Alpinestars is an established Italian brand when it comes to moto gear. This affordable Sportown jacket seems ideal for warm-weather riding, but how well does it really perform in real-world conditions? Does it provide the cooling airflow and versatility the manufacturer promises?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket for you?
Let’s take a closer look in this detailed review.
Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air Jacket Review
Key Takeaways
- Extensive mesh and vents provide excellent airflow
- Waterproof and removable Drystar liner
- Pre-curved sleeves enhance fit and comfort
- CE-approved armor in elbows and shoulders
- Great for warm weather riding
Overview of the Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air Jacket
The Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air jacket is a middle-of-the-road textile jacket from the Italian motorsports gear brand Alpinestars.
It’s part of their Sportown line, which offers budget-friendly jackets for street riding. This jacket was redesigned in 2016 and features a sporty fit, extensive venting, and a removable waterproof liner.
Some key features and specs:
- Material: Durable polyester shell with waterproof and breathable Drystar membrane liner
- Fit: Relaxed fit through the body with pre-curved sleeves
- Color Options: Black, Black/Gray/Red, Black/Blue
- Ventilation: Zippered air intakes and exhausts
- Waterproofing: Removable Drystar liner
- Safety: Removable CE-certified armor at shoulders and elbows
This jacket is designed for riding in mild weather and has significant airflow from ventilation, making it suitable for warm riding. The included waterproof liner provides versatility for brief rain showers.
Overall, the Sportown Drystar Air targets sportbike riders seeking a moderately priced, ventilated jacket. Now, let’s break down the details.
Detailed Review of Features and Benefits
Here’s an in-depth look at the main features and benefits of this jacket.
Ventilation and Heat Management
Ventilation is the highlight of the Sportown Drystar Air. There are large mesh panels across the chest, back, and parts of the arms. These allow excellent airflow while riding.
For adjustable ventilation, zippered air intakes on the chest and back let you customize airflow. There are also back exhaust vents to let air exit. With these vents open, the jacket flows a ton of air to keep you cool in the heat.
Waterproof and Wind Protection
While designed for warm weather, the jacket includes a removable windproof and waterproof Drystar liner. This liner zips into the jacket to add weather protection when needed.
The Drystar membrane blocks wind and repels moisture while allowing perspiration to escape. It provides good water protection in light rain, although it may eventually wet through in heavy rain.
Having this liner adds versatility to adapt to changing conditions. Remove it for hot sunny rides or install it when the weather deteriorates.
Impact Protection
For safety, the jacket has CE-approved armor on the elbows and shoulders. This armor is soft and flexible but offers impact absorption in a crash. There are also pockets to add optional back and chest protectors for increased coverage.
The armored areas use an abrasion-resistant polyester shell material. This helps prevent tears while sliding in a crash. However, mesh panels and other areas are not abrasion-resistant.
Comfort and Fit
This jacket has a relaxed fit through the body but fitted sleeves. The pre-curved sleeves are articulated for a sport riding position.
For adjustments, the biceps, forearms, and waist have velcro straps. This lets you tune the fit. The collar also has a velcro tab.
The soft mesh liner and Drystar membrane help prevent overheating and clamminess. For comfort across the neck, the collar has a spacer fabric.
Storage-wise, you get two external hand pockets and three internal pockets, one being waterproof. The pockets provide ample room for wallets, phones, and other essentials.
Safety and Visibility
This jacket incorporates reflective stripes on the sleeves and back. These stripes are subtle during the day yet reflect brightly at night. This improves your visibility after dark.
For night riding, the zipper pulls also have reflective detailing to help locate the zippers.
How Does the Sportown Drystar Air Compare?
Here’s how the Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air jacket compares to some other mesh and textile riding jackets in the $150 to $250 price range:
| Jacket | Ventilation | Waterproof Liner | Armor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air | Excellent | Yes, Drystar | CE padding at shoulders and elbows |
| Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 | Good | No | CE approved armor |
| Icon Overlord Resistance | Very good | No | D3O armor |
| Rev’it! Sand 3 | Excellent | Optional (sold separately) | Seesoft armor |
As the table shows, the Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air stacks up nicely against the competition. Key advantages are its extensive ventilation and included waterproof liner. The CE-rated armor provides adequate impact protection for street use.
The Pros and Cons
Based on this in-depth review, here are the pros and cons of the Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air jacket:
Pros
- Extensive ventilation from mesh panels and vents
- Includes removable waterproof Drystar liner
- Pre-curved, articulated sleeves for comfort
- CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor
- Ample storage with 5 pockets
- Reflective details improve visibility
Cons
- Only abrasion-resistant in key areas
- Drystar liner may wet through in heavy rain
- No back protector (must buy separately)
- Not designed for cold weather riding
The Verdict: A Versatile Mesh Jacket for Warm Weather
The Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air is an impressive mesh-focused riding jacket, considering its reasonable price point. It excels in warm weather thanks to ample airflow from extensive mesh and vents. The waterproof liner adds versatility for brief wet rides.
While not a heavy-duty winter jacket, this is an affordable option for hot weather. The CE armor provides useful impact protection for street riding.
Overall, the Alpinestars Drystar Air jacket succeeds in delivering cooling performance and versatility at a mid-range cost.
Riders seeking the best warm weather airflow will appreciate this jacket. Consider pairing it with the matching Drystar Air pants for full coverage.
For riders in hot climates or those wanting maximum ventilation, the Drystar Air jacket deserves a spot on your shopping list. It hits the sweet spot of cooling comfort and versatility.
FAQ
How does the sizing run?
The Sportown Drystar Air runs true to size. Order you’re normal jacket size for the intended fit. It has a relaxed, roomy cut through the body with pre-curved, sport-fit sleeves.
Is this a 3-season or 4-season jacket?
This is primarily a warm-weather jacket. It ventilates extremely well but is not meant for winter cold. With the waterproof liner installed, it can work down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the jacket durable?
The polyester shell and articulated construction make it durable for street use. However, it’s not a heavyweight jacket built for aggressive riding. Avoid abrasion and sliding on asphalt for best durability.
Can you wear armor under or over this jacket?
Yes, you can layer separate armor underneath if desired. Some riders wear a pressure-fit back protector under mesh jackets. This jacket also has armor pockets to fit Alpinestars Nucleon back and chest protectors.
Does it come with a back protector?
No, there is no back protector included. You must purchase one separately if you want to add back protection. Alpinestars sells optional Nucleon protectors for this jacket.
In Conclusion
If you ride in hot conditions and want maximum airflow, the Alpinestars Sportown Drystar Air delivers. It balances cooling performance with useful safety features and a waterproof liner, all at an affordable price. Check it out if you prioritize venting for summer rides.
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