Alpinestar Tech Air - Barcia A1 crash

1/13/2026 2:08pm

How many of us has been in 2nd or 3rd gear, crashed  over a tiny jump or big hole and broken a collarbone.

This is cheap insurane compare to what may be a week, or more off work.

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1/13/2026 2:08pm
DR176 wrote:
Not true, it's there to detect many different crash scenarios depending on which setting you are using. Not only that but I'm almost positive that the...

Not true, it's there to detect many different crash scenarios depending on which setting you are using. Not only that but I'm almost positive that the setting the guys are using in supercross is different than what comes stock for people like you and I. 

That’s one way to say what I said with more words. Obviously it is developed for an array of crashes that have to due with dirt bikes. Falling out of the sky is surely one of them, as was proved on saturday. 

1
Wandell
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1/13/2026 2:13pm

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHAT, IF ANY CHEST/BACK PROTECTION HE WAS WEARING, IN THE INTEREST OF SCIENCE ONLY, NOT TO CRITIZE HIS CHOICES

14
cwel11
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1/13/2026 2:19pm
Wandell wrote:

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHAT, IF ANY CHEST/BACK PROTECTION HE WAS WEARING, IN THE INTEREST OF SCIENCE ONLY, NOT TO CRITIZE HIS CHOICES

THE TECH AIR!!!!! Stop yelling and read the thread. 

28

The Shop

1/13/2026 2:34pm
we know. The motocross version has been developed to deploy while you’re falling out of the sky….like we saw with barcia…The vest will improve the outcome...

we know. The motocross version has been developed to deploy while you’re falling out of the sky….like we saw with barcia…The vest will improve the outcome of any scenario where you are going to hit the ground. Not sure what you’re getting at here. 

My comment was in response to the suggestion that these vests were only good for big jumps, where you’re falling out of the sky.

These vests won’t do anything to protect the neck, head, pelvis, or legs, which are hugely susceptible to long falls from the sky.

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DR176
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1/13/2026 4:06pm
DR176 wrote:
Not true, it's there to detect many different crash scenarios depending on which setting you are using. Not only that but I'm almost positive that the...

Not true, it's there to detect many different crash scenarios depending on which setting you are using. Not only that but I'm almost positive that the setting the guys are using in supercross is different than what comes stock for people like you and I. 

That’s one way to say what I said with more words. Obviously it is developed for an array of crashes that have to due with dirt...

That’s one way to say what I said with more words. Obviously it is developed for an array of crashes that have to due with dirt bikes. Falling out of the sky is surely one of them, as was proved on saturday. 

Ah, I misinterpreted your comment as it is only supposed to detect crashes on jumps. Apologies! 

1
cwel11
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1/16/2026 5:15pm

27g’s seems nuts 

IMG 9481 0
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mxaniac
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1/16/2026 5:24pm
Motofinne wrote:

They should, i think it's nuts that majority of the riders don't use it when the technology is finally available. 

Mossy940 wrote:

Remember, a lot of people in this sport think a standard chest protector is too "restricting".

philG wrote:
I was wearing a V2000 in 1983, that this stuff is even a discussion 43 years later blows my mind. Gloves that i wouldnt wear to ride...

I was wearing a V2000 in 1983, that this stuff is even a discussion 43 years later blows my mind. 

Gloves that i wouldnt wear to ride a bicycle , and protection designed for 'comfortability' ( which isnt even a fucking word) rather than hitting the ground when thrown off a 60hp bike 20ft off the ground, just beggars belief. 

If they spent even 10% of the time and money they spew on helmet and bike graphics, we might have a better outcome. 

Like parachutes and guns, if you dont have one when you really need it, you probably wont need one again. 

 

When I was about 18 I got hit in the back really bad wearing the V2000. I was really surprised when my Dr. asked if I was wearing a Flak Jak or something, the Hannah product. I didn't think a Dr. would know MX gear by name. He said no doubt the pads saved my spine.

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nskerb
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1/16/2026 5:32pm
cwel11 wrote:
27g’s seems nuts 

27g’s seems nuts 

IMG 9481 0

Not only impressive that the tech air does what it does, but the fact they came out with data to back it up is really impressive. If I wasn’t an A-Stars fan before I sure as shit am now. No way to prove it but I believe that system saved his ability to move his legs if not his life. Absolutely wild.

