Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow Jacket – The Real Reason It’s So Popular

If you’ve ever gotten caught riding in sweltering heat wearing a motorcycle jacket not designed for airflow, you know how miserable that can be.

Alpinestars tackled this issue head-on with their GP Plus R V3 Airflow. Made with premium leather and strategic perforations, this jacket provides crucial cooling without sacrificing protection.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Our Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Verdict

Comparisons to the Previous Model

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow represents the third generation of the popular GP Plus R line. Compared to the previous v2 model, it brings several key updates:

• The v3 has a more aggressive, race-oriented fit than the standard GP-R jacket
• This snug cut minimizes wind flap at high speeds
• It also keeps the armor securely in place
• There are additional perforations on the upper arms vs the non-airflow version
• These extra perforated panels increase ventilation
• They’re strategically placed to maximize airflow in a tucked riding position

I’ve owned both the v2 and now the v3 Airflow model. The differences are subtle but noteworthy. The v3’s cut is definitely more performance-focused.

It hugs my body closely, especially through the arms and torso. At first, it felt almost too snug, but once I was on the bike, it all made sense. There’s no extra fabric flapping in the wind, and the armor stays put perfectly.

The other big change is the increased perforation on the arms. The v2 had perforated panels, but the v3 takes it a step further, particularly on the biceps.

I can feel the extra air flowing through, which is great on hot track days. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s noticeable.

Overall, the v3 feels like a refined evolution of an already great jacket. The changes aren’t revolutionary, but they meaningfully improve the performance in the areas that matter most to aggressive street and track riders.

If you’re coming from an older GP Plus R or another less sport-oriented jacket, the v3’s improvements in fit and airflow are well worth the upgrade.

Comparison To Other Leather Jackets

Model	Features
Merlin Miller Jacket	– 1.1-1.3mm cowhide leather – Extensive perforations for ventilation – CE-rated D3O armor in elbows and shoulders – Removable thermal liner – TFL Cool Tech coating
Dainese Super Speed 4	– Cowhide leather with large perforated areas – Composite protectors on shoulders and elbows – Pocket for G1 or G2 back protector – Microelastic elasticated inserts – Jacket-trousers connection loop
Roland Sands Paramount	– Top grain cowhide construction – SAS-TEC CE Level 2 armor in shoulders and elbows – Rotated pre-curved sleeves – Zippered cuffs and pockets – Satin poly lining
Schott 626VN Perfecto	– 1.5mm vintage cowhide leather – Asymmetric zipper front closure – Epaulettes with brass snaps – Adjustable buckle belt – Polyester lining

Comparison: The Merlin Miller Jacket offers a good balance of features and price, with extensive ventilation and CE-rated armor.

The Dainese Super Speed 4 provides similar ventilation but at a higher price point and with more advanced protectors.

The Roland Sands Paramount CE offers premium leather and higher-grade armor but lacks the ventilation of the Merlin.

The Schott 626VN Perfecto focuses more on style and durability, with thicker leather but fewer protective features, and comes at the highest price point.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Protection

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow provides excellent protection for sport riding and track days:

• Nucleon Flex Plus Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows
• This flexible, low-profile armor is CE-certified for impact protection
• It conforms well to the body for comfort while still absorbing impacts
• There’s a pocket to add an optional Nucleon back protector for even more coverage
• External TPU shoulder protection provides abrasion resistance in key slide zones
• Reinforced stitching in impact-prone areas ensures it stays together in a crash

The combination of high-quality 1.3mm bovine leather, stretch panels in strategic locations, and CE-certified Nucleon armor make this jacket ready to protect you.

Whether you’re attacking corners on your favorite twisty road or riding hard on the track, you can trust the GP Plus R v3 to have your back (and shoulders and elbows).

The built-in armor stays comfortably in place, while the option to upgrade with a back protector allows you to dial in the protection even further.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Comfort and Fit

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow is designed for a snug, performance-oriented fit that feels like a second skin on the bike:

• It has a race fit with a tapered, anatomical cut that closely follows the contours of your body
• This minimizes wind flap and drag at high speeds
• It also ensures the armor stays securely in place
• The neoprene collar and cuffs provide a soft, comfortable seal against your neck and wrists
• Stretch panels on the sleeves and shoulders allow you to move freely on the bike
• Whether you’re tucked in a full race crouch or sitting upright, it flexes with you
• Accordion panels above the elbows and behind the shoulders further enhance mobility
• You can easily hang off in corners or reach for the handlebars

I found it runs a bit small, so Alpinestars recommends sizing up if you’re between sizes. They use European sizing, which can be tricky for us Americans. I normally wear a US 42 size, but I needed a Euro 54 in this model for the best fit.

