Hey there, fellow riders! Today, we're diving deep into a review of a piece of gear that's crucial for any serious motorcyclist: the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves. Gloves are more than just an accessory; they're your first line of defense in case of a spill and essential for maintaining control and comfort on long rides. So, let's get into what makes these gloves stand out, their strengths, and a few areas where they might fall a bit short.

First Impressions: Design and Features

When you first lay your eyes on the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves, you'll immediately notice their sleek, sporty design. These gloves aren't just about looks, though. They're packed with features designed to keep your hands protected and comfortable. The combination of leather and mesh is a telltale sign of their focus on providing both durability and ventilation. Let's break down some key design elements and features:

• Material Composition: The gloves are constructed from a mix of full-grain leather and 3D mesh. The leather is strategically placed in high-impact areas like the palm and fingers to offer superior abrasion resistance. The 3D mesh panels are located on the backhand and between the fingers to promote airflow, which is crucial for keeping your hands cool on hot days.
• Knuckle Protection: These gloves feature a hard-polymer knuckle protector that's designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces. This is a critical safety feature that can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in the event of a crash.
• Palm Protection: The palm is reinforced with synthetic suede and additional padding to enhance grip and provide extra protection. This is particularly important because the palm is often the first point of contact in a fall.
• Finger Protection: The fingers are equipped with accordion stretch panels to improve flexibility and dexterity. This allows you to maintain a good feel for the controls without sacrificing protection. Additionally, the gloves feature touch screen compatible fingertips, so you can use your smartphone or GPS without removing your gloves.
• Closure System: The gloves have a Velcro wrist closure that ensures a secure and adjustable fit. This prevents the gloves from slipping off during a crash and helps to keep them snug and comfortable.
• Ventilation: As the name suggests, ventilation is a key focus of these gloves. The 3D mesh panels work in conjunction with perforated leather to maximize airflow and keep your hands cool and dry. This is especially beneficial for riders who live in hot climates or who frequently ride in warm weather.

Protection and Safety: How Well Do They Hold Up?

Okay, let's talk about the most important aspect: protection. The Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves are built with several key features designed to keep your hands safe in case of an accident. These gloves incorporate a robust knuckle protector made from hard polymer. This shield is strategically positioned to absorb and disperse impact energy, significantly reducing the risk of fractures and other injuries to your knuckles. Impact protection is paramount, and Alpinestars has delivered a solid solution here.

Beyond the knuckles, the palm area receives special attention, being reinforced with synthetic suede and extra padding. This reinforcement is critical because the palm is often the first point of contact during a fall. The added padding helps to absorb impact and minimize abrasion, protecting the delicate bones and tissues in your hand. The synthetic suede enhances grip, providing a secure hold on the handlebars, which is crucial for maintaining control.

The fingers are also equipped with accordion stretch panels, which not only improve flexibility and dexterity but also offer an additional layer of protection. These panels allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that you can operate the controls with precision and without restriction. The inclusion of touch screen compatible fingertips is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to use your smartphone or GPS without removing your gloves, which could compromise your safety.

Alpinestars uses a combination of full-grain leather and 3D mesh in the construction of these gloves. Full-grain leather is known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, making it an ideal material for areas that are likely to come into contact with the ground during a fall. The 3D mesh panels, while primarily intended for ventilation, also contribute to the overall durability of the gloves. The secure and adjustable fit provided by the Velcro wrist closure is another crucial safety feature. This closure prevents the gloves from slipping off during a crash, ensuring that your hands remain protected at all times.

Comfort and Ventilation: Staying Cool on the Road

Now, let's talk about comfort and ventilation, because let's face it, nobody wants sweaty, uncomfortable hands on a long ride. The Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves really shine in this department, thanks to their thoughtful design that prioritizes airflow and breathability. These gloves utilize a combination of 3D mesh panels and perforated leather to maximize ventilation and keep your hands cool and dry, even on the hottest days. The 3D mesh panels are strategically placed on the backhand and between the fingers to promote airflow, while the perforated leather allows heat and moisture to escape.

