When Alpinestars released the updated Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow jacket, she knew she had to test it out.
With its aggressive styling and abundance of airflow-promoting perforations, this jacket seemed promising for hot summer riding. But did it deliver on that promise?
In this hands-on review, she’ll share our experiences putting this jacket through numerous rides to help other female riders determine – whether the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow jacket provides the ideal blend of protection, ventilation, and comfort.
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 Stella GP Plus R V3 Airflow Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Great value for the price
- Flexible fit and movement
- Excellent ventilation and airflow
An Overview of the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow Jacket
The Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow is the third generation in Alpinestars’ lineup of premium women’s sport riding jackets.
It retains its predecessors’ aggressive, track-ready styling while incorporating new features and improvements.
Key features of this jacket include:
- Perforated panels on the chest, back, and arms for ventilation
- Stretch fabric inserts at the shoulders, elbows, and back for flexibility
- Removable and adjustable CE-rated elbow and shoulder protectors
- Lightweight, breathable interior liner
- Multiple exterior and interior storage pockets
- The back compartment is ready for a hydration bladder
- Full circumference connecting zipper to attach to riding pants
This updated version aims to enhance comfort and safety with redesigned armor, increased stretch paneling, and improved airflow from front to back.
She chose the black version accented with white perforations and blue logos. Its sharp styling definitely makes a statement! Now, let’s get into the specifics of how it held up during testing.
Putting the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus Airflow Jacket to the Test
To thoroughly evaluate this jacket, our test rider wore it on ten rides over the past two months, spanning highways, country roads, and twisty canyons.
Rides ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours, covering temperatures from 55°F to 85°F (13°C to 29°C).
Here’s how the Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow performed in key testing categories:
Fit and Comfort
Finding a jacket with a comfortable, tailored fit can be tricky for a woman. She is 5’9” and around 140 lbs with a 36” bust.
Based on Alpinestars’ size chart, she needed a size 42. However, she found that size 40 provided a more optimal fit for my body type and riding position.
The jacket has a snug, sporty cut without restricting my movement. She liked the low-profile collar for unimpeded head checks.
The stretch fabric panels allow me to get into a tucked position easily. She wore the jacket fully zipped on colder rides and half unzipped when it was warmer, and it remained comfortable either way thanks to the soft liner.
One downside is that petite riders may have issues fitting Alpinestars’ one-size-fits-all Tech Air Race airbag system, which takes up room inside the jacket. She’s taller, so the airbag fit her fine during testing.
Ventilation and Weather Protection
My biggest concern was whether the perforations would flow enough air in warm weather. She was relieved to find the jacket felt reasonably cool, even on 30+ minute rides in 80°F+ heat.
The perforated chest panel, underarm vents, and back exhaust vents allowed sweat to evaporate quickly.
In cooler temps, the full sleeve liner and wind-resistant shell blocked wind chill effectively. Light rain beads up and rolls off the jacket without soaking in.
However, this is not a fully waterproof jacket, so she suggests wearing a rainsuit in heavy downpours.
Armor and Safety
Upgraded CE-level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders provided impact protection without limiting mobility. The armor is thinner and more flexible than in previous generations.
Hard plastic sliders over the shoulders enabled me to slide safely in a low-speed crash on asphalt.
She would prefer more reflective details for visibility, as the jacket only has one small reflective strip on the sleeve.
Riders interested in the utmost protection may want to add a back protector or Tech-Air airbag system.
Storage and Convenience
With multiple exterior zip pockets and a large interior pocket, the Stella GP Plus RV3 offers ample storage.
The water-resistant Napoleon pocket kept my smartphone protected from drizzle. She also utilized the back compartment for a hydration bladder on longer rides.
Helpful touches like a zipper garage, velcro wrist closures, and waist adjusters elevated the convenience factor. The full-circumference zipper allowed me to connect the jacket to riding pants for track days.
Key Advantages of the Alpinestars GP Plus RV3 Airflow Jacket
Based on my testing, here are some of the standout benefits of this jacket:
- Superb ventilation from the chest, back, and arm perforations
- Flexible mobility thanks to enhanced stretch paneling on the sleeves, shoulders, and back
- Lightweight comfort from the breathable interior liner
- Integrated storage solutions like water-resistant smartphone pocket and hydration compartment
- Hardshell sliders provide abrasion protection in the event of a slide
- Airbag compatible with Alpinestars’ Tech Air Race system
- Full connecting zipper allows pairing with riding pants
While not completely waterproof, the jacket provides good ventilation and comfort across a wide temperature range. The upgraded armor increases protection without compromising fit.
