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Alpinestars Scout Boots, Waterproof Black Leather | Dual Sport & Touring, Adjustable Velcro & Buckle Closure

Tim — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:22:56 +0000

Adventure touring boots have to be good at a lot of things. They have to perform protective and functional duties for a multitude of environments. The Alpinestars Scout WP Boots are remarkably up to the task.

The boots' body is constructed of coated leather with a waterproof and breathable inner membrane. A lot of research has gone into mating protection with comfort. There is a unique multiple density construction that allows movement without sacrificing protection. The boot has earned CE certification for its protective properties.

Boot closure comes in the form of Velcro as well as three substantial buckles. The result is an extremely adjustable boot fit. In keeping with its ability to handle some dirt duty, the boot has a lugged sole. Inside that sole is a removable PE padded foot bed.

Long-term user reports are almost universally positive on the Scout WP boots. They are stiff out of the box but break in well. Some riders have reported that the toe box is a bit restrictive, so consider that when you are ordering.

The only real negative that I can find with this boot is that the toe profile is a bit tall. I have found this with some other tour-oriented Alpinestars in the past. This means that fit under the shift lever can be a bit tight. Overall, the Scout WP boots are a good all-around option for the dual sport and adventure touring crowd.

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Alpinestars Mens Motorcycle Shoe, Mille Black | Leather Suede Short Boot

Tim — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:00:12 +0000

More and more apparel companies are offering riding shoes that have motorcycle specific features, but no real armor. I am not naive. I know that we don't all wear protective apparel every time we ride, but in terms of protection, more is better.

The Alpinestars Mille Shoes are motorcycle specific shoes with some nice features. They are constructed of a 1.6 mm suede leather upper. They have a shift pad to reduce shifting pressure on the upper foot, and they have internal toe and heel reinforcement. There is a mesh inner liner for heat dissipation.

There are some protective features in this boot. As was mentioned earlier, they are constructed of good thick leather, which is an inherently rash resistive layer. Also, they have both a lace and strap closure, which is a desirable feature for keeping the boot on the foot in a crash. On the down side, there is no integrated armor at the ankle and no lateral movement ankle protection.

In the end, the Alpinestars Mille Shoes are attractive, comfortable, mildly-protective footwear. Just don't look at these as armored crash protection. They are better than wearing your tennis shoes, but fall well short of full boots. They are offered in all black with sizes ranging from 6-14.

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Alpinestars Mens Black Denim Rodeo Pant | Motorcycle Stretch Jeans w/ Leg Armor

Tim — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:22:06 +0000

I just got back from a 500-mile ride in the upper Baja of Mexico wearing the Alpinestars Rodeo Denim jeans. Are they the perfect casual armored riding pants? No. Are they good? Yes. I like them; and I believe they will become my primary riding wear in the summer months.

Here are the details. The Rodeo Denims are, as the name would suggest, denim riding jeans. The denim is thick and comfortable. The jeans feature stretch panels at the inseam and an accordion stretch panel above the knee. I have sampled other protective denim jeans, and these are the most comfortable that I have found. There is a Velcro closure at the bottom of the pant leg. It's a nice feature, but the pants will still do some flapping at speed.

As for a protection, these Alpinestars have CE-approved, layered armor in the knee and shin. That's the good news. I wish Alpinestars had sewn in a Kevlar layer in the seat and thighs. That added level of protection in case of a slide would have made these, in my opinion, the ultimate in denim protection.

Do these jeans approach the level of protection of leathers? Not a chance. Are they better than riding in plain jeans? Yes, by a long shot. If you are looking for good mid-level protection, these Alpinestars are worth looking at.

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Alpinestars Mens Motorcycle Gloves, Drystar ST-1 | Waterproof Black Fleece Lined

Tim — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:31:45 +0000

I tried these gloves on several recent winter rides. OK, my winter rides in Arizona may not be like your winter rides in North Dakota. However, I tested these gloves at 65 miles per hour in sub-40 degree temps. The Alpinestars ST-1 Drystar Gloves kept my digits comfortable. I did not ride in wet weather, but rider reports are that they are adequately waterproof as well. Here are the details:

The gloves are constructed of 500 denier nylon outer shell, with a breathable and waterproof Drystar membrane. There is a fleece lining that is not too bulky. They have subtle and attractive embroidered logos.