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1
mxracer666
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1/16/2026 5:43pm
matze wrote:
We’ve come a loooong way when it comes to safety. There’s no way I wouldn’t want to wear an airbag system (I actually do for street...

We’ve come a loooong way when it comes to safety. There’s no way I wouldn’t want to wear an airbag system (I actually do for street riding). Those things increase a rider’s safety by like 10×.

I wonder if, had this crash happened 15 years ago and he was wearing an early version of a neck brace instead, where movement was very limited, the crash would have been significantly worse? The head tuck right before hitting the ground is what saved him imo. Now imagine he wouldn’t have been able to do that, and on top of that, the back of the neck brace just drills straight into your back…

Maybe this is exactly the type of crash you dont want to have while wearing a neck brace. Sorry, I don’t want to start a discussion here, just some random thoughts. I cant believe barcia is alright. What a relief!

Have you ever worn a neck brace?  You can still tuck your head while wearing a neck brace. After 2 laps of wearing on, when they first came out, I didn't even notice it.  So much mis-information out there...

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6
CASH476
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1/16/2026 6:11pm
matze wrote:
We’ve come a loooong way when it comes to safety. There’s no way I wouldn’t want to wear an airbag system (I actually do for street...

We’ve come a loooong way when it comes to safety. There’s no way I wouldn’t want to wear an airbag system (I actually do for street riding). Those things increase a rider’s safety by like 10×.

I wonder if, had this crash happened 15 years ago and he was wearing an early version of a neck brace instead, where movement was very limited, the crash would have been significantly worse? The head tuck right before hitting the ground is what saved him imo. Now imagine he wouldn’t have been able to do that, and on top of that, the back of the neck brace just drills straight into your back…

Maybe this is exactly the type of crash you dont want to have while wearing a neck brace. Sorry, I don’t want to start a discussion here, just some random thoughts. I cant believe barcia is alright. What a relief!

mxracer666 wrote:
Have you ever worn a neck brace?  You can still tuck your head while wearing a neck brace. After 2 laps of wearing on, when they...

Have you ever worn a neck brace?  You can still tuck your head while wearing a neck brace. After 2 laps of wearing on, when they first came out, I didn't even notice it.  So much mis-information out there...

I wore a neck brace for probably 10 years and they definitely restrict your head movement. The helmet that you are using also makes a big difference to how restrictive the brace is. I can see a situation where they are a benefit and where they might be worse than not wearing one.  

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Motofinne
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1/16/2026 10:58pm Edited Date/Time 1/16/2026 11:13pm
cwel11 wrote:
27g’s seems nuts 

27g’s seems nuts 

IMG 9481 0
nskerb wrote:
Not only impressive that the tech air does what it does, but the fact they came out with data to back it up is really impressive...

Not only impressive that the tech air does what it does, but the fact they came out with data to back it up is really impressive. If I wasn’t an A-Stars fan before I sure as shit am now. No way to prove it but I believe that system saved his ability to move his legs if not his life. Absolutely wild.

This is nothing new though, they have released the Tech Air data to the public for a decade on the road side.

I cannot understand why all riders aren't using this system. I'm 99% sure that riders that aren't even sponsored by Alpinestars would be allowed to run this under their jerseys. And any company that would prohibit the usage of the system would be a shitty company.

I have one on order.

1/16/2026 10:59pm

Leaning into getting one, I'm using the RXR R-pro now. While it seems quite robust the tech-air looks like a level above.

Does anyone know if it will be possible to update the algorithm after buying the armor? I'm always weary to buy a gen1 and can imagine after a first full year of general use there will be updates. 

JJO741
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1/16/2026 10:59pm

I’m definitely sold on this now.  Seems to have really helped and I’m sure they will continue to make improvements over time as well. Really happy Barcia escaped that with no severe injuries. 

johnk408
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1/17/2026 3:54am

This crash may do for alpinestars what Zach bell’s crash did for 6D. Nothing beats real world applications for major publicity.

7
Spooner
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1/17/2026 6:41am
Leaning into getting one, I'm using the RXR R-pro now. While it seems quite robust the tech-air looks like a level above.Does anyone know if it...

Leaning into getting one, I'm using the RXR R-pro now. While it seems quite robust the tech-air looks like a level above.

