When it comes to airbag vests for motorcycles, there have been significant advancements in safety technology over the years. These systems are designed to provide critical protection during crash situations, with vests that can be worn as standalone units or integrated into jackets. Many companies have developed innovative products over the last 30 years, offering a wide range of choices for riders. Helite and Dainese are two of the leading brands in the market, known for their high-quality airbag systems. Personally, I’ve tried a few of these airbag vests and can confidently say that they add a sense of security when riding.
The mechanical tethers used in some vests, such as those by Helite, deploy the airbag as soon as the rider is separated from the motorcycle. I’ve had the chance to test one during a minor incident, and the moment the tether was pulled, the airbag inflated quickly, reducing the impact significantly. These deployments are incredibly fast, ensuring that the rider has an added layer of protection during a crash. Some of the latest models even allow for repeated use after replacing the CO2 cartridge, making them a durable investment.
Another interesting aspect is the evolution of airbag systems into subscription models. This offers a lower entry point for riders who might not want to invest in a full-priced unit upfront. The features of these products continue to improve, with new releases every year that focus on both comfort and performance. It’s worth noting that Troy Siahaan, a well-known figure in the industry, has done extensive reviews on these airbags, sharing his real-world experience as a crash test dummy. His insights have been invaluable for riders looking to make informed decisions.
With the market growing, we see more riders embracing these airbag vests, whether they’re into off-road adventures, track racing, or simply riding on two wheels in the city. The price for these systems is becoming more reasonable, and the availability of different options makes it easier to find the right fit. However, some users have expressed disappointment with certain features, such as unresponsive units or complicated mechanical setups. Nevertheless, with proper care and use, these products can offer life-saving protection for any motorcycle enthusiast.
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When it comes to airbag vests for motorcycles, safety and performance are key factors every rider considers. These vests are designed to offer protection during crashes, and many trusted companies have invested years into developing high-quality products. At Chicebike.com, our team of seasoned riders and experts understand the importance of making the right product recommendations for motorcycle safety. With over two decades of experience in the motorcycling industry, we’ve built a reputation for providing reliable advice on the best accessories and safety gear.
The in-depth reviews and evaluations we offer are based on thorough performance tests, ensuring that riders of every type, from sport bikes to adventure bikes, get accurate information. Our advice is backed by insights from performance tests and real-world use, helping you choose the right airbag vests and other essential motorcycle accessories. With a wide range of expertise, we provide recommendations that cater to every rider’s needs, ensuring reliability and accuracy in all our reviews.
With over 2 million enthusiasts visiting Chicebike.com monthly, our trusted authority in the motorcycle world continues to grow. Whether you’re looking for the best accessories, a new bike, or simply the right gear for your ride, we offer insights based on decades of experience and thorough understanding of what riders need. Our commitment to safety and performance makes us the go-to source for reliable advice in the motorcycling community.
1. Alpinestars Tech-Air 10
- MSRP: $1,000
- Sizes: Unisex XS-3XL
- Colors: Black/Red
- Battery Life: 24 hours/System, 20 hours/LED panel
- Weight: 5 pounds 0.4 ounces
- Deployment Rate: 20-40 milliseconds, depending on size
- Modes: Street, Race
- Application: Tech-Air App
- Maintenance: Remove airbag from liner, machine wash, air dry. The system should be inspected every 2 years or 500 hours of functioning by Alpinestars, with a visual inspection before each use.
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The Tech-Air 10 is one of the most advanced smart airbag systems available on the market, offering enhanced protection for vulnerable areas like the hips and thighs during a street or track crash. What sets it apart from other members of the Tech-Air family are its accelerometers and gyroscopes strategically placed throughout the upper body and back area, providing comprehensive coverage. The base layer design is unique, and the integrated passive back protector extends further down than in previous models. With a Velcro waist strap and a removable LED status panel that fits into dedicated pockets on the bike or your gear, the Tech-Air 10 is always ready to be activated when the waist band is connected.
