The Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Gloves have been making waves in the motorcycle gear industry, promising a perfect blend of protection, comfort, and weatherproofing. This is why we decided to test them out.
But can the Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Gloves truly deliver on their promises of superior protection and comfort, even in the harshest weather conditions? And are these the best waterproof motorcycle gloves for you? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain is no match
- Supple dexterity retained
- Waterproof protection assured
Our Final Verdict
In my experience, the Alpinestars SMX Z Drystar is an excellent choice for warm-weather riding.
The supple full-grain leather construction provides a comfortable fit while offering good abrasion resistance. The hard knuckle protector insert adds an extra layer of safety against impacts.
I really like the touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which allow me to operate my phone or GPS without removing them.
One potential drawback to consider is that they may not provide enough insulation for colder temperatures.
While the Drystar waterproof membrane keeps your hands dry in light rain, they are not designed for extreme wet conditions.
Additionally, some users have reported that they can feel stiff initially and may require a break-in period.
It’s worth noting that prices can change as special offers become available from retailers like Revzilla.com, so be sure to check for the best deals before making your purchase. Revzilla also offers a price match guarantee, ensuring you won’t be beaten on price.
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Comparison to Similar Products
| Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 21 Radiant | – Waterproof and breathable Hipora membrane – Knuckle protection and reinforced palm – Touchscreen compatible fingertips – Adjustable wrist closure | $99.99 |
| Joe Rocket Windchill | – Waterproof and insulated – Reinforced knuckle protection – Adjustable wrist strap – Reflective piping for visibility | $79.99 |
| 100% Brisker Glove | – Lightweight and breathable mesh construction – Silicone printed fingertips for grip – Adjustable TPR wrist closure – Knuckle protection | $39.99 |
| Revit Cassini H2O | – Waterproof and breathable Hydratex membrane – Goatskin leather palm and fingers – Knuckle protection and reinforced palm – Adjustable wrist strap | $129.99 |
| KLIM Adventure GTX Short | – Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane – Goatskin leather palm and fingers – Knuckle protection and reinforced palm – Adjustable wrist strap | $149.99 |
The Highway 21 Radiant and Joe Rocket Windchill are both waterproof and insulated, making them suitable for colder and wet conditions.
However, the Radiant Glove has touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which can be convenient for using smartphones or GPS devices while riding.
The 100% Brisker is a lightweight and breathable option for warmer weather, with a mesh construction and silicone-printed fingertips for grip. It lacks the waterproofing and insulation of the others but is also more affordable.
The Revit Cassini H2O and KLIM Adventure GTX Short are both premium options with waterproof and breathable membranes, as well as goatskin leather palms and reinforced knuckle protection.
The KLIM uses the highly regarded Gore-Tex membrane, while the Revit is slightly more affordable.
Overall, the choice between them will depend on your budget, weather conditions, and personal preferences for features like touchscreen compatibility, insulation, and breathability.
How Do the Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Measure Up?
I find that Alpinestar motorcycle gloves have a snugger fit than most. The slim design provides excellent control and feedback.
I typically wear a size large, and the size large SMX Z has some slight excess material in the thumb and index finger.
For motorcyclists looking for motorcycle protective equipment with a tighter wrap, consider going down one full size.
The spandex gussets and leather accordions offer plenty of flex room while eliminating bulk. Overall, the reduced volume creates a “broken-in” feel right out of the box.
What Are the Key Characteristics?
Gear for motorbike riders should ideally blend protection, flexibility, comfort, and versatility. As I evaluated the specifications of the Alpinestars SMX Z Drystar, several beneficial properties stood out:
- Lightweight and Low Profile: Weighing only 0.45 lbs, they have a slim design with flexible panels for unmatched dexterity. The mica suede palm offers abrasion resistance without bulk.
- Waterproof and Breathable Drystar Membrane: Alpinestars utilizes a waterproof yet breathable Drystar liner to keep hands dry in wet riding conditions.
- Carbon Fiber Knuckle Protection: The SMX Z incorporates injection-molded carbon fiber protectors on the knuckles. This advanced technology allows for impact energy distribution over a larger surface area.
- Goat Leather Construction: The majority of them are made of premium full-grain goat leather, which provides heightened abrasion resistance in key areas. Goat leather beautifully balances durability, suppleness, and comfort.
- Touchscreen Capability: Conductive fingertip material on the thumb and index finger allows easy smartphone and GPS use while wearing the SMX Z. No need to remove them each time I want to change a playlist!