Does anyone know if it will be possible to update the algorithm after buying the armor? I'm always weary to buy a gen1 and can imagine after a first full year of general use there will be updates. 

Yes the algorithm can be updated as they make changes. 

2
chuckie108
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1/17/2026 8:35am

So glad Barcia is relatively OK. Hit a rock and endo'ed at about 40MPH in the desert (I race Hare and Hounds). Broke 3 ribs, fractured 7 others, Separated AC joint, torn SacroCalvical joint, internal bleeding in my Heart cavity- it was a rough one. Worn the best chest pro's I can get my hands on my whole life, starting with the Flak-Jak. They help, but they're not designed to mitigate much in that kind of slam. Trunk/torso safety has been a real afterthought in our sport from the jump. The increased speeds of our current steeds have exacerbated this. Kudos to Astars for taking this issue head on and sinking mega dollars into the R&D. And also Leatt, 6D, TLD, FLY, etc.. who have worked hard to close the gaps in our protective gear. Patiently waiting for my Tech-Air to arrive now. 

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1/17/2026 12:04pm Edited Date/Time 1/17/2026 12:58pm
johnk408 wrote:

This crash may do for alpinestars what Zach bell’s crash did for 6D. Nothing beats real world applications for major publicity.

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. 

That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.

Are we now back to pretending like concussions aren’t a “severe injury” because fancy chart with “data?”

There have been hundreds of similar impacts in the past that did not result in “severe injuries” to the torso. We just didn’t have g force data to make them seem quantifiably “severe.”

IMG 2112 6

Justin Barcia suffered a severe injury to his head. He probably spared himself some bruised ribs, but to claim that severe injuries were avoided is just plain stupid

1
34
mxracer666
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1/17/2026 3:47pm
johnk408 wrote:

This crash may do for alpinestars what Zach bell’s crash did for 6D. Nothing beats real world applications for major publicity.

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.Are we now back to pretending...

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. 

That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.

Are we now back to pretending like concussions aren’t a “severe injury” because fancy chart with “data?”

There have been hundreds of similar impacts in the past that did not result in “severe injuries” to the torso. We just didn’t have g force data to make them seem quantifiably “severe.”

IMG 2112 6

Justin Barcia suffered a severe injury to his head. He probably spared himself some bruised ribs, but to claim that severe injuries were avoided is just plain stupid

Ummm...the Alpinestar Tech Air has NOTHING to do with head protection...?

1
1/17/2026 3:56pm
What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.Are we now back to pretending...

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. 

That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.

Are we now back to pretending like concussions aren’t a “severe injury” because fancy chart with “data?”

There have been hundreds of similar impacts in the past that did not result in “severe injuries” to the torso. We just didn’t have g force data to make them seem quantifiably “severe.”

IMG 2112 6

Justin Barcia suffered a severe injury to his head. He probably spared himself some bruised ribs, but to claim that severe injuries were avoided is just plain stupid

stfu

8
1/17/2026 4:50pm
mxracer666 wrote:

Ummm...the Alpinestar Tech Air has NOTHING to do with head protection...?

Nothing

8
matze
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1/17/2026 5:01pm
johnk408 wrote:

This crash may do for alpinestars what Zach bell’s crash did for 6D. Nothing beats real world applications for major publicity.

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.Are we now back to pretending...

What exactly are we celebrating? Barcia was knocked out cold. 

That air bag did nothing to protect him from a severe concussion.

Are we now back to pretending like concussions aren’t a “severe injury” because fancy chart with “data?”

There have been hundreds of similar impacts in the past that did not result in “severe injuries” to the torso. We just didn’t have g force data to make them seem quantifiably “severe.”

IMG 2112 6

Justin Barcia suffered a severe injury to his head. He probably spared himself some bruised ribs, but to claim that severe injuries were avoided is just plain stupid

image 2481

 

8
Saz
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1/17/2026 5:10pm

Man, I can't believe the air bag vest thats designed to protect your body didnt stop a concussion. Who woulda thought that?

People writing off the safety equipment because they aren't hitting massive triples is foolish as well. Its still beneficial if you crash on a table top at your local track, or high side in the desert, or low side out of a corner where your most likely to break a collar bone. 

4
MrMoto
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1/17/2026 5:26pm
SrfNdirt wrote:

Yes open your wallets now. I'm sure everyone of us will be hitting 70' triples that send you 30' in the air. 