The level of ventilation offered by these gloves is truly impressive, making them an excellent choice for riders who live in warm climates or who frequently ride in hot weather. The difference between wearing these gloves and a pair of traditional leather gloves is night and day. With the SP Air SC Gloves, you'll notice a significant reduction in sweat and discomfort, allowing you to stay focused and comfortable on the road. The accordion stretch panels on the fingers not only enhance flexibility and dexterity but also contribute to the overall comfort of the gloves. These panels allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that you can operate the controls with ease and without restriction.

The pre-curved finger construction is another thoughtful design element that enhances comfort and reduces fatigue. This design mimics the natural curvature of your hand, minimizing pressure points and allowing you to maintain a comfortable grip on the handlebars for extended periods. The Velcro wrist closure ensures a secure and adjustable fit, preventing the gloves from slipping off and allowing you to customize the fit to your liking. The soft, moisture-wicking lining further enhances comfort by drawing sweat away from your skin and keeping your hands dry. This is especially important on long rides when sweat can accumulate and cause discomfort. All these features combine to make the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves exceptionally comfortable and well-ventilated, making them an ideal choice for riders who prioritize comfort and performance.

Fit and Sizing: Getting It Just Right

Getting the right fit with any glove is critical, and the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves are no exception. A glove that's too tight will restrict movement and cause discomfort, while a glove that's too loose won't provide adequate protection. Alpinestars offers a wide range of sizes to ensure that you can find the perfect fit for your hands. It's essential to measure your hand accurately and consult the Alpinestars sizing chart before making a purchase. To measure your hand, use a flexible measuring tape to measure the circumference of your palm at the widest point, just below your knuckles. Also, measure the length of your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm. Compare your measurements to the Alpinestars sizing chart to determine the correct size.

When trying on the gloves, make sure they fit snugly but not too tightly. You should be able to move your fingers freely and operate the controls without restriction. The gloves should also provide good tactile feedback, allowing you to feel the controls and maintain a secure grip on the handlebars. Pay close attention to the fit in the palm and fingers, as these are the areas where you're most likely to experience discomfort if the gloves don't fit properly. The Velcro wrist closure should be snug but not too tight, and it should allow you to adjust the fit to your liking. If you're between sizes, it's generally better to choose the larger size, as it's always easier to tighten a glove than it is to stretch it. Keep in mind that the leather will stretch slightly over time, so the gloves may become more comfortable as you wear them. It's always a good idea to try on the gloves before making a purchase, if possible. This will allow you to ensure that they fit properly and that they're comfortable to wear. If you're ordering online, be sure to read customer reviews to get an idea of how the gloves fit and whether they run true to size.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good. Every piece of gear has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves are no different. Understanding these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about whether these gloves are the right choice for you.

Pros:

• Excellent Ventilation: The combination of 3D mesh panels and perforated leather provides exceptional airflow, keeping your hands cool and dry in warm weather.
• Solid Protection: The hard-polymer knuckle protector, reinforced palm, and full-grain leather construction offer a high level of protection in the event of a crash.
• Comfortable Fit: The pre-curved finger construction, accordion stretch panels, and moisture-wicking lining ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
• Touch Screen Compatibility: The touch screen compatible fingertips allow you to use your smartphone or GPS without removing your gloves.
• Stylish Design: The sleek, sporty design looks great and complements a variety of riding styles.

Cons:

• Not Ideal for Cold Weather: The excellent ventilation that makes these gloves so comfortable in warm weather also makes them less suitable for cold weather riding.
• Price: These gloves are priced in the mid-range, which may be a barrier for some riders.
• Durability: While the leather construction is durable, the mesh panels may be more prone to wear and tear over time.

Final Verdict: Are These Gloves for You?

So, what's the final word on the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves? Overall, these are a fantastic pair of gloves for riders who prioritize comfort, ventilation, and protection. They're especially well-suited for warm-weather riding, thanks to their excellent airflow and breathability. The solid protection features, including the hard-polymer knuckle protector and reinforced palm, provide peace of mind in the event of a crash. While they may not be the best choice for cold-weather riding, they're an excellent option for spring, summer, and fall. If you're looking for a pair of gloves that will keep your hands cool, comfortable, and protected on the road, the Alpinestars SP Air SC Gloves are definitely worth considering. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend warrior, these gloves will enhance your riding experience and keep you safe on the road. Just remember to measure your hand accurately and consult the Alpinestars sizing chart to ensure that you get the perfect fit.