Evaluating the Protection Level
Protection is paramount to prevent injury in the event of an accident. Here’s how these Alpinestars stack up regarding safety:
- Abrasion Resistance: The full-grain goat leather construction resists abrasion exceptionally well in key impact zones. The mica suede heel of the palm provides extra abrasion protection.
- Impact Protection: Injection molded carbon fiber protects the knuckles from direct blows. Less rigid than true carbon fiber, this advanced shielding allows dexterity while still absorbing and distributing impact.
- Wrist Support: An integrated wrist closure, elastic gussets, and Velcro tab securely lock down the SMX Z to prevent shifting and keep wrists supported.
For regular street and commuter use, I find the level of protection wholly reasonable. The blend of premium leather, shields, and supportive closures offers peace of mind against road rash without compromising comfort.
How Does Waterproofness Hold Up?
The standout feature of the Alpinestars SMX Z Drystar is the waterproof and breathable Drystar® liner. Based on my testing, they excel at keeping hands dry while promoting airflow for comfort:
- Total Water Impermeability: My hands stayed completely dry wearing the SMX Z during extended rides in moderate to heavy rainfall.
- Wind Protection: The snug leather and membrane construction locks out cold air beautifully. Fending off wind chill keeps my hands warmer and less prone to cramping.
- Moisture Wicking: While waterproof, the Drystar membrane still enables sweat evaporation so my hands don’t turn clammy after hours of wear.
The only thing missing? A handy visor wipe would have completed the water protection. Still, the Drystar integration is flawless for guarding bikers’ hands against the elements.
Final Verdict: Yay or Nay on the Alpinestars SMX Z?
When reviewing motorcycle protective gear like these bikers mitts, I focus on quality, effectiveness, wearability, and value for riders. Given my criteria:
⛑️ Premium materials provide substantial abrasion resistance
⛑️ Injected carbon fiber shields against impact
⛑️ Drystar makes them fully waterproof
⛑️ Sleek low profile design boosts comfort and dexterity
Based on my first-hand testing and experience, Alpinestars nails all the factors with the SMX Z Drystar.
I give them my stamp of approval for street riding and commuting use. While not winter-insulated, they excel well in wet-weather conditions.
For riders seeking versatile, do-it-all motorcycle protective equipment with exemplary protection, the SMX Z model is a fantastic choice to keep hands guarded season after season.
Given the performance level, exceptional construction quality, and reasonable price tag, I believe most bikers would be thrilled with these Alpinestars mitts.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other inquiries about the Alpinestars SMX Z Drystar! As an avid fellow motorcyclist, I’m here to provide more info. Ride on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical price range?
The price range is quite wide. Entry-level options typically retail between $20 to $50.
Mid-range prices span from $50 up to around $150, while premium protection usually costs over $200+ in many cases.
Do they make it harder to grip and control bikes?
While any type of mitt can potentially interfere with bike control, they are designed to allow proper grip and easy manipulation of levers/controls.
Features like lycra or spandex flex panels, curved finger construction, and minimal seams in key areas ensure excellent dexterity.
How thick/armored should they be?
The ideal amount of armoring depends on your riding style and bike type. For casual street use, lightly padded gloves focus more on abrasion resistance and flexibility.
Performance feature sections of rigid plating are used to amplify impact protection during aggressive sport riding. Overall, the thickness stems from extra layers like insulation, waterproof membranes, and viscoelastic foam.
Do touchscreen capabilities lose protective abilities?
Touchscreen functionality simply involves conductive stitching on the index finger and/or thumb tips.
The conductive thread interacts with capacitive screens without compromising abrasion resistance or reducing impact protections elsewhere.
Choose touchscreen mitts with leather, kevlar, or reinforced palms for the same great protection as any quality non-touchscreen mitts.
How easy are they to clean?
Most premium leather or textile motorcycle mitts include minor stretch panels to aid removal. Lightly wiping them down with a damp cloth keeps them fresh.
For more thorough cleaning, use gentle soaps and specialty leather cleaners, then allow them to air dry away from direct heat to maintain the shape and prevent cracking.
And Finally… Why Invest in Them?
Hopefully, this breakdown has explained why having a quality pair is a vital protective measure.
Sure, stylish riding jackets and sturdy boots grab attention, but our hands are equally susceptible on bikes. Investing in properly armored gloves leads to reduced injuries by:
- Safeguarding hands from abrasion & burns
- Shielding knuckles & joints from impact
- Allowing riders to firmly grip handlebars
- Delivering crucial wrist support
The bottom line is that they literally lend bikers a hand. Treat hands as the first line of defense on bikes. Select gear designed specifically to shield hands without compromising critical feel and dexterity for controls. Ride on safely!
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