Alpinestars Fall Collection 2016 | 7 Essential Products

Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 jacket
Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 jacket

Alpinestars Fall Collection 2016

The leaves are turning, and that means it’s time for the Alpinestars Fall Collection. We checked out the latest from Alpinestars—off-bike, so far—and here are seven essential new products that we think you need to know about. Watch for tests in the near future.

1. Valparaiso 2 Jacket and Pants

We’ve been big fans of the original Valparaiso jacket and pants for touring and adventure riding, so we’re glad to see an upgrade for Fall 2016. Truly a four-season set, the Valparaiso 2 jacket and pants feature Alpinestars’ Drystar lining to keep out the coming inclement fall and winter weather, along with the Jet Ventilation System for keeping cool on the hottest of days; experience tells us that we will be able to wear the Valparaiso 2 gear on days when it tops 110 degrees.

Thermal liners in the pants and jacket should keep us riding until the roads are icing up, so we’re definitely looking forward to testing the Valparaiso 2 jacket and pants. Sizes: S-4XL. Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 Prices: $490 (jacket) and $330 (pants).

2. GP Plus Leather Suit

Aplinestars GP Plus Leather Suit 2016

This may look like a top-of-the-line racing suit, and it may just perform like one (we’ll find out when we test it), but the Alpinestars GP Plus leather suit has a moderate price. With 1.3mm full-grain leather for abrasion protection, extensive use of accordion stretch panels for comfort and flexibility, and impacts are handled by CE certified protectors in the shoulders, elbows, and knees, the GP Plus has an impressive set of features.

Add Alpinestars’ optional Nucleon chest and back protectors, and you are ready for hard-charging on race- or track-days. One little detail we really like is the waterproof (and sweatproof) interior pocket for carrying essential paper documents. A nod to street riders who prefer the protection of a race suit, the GP Plus also has rear reflective detailing. Sizes: 46-64. Alpinestars GP Plus Leather Suit Price: $1200.

3. Supertech Gloves

Alpinestars Supertech Gloves
Alpinestars Supertech Gloves

Even if your budget doesn’t allow for the highest level of racing suit, Alpinestars’ new flagship gloves might be in reach. CE Level 2 certified, the Supertech gloves offer a stunning array of protective features. Our favorite details include the extremely thin palm for extraordinary tactile feedback (we did check that out personally, though not yet at the track), and the new interior seams so that your fingers have a smooth interface with the levers. While the palm is thin, Alpinestars uses Aramidic fiber and polymide for abrasion resistance. Alpinestars’ CarbonX fabric is also employed to keep heat away from your skin in the event of a high-speed slide down the track. Sizes: S-3XL. Alpinestars Supertech Gloves Price: $400.

4. Track Protection Vest 2

Although it has track in the name, we expect a lot of street riders will take advantage of the safety features of the Alpinestars Track Protection Vest 2. Nicely form fitting, the Track Protection Vest 2 allows you to tailor the protection to your personal needs.

A CE Level 2 certified back protector is standard, with the ability to upgrade to an Alpinestars CE Level 1 Nucleon KR-Ci chest protector, which we definitely recommend. Foam padding is there for comfort, as is the stretch net construction. The integrated kidney belt is removable, but we like how adjustable it is. Sizes: XS-XL. Alpinestars Track Protection Vest 2 Price: $200.

5. Raider Drystar Pants

Alpinestars Rader Pants
Alpinestars Raider Pants

Although we associate leather with high-protection technical pants, the new Alpinestars Raider Drystar pants have changed our minds. We are wrapping up a test of about 3,000 miles with the new Raider Drystar Pants, and finally found a textile pant worthy of serious sport riding – all while keeping us dry!

This textile sport pant includes CE certified knee protectors, as well as pockets for Alpinestars’ new CE certified Nucleon hip protectors. Reinforced to prevent ripping in a fall, the Raider Drystar pants also have a waterproof Drystar lining, a removable thermal lining, and zippered vents, plus Velcro adjusters for precise fitting of your legs and waist. Sizes: S-4XL. Alpinestars Raider Drystar Pants Price: $270.

6. T-Jaws Waterproof Jacket

Alpinestars T-Jaws Waterproof Jacket
Alpinestars T-Jaws WP Jacket

It’s going to be raining soon, and the new T-Jaws Waterproof jacket is Alpinestars way of mixing sport performance with touring protection. Poly-nylon makes up the construction of the jacket, with multiple layers of waterproofing. Outside, the shell gets a water-repellant treatment and the inside has an integrated membrane to keep water at bay, plus a removable long-sleeve liner for warmth.

Seams are seal-taped, and there’s a waterproof internal document pocket for your paper goods. CE certified protection is there for your shoulders and elbows on the T-Jaws Waterproof jacket, but you’ll have to upgrade to Alpinestars Nucleon protectors to get CE-level protection for your chest and back—we strongly suggest you do that. There are vents for when it gets warm, and Velcro to personalize the fit. An internal zipper allows you to attach the T-Jaws Waterproof jacket to various Alpinestars pants. Sizes: S-4XL. Alpinestars T-Jaws Waterproof Jacket Price: $290.

7. SMX Plus Boots

It wouldn’t be an Alpinestars seasonal release without new boots. In addition to a few new dirt and adventure boots, the SMX Plus road racing boots grabbed our attention. While the fully perforated versions may not be our choice for the coming winter track days, the SMX Plus is also available without perforation.

In either case, the boots offer a new level of race-quality protection and performance. A CE-certified boot, the SMX Plus taps into a wide variety of man-made materials to achieve Alpinestars’ goals. We are impressed by the Multi Link Control ankle protection, as well as the contouring of the bike-side portion of the boots designed to improve feel. The speed-laces, long zipper, and single top buckle for a high-end personalized fit are all welcome features. Sizes: 36-48. Alpinestars SMX Plus Boots Price: $370.

For additional information, visit Alpinestars.

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