If you are a female motorcyclist looking for a comfortable, stylish, and protective jacket for urban riding, the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece is an excellent option to consider.
As a rider myself, finding motorcycle gear designed specifically for the female form that also looks good can be a challenge.
In this detailed review, I will share my experiences with the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece Women’s Jacket after wearing it for the past riding season.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars Banshee Fleece
Key Takeaways
- Inner Waterproof Pocket
- Contrasting Ribbed Cuffs and Collars
- Comes with Nucleon Flex Plus Impact Armor
The Alpinestars Banshee Fleece stands out with its subtle incorporation of armor, making it ideal for casual urban use. Its premium materials provide exceptional comfort, while the tailored fit flatters the feminine silhouette.
Read on as I break down this jacket’s key features, sizing, protection, comfort, pros and cons, and how it compares with similar women’s motorcycle jackets on the market.
I’ve also included helpful tips for buyers based on my own learning process. If you need a stylish, protective jacket purpose-built for women that you can wear around town, keep reading this review of the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece.
Key Features
- Anatomically profiled for an optimized female fit
- Made from a cotton and polyester blend with elastane for comfort
- Stretch rib fabric on the collar, cuffs, and hem for flexibility
- Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 armor on shoulders and elbows
- Kevlar reinforcements on shoulders and elbows
- YKK front zipper with scratch-saver flap
- Thumb loop to keep sleeves in place
- Snap button collar closure
- Two zippered hand pockets, one waterproof inner pocket
- Reflective details for visibility
- Complies with CE Category 2 safety standards
The Alpinestars Banshee Fleece Fits and Feels Fantastic
One of the key things I look for in women’s motorcycle gear is a great fit. Having a jacket tailored for the female form makes a huge difference in comfort and range of motion. The Alpinestars (1) Banshee Fleece is designed with the anatomical proportions of a woman’s body in mind.
The jacket is cut to contour the natural curves along the bust and waist. I really appreciate the pre-curved sleeves that comfortably accommodate a riding position.
The stretch rib fabric integrated along the collar, cuffs, and waistband also contributes to an optimized fit. This jacket fits snugly without constricting movement.
I typically take a size medium in jackets, and the Alpinestars Banshee in a medium fits me perfectly. Thanks to the elastane, the cotton and polyester fabric blend has a subtle stretch.
However, it’s not overly elastic, so take care to get accurate measurements for the best fit.
The Banshee Fleece Offers Flexible Protection for Urban Riding
Riding around town still requires protective gear, and the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece incorporates armor without being bulky.
This jacket includes Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow protectors. These are soft and flexible for comfort while still offering impact absorption in a crash.
The elbow and shoulder areas are also reinforced with durable Kevlar material. This provides abrasion resistance in key areas likely to slide in a fall.
There is a pocket in the back to accommodate an optional Alpinestars Nucleon back protector for full coverage.
While not a rugged touring jacket, the Banshee Fleece targets urban use with its subtle protective features. It complies with rigorous CE Category 2 safety standards, giving peace of mind on daily rides.
Premium Materials Make the Banshee Incredibly Comfortable
One of the things that impressed me most about the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece is its comfort. The jacket is constructed from a polyester and cotton fabric blend along with elastane.
This results in a soft fleece lining that feels great against the skin. It also has a bit of stretch and flexibility thanks to the elastane.
The collar, cuffs, and hem consist of stretch rib material. This allows a close fit that moves with you and seals out the elements.
I find this jacket extremely comfortable when riding in warmer weather from spring through early fall. The soft fleece has a cozy feel without causing overheating.
Convenient Features for Daily Use
The Alpinestars Banshee Fleece incorporates several rider-focused features for convenience. The front zipper is heavy-duty YKK brand with a protective flap behind it. This prevents the zipper from scratching the tank when riding.
An elasticized thumb loop on the sleeves keeps them from riding up. For storage, there are two zippered hand pockets, an interior waterproof document pocket, and one inner stash pocket. The jacket also has reflective details to make you more visible at night.
