Alpinestars Tech-Air 7x

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The new 7x got released today, at least in the US. Has anyone gotten one yet or came across a good review?

 
Hopefully it uses the same attachment points and cable for fitting in the suit as the previous Race version.

Definitely something I’m interested in when it eventually comes out over here.

My main concern is that it’s using their Bluetooth app - that was appalling with the TechAir 10 that I had for a very short time.
 
It looks like the yellow sections of the zipper are the same as the Race, with a section you can add to bridge the sides to use it more like a vest or a Tech-Air 5. The app (v. 2.2.1) was updated a week ago so hopefully they got it sorted a bit. I did briefly have a Tech-Air 5 and did have any app connectivity issues but I never rode in it. I was trying to figure out what size I needed but wasn't happy with the fit of the L or XL or how much material it added. The 7x looks like it has more perforation and I like how the sleeves are designed compared to the 5.

All that being said, I ordered one. It should be here Thursday.
 


A surprising new feature is that there's a battery disconnect now. Awesome for storage and travel.

My other subtle take away from the video is that Alpinestars will be releasing more suits in the fall which are Tech-Air Race / 7x compatible. A big part of that comfort is that the airbag in some of the higher end suits would install between the liner and suit, as opposed to between the liner and rider. It will be interesting to see the fall suit lineup.
 
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This looks great.

I’m looking forward to this European Company releasing the product in Europe…
 
Got it today. Some initial thoughts.

Pairing with the app went perfectly. I just plugged it in to the charger, opened the app, clicked the plus sign and followed the steps. Then I set it to street mode, which was equally uneventful. After I fully charged it, I removed it from the charger, and fully closed the app. I then activated it by closing the chest connector, opened the app and it connected again without issue. It had the more current firmware already installed.

The connector to un-hook the battery is super small. I wish they made it bigger and more of a automotive weather pack style connector. As-is, it's a super small 4-pin. Not a deal breaker.

It's heavier than I was expecting, but once you put it on you don't notice the weight at all.

I put it on over a short sleeve t-shirt and the sleeves of my t-shirt got bunched up under the airbag sleeves. I expect it's really meant for some type of base layer, which was expected.

I wear a XL or a 56 in Alpinestars, and ordered the XL 7X. Fit was as expected. It's longer than my KR-R cell back protector with significantly more coverage at the bottom in width, and since the air bag is down that far as well, it's much more protection.

You can separate it from the airbag and the electronics so you can clean the liner, which is awesome. I don't like my stuff smelling like used hockey equipment.

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Orange cat approves of the box.

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The blue part is an air fitting to fill the airbag in the event you replace a cylinder or need to otherwise inspect it. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it fits where one of the cylinders attaches. The manual is useful and has a lot of information...surprisingly. It's not one page of super basic info then 50 pages of regulatory dribble. USB-C to charge, and the port is on the base of the chest connector with the LEDs. Much improved over having it on the back.

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A few more pics...

The Sport Bike Track Gear video make a breif mention of this section. There's a zipper on either side and a piece of removeable foam within that has large holes in it. It's meant, I presume, for comfort and airflow at the expense of bulk. It's easily removeable but as-is, it's about an inch think when not being compressed.

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The brains of the system with the access cover removed.

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Super small battery connector.
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I'd also add the 7X feels less bulky than the 5. I think the 5 or 3 makes more sense for daily riding whereas the 7X and 10 are better for weekend rides and track days.

On a side note, there was a recent change to the Tech-Air 10 firmware. It's no longer activated on the belt closing. I'd speculate the very thin wires in the belt were getting damaged and the units weren't activating anymore. Now, IIRC, when you want it activated you take the module with the LEDs off of the belt. Since it's velcro, you can stick it to the belt etc.
 
Thanks!

I wanted to order from them but by the time I got to it the XL was out of stock. I try to buy from them whenever I can.
 
Did your 7X show up yet? I’m curious to read your thoughts on it. Have you used any other Tech-Air systems?

On a side note, after charging it to 100% week about a week ago, I put it in the closet. Today it’s still at 100%.
 
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Did your 7X show up yet? I’m curious to read your thoughts on it. Have you used any other Tech-Air systems?

On a side note, after charging it to 100% week about a week ago, I put it in the closet. Today it’s still at 100%.

Yep, got it last week. Tried it in - sleeves are tight. I’m a little concerned about that. Haven’t messed with it otherwise. Have it sitting out with my suit to get it zipped in. Downloaded the app and read half the manual. Probably charge it tomorrow.

This will relegate the current TAR vest to backup duty. I crashed the race once with a deployment. Seemed to do something - the only meaningful injury I had was a broken finger.
 
On the sleeves, it seems to be the section which makes up the last inch or so. Since it's a stretch material, I suspect it may get broken in a bit.
 
I’ve received mine and echo what @bp_SFV4 said.

I like the charger connecting at the front and the app connected immediately, it appears to be working correctly and connects immediately each time I start the airbag. It is also charging without issue. Compare to the 10 that I had before and returned, this is faultless so far. Hopefully it continues but it does seem like they have corrected the issues with the app.

I’ll put it in the suit later and see how it feels compared to the Race airbag that it will be replacing. It will be interesting to see if the elasticated ends to the arms create any issues.
 
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