there is a technique involved in getting the suit on.
Provided you have Tech-Air-compatible clothing, I found the Tech-Air Street and Race work much better than the Tech-Air 5. I’ve been wearing a Tech-Air Street for a few years and find it easy to live with. The Street and Race systems zip into the jacket or suit; it’s much less hassle than the Tech-Air 5. Also, the Street and Race are more sophisticated, with twelve sensors, compared to only six in the Tech-Air 5.
ccr32 said:
Seeing as I wear (and am perfectly happy with) RST gear, I'd be tempted by a new RST jacket with integrated airbag at around the £450 mark to go with some riding jeans. I do not like the thought of the ongoing subscription to In&Motion though - that grates for some reason. But on the positive, I could then swap the box of tricks into a (not yet owned or purchased) RST air suit for track work assuming I'd also pony up the additional £8 a month for the track subscription too.
I just bought an RST outfit, and I was excited for the airbag system until I discovered the subscription required. Nope. F-off.I am sure I would set off a tethered one just getting off the bike and forgetting - I imagine that would get a round of applause at a biker cafe. I have seen them go off at horse events when riders get off without remembering.
The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
Caddyshack said:
I am sure I would set off a tethered one just getting off the bike and forgetting - I imagine that would get a round of applause at a biker cafe. I have seen them go off at horse events when riders get off without remembering.
The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
When I was tehtered I got off a few times forgetting I was attached, it never went off. It takes a fair amount of pull to set them off(30kg seems to ring a bell but don't quote me on that) The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
Its more common in horse riding circles I'm told and folk just cock a leg over and drop/jump down
Janluke said:
Caddyshack said:
I am sure I would set off a tethered one just getting off the bike and forgetting - I imagine that would get a round of applause at a biker cafe. I have seen them go off at horse events when riders get off without remembering.
The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
When I was tehtered I got off a few times forgetting I was attached, it never went off. It takes a fair amount of pull to set them off(30kg seems to ring a bell but don't quote me on that) The tech air seems good but 200-250 to reset it seems steep if there was a silly deployment. This does seem the best option to me though.
The subscription ones would be an annoyance.
Its more common in horse riding circles I'm told and folk just cock a leg over and drop/jump down
Thanks
dibblecorse said:
Well, we got there eventually, you deffo do not need 24cm all round, that would more unsafe than not having the airbag !!!! Imagine how big Bagnaiias leathers would be lol ....
The shop I was in said that you need to be able to put a golf ball between the air bag and whatever you wear over it at the points where it would inflate.black-k1 said:
Tribal Chestnut said:
I use a Helite e-GP for trackdays.
Seems fine, no obvious problems.
Bit of a waste of money though as I’ve not crashed in it!
You're looking at it the wrong way! It's the best money you've ever spent as, since buying it, you've not crashed! Seems fine, no obvious problems.
Bit of a waste of money though as I’ve not crashed in it!
My torso & neck are fine, but I broke my hand and snapped numerous bits on the bike, so, whilst I can’t say how effective it was, I’m quite certain it saved me some damage.
It’s in good nick too with just some scuffing - swapping the cartridge and the application of a little dubbin should see it good to go again.
Tribal Chestnut said:
I thought I’d pop back here to say that the Helite worked when I crashed on Saturday.
My torso & neck are fine, but I broke my hand and snapped numerous bits on the bike, so, whilst I can’t say how effective it was, I’m quite certain it saved me some damage.
It’s in good nick too with just some scuffing - swapping the cartridge and the application of a little dubbin should see it good to go again.
Good to hear it appeared to save you some damage. Mine is now a habit and I rarely ride without it.My torso & neck are fine, but I broke my hand and snapped numerous bits on the bike, so, whilst I can’t say how effective it was, I’m quite certain it saved me some damage.
It’s in good nick too with just some scuffing - swapping the cartridge and the application of a little dubbin should see it good to go again.
Heal fast
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