Despite the "Clarino" reinforcements on palm and thumb, the protective potential of these gloves is limited by the materials. They will be better than nothing in a fall, but will not approach the protection of leather.

For me, the gloves were a more generous fit than other Alpinestars gloves I've tested. This is more than likely due to the fact that these are touring gloves rather than the race gloves I've worn before.

As a glove for cool (not bitter cold) and wet conditions, I think the Alpinestars ST-1 Drystars are a good choice. They are available in sizes small through 2XL.

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Alpinestars Waterproof Web Boot | Black Leather Gore Tex w/ Injection Molded Support

Tim — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:24:10 +0000

I have always found that Alpinestars boots fit my foot well. Because of this, I find myself feeling comfortable ordering the Italian company's boots online with little trepidation. The Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots are a bit of a different fit, however.

The boots are what I look for in motorcycle footwear. They are well-made, comfortable, waterproof, and breathable (thanks to Gore-Tex). They are also adequately protective for the average street rider. That protection comes in the form of well-placed injection-molded plastic in critical areas. That plastic is internal rather than external, so the boot has a styling that is less "comic book hero" than most race boots.

Other styling cues are similarly subtle. The Alpinestars logos are present (as they should be) but are not overstated. Toe shift durability is aided by injected plastic. Comfort is enhanced by a soft micro-fiber instep flex zone and a removable anatomic perforated foot bed. The boots are easy to get on and off thanks to a generous zippered and Velcroed side entry.

In all, these are great boots. However, if (like me) you are accustomed to a "typical" Alpinestars fit, you may find yourself swimming in this model. The Web boot has a very generous girth. For me, this boot fits very wide. Take this into consideration when ordering.

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Alpinestars Afrika Mens Motorcycle Shoe, Short Boot | Black Suede w/ GoreTex Insert

Tim — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:30:44 +0000

Alpinestars Afrika Shoes are a new-for-2010 offering of the Italian apparel company. Quite frankly, I am a bit confused by this boot…or shoe. First, there is the name. When I connect Africa (no matter how you spell it) and motorcycling, my mind conjures up visions of adventure touring on a BMW GS or a KTM Adventure. Furthermore, I see a rider outfitted in full, rugged apparel. The Alpinestars Afrika shoes fit nowhere in this picture.

What you get with these shoes is footwear with some motorcycling-friendly features, but in a package that may be more at home in the bar than on the road. The motorcycle-inspired features include a suede upper construction with extended high abrasion resistant mesh inserts. There is also the nice feature of a GoreTex membrane insert. However, in the extremely low rise design of the Afrika shoe, I question its effectiveness. It also has a unique closure with a kind of drawstring function rather than a traditional lace-up affair.

In the end, maybe I was just turned off by the overly ambitious naming of these shoes. I see them as a nice pair of shoes that can be worn on a bike rather than a serious protective boot. Maybe that was what Alpinestars was going for.

My suggestion would be to go for something like the Alpinestars Armored S-MX 2 street boots. They are still a comfortable offering, but are much more protective.

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Alpinestars MX-1 Motorcycle Jacket | Mens Black Leather Armored Neoprene

Tim — Sun, 09 May 2010 22:31:35 +0000

I recently watched a TV documentary on the workings of the Alpinestars factory in Italy. I was more than impressed with the attention to detail of everyone featured, from the engineers to the testers and fabricators. They all seemed passionate about producing a quality product. There is little doubt why Alpinestars is one of the most recognizable and most trusted names in motorcycle protective gear.

I have owned the Alpinestars TZ-1 leather jacket. It was an extremely well made jacket that inspired confidence. The MX-1 is, by reputation, a slightly lighter and better venting variation of the fine Alpinestars jacket. The jacket is constructed of 1.2-1.4mm full-grain leather. It includes Alpinestar's exclusively-patented external high modulus thermoplastic protection on the shoulders. Out back, the MX-1 has a ventilated back hump for improved aerodynamics and ventilation. The jacket can be upgraded with Alpinestars CE armor in the back and chest compartments. Neoprene cuff and collar details add a nice level of comfort in those areas.

