Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Jacket - Black - 4XL

The quality is excellent. I'm 5ft 9" and i have a 34" waist and a 32" leg and I got the large which is a ok fit. I say ok because when I'm walking around the trousers are a inch or two too long and they bulk up at the bottom, you obviously don't have that problem when you're on the bike and actually the extra inch probably helps because of the bend in your knee. They only do small, medium, large, and so on, so I think for me they're probably the best fit I would get. I hope this helps someone out if buying them. They're really warm at the moment but we're in the summer months so that's to be expected. I haven't had a chance to try them in the winter yet but with the inside layer put back into them id say they will be excellent because as I said the quality is superb ... MoreThe quality is excellent. I'm 5ft 9" and i have a 34" waist and a 32" leg and I got the large which is a ok fit. I say ok because when I'm walking around the trousers are a inch or two too long and they bulk up at the bottom, you obviously don't have that problem when you're on the bike and actually the extra inch probably helps because of the bend in your knee. They only do small, medium, large, and so on, so I think for me they're probably the best fit I would get. I hope this helps someone out if buying them. They're really warm at the moment but we're in the summer months so that's to be expected. I haven't had a chance to try them in the winter yet but with the inside layer put back into them id say they will be excellent because as I said the quality is superb it really is. I got the matching jacket and that is the same in quality and for reference I got the extra large in the jacket "im about 13 stone" and its a good fit. I bought all my gear from motocard and in relation to the prices in Ireland its a no brainer, I saved €200 on a identical helmet. Its about a two week wait to get the gear but for what you save its well worth it. I checked out all the motorbike sites and I couldn't find anywhere that was cheaper than motocard unless you want to take your chances with China but for me you only have to read some of the comments and that makes China a no go for me. Happy shopping, if you ask me you can't go wrong.P.S Motocard, if you want to send me some free gear for my favourable review, well you have my address.

Don’t believe everything they say…

I read and watched a lot of reviews and even with half of them claiming this wasn’t a great jacket I took a chance. In my opinion for the price it can’t be beat! I live on Vancouver island where rain and variable weather conditions are the norm. The liner is super easy to remove and folds up small but is warm enough when you need it. Hit a couple of rain days and I stayed dry. The air vents are decent enough to keep me cool on the highway but is bit warm when I hit some single tracks and had a heavy work out. Loads of pockets if you’re crazy enough to put things in your pockets.The armor could be better. I feel vulnerable with the lack of back plate and very light elbow pads. I also found that the collar rubs the neck and can get uncomfortable.

Excellent jacket

I've owned two of these jackets. The first one was damaged in a very serious accident. I was using only the armor that came in the jacket. I broke my humorous right at the ball and socket, but it was very minor compared to damage my legs took. I could see upgrading the armor, but this is a personal choice. The fabric did tear, but it held up and I had zero road rash.I live in the East Coast and I wear this jacket during the coldest days in winter. If the road isn't covered in Ice, I ride. I wear a freeze-Out thermal and the liner that came with the jacket and I'm comfortable into single digit temps. For me this is not an all-weather jacket. I'm a big guy and at a certain temp, I get hot and grumpy. I'm okay with this jacket into the mid 80's and then I'm looking ... MoreI've owned two of these jackets. The first one was damaged in a very serious accident. I was using only the armor that came in the jacket. I broke my humorous right at the ball and socket, but it was very minor compared to damage my legs took. I could see upgrading the armor, but this is a personal choice. The fabric did tear, but it held up and I had zero road rash.I live in the East Coast and I wear this jacket during the coldest days in winter. If the road isn't covered in Ice, I ride. I wear a freeze-Out thermal and the liner that came with the jacket and I'm comfortable into single digit temps. For me this is not an all-weather jacket. I'm a big guy and at a certain temp, I get hot and grumpy. I'm okay with this jacket into the mid 80's and then I'm looking for my summer jacket.I'm no stranger to rain. I prefer the Drystar to Goretex because the Drystar doesn't get as clammy. This protects against moderate rain as long as you have the neck pulled tight. You won't stay 100% dry but I haven't found anything that will do that.Velcro holds up nicely, the zippers haven't failed on either jacket and the colors don't fade after use in the sun. I'm looking to add a third one to my collection because my current color choice clashes with my current bike.

Good protection options, seems to be quality.

