I’ve been looking for a new summer riding jacket, and the Alpinestars SMX V3 Air caught my attention. As an avid motorcyclist living in a hot climate, proper airflow is critical for my riding comfort and safety. However, protection remains paramount. I set out to thoroughly test this jacket to see if it could meet my needs.
In this review, I’ll share my experiences with the construction, ventilation, protection, comfort, and performance of the Alpinestars SMX V3 Air jacket after extensive testing in real-world conditions.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars SMX V3 Air Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Versatile in hot and cool weather
- Extremely ventilated lightweight jacket
- Sporty protection for summer riding
Construction and Materials
The outer shell of the SMX Air is constructed from polyester mesh containing large perforated panels along the main torso and chest areas. The more solid shoulder panels are made from 450D polyester fabric.
Strategic stretch fabric inserts are located on the side torso and upper back to allow flexibility and movement. The jacket is designed to conform to riding position and articulation.
Looking at the list of specifications, the SMX Air meets the CE Category II classification as a protective garment under the EN 17092-4:2020 standards.
It’s certified for abrasion resistance, impact absorption, and burst strength in motorcycle crashes.
The Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows provides certified impact protection in key contact zones while remaining flexible for comfort. The jacket is also pre-wired for the Alpinestars Tech-Air airbag system, which can be purchased separately.
Additional features for protection include:
- Outer DFS Lite shoulder protectors
- Foam chest and back pads
- Option to add Nucleon back protector
Let’s look at how the construction and materials held up during testing:
Abrasion Resistance
The polyester mesh showed no signs of wear or pilling even after hundreds of miles of riding. The mesh remains smooth to the touch. The leather and textile reinforcements on the shoulder and elbow panels are also holding up extremely well.
Flexibility
Moving around on the bike causes no restrictions thanks to the perforated construction and textile stretch panels. The pre-curved sleeve design articulates easily.
Durability
Despite being a lightweight summer motorcycle jacket, the SMX Air is sturdily constructed. The mesh feels thick and substantial, not flimsy or delicate. The zippers, velcro closures, and armor pockets are all stitched in place tightly with no loose threads.
Ventilation
Staying cool was my top priority for a new summer riding jacket. Here’s how the SMX Air’s airflow performed in real-world testing:
The polyester mesh construction proved extremely air permeable. Wind flows easily through the jacket while riding, even at highway speeds.
The perforated side torso panels add additional exhaust ports for hot air. I stayed remarkably cool wearing this jacket in ambient temperatures up to 90°F.
The armpit vents use direct mesh construction rather than basic perforated panels. This allows very effective airflow across the chest and back during rides.
I like that I can fine-tune the ventilation using the jacket’s waist adjustment tabs and velcro cuff closures.
Moisture-wicking performance was also impressive. Despite high heat and humidity, the SMX Air jacket kept me dry without retaining interior dampness or that clammy feeling you get from poor moisture transfer. The mesh construction deserves the credit here.
For summer riding comfort, airflow is critical, and the SMX Air delivers on all counts. Ventilation gets top marks during my testing.
Protection
A motorcycle jacket needs solid impact protection. That’s even more critical if you want a lightweight design since abrasion resistance is reduced. Here’s how the SMX Air jacket performed in this category:
The CE Level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders provided effective impact absorption without impeding comfort or flexibility.
I couldn’t even tell it was there until it was needed. The pre-fitted Tech-Air airbag system offers additional protection for those wanting it.
The elbows, shoulders, and forearms are reinforced with textile panels to provide abrasion resistance in key contact zones while still allowing airflow. The jacket proved stable and secure at high speeds and during maneuvers.
While not as abrasion resistant as a full leather unit, I felt well protected by the SMX Air jacket’s armor and reinforced paneling. It gives me peace of mind against unexpected impacts and slides.
Comfort and Fit
For all-day riding comfort, the jacket needs to move with you and allow flexibility, whether tucked in a race position or sitting upright. Here’s how the Alpinestars jacket performed in this regard:
The SMX Air has a natural, unrestrictive fit thanks to the perforated polyester outer shell and textile stretch panels.
The jacket broke in quickly and moves fluidly with the riding position. The pre-curved sleeves make reaching for the bars completely unimpeded.
The collar is smooth and comfortable against the neck, whether wearing a t-shirt or neck warmer underneath. The neoprene-trimmed cuffs prevent air leakage and wind intrusion without chafing the wrists.
The waist tabs allow you to cinch the jacket for a snug fit that won’t flap at speed. But there’s also enough room to layer a hoodie underneath if desired. I appreciate the ability to fine-tune the fit.
The SMX Air remains stable and secure even during aggressive cornering and acceleration. The sporty cut allows a full range of movement on the motorcycle without restriction. Alpinestars got the ergonomics right with this jacket.
Overall Performance
After hundreds of miles of testing in real-world conditions, here are my final thoughts on the SMX Air jacket’s overall performance:
Ventilation – Excellent airflow even in extreme heat and humidity. Moisture transfer is superb. Breathability is unmatched in hot weather.
Protection – Sturdy construction provides confidence in a crash. Armor offers vital impact absorption with textile reinforcements in key zones. Pre-wired for the airbag system.
Comfort – Naturally contoured fit allows full freedom of movement. Conforms to tuck and upright riding positions with zero restriction or binding.
Fit – Sport cut flatters the body shape while allowing flexibility and layering options. Cuffs, collar, and waist are all adjustable for dialed-in comfort.
Quality – All stress points are tightly reinforced. Zippers and closures are sturdy. High-quality YKK zippers are used throughout. Materials resist pilling and abrasion.
AFTER COMPREHENSIVE TESTING, the SMX Air proved itself as an exceptional warm-weather riding jacket. If you’re looking for the ultimate in ventilation while maintaining safety, this jacket delivers. The sporty design doesn’t compromise comfort and agility during aggressive performance riding.
Key Specifications
- Outer shell: Polyester mesh chassis with 450D poly-fabric reinforcements
- Armor: Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE-certified elbow & shoulder pads
- Reinforcements: Ballistic nylon & full-grain leather panels on elbows, shoulders & forearms
- Ventilation: Perforated panels & direct airflow mesh
- Lining: Removable windproof liner jacket
- Storage: External zippered pockets & internal waist pocket
- Safety: Pre-installed for Alpinestars Tech-Air airbag system (sold separately)
- Other: Waist adjustments, stretch panel inserts, YKK zippers
The Verdict
Considering its sturdy construction, exceptional ventilation, and ergonomic fit, the Alpinestars SMX V3 Air clearly earns its reputation as one of the top summer riding jackets currently available.
The blend of safety features and unmatched airflow power make this an ideal choice for hot-weather motorcycling.
While not inexpensive, costing around $250, the SMX V3 Air jacket delivers on all the capabilities I was looking for in my search for the ideal lightweight, ventilated riding jacket for the hottest summer weather. I’m happy to recommend it to fellow riders searching for the ultimate in protection combined with cooling performance.
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