No matter how skilled you are, all riders eventually go down. So when a nasty high-side tore up my old gloves, I started researching alternatives that could prevent broken bones if things go wrong at triple-digit speeds.
Will these Alpinestars motorcycle track gloves withstand the extreme forces of high-speed crashes and protect my hands?
But the main question I will answer in this review is: Are these the best track motorcycle gloves? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars GP Tech V2 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Allows great flexibility
- Goatskin resists abrasion
- Extensive armor for protection
A Deep Dive into Alpinestars’ Lineup of High-End Gauntlets
When it comes to protective motorcycle gloves, Alpinestars offers an extensive selection across a wide price range.
At the premium level, two main racing glove models stand out—the GP Tech V2 reviewed here and the Super Tech R model. Both feature impressive safety technology and materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber knuckle protection.
So, what sets the GP Tech V2 apart? At $349, it packs serious performance without the ultra-premium price tag of the Super Tech (retailing over $700). The Super Tech uses rare kangaroo leather for optimal abrasion resistance.
However, I wondered whether the GP Tech V2 could provide nearly as much protection for almost half the cost by utilizing alternate materials.
Leather, Kevlar, and Plastic: The Tech Behind the Gloves
The GP Tech V2 uses goatskin leather for the palm, which Alpinestars claims offers excellent abrasion resistance, comfort, and feel. The back of the glove features Kevlar fabric, a tough synthetic fiber designed specifically for impact and heat resistance.
- Hard plastic sliders on the knuckles, fingers, wrist, and outer hand provide additional impact and slide protection.
- Vented TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) armor on the wrist guard allows airflow to keep hands cool.
- The molded rubber puck on the outer hand promotes sliding in a crash.
With such serious protective technology, could these track gloves (1) prevent hand and wrist injuries during get-offs at the track? I decided to put them to the test.
Testing Fit, Comfort, and Dexterity On and Off the Bike
Good motorcycle gloves should fit snugly without restricting flexibility. The Alpinestars GP Tech V2 uses a curved design with pre-curved fingers made from stretch fabrics.
This close fit provides excellent feedback and a control feel compared to many oversized gauntlets.
Sizing and Break-In Period
I found sizing accurate; the gloves fit as expected based on my hand measurements. However, the glove leather felt stiff at first.
Alpinestars recommends allowing 10 hours of break-in time for the leather to soften up and mold to your hands.
After a few longer rides, the supple goatskin began to feel more comfortable. By 10 hours, the gloves felt almost custom-fitted to my hands.
Ventilation and Sweat Control
The top of the gauntlet features perforated leather for ventilation, preventing the gloves from feeling overly hot during summer riding sessions. I didn’t notice much airflow reaching the palm area, but sweat build-up wasn’t excessive.
Overall, the combination of airflow, moisture-wicking liner materials, and the highly breathable nature of goat hide leather made ventilation adequate for warm weather.
However, these track gloves aren’t suitable for cold or wet conditions due to the lack of insulation and waterproof membranes.
Evaluating Protection and Safety Features
The GP Tech V2 includes an extensive set of safety features designed to prevent injuries over a sliding distance in a crash, including:
- Dual-density TPU slider knuckle protection system
- Alpinestars’ patented 3rd and 4th finger bridge to prevent finger roll and separation
- Kevlar fabric palm and outer hand with energy-absorbing padding
- TPU wrist slider with foam subjacent padding
- Rubberized abrasion puck on the outer hand
- Clarino® stretch panels between the fingers
- LyterTM Liner Construction for moisture-wicking comfort
The combination of abrasion-resistant fabrics, extensive high-density armor, and anti-rollover design made me confident that these gloves would perform admirably in a get-off situation.
The extensive padding and coverage across the outer hand/wrist also help diffuse impact forces to protect against fractures.
While lacking waterproof membranes for wet weather performance, the GP Tech V2 offers exceptional warmth, flexibility, and safety technology for track and performance street riding.
Key Takeaways
- Uses abrasion-resistant goat hide leather and Kevlar
- Extensive TPU protection on knuckles & wrist
- Allows great flexibility and feel
- 10 hours break-in period for the best comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the GP Tech V2 gloves fully race-certified?
Yes, they meet CE Category II certification standards for impact protection. This means they provide excellent coverage for motorcycle use cases like racing, track days, or aggressive canyon riding.
How do Alpinestars gloves compare to other brands like Held and Dainese?
Alpinestars is highly regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance motorcycle protective apparel. Models like the GP Tech V2 gloves match or exceed the protection levels offered by premium competitors while featuring excellent comfort and ventilation properties.
What is the warranty period?
Alpinestars offers a 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Some riders wish this was longer for such a premium glove, but one year is common for most motorcycle gear from leading brands.
Should I size down for a tighter fit?
No, the GP Tech V2 is designed to break in and mold to your hands over the first 10 hours of riding. I’d recommend ordering your exact hand measurement size. Sizing down could lead to restricted blood flow or numb fingers over longer rides.
Are the fingers pre-curved?
Yes, the glove fingers feature an anatomical, pre-curved design made from stretch fabrics. This closely matches the natural closed fist shape while allowing great flexibility.
And Finally…
The Alpinestars GP Tech V2 gloves provide impressive protection for their sub $400 price point. While not packing the premium kangaroo leather found on more expensive models, the glove still utilizes abrasion-resistant fabrics, extensive armor, and anti-rollover design details to offer protection on par with the pricier competition.
If you ride aggressively and want robust coverage for track days or backroad canyon carving, the GP Tech V2 deserves strong consideration.
After over 15 hours of testing these gloves in real high-speed riding conditions, I became a believer in their impressive combination of flexibility, ventilation, and crash protection. These gloves will stay firmly in my gear bag for years to come.
So, do you agree the GP Tech V2 offers compelling value versus other premium gloves? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience with Alpinestars’ gloves in the comments below! Ride fast, ride safe.
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