First off only giving 4 stars cause I haven't ridden with it (working on my bike) but right off the top it fits great, bought a medium and I'm 5'9.5, 145lbs a tiny bit roomy in the stomach area and a little bit extra length in the sleeves but better to have too much than too little, and I prefer a more relaxed fit incase I want to add layers, also I measure about a 31/32 sleeve. That being said the chest area is more snug, and I measure about a 38 inch chest, however that wasn't a problem even after adding my chest and back protection inserts (nucleon Alpinestars). Keep in mind with regards to jackets I'm always somewhere between small and medium but lean toward a medium for comfort. For super athletic fits I'm a small.**NOTE** I couldn't find the access for the ... MoreFirst off only giving 4 stars cause I haven't ridden with it (working on my bike) but right off the top it fits great, bought a medium and I'm 5'9.5, 145lbs a tiny bit roomy in the stomach area and a little bit extra length in the sleeves but better to have too much than too little, and I prefer a more relaxed fit incase I want to add layers, also I measure about a 31/32 sleeve. That being said the chest area is more snug, and I measure about a 38 inch chest, however that wasn't a problem even after adding my chest and back protection inserts (nucleon Alpinestars). Keep in mind with regards to jackets I'm always somewhere between small and medium but lean toward a medium for comfort. For super athletic fits I'm a small.**NOTE** I couldn't find the access for the chest pockets at first, but after calling alpinestars they guided me; there is a zipper pocket by the tailbone area (bottom) that allows you to access underneath the mesh layer inside. The chest pockets are between the rain and mesh layer, with the velcro accessible just below where the red zipper for the warm layer ends. Also the shoulder and elbow pads are accessible from the same tailbone zipper spot.I bought this specifically because I want the chest protection as well as a potential 4 season jacket. I'm confident this jacket will last me a long time, seems durable and extra protection in high abrasion spots, I may upgrade to CE 2 in the elbows + shoulders but for now I like the flexibility of the CE1.For a total of $400 with the best back and chest insert alpinestars sells, I'd say it's a solid bang for the buck, 4/5 stars in that regard. Can't speak for the durability of course or the rain coverage, or breathability.Will try to update in the spring.

Honda Andes V3 Drystar® Jacket L / Ice Gray/Blue/Bright Red

So, you got yourself the Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin tricolore, congratulations, excellent choise!Now, you want a jacket to protect you on all weather conditions, while looking fabulous? Then this is the jacket for you!Tested in mild mediterranean autumn and winter conditions, the jacket kept me warm thanks to its interior -removable- thermal clothing.Spring and summer is generally hot here, and the jacket offers air vents that you can open them to allow the incoming air to flow insided and cool you a bit.There are many pockets, both inside and outside, so it can also be used as a commute jacket, not just a touring jacket.L1 shoulder and elbow protection is included, and can be upgraded to L2 if you like. Back protection upgrades are available too.To find my ... MoreSo, you got yourself the Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin tricolore, congratulations, excellent choise!Now, you want a jacket to protect you on all weather conditions, while looking fabulous? Then this is the jacket for you!Tested in mild mediterranean autumn and winter conditions, the jacket kept me warm thanks to its interior -removable- thermal clothing.Spring and summer is generally hot here, and the jacket offers air vents that you can open them to allow the incoming air to flow insided and cool you a bit.There are many pockets, both inside and outside, so it can also be used as a commute jacket, not just a touring jacket.L1 shoulder and elbow protection is included, and can be upgraded to L2 if you like. Back protection upgrades are available too.To find my size, I used the instructions provided to measure my chest circumference and my height before deciding what to choose; don't neglect your height and go just for chest-waist measurements.Overall, I highly recommend this jacket.

