Cycle News Staff | April 17, 2024
The Tech-Air 7x is the latest addition to the Alpinestars family of motorcycling airbag systems. It was developed for road-racing competitions, with full coverage protection focused on the upper body. Introduced in Las Vegas at the 2024 CES in January, the autonomous motorcycling airbag system is now available, with an MSRP of $999.95.
The Tech-Air 7x airbag is based on Alpinestars most effective MotoGP system and is developed for racing and sport riding.
VIDEO | Alpinestars Tech-Air 7x
The following is a press release from April 17, 2024
Specifically developed for road racing, track day use, and performance road riding, the FIM-homologated, Tech-Air 7x is derived from Alpinestars’ proven MotoGP Airbag technology, where over 50 percent of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 riders are protected by Tech-Air Airbag Systems. The fully autonomous, self-contained Tech-Air 7x features a streamlined, low profile, and highly ventilated Airbag System. Tech-Air 7x provides comprehensive upper body protection by covering riders’ shoulders, chest, and full back. The integrated back protector is extended in length for additional protection of the coccyx.
The Tech-Air 7x can be used as a Standalone System to be worn under a leather suit or jacket that has sufficient space to accommodate the inflation of the airbag, or it can be worn as an Integrated System within a Tech-Air compatible suit or jacket. In addition, the Tech-Air 7x features extensive perforations and has a ventilation system constructed with a ribbed treatment and interior air channels that ensure enhanced breathability and airflow.
Activating the Tech-Air 7x is easy; simply close the Front Flap, and an internal magnetic switch will detect the Front Flap is closed and automatically turn on and activate the Airbag System. Opening the Front Flap will automatically deactivate and turn off the System.
AI TECHNOLOGY AND CRASH MONITORING PERFORMANCE
The state-of-the-art, wearable Tech-Air 7x Airbag System comes with an active electronic system that features 12 integrated sensors: 3 triaxial accelerometers and 1 triaxial gyroscope. These sensors monitor the rider’s body for shocks or unexpected movements and communicate with the System’s computer, sending data inputs every millisecond, or a thousand times per second. Developed through years of research in collaboration with the world’s leading professional racers and Alpinestars’ customers riding with Tech-Air® Systems, our team has analyzed riding data from millions of miles and thousands of crashes to continuously enhance the System’s intelligent crash detection algorithms.
Upon the identification of a crash situation, the algorithm will trigger the deployment of the protective Airbag, providing unrivaled protection to the rider or the passenger wearing the System (with a maximum inflation time of 44ms, depending on the volume of the airbag size). The impact absorption while wearing the Airbag when inflated, results in a decrease of the impact force by up to 90% compared to a passive CE Level 1 protector (EN 1621-2:2014).
TECH-AIR 7X RIDING MODES: RACE AND STREET
The Tech-Air 7x System comes pre-loaded with two different Riding Modes: RACE Mode for riding on racetracks and STREET Mode for street and light off-road riding. Each Riding Mode offers an optimized riding algorithm, allowing the System to detect an imminent impact and deploy the protective airbag in crash situations. Users can easily switch between Race and Street Riding Modes by simply using the Tech-Air App.
DUAL DEPLOYMENT AND EASY GAS INFLATOR REPLACEMENT
The Tech-Air 7x features dual charge capability, which means that the System provides two separate Airbag deployments. A quick-release cover opening allows for rapid gas inflator replacement by users (where local regulations allow). In addition, the bladder is certified for up to four individual deployments before requiring service.
TECH-AIR 7X OFFERS VERSATILITY
The System can be worn as a Standalone System under a protective suit or jacket, or as an Integrated System within a leather racing suit or jacket. When worn as an Integrated System with a Tech-Air Compatible Alpinestars leather suit or jacket, riders can easily check the System’s operational status, the battery status, and the number of available inflators remaining by looking at the LED located on the left sleeve of the garment.
TECH-AIR APP AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATES
When it comes to other features, the Tech-Air 7x is Bluetooth enabled, allowing riders to easily update their System via the free Tech-Air App when new releases of the System’s software with new crash-detection algorithms become available. Offering a wide variety of functionalities, the App provides riders with the ability to check the System’s operational status, and battery life, consult the User Manual, and record their rides on an enhanced Google map with MyRide, subject to network coverage.
