Contemporary fashion and motorcycling come together with Alpinestars new Nero line of motorcycling apparel.
Motorcycling and style are synonymous with each another, yet when it comes to technical motorcycle-specific riding gear often style is sacrificed in order to accommodate bulky protection. Not so with Alpinestars new
Nero line of motorcycle riding apparel.
Designed to fuse the normally unrelated worlds of mainstream fashion and motorcycle protection apparel, Alpinestars Skeletal jacket comes in a variety of variations (including leather and textile constructions) designed to fit your life and the climate in which you ride. We tested the Alpinestars $670 Skeletal Air-Flo Textile jacket in metallic black.
Engineered for use in warmer climates, the Skeletal Air-Flo jacket is constructed out of an exceptionally lightweight Air-Flo mesh material, designed to resist abrasion and repel water (Additional abrasion-resistance is available with the Skeletal Kevlar Textile jacket). The Air-Flo mesh provides exceptional ventilation both on and off the motorcycle. So much in fact, that this jacket has become our number one choice for use on warm days, ensuring we arrive at our destination cool and collected. However, since the jacket’s superior ventilation is a characteristic of the material it can’t be zipped-closed or turned off. Thus its use in cooler weather it can be downright uncomfortable even with a thick thermal undershirt and the removable satin liner zipped-in.
Whether you're laying down rubber on the way to work...
We’ve always disliked the short-cut (between waist line and chest) typical of many riding jackets. So we’re pleased that the jacket features a longer hem, extending a few inches below the rider’s waist. Not only does the elongated cut deliver more panache, it has a body-flattering slimming effect. We also appreciate the jacket’s tailored fit especially in the neck, shoulder, waist and arm areas. Zippers on the jacket’s cuff and hem areas offer additional flexibility in terms of fit.
Externally, the jacket features four individual, snap-type pockets on the front, which are perfectly sized for a wallet, cell phone, camera, GPS or anything else that you might need to access at a stop. Plus, the snaps are tactile
Or cruising the streets on the weekend, Alpinestars Nero Skeletal jacket will make sure you look the part.
enough to use while wearing gloves. More pockets lurk inside the jacket, which are perfect for hiding other possessions.
In terms of protection, new closed-cell polyurethane memory foam is used in the shoulder and elbow areas which provide impact protection in an event of a get-off. The pieces can also be removed, if so desired, but due to its flexibility and precise anatomical fit, we don’t see much of a reason for it, even for a night out on the town without a motorcycle—the padding is that inconspicuous. Furthermore, an optional removable back protector can also be fitted, if so desired.
The jacket’s premium price-tag has the potential to dissuade a would-be buyer. But when you consider its unique degree of comfort, performance, aesthetics, not to mention quality, its high price-tag seems more reasonable.
Without question, in warmer weather, on the street, Astars new Air-Flo Skeletal textile jacket has become our favorite piece of riding apparel. Regardless, if we’re out railing corners, speeding to a business meeting or at night on the town, Astars new Skeletal jacket does it all in style.
Buy It Now: Alpinestars Nero Skeletal Air-Flo Jacket
MSRP: $670
Motorcycle Superstore Price: $670 to $1200
www.alpinestars.com
Alpinestars Jackets
