What to look for…
Great looks but average performance
When considering buying a textile jacket
OUTER CONSTRUCTION
The outer later will probably be polyester or Cordura at this price point. Most used 600 dernier material though some featured heavier-weight material or leather in key locations, particularly those prone to abrasion
VENTS
If you envisage using a jacket like this in warmer conditions, venting is crucial and the more, the better. Look for openings in the forearms, chest, shoulder and of course, the rear to allow hot air to escape. For jackets with a drop liner, this will effectively block air flow but for those without, zips can be weak spots for water ingress
STORM FLAPS
Depending on the construction of the jacket, you may find one or two main zips with at least one storm flap. Others may have a two-part flap, comprising an inner section with a water channel and the outer section. A full closure, usually with Velcro or similar, will help prevent wind and water ingress
CUFFS
To be used year-round, these need to have enough adjustment to go under or over warmer gloves or allow summer or short gloves to go underneath to improve cooling air flow. Also going over gloves could prevent water entering the gloves as it runs off the outer layer
THERMAL LINER
Helping keep you warm on chillier rides, this should be removable for when the weather starts to get better. Liners with full zips tend to reduce draughts, particularly around the neck where others have poppers to keep them roughly in place
ARMOUR
All jackets should come with shoulder and elbow armour and some also come with a back protector. Level 2 is better than Level 1
BACK PROTECTOR
Some jackets will come with a back protector but for those that don’t, they will certainly have a pocket for one, to be added as an upgrade or paid-for option. Unless, of course, you have an airbag vest you’ll be using
PROOFING
This will either be a membrane bonded to the inside of the outer layer or a removable drop liner. The former makes the garment less bulky overall but does mean all vent zips must be waterproof, for example. The later means you could use the drop liner as a separate garment if you need to but conversely, the jacket may well become waterlogged and heavy in the rain and clumsy to put on as well
ADJUSTMENT
Like venting, if you plan to use a jacket like this year-round, then you may well need adjustment to tailor the fit once you’ve removed the thermal liner or to allow for a mid-layer. Typically, waist and arm adjusters will help stop material flapping around too much
The Alpinestars is a no-frills, basic jacket that’s slightly bell-shaped with no hem adjustment. Initial fit was reasonable though it felt tight at the forearms and under the armpits. It uses a single zip with a storm flap and so is easy to get on and do up. The cuffs are Velcro-fastened with a large gusset to go over or under gloves and it is ready for the company’s Tech 5 airbag. After ten minutes in the freezer, it started to feel chilly under the armpits, presumably a function of the tight fit there. On the road, there was a slight feeling of coolness at the front but overall, it felt less clammy than some others. It didn’t allow a huge amount of movement thought there was just enough. The vents did almost nothing though, either with the liner in or out, as they are located under the armpits and there are none on the back, to allow hot air out. It does not come with a back protector and the armour feels incredibly flimsy, inspiring very little confidence. Wet performance was reasonable, allowing some water in through the low collar and into the pockets and it held quite a bit in the outer layer.
VERDICT
A nice look but this hampers its performance — it’s tight and the armour feel poor.
‘No back protector and the armour feels flimsy’