Love this WARM Jacket

I have not had a chance to wear it since, surprise the temp went up here in Jersey and I'm still wearing spring/summer gear. But it's WARM I could not keep it on for too long in the house. I got an XXL because in the past all my Alpinestars jackets seemed to be cut small and slender. I'm normally in a Large or XL, and need extra room for my chest. So I went bigger, however I could have gotten the XL and been fine, even w/ an added heated layer on under the jacket. I love how tight the wrists can be, but I am concerned on how large the neck hole is. It seems to be made well and I'll hopefully get to wear it for a very long time. the ONLY thing I don't like about this jacket is that it does not have the traditional "hand warmer" pockets, just the "cargo" type pocket. ... MoreI have not had a chance to wear it since, surprise the temp went up here in Jersey and I'm still wearing spring/summer gear. But it's WARM I could not keep it on for too long in the house. I got an XXL because in the past all my Alpinestars jackets seemed to be cut small and slender. I'm normally in a Large or XL, and need extra room for my chest. So I went bigger, however I could have gotten the XL and been fine, even w/ an added heated layer on under the jacket. I love how tight the wrists can be, but I am concerned on how large the neck hole is. It seems to be made well and I'll hopefully get to wear it for a very long time. the ONLY thing I don't like about this jacket is that it does not have the traditional "hand warmer" pockets, just the "cargo" type pocket. As someone obsessed w/ keeping my hands in my pockets cause they are always cold, this is the only major down side for me. Also invest in better padding, this will not save your elbow if you land on a rock or pavement.

Nice but...

I've had this jacket for a couple of months now. I bought the gray/white version. I went to my local CG to look at a Dainese jacket and came home with the Andes instead. It fit better and cost less. I have a fairly slim build and the Alpinestars jacket was a better fit on the torso.A few thoughts based on my short time with this jacket:Materials are nice and appear to be durable. Construction is good. Should last many California winters. I doubt I would wear it any other time of year, I have other jackets better suited to spring and fall riding. But in temps down to the 40s with a couple of layers underneath it keeps me nice and warm. I haven't worn it without the liner yet.Armor is thin and flexible. I barely notice the elbow armor and don't notice the ... MoreI've had this jacket for a couple of months now. I bought the gray/white version. I went to my local CG to look at a Dainese jacket and came home with the Andes instead. It fit better and cost less. I have a fairly slim build and the Alpinestars jacket was a better fit on the torso.A few thoughts based on my short time with this jacket:Materials are nice and appear to be durable. Construction is good. Should last many California winters. I doubt I would wear it any other time of year, I have other jackets better suited to spring and fall riding. But in temps down to the 40s with a couple of layers underneath it keeps me nice and warm. I haven't worn it without the liner yet.Armor is thin and flexible. I barely notice the elbow armor and don't notice the shoulder armor at all. I had an Icon D30 back protector so I am using that, but the fit could be better. It's a bit smaller than the back armor pocket.Outer lower pockets are roomy and the outer chest pockets are handy. Inner chest pocket is impossible to find without looking while wearing gloves. I put a key ring through the zipper pull to make it easier to locate.So much velcro! I find it annoying at times. Velcro on the sleeves has a habit of sticking on other parts when putting the jacket on.Also annoying: the zipper is hard to locate and align without looking. The quilted liner gets in the way too when you are trying to zip up. The design would be better with the liner zip at the edge of the liner, not a couple of inches in from the edge.There's a little hook for holding the collar open. I find it to be useless. Collar slips off way too easily.Final complaint: the belt is a bit higher than it should be.Overall though, it's very nice.

Saved me from the Dragon!

+ Actually waterproof+ Not too heavy+ Pretty warm with the liner in, along with another layer or two depending on temps+ Stylin'+ Saved my shoulder during a low side* Doesn't come with a back protector- When it's wet-wet, you have to make sure the bottom of the jacket covers the crotch of the matching Andes v3 pants, or your crotch WILL get wet.- A bit too warm on warm days (not enough vents!)- The tag just below my neck often scratches/tickles while riding (move it somewhere else i.e. bottom left seam)- Likewise, the seam on the velcro strap on the front of the neck band scratches my neck while riding

Very Warm Jacket

Just got back into riding last year. Bought a cheap jacket to meat equipment requirements for the safety course unsure if I’d keep it up. Definitely keeping it up so decided to upgrade to a jacket that would protect better from the elements and colder temps. Blown away with how warm this jacket is with just a sweatshirt under. Riding in warm conditions great with the superb venting flaps. Out in 10C temps no problem with flaps closed. Will prob get the pants next year.

Very small sizes

Both jacket and pants felt like good quality. It's very thick though, so definitely only for cold weather riding. Videos talking about sizes had a person wearing L, who weighted significantly more than me. However, I was barely able to close my pants (size L), although my jeans size is around 32/33. Jacket was fitting a bit better, but still felt a bit too small. So clearly selected at least one size up would have been the right choice. I returned the jacket & pants.