Once I got the size dialed in, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow felt amazing. The race fit makes me feel one with my bike, while the stretch and accordion panels let me move around without any bunching or restriction. The neoprene touch points are soft against my skin, making this a jacket I can wear all day in complete comfort.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow

One of the key things I looked for in a ventilated jacket was meaningful airflow made possible through strategic perforations and vent panels.

The Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Airflow delivers on this front with perforations placed along the front torso, back, and upper arms.

These perforations and stretch fabric panels provide constant airflow while riding. I immediately noticed a difference in cooling compared to my old jacket on the first ride.

The aeration noticeably improved my comfort in the heat without taking away from the durability and resilience.

Despite being designed for airflow, the GP Plus R V3 Airflow still uses 1.3mm thick premium bovine leather across main sections.

This ensures abrasion resistance remains intact for important protection. It also includes integrated CE Level 1 armor for impact absorption in the elbow and shoulder regions.

Finding the right balance between ventilation and safety was crucial for me, and this Alpinestars jacket provided the ideal combination. I felt cooler while maintaining confidence in its protective qualities.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Style

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow has an aggressive, race-inspired design that looks great both on and off the bike.

The sporty cut closely follows the contours of your body, minimizing wind resistance. This aerodynamic fit is ideal for spirited riding and track days. It also ensures the armor stays securely in place.

You can choose from multiple colorways to match your personal style. Options include sleek black/black, eye-catching black/red/white, and more. I went with the black/white/red for maximum visual impact.

Large Alpinestars logos on the chest and back make a bold statement. Everyone will know you’re wearing top-tier riding gear. The logos are tastefully executed and integrate well with the overall design.

You can complete the look with matching GP Plus R v3 leather pants. They zip to the jacket for a full race suit effect. Wearing the jacket and pants together provides even better protection.

Whether you’re carving canyons or doing hot laps at the track, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow has the style to match your riding.

The aggressive cut and sporty colorways make it clear this jacket means business. At the same time, the classic Alpinestars branding adds a touch of moto heritage. Paired with the matching leather pants, it’s a look that’s ready for the starting grid or a spirited street ride.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Materials

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow is constructed from top-shelf materials that provide excellent abrasion resistance, durability, and comfort:

• The main chassis is premium 1.3mm bovine leather
• This thick, supple cowhide resists tearing and sliding in a crash
• It’s also perforated for airflow to keep you cool
• High Resistant Stretch Fabric (HRSF) is strategically positioned for comfort and mobility
• This elastic textile allows it to flex with your body
• It’s placed in key areas like the underarms and behind the shoulders
• The sleeves feature HRSF polyamide stretch material for an optimized fit
• This abrasion-resistant fabric hugs your arms
• It works with the accordion panels for unhindered movement

I’m impressed by the quality of the leather. At 1.3mm thick, it’s noticeably sturdier than thinner race replicas.

Yet it still feels soft and pliable, not cardboard-stiff like some leather gear. The perforated panels strike a nice balance between airflow and integrity.

The stretch materials are the real stars, though. The HRSF fabric has a supportive 4-way stretch that makes it feel like a second skin.

I never feel restricted, even when fully geared up. The polyamide sleeves are tough but flexible, able to resist abrasion while moving with me.

All in all, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow combines the protection of thick cowhide with the mobility of advanced stretch fabrics. It’s a winning formula that needs to perform on the track and the street.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Storage

The Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow provides ample storage for your essentials, both on and off the bike:

• There are two zippered hand pockets on the front of the jacket
• These are great for storing your wallet, phone, or keys while off the bike
• The zippers ensure your items stay secure, even if you forget to close a pocket
• Inside, you’ll find two additional pockets for more storage options
• I use these for things like my registration and insurance cards
• They’re also handy for stashing a microfiber cloth to clean my visor
• One of the inner pockets is a special waterproof document compartment
• This is perfect for storing important papers or electronics
• I keep a copy of my license and a little cash here, just in case
• The waterproof lining gives me peace of mind in case I get caught in the rain

I really like all the storage options in the GP Plus R v3 Airflow. I have plenty of room for my must-haves between the hand pockets and inner compartments.

