Alpinestars Glove Test
I have a cardinal rule – I don’t test any motorcycle apparel on a long ride without a back-up, in case I don’t like the product or it doesn’t fit properly. In the case of the Alpinestars Scheme Kevlar Gloves, I broke that rule and did not live to regret it.
When I first slipped on the Alpinestars Scheme gloves, I immediately noticed that they don’t slip on. Designed for city riding, the Scheme gloves are a tight fit – you could say they fit like a glove. A Velcro tab secures them to your wrist, and the Airprene cuff is nice and soft. Once on, they were comfortable enough that I set out on a 450-mile, 8.5-hour ride without a trusted second pair of gloves, just in case.
As it turns out, on a ride with temperatures ranging from the 60s to about 100 degrees, my hands were never too cold or too warm. The Alpinestars Scheme gloves are lightweight, with breathable mesh and venting that allows you to see through the fingers, so that took care of the warmer temperatures. My hands didn’t get chilly, so I think the tight fit works well when the thermometer drops.
While not intended for distance riding, there’s padding in the thumb and palm for extended comfort. The fingers use thin Clarino, so you get great feel for the controls. I was on a Triumph Tiger Explorer, so I wasn’t just bopping along.
I was riding the big adventure bike hard, so the feedback through the Scheme Kevlar gloves was important.

Speaking of Kevlar, Alpinestars uses it in the Scheme for unobtrusive protection, and it definitely stays out of the way.
As is my custom, I did not personally crash-test the gloves, though the carbon fiber outer knuckle guard and various other padded areas gave me the confidence I needed to ride hard.
The stretch material on the back of the hand means you can twist the throttle without restriction – yes!
Back in town, the promise of the long ride translated well to the streets. All-day or short rides, it doesn’t matter. The Alpinestars Scheme Kevlar gloves are light, responsive, comfortable, protective, and stylish.
There are two new colors-red/black/white and all-black, to go along with previous blue and black version, and the gloves are available in sizes S-XXXL; MSRP: $60.
For additional information, log onto Alpinestars.com.