Alpinestars Unveils the Tech-Air 5 Plasma

With the launch of the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, Alpinestars raises the bar once again in rider safety. As the latest evolution in the company’s highly successful autonomous airbag lineup, the Plasma improves on its predecessor with a lighter chassis, greater comfort, and smart adaptability—making it the most advanced protection system in the Tech-Air family.

This new model strengthens Alpinestars’ position as the global leader in active airbag technology, featuring lightweight construction, a slim fit that works under any jacket, improved breathability, and selectable deployment algorithms to better match riding conditions from street, to race, to off-road.  Whether for sport touring, track days, or adventure riding, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma offers unparalleled versatility and protection.

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its founding in 1963, Alpinestars has been at the forefront of motorcycle safety innovation, developing industry-leading protective gear for riders across all disciplines. From MotoGP to Dakar Rally, the company’s commitment to research and development under extreme conditions has resulted in cutting-edge airbag systems, technical apparel, helmets, and footwear.

At AIMExpo, Alpinestars Communications Manager Brent Jaswinski reinforced the company’s long-term vision, saying “Airbag suits are already starting to be mandatory in many types of racing such as Rally, Flat Track, Road Racing, and MotoGP.  Our goal is to someday equate this level of safety protection with a helmet.”

The Tech-Air 5 system represents years of research and development in rider protection. First introduced as part of the Alpinestars Tech-Air family, which includes the Tech-Air Race and Tech-Air Street systems, this latest model builds upon the company’s mission to create the best active airbag protection on the market.

Unrivaled Protection and Comfort

With the most extensive upper-body airbag coverage available today, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma protects the rider’s shoulders, chest, ribs, and back—critical areas in any crash. Since shoulder and collarbone injuries are among the most common in motorcycle crashes, the Plasma prioritizes superior protection in these areas. Additionally, Alpinestars integrated the Nucleon Plasma back protector for an extra measure of safety.

A network of six triaxial gyroscopic and accelerometer sensors continuously feed data to AI-driven algorithms in the control module. This enables the system to detect an impending crash and deploy the airbags in under 1/40th of a second—ensuring protection before first impact. The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma is the only airbag system certified to deploy before initial impact, significantly reducing the risk of injury. This rapid deployment is made possible by Alpinestars’ use of a controlled argon gas ignition system, which inflates the airbag faster and more reliably than traditional compressed air canisters.  It is also important to mention that, according to certification requirements, the airbag remains at maximum pressure for a full 5 seconds before automatically deflating.

…our goal is to someday equate this level of safety protection with a helmet.” — Brent Jaswinski, Alpinestars Communications Manager

Its slim, self-contained design allows riders to wear the Tech-Air 5 under any properly fitting textile jacket, a Tech-Air compatible jacket, or even a leather jacket with 4 cm of space around the rider’s chest and arms. At just 3.37 pounds, it’s 25% lighter than its predecessor, making it one of the lightest airbag systems available. Versatility makes the Plasma ideal for sport touring riders seeking top-tier protection without compromising comfort on long-distance rides.

Leading Edge Technology

The compact control module sewn into the lower front right side of the Tech-Air 5 Plasma vest provides real-time system status, ride mode selection, and a USB-C charging port. The system offers three user-selectable ride modes—Street, Race, and Off-Road—accurately adapting the crash detection algorithm to different road conditions.

The control module seamlessly connects with Alpinestars’ mobile phone app, allowing riders to monitor system status and switch ride modes with ease. Additionally, the app includes MyRide functionality, enabling riders to track ride details such as duration, distance, and speed for review later.

Operating and maintaining the Tech-Air 5 Plasma is low-effort. Simply zip up the front and close the flap to power up the unit and initiate the startup self-test sequence after which the system becomes fully operational. To turn it off, pull open the front flap. A set of indicator lights on the control module display system status, ensuring riders always know the airbag is ready.

The single-charge gas canister is easily replaceable—no tools required. Riders can quickly swap in a fresh canister by removing the back protector, unplugging the trigger wire, and inserting the new unit.  For long-term reliability, Alpinestars recommends returning the vest for a factory inspection after six deployments.

A built-in lithium-ion battery powers the system for up to 30 hours of ride time on a full charge. The USB-C port makes recharging convenient, with a full charge taking approximately four hours—though the first charge may require up to 12 hours.

Availability & Pricing

Alpinestars is set to launch the Tech-Air 5 Plasma in the U.S. by mid-March 2025, with international availability expected in October 2025. Priced at $789.95, this airbag system is a compelling investment for riders seeking top-tier protection, comfort, and performance.

With its lighter weight, expanded protection, adaptive ride modes, and user-friendly design, the Tech-Air 5 Plasma marks a significant advancement in motorcycle airbag technology—delivering next-level safety without compromising ride quality.

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