The LED panel is another standout feature. It can be detached and placed in a dedicated sleeve pocket on certain Alpinestars suits or mounted directly on the motorcycle. Though it’s a convenient design, users should be mindful of its battery life, as the LED panel may show a red light if it’s low on battery. To avoid issues, it’s a good idea to charge both units regularly before riding. The airflow through the vest, especially when paired with a vented jacket, helps maintain comfort, with cooling air circulating through the sleeves and chest area.
For riders concerned about safety, the airbag coverage around the hip area provides excellent peace of mind. Although we haven’t had to crash test the abilities of the system yet, the level of protection it offers is impressive. However, riders with broad shoulders might find the fit challenging, and the leather suit can feel tight. While this system is well-suited for racing, it might be slightly cumbersome for the average street rider due to its finicky sizing.
2. Alpinestars Tech-Air 5
- MSRP: $750
- Sizes: Unisex XS-4XL
- Colors: Dark Grey
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Weight: 4 pounds 3 ounces
- Deployment Rate: 20-40 milliseconds, depending on size
- Modes: Street, Race
- Application: Tech-Air App
- Maintenance: Spot clean, air dry. The system should be inspected every 2 years or after 500 hours of functioning by Alpinestars. Always do a visual inspection before each use.
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The Tech-Air 5 is a highly versatile airbag system that works for every kind of rider, whether you’re a track rider, street rider, or even an off-road rider. Unlike some other options on the market, this system is completely independent, meaning you can wear it with any jacket or suit that has enough expansion space. It’s equipped with three accelerometers and three gyroscopes that monitor your body movement and compare it to preset algorithms to determine if you’re in a safe riding position or if you’ve had a crash.
This airbag vest is designed to be worn under compatible jackets or race suits that allow at least 4 cm around the chest for the airbag to fully expand. With velcro tabs for easy adjustment and a built-in level 1 back protector, the Tech-Air 5 provides excellent upper body coverage, including the upper arms. I’ve personally worn this system every day and even had an 18g impact to my shoulder during a crash when I was hit by a car, and I walked away with just some soreness, thanks to the protection it gave.
One thing to keep in mind is that it does restrict some airflow, especially on hot days or when worn with non-vented jackets. The vest doesn’t have an Off switch, so you need to separate the velcro tabs when not in use to avoid unnecessary battery drainage. It’s capable of deploying in 25 milliseconds, or even faster—20 milliseconds for smaller sizes and 40 milliseconds for 4XL sizes. After a deployment, you’ll need to send it back to Alpinestars for replacement canisters, and after three deployments, the bladder needs to be replaced as well.
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3. Dainese Smart Jacket
- MSRP: $830
- Sizes: Men’s XS-4XL, Women’s XS-2XL
- Colors: Men’s Black & Yellow, Women’s Black
- Battery Life: 26 hours
- Weight: 4 pounds 4.7 ounces (1948 g)
- Deployment Rate: 45 milliseconds
- Modes: Street
- Application: N/A
- Maintenance: Periodically check for updates and contact Dainese Technical Assistance every 3 years for a maintenance check.
The Dainese Smart Jacket is a foldable and lightweight airbag vest that can be worn over or under a riding jacket. Unlike older systems that were integrated into race suits and jackets, this new addition to Dainese’s catalog offers more flexibility for riders. The airbag deploys in just 45 milliseconds, which is faster than the average blink of an eye, and it covers key areas like the back, collar bones, and upper chest. Thanks to its microfilament technology, the layers of the airbag stay evenly inflated during an impact. The electronics and gas canister are placed near the lower back and are contoured to the rider’s body for a comfortable fit.
One of the standout features of the Smart Jacket is its ability to be folded, though the Hi Viz version with its robust fabric is a bit more difficult to fold compared to the black version. Riders also benefit from vibrating notifications and a LED light on the left upper chest, making it easy to check the system’s status without looking down. However, the jacket tends to run on the small size. For example, a medium is quite snug under my regular jackets, but fits well under lighter textile jackets. When comparing it to the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3, the Dainese feels tighter, while the Alpinestars offers more stretch.