Hey dumb-dumb, save you money, you don't need one...  

3
1
1/18/2026 7:13am Edited Date/Time 1/18/2026 7:19am
Saz wrote:
Man, I can't believe the air bag vest thats designed to protect your body didnt stop a concussion. Who woulda thought that?People writing off the safety...

Man, I can't believe the air bag vest thats designed to protect your body didnt stop a concussion. Who woulda thought that?

People writing off the safety equipment because they aren't hitting massive triples is foolish as well. Its still beneficial if you crash on a table top at your local track, or high side in the desert, or low side out of a corner where your most likely to break a collar bone. 

I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then we’re good.

Thank God he didn’t break his collarbone. I can’t even imagine how devastating that would be to him and his family.

Carry on, motocrossers.

14
cwel11
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1/18/2026 8:57am
Saz wrote:
Man, I can't believe the air bag vest thats designed to protect your body didnt stop a concussion. Who woulda thought that?People writing off the safety...

Man, I can't believe the air bag vest thats designed to protect your body didnt stop a concussion. Who woulda thought that?

People writing off the safety equipment because they aren't hitting massive triples is foolish as well. Its still beneficial if you crash on a table top at your local track, or high side in the desert, or low side out of a corner where your most likely to break a collar bone. 

I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then...

I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then we’re good.

Thank God he didn’t break his collarbone. I can’t even imagine how devastating that would be to him and his family.

Carry on, motocrossers.

Serious question, is your life so boring that you feel the need to just say ridiculous things here and pick fights? Definitely sad. Alpinestars has every right to be happy their product they put the time, energy, and risk into bringing to market performed like they hoped it would and helped the one guy choosing to wear it possibly save him from a career ending injury or worse. I was on the fence about getting one for my son and I before last weekend but ordered two yesterday. A pair of tech 10’s retail for the same cost. Hard to say I can’t justify spending that on our more vital parts after what I saw last weekend. Carry on though and enjoy your sad life of picking fights on vital ✌🏼

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1/18/2026 9:13am
I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then...

I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then we’re good.

Thank God he didn’t break his collarbone. I can’t even imagine how devastating that would be to him and his family.

Carry on, motocrossers.

serious question. Are you legitimately stupid?

4
MX Guy
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1/18/2026 9:29am
I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then...

I guess if Alpinestars is going to celebrate the fact that Justin Barcia walked away without a serious injury because of their new air vest then we’re good.

Thank God he didn’t break his collarbone. I can’t even imagine how devastating that would be to him and his family.

Carry on, motocrossers.

serious question. Are you legitimately stupid?

He clearly didn’t believe in MIPS when he bought his last helmet, either. 

3
1/18/2026 11:32am Edited Date/Time 1/18/2026 11:36am
cwel11 wrote:
Serious question, is your life so boring that you feel the need to just say ridiculous things here and pick fights? Definitely sad. Alpinestars has every...

Serious question, is your life so boring that you feel the need to just say ridiculous things here and pick fights? Definitely sad. Alpinestars has every right to be happy their product they put the time, energy, and risk into bringing to market performed like they hoped it would and helped the one guy choosing to wear it possibly save him from a career ending injury or worse. I was on the fence about getting one for my son and I before last weekend but ordered two yesterday. A pair of tech 10’s retail for the same cost. Hard to say I can’t justify spending that on our more vital parts after what I saw last weekend. Carry on though and enjoy your sad life of picking fights on vital ✌🏼

Serious question - why are we celebrating the alleged absence of hypothetical injuries that we don’t know for certain would or would not have happened in the absence of an air vest when Justin Barcia very clearly suffered a serious injury to his head? One that could be career ending.

Help a brother out. I’m just trying to understand what we’re celebrating. I do want to be on board with the excitement. Perhaps it’s my plated collarbones that are keeping me from comprehending all of this.

11
Meister
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1/18/2026 12:14pm

The celebration is the fact the dude is walking after that crash. Yeah, its kinda unknown as to what further injuries he could have gotten without.. or maybe the outcome would have been exactly the same. Life is full of what ifs.. 

I ordered one. At 40, with a family, I owe it to them to be as protected as I can without giving up the sport we all love. 

Maybe your collarbones wouldn't be plated had you been wearing one of these? 

3

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