ALPINESTARS ANDES V3 DRYSTAR ADVENTURE TOURER JACKET REVIEW
Alpinestars Andes V3 Jacket has long been one of the Italian companies best sellers, and it’s easy to understand why. It offered all the comfort and protection a rider could want, all for a reasonable price.
Now, comes Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Adventure Tourer Jacket, which promises more features and improvements. However, how much room for improvement was there on a very popular and high performing product? Has Alpinestars simply tried to reinvent the wheel here or have they delivered a new and improved product?
Keep reading to find out.
Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Design
Not too dissimilar from its predecessor, the Andes V3 Drystar Jacket is sleek and stylish. Alpinestars have managed to reduce the appearance of bulk whilst still providing great protection and waterproofing for the rider.
It is available in 6 different colour options, with minimal branding that doesn’t scream ‘Biker’. That being said, you’ll find the Alpinestars logo on the chest, and shoulders, all of which are reflective.
You can also purchase matching trousers and gloves should you wish to complete the look. You’ll find a zip in the waste line should wish to attach the trousers to the jacket for added comfort.
Comfort
Thanks to the smart design of the jacket, and the removable inner liner, the Andes V3 is comfortable in most weather conditions. It’s well-fitting and has pre-curved sleeves allowing for more comfort on the road.
The waist and wrist don’t bite, and the neck has a soft finish to help ease any potential chaffing from extended use.
Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Saftey
In terms of safety, the Andes V3 brings a lot to the table. The entire jacket is made from advanced, reinforced polyester fabric which is designed to better protect the wearer. The arms and elbows have been reinforced with polymer textures to combat wear and tear.
In the shoulders and elbows, you’ll find certified, removable Nucleon flex-plus armour pieces that are as flexible as they are durable. They are also lightweight too, enhancing the comfort of the jacket.
The Andes V3 is polyvalent, with no inbuilt back protector, but there are pockets for back and chest protectors should you wish to use them. It has been designed to incorporate the Alpinestars Tech 5 airbag, should you wish to use it, with more room in the chest, shoulder, and bicep areas to accommodate this.
All these features combine to provide more protection for you, whilst also keeping you and your belongings dry.
Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Features
For starters, the Andes V3 boasts better breathability (100%) and water resistance, thanks to Alpinestars very own Drystar membrane material. The jacket performs very well in heavy rain, making it ideal for all weather conditions. The waterproofing is further enhanced by the main YKK chunky zip, which has storm flaps on either side to stop water from getting in. The collar also features double velcro that offers similar protection.
In the cooler months, the removable thermal liner will keep you warm. In the warmer months, the liner can be removed and the direct ventilation system will help to keep you warm and comfortable. The removable liner features two of its own pockets, which isn’t common with similar products, making it a welcome addition.
In terms of other storage, there are two front-loading pockets on the front of the jack, two waterproof certified pockets on either side of the chest (ideal for valuables), and one large pocket on the lower back of the jacket.
There are two vents located on either side of the chest that go through the waterproof layer and are secured via poppers. There are also two extractors located on the rear of the jacket to keep you cool.
Conclusion
So, it appears that Alpinestars has managed to improve on one of their most popular products. They’ve taken the very best of the Andes V2 and added welcome additions and improvements to deliver a versatile touring Jacket that any rider will love.
The Andes V3 will keep you dry, warm or cool year-round, and allow you to add as much protection as you like. The versatility and practicality alone are enough to give this Jacket our tick of approval, but it certainly helps that it looks great too!