Another useful feature is the adjustable elastic waistband, though the lack of stretch panels in the rest of the vest limits its versatility. The Hi Viz fabric also makes the jacket feel tight and reduces airflow, especially on hot days. In terms of bulk, the Smart Jacket is a bit bulky compared to other airbag vests, and you only get one deployment per vest. After deployment, you’ll need to send it to Dainese USA in Costa Mesa for servicing, which costs around $300.
The magnetic closure at the top of the vest activates the system, and in the gen 2 version, the magnetic tab can be snapped back to avoid arming the system while stored on a hanger. This feature is useful for preventing accidental activation in storage or on the motorcycle. The jacket needs to feel the engine vibration or reach speeds over 6 mph to stay active, but some smooth ICE motorcycles and stops at traffic lights can cause it to disarm. Dainese is aware of this issue and is currently developing a solution.
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Are motorcycle airbags worth it?
When considering the cost of motorcycle airbag vests, it’s important to remember that value is relative. For someone wealthy, the price might just be another number, but for a struggling college student, every penny counts. The jackets on this list range in price from $500 to $1100, and while these options might seem expensive at first, think about the real cost of an ambulance ride or even worse, a helicopter trip after a crash. The airbag in the vest could protect you from serious injury, and that makes it worth considering.
If you’ve ever balked at these prices due to your financial situation, keep in mind that medical bills—especially a hospital bill—can be much higher than the cost of an airbag vest. When you look at it this way, spending money on a vest that might save your life is much more amenable. One accident could leave you with a bill that is an order of magnitude higher than what any of these vests cost, and once they fix you up, you’ll wish you had invested in that extra layer of protection.
What is the best motorcycle airbag jacket?
The best motorcycle airbag jacket really depends on what individual riders are looking for. Different qualities like cost, technology, and integration with their existing gear can vary for each person. There isn’t one perfect vest or jacket that fits every rider, but rather, it comes down to matching it to your specific needs and criteria. The key is to choose a piece of protective equipment that you’re comfortable wearing, and one that suits your different requirements. In the end, the best airbag jacket is the one that fits your lifestyle and, hopefully, you’ll never have to actually use it.
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What motorcycles have airbags?
It is much harder to integrate airbags into motorcycles than into a car, which is why riders usually wear them in the form of vests or jackets. However, some manufacturers have tested airbags directly on their bikes. One notable example is Honda, which made airbags a feature on certain Gold Wings models.
FAQs
Are motorcycle airbag vest reusable?
Most motorcycle airbag vests are reusable, but it depends on the manufacturer and model. After deployment, the airbag needs to be serviced, which often involves replacing the CO2 cartridge or the gas canister. Some vests can be reused multiple times after maintenance, while others may require sending back to the manufacturer for a full reset. Always check the specific instructions for your vest to ensure proper use and reuse.
Do motorcycle vests work?
Yes, motorcycle airbag vests are designed to work effectively by providing protection during a crash. These vests deploy within milliseconds, cushioning critical areas like the chest, back, and shoulders. Many models use accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect sudden movements and activate the airbag before impact. Based on manufacturer testing and real-world use, these vests significantly reduce the risk of serious injury, giving riders an extra layer of safety.
How effective are motorcycle airbags?
Motorcycle airbags are highly effective in reducing the severity of injuries during a crash. These airbags deploy in milliseconds, providing immediate protection to critical areas like the chest, back, and neck. Most systems rely on advanced sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect sudden movements. Real-world data and manufacturer tests show that airbag vests significantly lower the risk of severe injuries, making them a valuable addition to a rider’s safety gear.
Are motorcycle airbags a thing?
Yes, motorcycle airbags are a real and growing part of rider safety gear. These airbags are typically integrated into vests or jackets and are designed to deploy in case of a crash. Many models use advanced technology like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect sudden movements and activate the airbag in milliseconds. As more riders become aware of their effectiveness, airbag vests are becoming more common, offering enhanced protection for motorcyclists.
Do most motorcycles have airbags now?
No, most motorcycles do not have built-in airbags. While some models, like the Honda Gold Wing, feature integrated airbags, they are still rare. Instead, riders rely on airbag vests or jackets for safety. These vests use sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect crashes and deploy the airbag in milliseconds. As technology improves, airbag vests are becoming a more popular choice for enhanced protection on the road.
