Alpinestars GP Tech Air Jacket

The GP Tech Air Jacket is built from full-grain cowhide leather around Alpinestars' Tech-Air 5 airbag system, engineered as a dedicated race garment rather than an all-purpose street jacket. CE Level 2 protectors sit at the shoulders and elbows, working alongside the airbag rather than duplicating its coverage, and our bench score puts protection at a class-leading 99, the strongest in this line-up. At roughly 3.2 kilograms for the jacket alone, it carries real weight, reflecting the leather construction and integrated airbag hardware together rather than either doing the job in isolation. Pre-curved sleeves and accordion stretch panels at the back and biceps let the jacket support an aggressive, tucked riding position without bunching.

In use, the Tech-Air 5 system relies on onboard sensors to detect an impending crash and inflate protective bladders across the torso independently of the bike, a genuine advantage for track riders who want protection without a tethered cord. Weather scores 40 and airflow scores 57, both reasonable for a full-leather jacket rather than a mesh-heavy touring design; comfort lands at 56, the trade-off for a genuinely race-oriented, snug fit. The waterproof front zip and connection zipper for compatible riding pants add a one-piece level of protection when zipped together, and reinforced stitching at stress points reflects a jacket built to survive real abrasion rather than look the part, even after a hard get-off.

Serious track-day riders and sport bike enthusiasts are the clear audience, and a value score of 51 reflects the added cost of the separately sold Tech-Air 5 module on top of an already premium leather garment. It ages well thanks to the durable leather and reinforced seams, though the snug, athletic cut means sizing up is common. Against a non-airbag leather jacket it trades some everyday ventilation and comfort for a genuine step up in crash protection, making it a poor fit for hot-climate commuting but a strong choice for dedicated track riders who prioritise safety above all else, and who ride often enough to justify the added outlay on the airbag module.