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!
Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow
Our Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Verdict
I’ve been incredibly impressed with the Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow. It’s become my go-to choice for spirited street rides and track days.
The race-inspired fit and premium materials give me confidence that I’m well-protected, while the strategic perforation keeps me cool when I’m working hard on the bike.
I love how the 1.3mm bovine leather and Nucleon Flex armor provide robust abrasion and impact protection without feeling bulky or restrictive.
The HRSF stretch panels allow the jacket to move with me so I can focus on the ride, not on my gear. And the perforated panels flow a ton of air, which is a godsend on hot days.
In my experience, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow runs a bit small, so I sized up from my normal 42 to a Euro 54 for the best fit. It felt snug at first, but once I’m in a riding position, it’s perfectly tailored. The neoprene collar and cuffs are soft against my skin, and the pre-curved sleeves eliminate any bunching.
I also appreciate all the well-thought-out details, like the waterproof inner pocket for peace of mind in case of rain and the zippered cuffs that fit easily over my gloves. The sporty styling looks great on or off the bike, and the bold Alpinestars branding lets everyone know I’m wearing top-tier gear.
Potential Drawbacks
As much as I love the GP Plus R v3 Airflow Jacket, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- The race fit may be too snug for some riders or for wearing over thick base layers
- The perforated panels are great for hot weather but may allow too much airflow for cold-weather riding
- The aggressive styling may not suit everyone’s taste
- The premium leather construction requires regular conditioning to maintain and prevent cracking
It’s also worth noting that as a high-end leather sport jacket, the GP Plus R v3 Airflow comes with a premium price tag. However, prices do fluctuate and special offers pop up from time to time, especially on Revzilla.com.
So, before you buy elsewhere, I recommend checking Revzilla for the latest deals. With their price match guarantee, they won’t be beaten on price, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value.
Overall, if you’re looking for a top-quality leather jacket for spirited street and track riding, I highly recommend the Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow Jacket. It’s become an essential part of my gear collection, and I feel confident it will serve me well for many rides to come.
If you found this article helpful, please consider liking and sharing it – it really helps Google know that you found value in the page. Thanks for reading!
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