Regarding battery life, a fully charged battery will provide the System with approximately 20 hours of active ride time. The Front Flap features an integrated charging port for convenient and easy charging of the System. Additionally, an integrated LED display is positioned on the Front Flap and indicates the System’s operational status, battery status, and the number of available inflators remaining.
PROTECTION
The Tech-Air 7x is compatible with all FIM Grand Prix Requirements for Airbag Systems, making it suitable for road racing competitions.
This Airbag System is certified as a Category || PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under European Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Certifications of the Airbag System that are covered by Dolomiticert’s guidelines for inflatable protectors with electronic activation:
- Airbag System Central Back inflatable protector, Level 2, EN 1621-4:2018
- STREET and RACE Algorithms performance
Additional Tech-Air 7x Certifications:
- Protective garment, Class C, EN 17092-6:2020
- Integrated Passive Central Back, Level 1, EN 1621-2:2014
- Tech-Air 7x is certified as an undergarment, to be used in combination with and under a protective garment.
Tech-Air 7x launched in North America on April 11 and will be available in the European and international markets starting on April 22.
Here is Alpinestars’ press release from January 10, 2024…
Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas (January 10, 2024) – Alpinestars has redefined protection for motorcyclists ever since the company was established in 1963, and today sees the brand launching Tech-Air 7x, the all-new, autonomous motorcycling airbag system.
Tech-Air 7x is the latest addition to the Alpinestars Tech-Air family, which includes the Tech-Air 10, Tech-Air 5, Tech-Air 3 and Tech-Air Off-Road systems. Alpinestars continues to lead the way in active air-bag technology for riders and their passengers. The all-new Tech-Air 7x is a definitive demonstration of Alpinestars’ continued commitment to making the most versatile airbag technology products in the industry.
The Tech-Air 7x system was developed for Road Racing competitions, with full coverage protection focused on the upper body. (Full-Back, Full-Chest, Collar Bones, and Shoulders) The Tech-Air 7x system replaces the Tech-Air Race, with the latest innovations coming from the Alpinestars research and development team. This autonomous system complements the existing range Tech-Air 10, Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air 3 systems.
Like the Tech-Air Race, one of the key features of the Tech-Air 7x is its integration (via attachment) to Alpinestars Tech-Air compatible garments for increased practicality and comfort with select Alpinestars racing leather suits and jackets. Tech-Air 7x is also compatible with garments as a stand-alone Tech-Air vest (Similar to Tech-Air 5) with a converter kit included in the package.
The Tech-Air 7x supports dual deployments with the end user being able to replace the canisters for the first four deployments before sending it in for full service and airbag bladder replacement.
A convenience feature of Tech-Air 7x is the USB-C charging port located in the activation flap on the chest. It’s easily accessible even when the system is integrated inside a suit or jacket.
Over 20 years ago, Alpinestars began development on the original Tech-Air system. When launched in the market in 2011, the Tech-Air system was recognized as the world’s first airbag providing full upper body protection with a completely independent electronic management system, in addition to having the versatility of the vest which could be easily zipped into a variety of Tech-Air compatible jackets. In December 2019, Tech-Air 5 was recognized by CES as one of the must-see innovative products in the Wearables Technology Marketplace.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 7x Technology
The latest evolution of the Tech-Air wearable technology features a more compact and complete active electronic system that features 12 sensors (4 tri-axial sensors). 1 tri-axial accelerometer and 1 tri-axial gyroscope located on the main electronic control unit. Additional 2 tri-axial accelerometers located on the shoulders for the improvement of performance on track and a crash algorithm that leverages AI to accurately monitor when to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash.
The system is also extremely easy to use, just zip up the vest and close the magnetic flap and you’re ready to ride. An LED display indicates the airbag’s operational status, and the integrated, certified lithium-ion battery has a battery life of 25 hours of riding time.
Tech-Air 7x has Bluetooth connectivity and an accompanying Tech-Air App, which uses the rider’s phone to display the system’s operational status, battery status, and a detailed analysis of a ride; the system’s firmware can also be updated directly via the app.
SIZES OFFERED: XS-XXL
PRICING: $999.95
OFFICIAL RELEASE: APRIL 2024
For more information about Alpinestars, visit www.alpinestars.com