Finding the best summer riding gloves means balancing protection, ventilation, and comfort. Do the updated Alpinestars Mustang gloves provide the ultimate blend of airflow and abrasion resistance for hot-weather street riding?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for the summer? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars Mustang V2 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Vented leather resists slides
- Touchscreen fingertips are handy
- Strategic perforations enable airflow
Buying Advice
So, who should snag the latest Alpinestars Mustang gloves? Here are my top recommendations:
- Street riders and commuters seeking maximum ventilation from leather
- Riders wanting touchscreen compatibility for phones
- Anyone needing durable goatskin that resists abrasion slides
- Sweaty palms? Try vented textile gloves instead
For track days or hardcore canyon running, however, the padding is insufficient. And for cold or wet weather, better options provide insulation and waterproofing.
I suggest ordering one size up if your hand measurements fall between available sizes. The fingers run slightly short and tight for their listed size. Check Alpinestars’ sizing chart to compare your hand width.
Riders with wide palms or fingers may experience uncomfortable cramping in the standard fit. For comfort and flexibility, size up or test, try textile alternatives.
Introduction
Riding season is heating up, but sacrificing safety for ventilation leaves your paws vulnerable. Can the Mustang gloves provide ample airflow while shielding your hands from abrasion? I took these full leather gauntlets out for a spin to find out.
Well-vented leather or reinforced textile? Read on to discover which summer glove takes pole position for street riders.
Price and Overview
First, let’s check the price tag. The Mustang V2 gloves retail for circa $100, putting them in the mid-range bracket.
What do you get for the money? These CE-rated gauntlets are constructed entirely from perforated leather minus a few abrasion-resistant padding zones.
Alpinestars takes the “Mustang” name seriously with a classy, old-school style. But there’s ample padding blended with the vintage vibe for modern protection.
The backhand flaunts foam armor, topping the knuckles, while the fingers and heel of the palm include strategically placed foam pads.
Protection and Safety
Riders shopping for summer gloves often sacrifice safety for airflow, ending up with mesh or textile gear with minimal armor.
Yet high temps call for the same slide protection as cooler weather lest you lose some skin. This is where the Mustangs excel – shielding your paws without roasting them.
The premium goatskin leather withstands slides better than textile, while the perforated chassis breathes fairly well.
The exterior exhibits no large vent holes that compromise abrasion resistance. Alpinestars intelligently placed the perforations on the backhand behind foam armor. These small holes aid ventilation but won’t disintegrate from friction.
And what about padding? D3O or Knox foam it ain’t; the Mustang’s armor utilizes basic open-cell foam. But there’s ample coverage across the outer knuckles and fingers, with extra pads lining the thumb and palm.
The exterior also includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sliders over the pinky and wrist cuff for drag protection.
For hardcore track junkies or adventure riders, however, I’d recommend more rigorous armor. Yet for regular street riding, the Mustang gloves supply ample impact dampening.
Just don’t expect these staple summer gloves to weather harsh crashes as well as race-oriented alternatives.
Comfort and Breathability
Ventilation and flexibility are imperative for comfortable summer riding, especially on longer hauls. Herein lies one of the Mustang glove’s highlights: the chassis strikes an ideal balance between protection and airflow thanks to strategic perforations. You’ll stay reasonably cool without excess sweat buildup across hour-plus rides.
The backhand flaunts perforations behind each foam pad, plus an open accordion panel underneath. Together, these holes enable decent airflow circulation inside the glove.
The leather fingers incorporate stretch panels between each digit for flexibility while avoiding pressure points during gripping.
There are also perforated zones along each finger and large open mesh insets along the cuff interior.
For super-sweaty palms, however, the Mustang leaves something to be desired. The reinforced leather palm is completely devoid of perforations or ventilation to maintain abrasion integrity. On sweltering 90-degree days, my palms still end up fairly moist after substantial mileage.