The MX-1 is offered in European sizes 46-60. The color combinations are all black, and blue and red variations. Rider reviews on the MX-1 are overwhelmingly positive. It is simply another great offering by Alpinestars.

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Alpinestars Royal Drystar Motorcycle Jacket | Mens Black Textile w/ Waterproof Liner

Tim — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:08:46 +0000

The Alpinestars Royal Drystar Textile Motorcycle Jacket is a true foul-weather friend. This piece of riding apparel has features that will protect in extreme conditions. It is geared toward the commuter or the full-on touring rider.

The shell is nylon with PU-coating construction for strength and abrasion resistance. It also includes Alpinestar's exclusive Drystar waterproof and breathable internal lining for wet weather protection. One feature that a cold weather jacket requires is a full sleeve liner. The Royal Drystar does not disappoint with its removable, insulated insert. In warmer conditions, chest and back vents are included in this versatile design. However, this jacket would surely be too warm in the hottest of summer temperatures.

The jacket features CE-approved armor in the sleeves and shoulders. However, like many touring-oriented jackets, it includes only a foam back protector -- so additional CE armor is a $30 option. There are also compartments in the chest for CE armor, which is a $40 option. Alpinestars' logos are embroidered on the shell of the jacket.

Alpinestars is a leader in protection, both from the pavement and the elements. The Royal Drystar will serve the touring and commuting rider well in both areas. The Drystar is offered in sizes small through 4XL. You should be able to find the right size in that range.

For a thermal waterproof jacket with a bit more color, check out the Tour Master Transition 2 Jacket.

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Alpinestars Apex Racing Pants | Curved Black Leather Leg Armor

Tim — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:18:01 +0000

I have not worn leather pants since I was the keyboardist for REO Speedwagon back in the late '70s. OK, that's a lie -- not the leather pants part, the REO part. I do wear armored pants in both the cordura and denim styles, however. Despite my bias, I am fully aware that my pants choice will not protect nearly as well in the event of an extended slide on the macadam as leather skins.

I do have riding buddies who wear leather pants and I know that it is the smart thing to do. You will not go wrong with Alpinestars. The Alpinestars Apex Leather Pants are solid protection. They have 1.2-1.4mm full-grain, drum-dyed leather for excellent abrasion resistance and a multiple-stitched main seam construction to keep them together. They are pre-curved for the riding position and have well-placed accordion stretch panels for comfort and mobility. In addition to the protective nature of the leather, they have built in hip protection and removable CE-certified GP knee and shin protectors with injection-molded shell and dual density foam padding. They include Alpinestars logo knee pucks.

The pants are offered in Euro sizes 44-60 and three color combinations. There is no doubt that the Alpinestars Apex pants are premium protection even if you never touch that knee puck to pavement.

Here are some other pre-curved pants by Fox Racing.

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Alpinestars Windstopper Gloves | Black Leather Nylon C-1

Ila — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:40:02 +0000

Alpinestars' C-1 Windstopper gloves caught my eye for the very reason they shouldn't have. They are surprisingly humble, coming from their otherwise ostentatious Alpinestars roots. There's nothing showy or striking about the C-1. I dare say they look generic, but Alpinestars has not overlooked their function.

Constructed of thick Windstopper nylon for insulation, the C-1 gloves have a leather palm that maintains grip in all conditions and saves the nerve-rich flesh of your palms from abrasion.

Anyone who knows the construction of most of Alpinestars gear won't be surprised by the hard knuckle protection that resides under a layer of nylon. The fingers are padded with 3 mm EVA, which is enough to dull impact but not impede movement. The C-1 gloves are water resistant and windproof. These are designed for chilly rides, and even Wisconsin winter riders sing their praises.

So, where do these fall short? I already mentioned the low-key look. They are more akin to Alpinestars underwear rather than outerwear. There is nothing eye-catching about these gloves. At $80, the price is not an attractive feature either. These do shine when the sun is not, and if you're not superficial, you may find that these will carry you in comfort from October to April.

If you want a look that's not as low-key, try the Alpinestars Octane gloves.

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