Top 5 Items At 2017 Alpinestars Gear Presentation

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Drum roll… And the award for most enthusiastic gear presentation goes to Alpinestars’ technical media guru, Heath Confran! Applause, cheers, whistles… Heath’s excitement for Alpinestars’ products is palpable and infectious. For good reason because coming soon Alpinestars has a variety of cool new kit for all riding disciplines. The marathon presentation included way too much to cover in entirety, so we chose our favorite five items. For viewing everything new that requires a license plate to ride, go here. For all you dirt-only guys, click here. To see our five faves simply continue reading.

1. GP Plus Leather Suit

When it comes to asymmetrical one-piece riding suits, MotoGP riders are the fashion trendsetters. Now you can emulate your GP heros with the Alpinestars GP Plus leather suit. Retailing for $1,199.95, the GP Plus is an upper mid-level suit featuring 1.3mm full-grain leather construction with external Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) protectors in the knees and shoulders, a 3D mesh and leather collar, and poly-fabric stretch panels in the crotch, underarms, calf and behind the knee areas.

The performance-fit suit also features poly-textile accordion stretch panels on the back and elbows, improved ventilation in the perforated back hump, and a waterproof internal pocket. Alpinestars went the extra mile to ensure the suit matches perfectly with its new Super Tech gloves (see below), and SMX Plus boots.

MSRP: $1,199.95
Sizes: 46-60 / 46-64 (Black/White/Red)
Colors: Black/White/Red/Yellow Fluo, Black/White/Yellow Fluo, Black/White/Red

2. Supertech Leather Gloves

According to Heath, the Supertech is the first all-new road race glove from Alpinestars in three years, and from what we saw it was completely worth the wait. With feedback gleaned from Alpinestars-wearing racing royalty like Lorenzo and Marc Marquez, Alpinestars’ says the Supertech is the company’s most technically advanced performance racing glove. The most significantly new feature of the Supertech is the addition of Keprotech reinforcements on the palm and outer impact areas for abrasion resistance and temperature stability. The material is lighter and more flexible than the hard plastic sliders seen in other gloves.

Note that each digit is a pre-curved, one-piece design with internal seams, leaving nothing but soft kangaroo hide between your fingers and the bike’s handlebar. The Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system is split in the middle of the four knuckles to provide further flexibility and comfort while riding, as does the ergonomic stretch insert between the thumb and palm.

MSRP: $399.95
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: Black, Black/White, Black/White/Red, Black/Red/Yellow

3. Track Vest 2

The Track Vest 2 boasts all the protection of a CE level-2 back protector, with the added benefits of padded chest, shoulders and ribs protection. Upgrade the foam pads in the chest for CE level-1 Nucleon KR-Ci chest protectors for an additional $40.

The Track Vest also boasts an adjustable kidney belt. Made to fit underneath track suits or riding jackets, the Track Vest provides ample protection, optimal comfort, and the ease of slipping it on or off in seconds.

MSRP: $199.95
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black

4. Valparaiso 2 Drystar Jacket/Pants

The combination Valparaiso 2 Drystar jacket and pants comes in about $600 less than the top-of-line Durban combo, which is a great savings in just about anyone’s book. The all-weather Valparaiso ensemble features Alpinestars’ proprietary Drystar material that’s both waterproof and breathable, as well as a thermal liner that can be removed and worn as a stand-alone jacket.

When the temps remain warm after removing the thermal liner, fresh air is circulated into the suit via the Jet Ventilation System of easy-to-open air vents found on both the jacket and pants. Removable CE-certified armor is found in the shoulder and elbow areas, while the chest and back compartments come with foam padding (both can be upgraded to Nucleon protectors). The pants also feature pre-curved legs, accordion panels and removable CE-certified protectors at the knees, and a removable Drystar liner. Sizing for the pants begins with Small, and Alpinestars also offers a short-leg tailored version.

MSRP: $489.95/$329.95
Sizes: S-4XL
Colors: Black Anthracite, Light Gray/Black

5. Corozal Adventure Drystar Oiled Leather Boots

Who says you can’t have the best of everything. With Alpinestars’ Corozal boots you get all the performance a modern boot should have, with a nostalgic vibe that should patina well the more they’re used. Most notable about the Corozals is the full-grain waxed leather uppers and the suede leather panels. The vintageness ends there with the boots sporting an all-new closure system including a ratchet with memory and a quick-release/locking system. Protection is what you’d expect from a CE-certified boot with TPU shin and calf plates, double-density ankle disc protectors, shin and calf plates, and a bio-mechanical lateral “flexi-blade” system that supports and protects the ankles. Super cool, super safe, and super stylish!

MSRP: $299.95
Sizes: 7-13
Colors: Black/Brown

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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