P90
PRODUCT REVIEW I
A
lways staying on the cutting edge of technology, Alpin-
estars' research and development team worked count-
less hours to perfect the industry's first personal airbag
system for use in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, and they now
offer a street version of this high-tech gear for everyday use by
folks like you and me. In order to make the system work, two
items need to be purchased: an Alpinestars Tech-Air-compatible
outer garment (we chose the Andes Pro Jacket) and the Tech-
Air System itself. According to Alpinestars, this combination is
CE2 "compatible" and offers many advantages over traditional
safety equipment, most notably,
nearly instantaneous inflation in the
event of an accident, even when the
rider is stopped and is hit from the
rear. No other equipment currently
on the market can do that.
By Keith Dowdle
•REAR-END CRASH AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT
•ONLY FULLY AUTOMATIC SYSTEM
ON THE MARKET
•GREAT FIT AND FINISH
ALPINESTARS ANDES PRO DRYSTAR JACKET
•SHORT SERVICE INTERVALS FOR THOSE
WHO RIDE EXTENSIVELY
•STERNUM CLASP SOMETIMES DIDN'T
ARM THE SYSTEM
•DON'T FORGET TO CHARGE THE BATTERY!
•EXPENSIVE
We tested
Alpinestar's Tech-
Air Street Airbag
System with the
Andes Pro Drystar
Jacket. It's a pricey
package but could
be well worth the
peace of mind
when it comes to
safety.
The Tech-Air
Street Airbag
System requires
considerable
upkeep and
attention. But
it could be well
worth it in the
long run.
