Alpinestars Airflow Jacket Review

As a top-tier offering from a respected brand, this jacket provides excellent protection and comfort without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the key features of the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow jacket, weigh its pros and cons, and compare it to similar products.

By the end, you’ll have all the details needed to determine if this leather motorcycle jacket is right for your needs and budget.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Alpinestars Airflow Review

Key Takeaways

• Athletic fit

• Premium protection

• Superior ventilationCheck Prices

Overview of the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow Leather Jacket

Table of Contents

The Alpinestars GP Force Airflow jacket is constructed from 1.3mm premium soft full-grain Buffalo leather for abrasion resistance, with perforated front and back panels for ventilation. Strategically placed stretch panels enhance flexibility and range of motion.

This CE-certified jacket is designed for performance riding in a tucked position, with pre-curved sleeves and accordion stretch inserts. It’s compatible with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air airbag system for additional impact protection.

Key features include:

• Removable windbreaker liner for versatility

• Nucleon Flex Pro armor on shoulders and elbows

• External Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) shoulder sliders

• Waterproof inner compartment

• Connector zipper to attach to riding pants

With its combination of protection, comfort, and airflow, the GP Force Airflow jacket excels on the track and aggressive street riding. It’s an excellent choice for sportbike and naked bike riders seeking a durable, high-end leather jacket.Check Prices

Pros and Cons of the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow JacketPros

• Premium leather construction offers excellent abrasion resistance

• Perforated panels provide superb airflow without compromising protection

• Stretch panels enhance flexibility and range of movement

• Windbreaker liner adds versatility for different conditions

• Pre-curved sleeves and accordion inserts optimize fit in a riding position

• Tech-Air-ready for airbag integrationCons

• Sizing runs small, so order a size up

• Perforations go to the edge, not localized, compromising durability

• No back protector included

• Expensive compared to textile jackets

While the GP Force Airflow is one of the pricier leather jackets around, most riders find it well worth the investment for its combination of safety, comfort, and performance. The quality construction and protective features instill confidence when riding aggressively.

Just be aware that the jacket runs small, so ordering a size up is recommended to achieve the ideal slim fit. Some users also note that the perforations going to the edge reduce long-term durability.Check Prices

What I think About The Alpinestars GP Force Airflow

To start off with, I would give this jacket a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and here’s why.

This jacket flows a ton of air! I stay much cooler on hot summer rides than other leather motorcycle jackets. The jacket broke in nicely and now fits like a glove without restricting my movement.

How Does the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow Jacket Compare?

The GP Force Airflow goes head-to-head with similar premium sport-oriented leather motorcycle jackets like the Dainese Racing 3 and the Rev’It Eclipse. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Protection: All three jackets feature CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor. But only the GP Force Airflow is Tech-Air ready for airbag integration.

• Comfort: The GP Force Airflow’s stretch panels make it the most flexible and comfortable of the three when riding aggressively.

• Airflow: With perforated panels on the front and back, the GP Force Airflow provides the most ventilation for warm-weather riding.

• Price: The Dainese Racing 3 is the most affordable at around $400, followed by the GP Force Airflow at $550 and the Rev’It Eclipse at over $600.Check Prices

While the other two jackets have their merits, the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow strikes the best overall balance of safety, flexibility, airflow, and value. Riders looking for a track-ready leather jacket get premium protection without breaking the bank.

Unmatched Performance and Protection

When riding aggressively, whether carving canyons or pushing the limits on a racetrack, you need a jacket that can keep up.

The GP Force Airflow delivers an athletic fit tailored for the tucked position. The pre-curved sleeves and articulated elbows make it effortless to assume an aerodynamic posture.

The leather chassis and CE-approved Nucleon Flex Pro armor provide abrasion resistance and impact protection when you need it most. The jacket remains stable at high speeds without flapping or riding up.

And when the temperatures rise, the perforations provide cooling airflow directly to the upper body. Alpinestars made a leather jacket that truly breathes while offering solid protection.Check Prices

Dialed Fit and Sizing

Finding a trim-fitting leather jacket for athletic builds can be tricky. The GP Force Airflow accounts for the needs of riders with its strategic stretch panel placement and pre-shaped design.

That said, be mindful that this jacket runs small, according to most users. While Alpinestars’ size chart lists it as a slim fit, many riders say you should order a full size up from your normal size to achieve the ideal sporty fit.

For best results:

• Measure your chest and consult the size chart to pick your starting size

• Read user reviews about fit and consider sizing up

• Try on in person with proper base layers if possible

• Allow for some break-in to shape to your body

With the right sizing, the GP Force Airflow contours to your natural riding position without restriction while leaving room for a back protector. A simple base layer or t-shirt is all you need underneath for hot weather.Check Prices

Premium Value for a Reasonable Price

In the world of leather jackets, you can easily spend upwards of $1000 or more for top-tier brands like Vanson or Schott.

While the GP Force Airflow sits at the higher end for Alpinestars gear, it delivers premium construction and protection for a relatively reasonable price.

At the time of writing this review, the price is $549.95, but it is often discounted to around $375 during sales. That’s an amazing deal for a feature-packed, CE-approved sport-riding jacket suitable for casual and aggressive use alike.

Many riders find the GP Force Airflow offers the ideal balance of quality, performance, and value. It eschews some fancy bells and whistles to deliver where it counts most – protection, fit, and comfort.Check Prices

FAQ

Q: Does the GP Force Airflow jacket have a rain liner?

A: No, it does not include a rain liner. A separate Alpinestars rain jacket must be purchased to use with this jacket in wet conditions.

Q: What kind of armor does it have?

A: It has Alpinestars’ CE Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro armor in the elbows and shoulders. An Alpinestars Nucleon back protector can be added as an upgrade.

Q: How durable is the perforated leather?

A: Some riders note the non-localized perf design compromises long-term durability. But the 1.3mm Buffalo leather still holds up reasonably well for most. Proper maintenance helps.

Q: Can I attach pants to this jacket?

A: Yes, it has a 360° waist connection zipper to attach compatible Alpinestars riding pants.

Q: Does it have pockets?

A: Yes, it has two external zippered pockets and an internal waterproof pocket for valuables.

Conclusion

For sportbike riders seeking aggressive performance combined with excellent airflow, the Alpinestars GP Force Airflow jacket delivers.

It provides exceptional comfort and protection compared with alternatives, justifying its higher price point.

Carefully read reviews and consult the size chart before ordering, as the jacket does run small. To maximize safety, make sure to add a back protector.

Once you dial in the fit, the GP Force Airflow feels like it was custom tailored for carving canyons and hitting apexes on the track. Check it out from online retailers like RevZilla to see if it’s the right choice for your high-performance needs.