Yet the Mustang V2 remains among the most breathable, protected leather gloves available. Just be prepared for damp palms in extreme summer heat despite the glove’s ventilation features.
Quality and Construction
Any glove lacking robust construction quickly self-destructs through regular use. And for $100+, I expect meticulous quality control with premium materials that hold up over time. Here’s the good and bad of the Mustang’s craftsmanship:
The Good
- Durable goatskin leather resists abrasion
- No loose stitching or frayed edges out of the box
- Palm reinforcement feels sturdy despite the lack of armor
- Fingers have remained conducive for touchscreens
The Bad
- Minimal goat leather thickness sacrifices some tear resistance
- Perforations behind foam pads risk tearing over time
- Visible glue smears behind some padded zones
The stitching and exterior panels appear well assembled for this price point. Alpinestars managed to avoid any egregious manufacturing defects on my pair. And so far the leather shows only faint scuffing after a month of use.
Yet the glove lacks the bunker build quality of premium names like Held or Racer and warrants care to prevent premature breakdown.
I’ve noticed slight tears along some of the tiny perforated zones that may eventually spread. Opt for reinforced summer textiles if you prioritize durability and insulation on a budget.
Extra Features
Beyond the goodness of goat hide and foam, modern gloves flaunt bonus features for added functionality. The Mustang V2s include a few rider-friendly extras:
Touchscreen Fingertips
Conductive pads on the index finger and thumb allow using touchscreen phones without removal. The thin pads maintain conductivity even after a month of use. Just don’t expect texting precision – they’re best for pinch-zooming maps.
Stretch Panels
Spandex gussets between each finger prevent bunching when tightly gripping bars or controls. Makes for super comfy long-haul riding without finger fatigue.
Secure Wrist Closure
A sturdy TPR pull tab, and Velcro wrist strap keeps the gloves secured on rough pavement. No worries about the cuffs loosening at speed.
Pre-Curved Design
Fingers come pre-curved for a natural fit around grips and controls right out of the box. Prevents need to break in before performance riding.
While simpler than today’s touch-sensitive race gloves, these bonuses enhance comfort and function for regular street use.
FAQs
How Does the Protection Compare to Other Summer Gloves?
The CE-rated padding doesn’t match premium track gloves but far exceeds basic textile models. The Mustang glove is ideal for street riding up to 100 mph yet lacks hardcore armor or insulation.
What is the Break-in Time?
Minimal. The pre-curved fingers and stretch panels provide great flexibility immediately. Expect 10% or less expansion after repeated wears, reducing any initial tightness.
Can You Get Them Wet?
I don’t recommend soaking the Mustang gloves despite the leather construction. Like most leather gear, they’ll survive light rain and regain shape once dried out. However, repeated saturation risks premature breakdown of the exterior and internal materials.
How Should You Clean the Gloves?
Gently wipe dirt and debris off the exterior with a soft cloth to avoid abrasion. Use a leather conditioner if they get heavily soiled to maintain the material’s suppleness.
Will Velcro Straps on Jackets Damage the Leather?
Not generally. I’ve used the Mustang gloves with textile, leather, and race suits without signs of scratching from hook patches. Avoid direct contact with the soft palm leather for preservation.
The Verdict?
For sub $150 full leather gloves with ample ventilation, padding, and abrasion protection, the Alpinestars Mustang V2s deliver outstanding value.
The premium materials and sturdy encapsulated armor excel for aggressive street riding in the heat.
Just don’t expect race-level protection without insulation or waterproofing. Resin-coated textile alternatives better wick sweat for those with perpetually clammy palms.
Overall, the Mustang gloves score top points for optimizing airflow and flexibility compared to competing summer options. So gear up and stay safe on those high-heat canyon runs!
Let me hear your thoughts below. Do the Mustang 2 gloves make the cut for your perfect summer riding setup? Any other vented gloves I should test drive in the next review? Keep the shiny side up, friends!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)
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