appliance821

They're cagey on this, but after one inflation, you have to return it to a service center for a new airbag and a re-arming. Kind of tough if you're on the road to alaska. It's probably be great for the one crash though.

"DO I NEED TO REPLACE COMPONENTS AFTER A CRASH?
Following a crash Alpinestars can replace the airbag and inflators. Post-crash the system should be returned for evaluation and assessment from an Alpinestars technician, who will advise the customer of the appropriate next steps."

RSL

The Helite system has a replaceable CO2 cartridge system allowing for ongoing use.

appliance821

Yeah - I was referring to the Alpinestar. The hit-air and helite are lower tech, but more user accessible. The Astar is more high tech, but is a "black box". Up to the customer as to which is more to their liking, and within their budget.

My guess is every reset by A-star will be a couple of hundred semolians - and you have no added protection during that time. How does that get resolved? For specialized track work, I can see how this works, but for street riding and touring, I'm not sure it's viable.

RSL

Merely offering another option.

What I read was that the Alpinestars system had two inflation bottles, which allows for a 2nd fall. To continue the ride.

Alaska is an environment which requires a lot more self reliance.

RSL

My issue with the Alpinestars system is the requirement to use one of their two jackets. Jackets which only offer crap CE armor.

The benefit of using the Helite vest is that I can wear it over any jacket I wish. I wear mine over a Motoport Stretch Kevlar jacket with superior armor.

Hyp Noob

I'll be following this new technology closely. So far only one rider in our group has bought this product. Pretty sure it was an Alpinestar. He wore it on our ride a couple weeks back.

It was a sort of vest thing. He wore it under his riding jacket, which was some sort of good textile one ... not Alpinestar.

He'd already crashed in it ... a week after he got it. He was a bit beat up but other wise unhurt, no broken bones. He said he was impressed how much protection it delivered.

This is a guy who crashes way too often yet continues to push beyond his limits. Can't think of anyone better suited for this product.

I'll ask more about it next ride. IIRC, he said it could be deployed a 2nd time after a crash without having to go back to Alpinestar for service.

Looks like most Moto GP guys are now using this type of gear. It can only get better and hopefully less expensive. I forgot what my friend Rich said he paid for the thing.

But in his case, not an issue. He owns 5 or 6 six bikes, several of which he never rides. His latest is '16 BMW R1200GSR-LC. Wow, that GS is pretty fast! Keeps up with the 1290's on most roads.

appliance821

I hear you - I'm just thinking of the pros and cons. Essentially it comes down to speed/complexity/cost.

This stuff will be in the mainstream, and I've been looking into it. Revzilla is now selling helite and revit's repackaged hit-air. Waiting on a hit air jacket to see what it's like. Will post first impressions.

Hyp Noob

One thing I thought about was how much heat the air vest will add when riding really hot weather. The ride we just did was a sort of Winter ride. Winter in California is not much, especially in middle, inland CA. It's already heating up around here, thinking it's gonna be a scorcher of a Summer.

I will be interested to see how my friend Rich does when we ride into areas with 90F to 100F temps.

So, Alpinestar and Rev 'It make air bag vests ... anyone else introducing this
product?

RSL

I'm an early adopter for the Helite. GM, over on AdvRider, is a very early adopter for the Hit Air. Both simple tethered systems, each with slightly different coverage.

The Helite includes a hard back protector above the air bladder. Thus, when inflated there is a hard "turtle shell" inches above your spine. As we all know, most everything can be fixed, except the spine.

Both Helite and Hit Air seem to offer excellent support for the helmet, preventing many neck injuries. Also something to be avoided.

Neither Helite, nor Hit Air protect the shoulder. Something the Alpinestars Tech Air does protect.

Where it appears the Alpinestars Tech Air seems lacking is in protecting the neck with an airbag supporting the helmet.

Many here on this forum are young, thus un-breakable. After nearly 5 decades of riding, and crashing, I have determined that I do indeed break. Far too easy when hitting a stone mountain wall at over 70 mph in a low side.