So I have a $400 Scholarship check that was sent to me, since my school is already paid for by loans I though I could be financially irresponsible and sink it into a new riding jacket to replace the thin wilsons leather jacket I've been riding with.  What good is all that education anyways if I die in a crash?

I'm looking at Alpinestar one o one or something similar - black and white (bikes black,gray, white - black and gray jackets look awful). 
It has everything I'm looking for - vents, CE armor everywhere, zip out liner.  Only catch is no one around me carries alpinestar so I can't try anything on.  Before I sink 350 into zippers and dead cow hide I want to get everyones impression of Alpinestar jackets. Love em? Hate em?

I assume it must be top quality because its so pricey, but thats not always true. Sometimes expensive just means you're getting ripped off.

I have a TZ-1 I got from Pablo. Damn good jacket, but the front zipper pull got pulled off somehow. Still useable, but I just haven't bothered to fix it.

See if you can find a used one in good condition.

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on March 28, 2007, 09:03:59 AM
I have a TZ-1 I got from Pablo. Damn good jacket, but the front zipper pull got pulled off somehow. Still useable, but I just haven't bothered to fix it.

See if you can find a used one in good condition.

Kinda OT... Alpha, how does that size 36 fit you?  I'm thinking that's going to be the size I need when I eventually get the money for a new jacket (I'm 5'-8" and 125-130#)

Alpha, I was just looking at the TZ 1 and I was just about ready to get it but then I started reading some other reviews that got me worried.

How does it hold up in different weather conditions, I'll be riding in temperatures ranging between 45 and 95 degrees (thanks Ohio), I would understand having to pick up a mesh jacket for the extra hot summer days, but how hot is too hot for this jacket.

Also, How about reflective parts - I'll be getting black and gray since it will kinda go with the bike  (say what you will, I wouldn't wear a black belt and brown shoes, why would I wear a black bike and red jacket, or does the bike wear me?). I want to make sure I'm at least a little visible at night. Does this jacket show up pretty good at night?

Quote from: manofthefield on March 28, 2007, 09:47:06 AM
Kinda OT... Alpha, how does that size 36 fit you?  I'm thinking that's going to be the size I need when I eventually get the money for a new jacket (I'm 5'-8" and 125-130#)

It fits me very well, actually. Nice and trim in the waist, and snug along the arms, which is good because I have skinny arms. I stuck a CE armor back pad in place of the foam stuff that it comes with and it feels and fits better after that.

Quote from: mjn12 on March 28, 2007, 10:10:39 AM
How does it hold up in different weather conditions, I'll be riding in temperatures ranging between 45 and 95 degrees (thanks Ohio), I would understand having to pick up a mesh jacket for the extra hot summer days, but how hot is too hot for this jacket.

For colder weather it will be fine if you wear a long sleeve t-shirt underneath, and I have been using it with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s with no problem.

Quote from: mjn12 on March 28, 2007, 10:10:39 AM
Also, How about reflective parts - I'll be getting black and gray since it will kinda go with the bike  (say what you will, I wouldn't wear a black belt and brown shoes, why would I wear a black bike and red jacket, or does the bike wear me?). I want to make sure I'm at least a little visible at night. Does this jacket show up pretty good at night?

The only reflective parts are on the sleeves and the collar, so I'd imagine it is not very visible at night. However, I have not noticed any difference between people noticing me in the day and people noticing me at night.

I really liked 'em, but I couldn't find one that fit me juuuuuuust right...  My buddy loves his.  Already low-speed crash tested it...  No problems.

I have the stage perforated leather jacket, which I don't see on their website anymore so maybe they discontinued it. It's pretty nice, the only thing I don't like is that the pockets aren't very solid, they are just a mesh material which I don't trust much. But it's really nice when the temp is above 60. Haven't worn is a whole lot yet. I would like to get a TZ-1 also.

I got my Astar off ebay for 100 bucks with a little scuff on it.  It fits great, was already broken in, and the armor feels great.  If you have any doubts go try some on at a local moto shop to see what you like then try to find it cheaper somewhere else.. if you want.  But as far as the brand goes.. alpinestar is a good brand with good products, I will definitely buy their stuff again.