Pros and Cons of the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece Jacket
Pros:
- Designed specifically for the female form
- Soft, comfortable fleece fabric
- Flexible armor for impact protection
- Abrasion-resistant Kevlar reinforcements
- Excellent fit with stretch panels
- YKK zipper with scratch guard flap
- Thumb loop to hold sleeves down
- Convenient storage pockets
- Great for warm weather urban riding
Cons:
- Not waterproof or insulated for cold weather
- Only offers basic CE Level 1 armor
- Limited color options
- Expensive compared to some textile jackets
While I love this jacket, it does have some limitations. It lacks waterproofing and insulation, so it is best suited to dry conditions above 50°F.
The armor is high quality but only CE Level 1, so it prioritizes flexibility over maximum impact protection. There are also only two color choices currently.
Finally, the jacket is on the expensive side, although you get what you pay for.
What Other Riders Have to Say
I always find reading other riders’ perspectives helpful when researching gear. Here’s what fellow female motorcyclists love about the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece:
“This is a great jacket for summer riding. Super comfortable and easy to move around in. Still comfortable when I added the back protector so overall a win win.”
“I ended up sizing up one, fits great with a little extra wiggle room.”
“This fleece is just what I wanted something that is not heavy. It is light weight and very comfortable.”
“I wear a size medium but got a large to give me a little bit of room for my back protector. I bought it for those not so cold days and nights and it is perfect will be getting the black one next.”
It’s clear from these reviews that riders appreciate the comfort, lightweight feel, and versatility of the Banshee fleece. The importance of getting the sizing right also comes through.
How Does the Alpinestars Banshee Compare to Similar Jackets?
Alpinestars makes several other jackets designed specifically for women besides the Banshee Fleece. Here is how two of their other popular options compare:
| Product | Features |
| Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry Jacket | D-Dry waterproof membrane, removable Primaloft liner, composite protectors |
| Alpinestars Stella Bogota Drystar Jacket | Waterproof and breathable Drystar shell, removable thermal liner, CE approved armor |
| Knox Hollister Jacket | Waterproof and breathable Drystar shell, removable thermal liner, CE-approved armor |
| Roland Sands Cambria CE Jacket | Abrasion-resistant fabric with Knox SFL armored fabric, waterproof and breathable, D3O armor |
| Richa Lausanne Jacket | Full-grain leather construction, CE-approved armor, multiple zippered pockets |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Women’s Motorcycle Jacket
When shopping for a women’s motorcycle jacket, here are some key factors to consider:
Determine Your Size
- Carefully measure your bust, waist, hips, arm length, etc.
- Consult the size chart provided by the manufacturer
- Read reviews about how the jacket fits
- Order 1 size up if between sizes for room to layer
Consider Your Riding Style
- Urban, touring, racing, off-road?
- Short rides or long-distance? High speeds?
- Match the jacket’s features and protection levels accordingly
Evaluate Weather Conditions
- Insulated and waterproof for cold/wet weather
- Vented and lightweight for warm weather
- Layerable for changing conditions
Assess Additional Features
- Adequate armor? (Back protector?)
- Pockets and ventilation zippers?
- Adjustable fit?
- Reflective details?
Read User Reviews
- Get feedback from other female riders
- Assess sizing guidance and comfort
- Consider longevity and durability
Compare Prices
- Set a budget
- Calculate the cost per use over the jacket’s lifetime
- Compare quality and value across brands
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece
Does this jacket include a back protector?
No, the back protector is sold separately. However, there is a pocket to accommodate an Alpinestars Nucleon back protector.
What size should I order if I’m between sizes?
Size up to the next full size. The jacket fits snugly, so sizing up allows room for layers underneath.
Is the Banshee Fleece waterproof?
No, this jacket is not waterproof or insulated. It’s designed for dry conditions and warmer weather.
Does this jacket come in other colors?
Currently it’s only available in Black with White Logo and Anthracite with Pink Logo colorways. More options may be released in the future.
Is this a good jacket for highway riding?
The fleece material and basic armor make this jacket best suited to urban riding, not high speeds. Alpinestars offers more protective textile and leather options for highway use.
Conclusion
For female riders seeking a jacket that seamlessly combines protection, comfort, and flair, the Alpinestars Banshee Fleece is an outstanding option. It provides subtly integrated armor with premium materials tailored for women.
This jacket has become my go-to for zipping around town thanks to its excellent fit, flexibility, and cozy feel. Just be sure to order the right size and layer accordingly for the conditions.
Consider your riding needs and budget to determine if the Banshee Fleece is the right women’s motorcycle jacket for you.
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