Alpinestars Stella T-Dyno Air Jacket - Review

The massively popular ladies specific T-Dyno jacket from Alpinestars is now available in a mesh, summer vented variant making comfortable riding on a hot summers day a breeze.I get one on for some testing in an oddly warm Springtime and give it the run down.

Initial Thoughts

This is a seriously good looking jacket which takes much of its design from the seasonally popular men’s T-dyno leather jacket but as part of the Stella range it is exclusively cut and sized for women. The jacket for this review is black and white and its also available in a pink or red version. The majority of the black panels on the jacket with the exception of the decorative stripes down both of the shoulders both front and back is mesh.

One thing that stands out with this jacket and that is it's a beautifully cut item and is a really flattering fit, all of the armour sits in the correct place and doesn't move about or twist when riding, I believe this is because the armour is Alpinestars own specification Knox asymmetric offering which sits on the contour of each respective shoulder - little touches here and there make a big difference it seems . The Stella T-Dyno Air does exactly what its designed to do, it keeps you lovely and cool when riding in the heat but its in no way as flimsy as other mesh jackets I have worn, sometimes you think that mesh is too thin to be safe but because of the thickness in important impact area's you feel like you are wearing a regular jacket.

Construction

The outer mesh and inner liner are multi layered so the jacket feels really well made and work really well to keep you cool whilst also stopping you getting too cold when the sun ducks behind some cloud - a very common problem here in the uk. The construction is ample enough to withstand a light shower or two but would not fare too well in a downpour, you have an option there in purchasing the Angel Air jacket from Alpinestars but in my opinion this is such a gorgeous jacket that including a light wind/rain inner jacket would have seriously given a boost to the appeal of the Stella T-Dyno Air across a wider audience.

The problem as far as I can see it is that we are prone to changeable weather conditions over here and one hot day out on the bike may also see big patches of cloud and reduced temperatures as well as light rain, over on the continent where warm days typically stay that way though, this jacket comes into its own for sure. Hopefully we will get more summer days like the ones in March and April that saw me clinging to the bars and taking in all that spring had to offer.

Made of 600 denier polyester the Alpinestars T-Dyno Air and sporting a YKK® zipper to keep the jacket securely fastened while riding, and has a fixed mesh lining and is fitted with Knox CE asymmetrical shoulder and elbow protectors with a PE comfort back pad which can we swapped out for alternative back armour if required. It is equipped with two external zip pockets and three internal, two of which are fastened with Velcro and one on the left of the chest which fastens with a zip. Snap button waist adjustment increases the range of fit for lucky slimmer ladies and the Velcro adjustable wrist flaps allow for a nice snug fit around most riding gloves.

• CE Approved elbow and asymmetrical shoulder armour.

  Pocket for back protector which comes with a PE comfort padding insert (Alpinestars CE Bio Armour back protector insert and Tech Chest Guards available as accessory upgrade).

  Velcro cuff fastener

  Full length internal waist connection zipper allows attachment to selected Alpinestars leather and textile pants.

  3 inner pockets and 2 external pockets

  Waist adjuster

  Reflective logos for improved night time visibility on chest, arms, collar and across back.