I got a job recently with buymoto.com, and I've been doing all of the shipping/receiving for the entire store.  There have been 6-7 A*s jackets coming thru, and I've checked out each one.  Good looking, overall, and the textile jackets they have seem to be pretty decent compared tos ome of the other companies' offerings.

Fit and finish seem to be plenty good for a $400 jacket as well.  Definitely recommend this brand over cheaper stuff.  I have a pair of the SP1 gloves and they are really nice too.  Supple leather so I can actually modulate the throttle and levers a lot easier than with the other gloves I tried on before buying the SP1s.  I'll probably go with the GP Plus model next time, and turn these SP1s into my crappy weather pair.

I've got an A* Spinner jacket and I couldn't be happier.

I've used it in sub 30 degree weather and over 90.  Both were a little uncomfortable but not unbearable.  Quality feels fantastic and I also replaced the cheap foam pad in the back with their optional CE approved back armour.  It has perforation on the sides and a lot of vents.  Also has reflective strips on the back and sides.  Mine is the black on black version.  I feel confident it will hold up when I go down.

I've been trying to find a url to link to but my PC is bombing out.  I'll post a pic if I get a chance.

I too have an A* jacket. I finally found a jacket that fits my 6'5" /195 lb frame that has arms long enough and doesn't pooch out at the stomach. Zip in/out lining Plenty of zippered, secure pockets   Decent and comfortable armour Seems suitable for temps ranging from 40s  to upper 80s I like the grey/black color.....kinda neutral, goes with everything else I wear. The only thing I don't like......too many Alpinestar insignias/logos......thinking about removing them.

Well I got the Astar TZ-1 in gray/ black.  Its the only gray/black I've seen and liked and since two of my friends that ride have all black icons and JR jackets, i needed something a little different.  It should be getting here just a day or two before my bike gets to campus, I will write up a review after a little while.

Well its here!!! Paid for newenough's three day ship (only $10) and I got it over night!!! Too bad I'm 50 miles from my bike.

Initial impressions: Build quality seems excellent. Double stitching, heavy leather, zippers seem much better than the ones I've fought with on a buddy's JR jacket. Its definately stiff but I'm assuming that will wear in over time. 

One question though - How tight SHOULD the jacket be standing up.  Its not pressing on my chest but theres not much room in it when I'm standing, especially towards the arms/shoulders.  When I assume a riding position it suddenly fits like a glove. I'm guess thats just how these work.  I measured my chest (36") and added two for a size 38 jacket (euro 48).  Is this typical of mc jackets or did I just order too small?

Also, with all of the armor in it doesn't just slide on like my loose regular coats, i have to strech/wriggle just a little

The jacket should fit you very well when in the riding position...  Other than that, it may be a little uncomfortable...  Don't bother reaching for the sky...   

Generally, I keep my leather unzipped when I'm not on the bike.


The other thing to remember about leather...  It's ALIVE!!!     OK, not really...  But, it will stretch/shrink/adjust as you wear it.  So, the older a leather jacket, the better it'll fit.  My buddy's A* jacket was rock-friggen-hard when he first got it, but now it bends in all the right ways and fits like a second skin.

The armor should be more-or-less stuck to you when your in the riding position...   If the armor moves away from where it should be, it's not much use.

RV's right, you want the jacket to fit best in your riding position. My 'star feels and fits best when I'm in the semi-crouched position behind my clip-ons, and when I'm not on the bike, it's unzipped.

I ordered the Icon Strongarm jacket from Dennis Kirk on Clearence.It's a XXXXL and it fits Tight.It may fit someone Better that isn't as much of a lard Ass than me.

I remeasured, i was definately wrong the first time.  Moral of the story - don't measure yourself. find some chick to do it...

(I mean chest measurements)

Quote from: mjn12 on April 03, 2007, 10:21:42 AM
(I mean chest measurements)

Quote from: mjn12 on April 03, 2007, 10:21:42 AM
I remeasured, i was definately wrong the first time.  Moral of the story - don't measure yourself. find some chick to do it...

(I mean chest measurements)

In that Case it Should be Easy. Oh you meant Chest measurements.