With summer heat bearing down, striking the right balance between ventilation and safety is paramount. That’s what initially drew my interest in Alpinestars’ SX-2 Air Carbon women’s gloves.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best women’s motorcycle gloves? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 Women’s Gloves
Alpinestars Stella SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 Gloves – Final Verdict
Costing less than $100 bucks, the Alpinestars present unmatched value for riders looking for ventilation, protection, and summer comfort.
While cheaper gloves exist, I found they lack the FMX-2’s build quality and armor integration. At the same time, upgrading to premium moto gear easily raises the price above the $150+ range.
Factor in the number of colorways available, from bold fluorescents to murdered-out black, and the summer gloves pose an easy choice for warm-weather enthusiasts.
Riders gain sublime ventilation from neoprene and mesh backed by carbon shields and leather palms, making each ride, long or short, a comfortable affair.
For motorcyclists hammering out highway commutes in the heat or breezing backcountry sweepers on Sunday mornings, the SX-2 Air Carbon gloves equip hands for the ride ahead.
Breathable, flexible, and time-tested, they embody everything riders need for tackling soaring temperatures in the saddle of their street steed.
These versatile moto gear components provide safety for hands along with the enhanced feel of the controls for fully enjoying the motorcycle experience.
Comparison To Other Women’s Motorcycle Gloves
| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SPX v2 Gloves Review | Full grain leather construction, injected foam knuckle protection, reinforced landing zone |
| Held Sambia 2 in 1 Evo GTX Gloves Review | Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner, Primaloft insulation for warmth, carbon knuckle protection |
| Icon Anthem 2 Stealth Womens Gloves Review | D30 knuckle armor for impact protection, conductive fingertip for touchscreen use, pre-curved design |
The Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 gloves differ by focusing on maximum ventilation and airflow using perforated mesh and stretch materials. This makes them ideal for hot weather riding compared to the other winter or all-weather options.
However, the SPX v2 provides more durable full grain leather construction while the Icon Anthem 2 gloves offer women’s-specific curved shaping and touchscreen capability.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to the priority of cooling, protection, and comfort based on individual riding needs.
A Revamped Classic for Hot Days
At first glance, the microfiber and mesh construction oozes ventilation for sweltering track days.
Beyond keeping hands cool, the gloves tout flexible knuckle protection and goatskin leather reinforcement. Initially, however, I wondered if these gloves could truly last mile after blistering miles in summer conditions.
After rigorously testing them out, I’m pleased to report the neoprene-backed gloves hold up to abusive riding.
The improved leather palm materials and armoring of the V2 model eclipse the previous version as well. Now, I confidently give the Alpinestars summer gloves my seal of approval.
For riders seeking lightweight, ventilated protection for the street, these moto gloves deserve consideration.
Let’s delve into the features and improvements that make them some of the best sub-$ $100 summer gloves around.
Ventilation That Doesn’t Quit
- One of the highlights of the SX-2 Air Carbon gloves is the ventilated backhand and finger construction. The mesh and microfiber* materials allow constant airflow to reach the hands. Even on 100+ degree F days, my hands stayed cool wearing these gloves.
- Strategically placed perforations between the knuckles enhance ventilation as well. Despite the armoring, no unwanted heat builds up inside the glove.
- Stretch fabric on the fingertips and thumb further promotes an airy feel by adapting to hand movement. The lightweight feel reduces fatigue from wind buffeting, too.
- Alpinestars wisely minimized palm materials to neoprene and leather. Thick materials here would easily lead to sweaty palms on summer rides.
Bottom line: These gloves live up to their cooling potential thanks to smart ventilated construction. Where lesser gloves would leave hands dripping in sweat, the SX-2 Air Carbon women’s motorcycle gloves breathe exceptionally well all ride long. Riders stay comfortable and focused on enjoying the road instead of their glove climate.
Protection That Goes the Distance
Summer gloves might be airy, but you still need assurance that your hands remain protected in crashes. The Alpinestars Air Carbon gloves provide flexible shielding in key zones to guard digits through tumbles.
- Starting off, injection-molded carbon fiber acts as the primary shield over the knuckles. This rigid material stands up to heavy abrasion while the foam underlay absorbs violent impacts.
- Additionally, the independent foam-backed carbon panels allow great feel and flexibility. The knuckle protection moves naturally with the hand instead of restricting joint articulation.
- Fingertip thermoplastic (TPU) protectors guard the digits most prone to road rash. On the index finger, Alpinestars integrates conductive tech to make the glove touchscreen compatible, too.
- Strategic padding placed on the side of the palm and outer hand dampens vibrations as well. This supple foam fights hand fatigue yet remains unobtrusive.
- The improved 2017 goat skin leather palm redeems the outdated prior edition. Supple goat hide resists abrasion damage across the entire glove lining for complete protection.
*In the end, the SX-2 Air Carbon gloves provide crucial impact defenses without sacrificing comfort or feel. Riders gain enduro-tested protection for the street ride.
FAQs
How does the ventilation compare to other summer motorcycle gloves?
With mesh paneling across nearly the entire backhand, the SX-2 Air Carbon gloves offer ventilation on par with Alpinestars’ Air Flow summer gloves. Only premium racing gloves with more perforations surpass the cooling performance.
Would the carbon knuckle protection hold up in a high-speed crash?
The rigid carbon shielding withstands abrasion damage better than plastic or rubber alternatives. While not as rugged as metal protectors, the knuckle armor provides ample impact force dissipation for street accidents while retaining flexibility.
What size should I order if I normally wear large-sized gloves?
Alpinestars gloves often fit smaller than other American brands. If you commonly wear large-sized gloves, sizing up to an XL in the SX-2 Air Carbon model ensures a performance fit. I typically take XL gloves but size up to XXL for Alpinestars.
Can I use touchscreen phones effectively with the conductive index fingertip?
Yes, you can operate touchscreens wearing the glove’s index finger. The polyurethane material allows capacitive screens to register finger touches. Just take care not to wear away the material through excess abrasion over time.
Would the SX-2 glove work for touring or adventure riding?
While adequate for short touring jaunts, the lack of insulation or waterproof membranes makes the SX-2 glove better suited to fair-weather street usage. For globe-trotting riding, more durable, weather-resistant gloves provide better hand protection.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Alpinestars’ summer women’s gloves in the comments below! Have they held up to your riding exploits? Let me know your experiences as well with sizing for the brand compared to other options. Ride on!
Previous Article:
Next Article:
Sources: Protective clothing: (1)