Airbags, Anyone try the RST V4.1 airbag suit?

Hey,

I'm looking to grab an airbag system for this season and considering my options. My current suit is an RST that has held up well over the years. My first option for an airbag system was the AStars tech air 7x, but I don't think there is enough space in my current suit to accommodate for the expansion. I don't want to purchase a custom suit yet (or any suit really). I then considered the Helite outer vest system, which is retailing for $1,000.

After searching around I found that RST offers the V4.1 with In&Motion system integrated for $1,500 over at STG. An extra $500 for a suit and airbag (+ subscription fee $120 annually) doesn't seem to bad of a deal, considering I'm spending at least $1,000 either way..

https://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/...Y6OXO5nBB27FrSu-nT2vZFBVropn1SdsaAvkjEALw_wcB

Anyone run the RST? How do you like it? Should I keep it simple and grab the Helite?

Any thoughts are appreciated,

Thanks,

 

I have the 1 step lower suit, the Pro Series Evo. I have yet to crash in it, so I cannot provide feedback on protection, but they are allowed in WSBK and MA. The suit has to meet a requirement to be allowed in FIM sanctioned racing events, so I would assume the protection level is adequate. Comfort and airflow is top notch for the Pro Series Evo, it is the best airflow suit I have worn. I haven't had any issues with the In&Motion device and subscription. All in all I would give the experience a 10/10 without having deployed the airbag.

 

Any particular reason you didn’t go with the V4.1?

Did you go with the annual payment or monthly on the subscription?

 

I have the RST 4.1 kangaroo airbag setup - it seems to be well made, fits well, looks pretty good.
I do the subscription.
I set it off in an off track excursion that didn't result in a crash but was quite a rodeo - so, I do think the algorithm will function in an actual crash.
Recharge was simple, canisters are about $100.
The reverse Velcro knee picks are strange - I made an adapter by sewing together two pieces of the soft Velcro material to use klucky pucks.
Overall, I'm happy with it.
I've never had another airbag so I can't compare.
Price was even cheaper when I bought mine.
I wouldn't race without an airbag with current prices

 

I'm out of date on this stuff, what's the subscription?

 

You can buy the control box for $400 or pay $12 a month for subscription. Airbag will not function without it.

 

The In&Motion airbag system that's integrated into the RST suit will only function if you purchase a subscription plan for their service. You can pay monthly, annually, or just purchase the control box outright. It does put a bad taste in my mouth, considering AStar and Helite don't require such a thing.

 

Fit of suit, I have a belly, the V4.1 has more of an athletic fit, so I went with comfort

Subscription

 

I haven't worn the airbag suit but I wore the vest street riding (~11,000 miles). My In&Motion airbag vest is the reason I am not dead. Definitely worth the $ and subscription.

 

I prefer to just buy things than pay a subscription fee. But I sort of get it that they need to maintain the software and upgrade the algorithms over time. So to make it cheaper up front, you do a subscription model and get access to the function and full support and upgrades in that time. It’s sort of like leasing a car versus buying it right? I’m an Astar guy for airbags though. For racing, I think they and Dainese have the most experience that translates into robust designs and algorithms. Just my opinion.

 

I bought the suit second hand for a great price and its way tighter than my dianese leguna seca 4. My Dianese is size 48 and a great fit not too tight in the shoulders, the rst 4.1 is a 50 and is really tight in the shoulders. About the subscription, I posted my referral code in a trackday reddit about the rst suit and within a month all 12 referrals were used giving me 36 months of free subscriptions. People should jump all over it since it gives them 3 months and you 3 months free.

 

I've deployed both the RST cowhide airbag suit, and the Tech-Air Race a few times. The RST takes a good 15 min+ to delfate. The TA Race deflates within a minute or so.

The TA Race felt like it extended further down the back, whereas my lower back and butt were not protected much by the RST.

The RST is super easy to replace the inflator.

I'd say I prefer the RST just cause of the ease of replacing the inflator.

 

The new tech air 7x and 5 plasma you can also now replace the argon canister yourself.

 

I just picked up the 4.1 suit, size 50 euro from Max at stg…. Holy shit the fit is amazing.

As good as my last two custom suits.

I’m 5’10” 150-155 pounds, perfect race fit.

I also used a referral code that was mentioned above from a buddy. Instant 3 months free.

If anyone wants a code, shoot me a PM.

 

Code if anyone wants to use -
PRWXSSD

 

I also have the Pro Series Evo. Like said above, lots of airflow, fits me very well, and it crashes really well. I had a low side in turn 1 at CMP a couple weeks ago. Suit held up really well, with what looks like surface scratches, and I came out without a chaff or bruise anywhere. When I went down, I had a hit to the side of my head, and thought for sure I hit my head on the ground ruining a new lid, only to find that the helmet didn't have a scratch on it. I guess as my head was tilting going down, the airbag deployment is what knocked me on the side of the helmet. Anyway, when I say it did not hurt at all, I mean it in the most sincerest way, lol. I also wear armored shorts, and tumbled a couple times, and nothing. Nothing hurt. Hell, I wasn't even sore the next day, and I'm 51 y.o. Sucks that it's only my 2nd time wearing it, as I just got it a couple months ago and rode VIR South in it. I will say this, I'm very happy with it, and will never ride track again without one.

 

I have the RST Pro Series airbag suit. For the money nothing else compares especially if you shop around. I wound up buying mine for about 800$ on sale from a shop in England back before STG started carrying them.
The sizing according to RST when I contacted them is an "American fit" with more room in the torso and stomach area. I had to have it sized down to fit well as I'm far from having a beer gut.
The subscription is less than the cost of a subway sandwich per month.
You don't even think about it really.
Every time I've powered up the module, there is an update available so that continual improvement makes it worth the monthly cost alone.
The graphics looks great, and the padding is good.
The only caveats is the leather is very stiff when not worn regular, and ventilation could be little better.
I purchased the in motion vest (same as in the rst suit) to wear under a two piece set of custom leathers for track day convinience.
It accepts the module out of the rst suit, and can be worn under any compatable gear or brand of suit.
One x and 4sr both sell suits that they designed with in motions input, as well as plus racing in Europe.
This would be another option for you also.

 

Pretty sure i was the first to deploy the RST race dept and for good measure i set off again.
The thing simple works. first time mixed conditions grattan turn 3 full lean front tucked bag was full inflated before it hit the deck.
Next time ACC in he rain coaching super slow 180 and again bag deployed before i hit the ground.
The rst at least in the consumer version does not have a bleed valve in the bladder like a* but i also have never had a connection issue or a time i felt it should have went off and it didn't. battery life is amazing it must sleep if you forget to turn it off pretty sure i opposed over the winter and it still had 50% battery.
I also have a referral got a few free months and snooze it in the winter.

I also have a extra cart and actually bought a second i liked it so much.

Be sure especially after a deployment the front bag stays clipped.
I have seen a few where the bag is slid up in the shoulder.

 

I’m pleased with mine. Got the husky cut because I am

app is a little clunky. But I don’t mind paying monthly for the warranty

max helped out on the order so kudos to their customer service. If you buy the suit you get the race algorithm

plus if folks in the TT trust their suits. I guess I can