Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air Jacket Review | Summer Cool Women’s Jacket

July 2, 2016

Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air Jacket Review

When early summer arrives each year, the dilemma of what to wear while riding rears its head. You want some protection from the unforgiving pavement you are traversing, just in case, but you also want to stay cool and not arrive at your destination with the morning’s shower a sweaty memory. The Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air jacket elegantly handles the quandary.

The durable polyester outer shell has various mesh inserts strategically placed to allow maximum airflow while riding. With vertical mesh panels running down the sides of the Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air jacket, as well as well as along the underside of the sleeves, any kind of speed creates a comfortable breeze through the jacket. Airflow is further enhanced by wide sleeve openings, though there are Velcro-adjustable tabs at the wrists for when you want to cinch down and tuck into gloves if temps drop.

A mesh liner inside keeps you dry and comfortable, and has two Velcro-closing pockets for your valuables, as well as Velcro-secured compartments for the removable foam back pad and CE-certified elbow and shoulder protectors. Optional accessory CE-certified chest pads and back protector can also be inserted into the mesh liner, and I recommend them. A compatible waist zipper allows connection to selected Alpinestars riding pants, which is another important safety feature.

When temps drop, the zip-in windbreaker liner makes all the difference, blocking the airflow while holding in body heat. I can ride to work with the liner stowed in my backpack and install it for my evening ride home when the sun is down. The Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air jacket keeps me perfectly comfortable at each end of the day. One morning, I was cursing the early summer heat wave as I arrived at work. Once I removed the jacket and noticed the liner, I wryly acknowledged just how well it worked.

There are two nicely sized zippered pockets on the front of the jacket, and, thoughtfully, two pockets (Velcro-secured) are included in the removable liner. This makes up for the lack of access to the interior pockets of the jacket when the liner is installed.

The Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air Jacket has a sleek understated style. The mesh panels follow feminine princess seams front and back, and the Mandarin tab collar continues the minimalist look. Velcro flaps at the waist allow a bit of form-fitting customization. Accent details include a gray Alpinestars logo on the left chest and a silver logo tacked onto the rubber patch on the left sleeve.

Well designed and executed for keeping cool and protected while riding, the Alpinestars Stella Paradise Air Jacket is aptly named—Paradise, indeed.