Alpinestars SP1 gloves - review
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The SP1 is Alpinestars mid-range performance summer glove designed for general road use and track day addicts alike and is a stunning looking glove in its own right.
SP1 Performance Summer gloves
Initial Thoughts
Alpinestars make some of the most popular ranges of motorcycle clothing you will find anywhere and their gloves are especially popular, the SP1 is the mid-range offering set at a price-point that most riders can afford and not only do they offer a plethora of protection but the SP1 looks very good doing it. Our review pair was the white and black version which makes a nice change from the usual black or brighter colour options
Construction
Primarily constructed from leather in a variety of thicknesses across both the palms and back of the glove the SP1 also features lashings of Kevlar as additional abrasion resistance, the knuckles are formed from carbon fibre which is also echo'ed on the fingers courtesy of carbon fibre sliders. Also featuring in the fingers are raised pads that are punched to provide ventilation, a feature also included on the top of the wrist along the rather nice long wrist dual velcro closure. Unfortunately though the ventilation on these gloves does not seem to be as efficient as it would appear and even at 130mph my hands felt warm, however they are not by any stretch a bad job, in fact I love them. The fit is excellent, nice and tight but supple enough to let you get on riding straight off the bat and they do give you the feeling that should you come off you will remain protected, the only gripe I have with the gloves really is with the final finish of the product, call me picky if you like but for the money I would expect a tiny bit more attention to detail with the finishing such as long loose threads, badly trimmed edges on the leather.
Features
- Dual carbon protection on back of knuckles
- Kevlar and leather over fingers
- Kevlar lining
- Dual wrist closures
- Reinforced palm padding
- Kevlar on palm
- Flexible lateral wrist protection
- Kevlar and leather over back of hand and fingers
- Molded leather finger protection.
Editor reviews
Reviewed by Leigh Godson July 11, 2008
Last updated: May 29, 2010
Top 10 Reviewer - View all my reviews
Conclusion
A truly stunning looking glove with more than ample protection and at a reasonable price to boot. The research and development from their long racing history is apparent in the placement of things like the carbon finger sliders and wrist closure system.
The only real complaint I can make is with the final finishing of a few small areas on the gloves which is something I have seen on other pairs, that said it is only really superficial and as such does not detract from the overall quality feel of the glove which is comfortable and gives a confidence in its ability should the worst happen.
There is ventilation built in to the glove which perhaps works a little but I felt that a little more thought would have made this a fantastic glove, if it had the same TPU knuckle as the more expensive models it would be a knockout!
User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
Last updated: June 01, 2010
alpinestars
They are ok I spose but expensive compared to others but its alpinestars so you are paying for a trusted brand name
bob
