Products 24 Oct 2014

Reviewed: 2015 Alpinestars Techstar Apparel

MotoOnline.com.au tests the 2015 Techstar gear from Alpinestars.

The 2015 Alpinestars Techstar jersey features a lightweight, fully vented poly-fabric main chassis construction for effective moisture-wicking performance. Perforated mesh inserts around the collar provide excellent breathability, especially when using the Alpinestars BNS neck support.

Pre-curved sleeves with padded foam elbows provide maximum comfort while airmesh forearms and underarms give added ventilation while riding. The jersey is cut longer in the rear tail area for compatibility with Alpinestars’ MX pants, plus rear silicon grip helps keep the jersey tucked in.

A comfort neck collar construction is featured for easy entry and exit while stretch wrist cuffs ensure an excellent fit. Sublimated fade-resistant graphics are also featured throughout the Techstar jersey line.

The Techstar pant’s multi-panel nylon and airmesh fabric construction is PU coated for additional strength and durability. Strategically die-cut perforated panels and mesh inserts provide increased and efficient ventilation.

The exclusive, patented ‘Vector’ back panel design provides maximum comfort and flexibility when riding. The patented ‘Babel’ knee design features a pre-bent, reinforced and padded 3D knee construction with hidden stretch spandex
expansion gusset for excellent fit in the riding position.

A heavy nylon rip-stop reinforcement on the seat area provides abrasion resistance and lightweight, ventilated, mesh with a stretch panel insert provides a better fit in a regular riding position.

Debossed leather reinforced inner-leg panels provide heat resistance, grip and comfort while the durable front zipper with snap front closure and dual waist adjustment pull-tabs allow for correct fitment.

The 2015 Techstar glove features an improved chassis design which incorporates a synthetic suede palm for a highly durable, extremely lightweight glove.

The glove is constructed in a pre-curved shape with Airprene knuckle flex points to reduce fatigue. A single piece Spandex upper area provides comfort and structural integrity.

‘Landing zone’ features thin anti-vibration foam for shock absorption that does not compromise grip while finger fourchettes covered with seamless one-piece lycra help avoid irritation.

TPR inserts on the fingers are featured for additional abrasion resistance and the TPR, Velcro and neoprene wrist closure provides a safe, comfortable and customised fit.

Positives:
First and foremost, as with the complete 2015 Alpinestars motocross range, this 2015 red/blue Techstar gear really does stand out. The Alpinestars designers are known for their bright and unique designs, which is definitely the case for the new year!

The Techstar jersey is super lightweight and very well ventilated, the perfect jersey for an Australian summer. Fitment of the jersey is great, right off the bat I felt comfortable and found no issues at all. The cuffs on the jersey are actually quite loose, which at first felt odd, but the extra airflow is great.

Now to the Techstar pant, the part of this gear set that I’m even more impressed with than anything else. The patented ‘Babel’ knee design with a hidden stretch spandex
expansion gusset is genius – huge fan of this design for sure.

At first I was surprised to see that design as I’d never worn Alpinestars gear before, but as soon as I put the pants on I was stoked. That extra hidden gusset allows for a huge amount of movement in the knee area and it’s very noticeable at all times.

The overall fit of the pant is awesome; not too tight, not too loose. The adjustable waist system is a great feature, allowing for that customised fit if you’re not exactly a size 32 pant for example. It’s something that I feel should be featured on all pants, it just makes life that much easier.

In the glove department, I was worried at first to see the ‘landing zone’ padded area in the lower-palm region. I’m one of those guys who’s all about single layer palms and minimal features. But, to my surprise, the Techstar glove felt great out on the track, that extra padding doesn’t interfere at all.

The overall fit of the glove was slightly tighter in the fingers, overall length was possibly just a touch less than some of the other gloves on the market. But to be honest, I’d rather a snug glove than a baggy glove, so that’s really no problem at all.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Negatives:
The only negative I could find with the 2015 Alpinestars Techstar gear was the waist buckle system. It utilizes a zipper and two buttons, something that I’d rather see switched out for a traditional system. Although it’s clear that Alpinestars went this way because of their adjustable waist straps, I’d still rather adjustment in the center also.

Verdict:
If you’re looking for a unique, functional and comfortable gear set for 2015, be sure to check out the new Alpinestars Techstar line – it’s got everything you’d need and more. With the likes of Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia and Jeffrey Herlings internationally, and Matt Moss, Lawson Bopping and Dylan Wills wearing the Techstar gear domestically, it’s clearly a high performance setup.

Coming in at a recommended retail price of $59.95 for the jersey, $199.95 for the pant and $49.95 for the glove, be sure to head to your local Alpinestars dealer or click here to check out the 2015 Alpinestars MX catalogue.

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