Alpinestars Supertech Gloves Review: 3-month update

Gallery Introduction The Fit The Comfort Our Take Product Details

Introduction

A quick recap. These are CE Level 2 rated gloves, which is a rarity even today. These are essentially the same as what the MotoGP star, Marc Marquez, wears. These come with Kevlar lining; there’s Keprotech in the palm area instead of hard plastic parts to enhance feel; and it gets DFS or Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield to withstand repeated abuse. Now, we have only used them on a racetrack so far, but not over long hours. And, that’s what we will touch upon in this report.

The Fit

The Supertech Gloves aren’t my first set of Alpinestars mitts. I have a pair for off-road use, and one for city riding. And in both cases, I wear a size XL. The Supertechs are XL as well. However, the latter have been a challenge to wear. The mouth of the glove is a little too tight. And as a result, every time I had to put them on, especially on the racetrack, I needed outside assistance.

However, once my hands were in, the fit was better than both the off-road and the road riding pair I own. It’s easy to make a fist. My pinky finger doesn’t get caught out. And even though the fit is snug, it’s not tight enough to bruise my knuckles. What’s more, the TPU dressed cuffs encircle the wrist without hassle, thus giving a secure fit.

The Comfort

The Supertech Gloves are expensive, and it shows in its construction materials. The gloves are supple where it matters. As a result, you don’t end up with calloused hands at the end of two days of a track day outing. Plus, it lends enough movement, flexibility, and feel in the fingers. So, it’s easy to work the clutch and brake properly, to open and close the helmet shield, and to push the various buttons on a motorcycle’s switchgear to work through the settings menu.

Moreover, the ventilation on these gloves is excellent. These are perforated, of course. But, there’s also a big opening around the knuckles area and then an exhaust in the cuffs, which directs the airflow over the hand, keeping things cool. We used them at the hot and humid Madras Motorsport Race Track, and at the hot and dry Buddh International Circuit. And on both counts, we didn’t get off the bike with sweaty or hot palms.

Our Take

The Alpinestars Supertech Gloves are the only CE Level 2 motorcycle gloves available in India. And this protection comes at a price. No surprise then that these are on the expensive side. And yes, these aren’t the easiest gloves to get on. Or at least that was the case when the gloves were new. But, the more I am using them, the easier it’s getting to put them on.

Also, if you are a track regular, and understand the importance of protection, especially when you are chasing faster lap times, the Supertech is worth the money. However, can these track-only gloves be your only investment when it comes to riding gloves? Will these work on the road as well, you know on a daily commute and maybe even while touring? Well, that’s exactly what we intend finding out for our next report.