PRODUCT TEST: Alpinestars Techstar Riding Gear

WHAT IT IS:
Techstar is Alpinestars’ top-of-theline riding gear (others are Racer, Braap and Charger) for 2014, and new styles are coming for 2015. The Techstar pant comes in sizes 28–40 and five color combinations (green/black, blue/ yellow, yellow/orange, white/red, white/orange) to match today’s sport quads and dirt bikes. Techstar jerseys come in sizes small–2XL in the same color combinations, and so do the Techstar gloves. All are built to be most comfortable when in the riding position and to provide good airflow for cooling.

FEATURES:
Techstar pants have multi-panel nylon and air-mesh construction that’s PU-coated for added strength and durability. Mesh inserts behind the ventilated Airmesh panels increase airflow for venting heat and sweat, and the Babel pre-bent knee design and patented Vector back panel provide maximum comfort in the riding position. The knee has reinforced and padded 3D panels, and hidden stretch spandex allows expansion for more comfort with or without knee braces. Rip-stop reinforcement in the seat area provides abrasion-resistance, and silicone webbing inside keeps the jersey tucked. Inner-leg panels are debossed leather for grip, comfort and heat-resistance. Likewise, the jersey has pre-curved sleeves with padded foam elbows for more comfort, and Airmesh forearms maximize cooling. Techstar jerseys have longer tails to stay tucked, silicone grip at the neck for grip with the Bionic neck support, stretch mesh collar and fitted wrist cuffs. Techstar gloves have pre-curved, split-finger construction and vented TPR inserts, plus a suede thumb area.

PERFORMANCE:
Comfort, cooling and style are all high on the Techstar line. The $179.95 pant has a hidden zipper, snap closure and hip pocket for carrying keys, and there are dual pull tabs for a better fit. The $59.95 jersey stays tucked and flows cooling air well, and it’s comfortable to wear. Techstar gloves ($49.95) are also high tech with Airprene knuckle flex points, anti-vibe foam in the palms and silicone grip on the fingers. TPR wrist adjusters are also handy, and the gloves don’t bunch up when gripping the handlebars or steering wheel. Fit and finish are excellent on all, and the gear has proven durable.

CONCLUSION:
We’re stoked with Alpinestars’ Techstar gear line, and the pant, jersey and glove are loaded with high-end features for flexibility, comfort, fit and function. We can’t wait to try out the 2015s, and Alpinestars packs many of these features into its lower-priced Racer ($119.95, pant; $39.95, jersey; $34.95, glove) and Charger lines ($159.95, pant; $49.95, jersey; $39.95 glove). All lines have youth sizes as well, and 2015 will bring Racer Braap and Supermatic lines too.

contact: www.alpinestars.com, (800) 409-0903
rating: ★★★★
price: Pant, $179.95; jersey, $59.95; gloves, $49.95