The outer pockets are easy to access and big enough for larger smartphones. And the inner pockets keep my smaller items organized and out of the way.

The waterproof document pocket is a particularly nice touch. I’ve been caught in unexpected downpours before, so I like knowing I have a safe place for my important papers and electronics. It’s also reassuring to have a secure spot for some emergency cash or a credit card.

With its thoughtful storage options, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow lets me focus on the ride, not on what I’m carrying. I know my essentials are safe, organized, and protected from the elements.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Quality and Comfort

Considering its premium price, I expected high quality and comfort, and it did not disappoint.

The 1.3mm bovine leather, with excellent abrasion resistance, feels thick and substantial. High-stress areas are reinforced for added resilience.

The jacket broke in quickly, and the perforated leather and stretch fabric panels provide a great feel and mobility.

Extensive stretch fabric lining also enhances comfort levels. The collar has soft edging that prevents chafing, and the low-profile 3D mesh liner improves breathability.

For convenience, the GP Plus R V3 Airflow includes a pair of zippered exterior pockets and interior stash pockets.

One interior pocket is even waterproof for sensitive items like your smartphone. All of the zippers function smoothly too.

Comfort-wise, it enabled me to tackle multi-hour rides in intense heat while avoiding the usual fatigue and soreness. That’s crucial for staying safe and focused on long summer rides.

Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Wear and Tear

Even a high-quality leather jacket like the Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow is susceptible to some wear and tear over time:

• The leather requires regular conditioning to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking
• I recommend using a quality leather conditioner every few months
• This keeps the cowhide soft, flexible, and looking great
• The armor may need to be replaced after a significant impact
• While the Nucleon armor is very protective, a hard crash can compromise its integrity
• Inspect it carefully after any spill and replace if there are cracks or heavy compression
• Zippers and snaps should be regularly lubricated to ensure smooth operation
• A little beeswax or silicone lubricant keeps them sliding freely
• This prevents snagging and potential damage to the surrounding leather
• The perforated panels may allow water penetration in wet riding conditions
• While great for airflow, the holes can let water seep through in a downpour
• Consider a waterproof layer underneath the jacket if riding in the rain

With proper care, though, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow can provide years of comfortable and protective use.

I’ve had mine for two seasons now and it still looks and feels great, despite some hard miles. The key is staying on top of the conditioning and cleaning, and being proactive about any repairs.

If you do have a crash, take it to a professional for a thorough inspection. They can identify any damage and make expert repairs to keep the protective qualities intact.

If a zipper starts acting up or a snap comes loose, a little at-home TLC can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major problem.

So, while it’s important to be aware of the potential wear points, don’t let them deter you. With a little regular maintenance, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow can be a long-term investment in both style and safety on the bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the sizing of the GP Plus R V3 Airflow compare to other Alpinestars jackets?

A: The sizing is very consistent with Alpinestars’ other current leather jackets. Refer to the official size chart, and you’ll be fine. Just don’t size up.

Q: Is the perforated leather as protective as standard non-perforated leather?

A: Yes, the leather itself provides the same abrasion protection. Only the perforation patterns differ, but they don’t affect safety.

Q: Does this jacket come with a waterproof liner for riding in the rain?

A: Unfortunately, it does not. You’ll need to layer waterproof liners or rain gear separately. But it does have a waterproof internal pocket.

Q: What kind of armor does it include by default?

A: It comes with Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor installed. Back and chest armor must be purchased separately.

Q: Can I wear it on a race track?

A: It is not designed for track riding. Look at Alpinestars racing jackets like the Missile V2 Pro for track protection.

The Verdict: A Must-Have Summer Riding Jacket

For riders looking for a well-ventilated leather motorcycle jacket, the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Airflow should be at the top of your list.

It provides crucial airflow where it’s needed most while retaining excellent abrasion resistance and impact protection. It combines the best of both worlds.

After logging hundreds of miles in hot conditions, I’m convinced it’s one of the finest options around for warm-weather riding. The comfort it provides in sweltering temps allows you to be at your best on long rides.

So, if you’re looking for a jacket that can handle the heat, Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Airflow is a fantastic investment for summer riding seasons ahead. Just be sure to grab the right fit, armor, and base layers to maximize its potential.

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