Aggressive sport bike riders will appreciate the jacket’s ability to accommodate a tucked riding position. Commuters will like the convenience features for daily use. Overall, it’s a very versatile jacket suitable for various types of motorcycling.
Areas for Improvement on the Stella GP Plus RV3
Although she was largely impressed by the performance of this jacket, she did note a few areas for improvement:
- Limited reflectivity with only one reflective strip on the sleeve
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rainfall
- Smaller riders may not fit the Tech Air airbag system
- Armor limits breast pocket access when elbow protectors are inserted
- The collar fabric bunches slightly when fully zipped
While these issues weren’t dealbreakers for me, they indicate room for refinement in future versions. She wants to incorporate more reflective elements and a better solution for petite riders to utilize the Tech Air system.
How Does the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 Compare Jackets?
The Stella GP Plus RV3 goes head-to-head with other leading jackets like the Dainese Lady Jacket and the REV’IT! Nova Levante. Here’s a quick comparison of key specs:
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| First Mfg Wildside Women’s Jacket | 100% leather construction, quilted accents, classic biker styling |
| Richa Lausanne Women’s Leather Jacket | Premium leather construction, multiple vents for airflow, armor on shoulders & elbows |
| Alpinestars Women’s Eloise V2 Air Jacket | Perforated leather, CE armor, zippered air vents |
| Street Steel Madison Women’s Jacket | Leather construction with perforated panels, CE armor, multiple color options |
| Sedici Federico 2 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof liner, ventilated mesh shell, CE armor |
The Alpinestars offer strong ventilation and similar armor to the pricier Dainese at a more affordable cost. The REV’IT! jacket has comparable features, but the Alpinestars has a sportier, more aggressive fit.
For riders prioritizing ventilation, flexibility, and budget, the Stella GP Plus RV3 hits a nice sweet spot.
Serious track riders may prefer the Dainese or a full leather racing suit. She found the Alpinestars to offer excellent value paired with good protection.
Final Verdict on the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3
Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket? After thoroughly testing this jacket in real-world conditions, she can confidently recommend the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 to fellow female riders looking for a versatile, high-quality sports jacket.
The abundance of ventilation options, flexible stretch fabric inserts, and included armor come together to create a jacket that moves with you while guarding against impact and abrasion.
Convenience features make it suitable for daily riding, while the full connecting zipper extends its purpose to track days.
Is it perfect? No jacket truly is. She would tweak a few details to enhance reflectivity and water protection.
Overall, the Stella GP Plus RV3 delivers exceptional functionality, protection, and comfort across a wide range of riding scenarios.
If you ride a sportbike and want a jacket, you can push hard in without overheating. This deserves a spot at the top of your shopping list. Considering its quality and performance, it provides excellent value for the price.
FAQs about the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 Jacket
How does the sizing run on this jacket?
The sizing runs small. She’d recommend ordering a size up from your normal size based on the chart. If between sizes, size up for a comfier fit. Riders planning to use the Tech Air system should order true to size.
Is this a fully waterproof jacket?
No, the outer shell resists light rain but is not fully waterproof in heavy rainfall. You’ll want to layer a waterproof rain suit for downpours.
What type of armor is included?
It has upgraded CE-level 1 elbow and shoulder armor that is thinner and more flexible than prior generations. Hardshell shoulder sliders provide abrasion protection.
Can you add a back protector?
Yes, there is a pocket to accommodate an optional back protector (sold separately). Alpinestars’ Tech Air Race airbag system can also be installed.
Is there enough room to layer clothes underneath?
The jacket fits snugly but leaves enough room for a lightweight layer or mid-weight sweater underneath. She had no issues layering a riding shirt or hoodie with the jacket.
Conclusion
So, in summary, the Alpinestars Stella GP Plus RV3 Airflow jacket exceeded my expectations across crucial categories like fit, ventilation, protection, and comfort.
Our test rider highly recommends test riding it yourself to experience the benefits first-hand. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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