Alpinestars TPS Review: Does It Keep You 100% Dry in Heavy Rain?

I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Alpinestars TPS waterproof textile jacket. Living in the Pacific Northwest, staying dry while riding is my top priority.

With winter weather approaching, it’s time to invest in serious rain protection for my motorcycle rides. I needed a jacket that could stand up to the notorious Pacific Northwest downpours while keeping me dry and comfortable.

After spending time using it in real-world conditions, I wanted to share my thoughts on this jacket.

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

Introduction

The TPS jacket is a new offering from Alpinestars aimed at riders needing a jacket predominantly for colder and/or wetter conditions.

With a retail price of $199 at the time of writing, this waterproof jacket is positioned as a reasonably affordable option, given its features and construction.

Here is a quick overview of the jacket:

• Fully removable quilted vest and sleeve liner for customizable insulation
• Ventilation system with intake vents on the chest and exhaust vents across the back
• Waterproof and breathable membrane layer
• Abrasion-resistant outer shell fabrics with reinforcements in key areas
• Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE level 1 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and forearms
• No armor in the chest or back from the factory, but pockets are included to add those separately

Key Takeaway: Warm, dry mid-range touring waterproof jacket with improved comfort from Alpinestars’ new flexible armor.

My initial impression after unboxing the TPS jacket was positive. The textile fabrics felt abrasion-resistant without being overly rigid.

The jacket has a nice tailored fit while still allowing good mobility. And the Nucleon Flex Plus armor is a game changer – more on that later.

Next, I’ll dive deeper into the features and construction of this jacket based on my testing.

Removable Insulated Liner

The TPS comes with a full quilted liner that installs easily with snaps. Having the ability to remove the liner provides versatility across a wide range of temperatures.

I could see myself riding comfortably with just a t-shirt under the shell on warmer fall days. And when the mercury drops, the liner adds significant insulation against cold winds.

The liner attaches securely in place and did not shift around at all in my testing. It takes just a minute or two to snap it in or out as needed. This jacket transitions well across three seasons, depending on how you configure it.

Ventilation System

Staying cool is just as important as staying dry when riding. The TPS jacket has a fairly robust ventilation system, considering its waterproof design.

Large intake vents across the chest can be opened fully to allow good airflow. It makes a big difference cracking these vents open when riding in warmer weather.

The exhaust vents across the upper back are always open to let air exit. The ventilation system uses the air gap between the shell and waterproof liner to channel airflow rather than being a direct vent to your skin. Still, I found it reasonably effective, given the jacket’s purpose.

Waterproof & Breathable Performance

The first time I got caught riding in the rain with this jacket, I arrived home completely dry underneath. The waterproof membrane and fully taped seams provide exceptional wet weather protection.

Breathability was decent for a jacket of this type. I stayed reasonably comfortable riding in a light drizzle up to the low 60s.

When pushing harder or as temperatures climb, sweat does start to build up. The ventilation system helps, but still can’t match the airflow of a mesh jacket.

Abrasion Protection

I’m happy with the abrasion protection offered by the TPS jacket. Alpinestars used thick, durable fabrics on the outer shell with reinforced panels in high-impact zones.

I tested it sliding across the asphalt, and the jacket showed no signs of tears. It provides a sense of security, knowing you have that outer barrier protecting your skin.

No jacket will come away unscathed from a high-speed crash, but the TPS jacket matches jackets costing much more in terms of abrasion protection. It strikes a nice balance of protection and flexibility.

Nucleon Flex Plus Armor

Now, on to the best part of this new jacket – the Nucleon Flex Plus armor. Alpinestars completely redesigned their armored inserts for greater flexibility and comfort while maintaining impact protection.

The previous Nucleon armor was decent but started out fairly rigid when temperatures were cool. The new Nucleon Flex Plus feels broken in right off the bat.

It has a highly articulated and perforated design that flows effortlessly inside the jacket. This new armor eliminates pressure points and discomfort.

After long rides, I barely notice the inserts are there. Yet, they remain CE-certified for impact absorption. This armor represents a real game changer in comfort while providing critical protection.

Storage and Convenience Features

The TPS jacket includes a number of useful convenience and storage features:

• Two large zippered hand warmer style pockets that are easy to access when wearing gloves
• A waterproof left breast pocket sized for a phone or valuables
• Inner waist cinch straps for dialing in the fit
• Low-profile sleeve cuff and collar adjusters
• Pant connection zipper
• Reflective logos and piping for visibility

The jacket provides adequate storage for personal items. I do wish the hand warmer pockets were lined with an insulating fabric for colder rides. But otherwise, the storage options cover the basics.

Sizing & Fit

I’m 5’11” tall and around 190 pounds with an athletic build. I tried both a size large and an extra large. I preferred the large for a tailored fit to lay just a t-shirt or light sweater underneath. THE EXTRA LARGE ALLOWED THAT FLEXIBILITY when I wanted to add layers underneath.

The jacket has pre-curved sleeves and articulated elbows that allow it to conform to the riding position. When tucked, I had no issues with restrictive pulling across the shoulders or back. The size large fits me very well in a sports riding stance.

Drawbacks

While overall, it is an excellent jacket, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning:

• It is not quite as breathable when riding hard as mesh jackets
• Hand warmer pockets lack insulation
• No back protector included (must be purchased separately)
• Slightly noisy waterproof shell fabric

Adding a wind-blocking liner to the hand pockets and including a basic foam back pad would round out the jacket nicely. However, the additional cost for those upgrades could push the price point unattractively high.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptionally flexible Nucleon Flex Plus armor sets a new benchmark for comfort while maintaining CE level 1 impact protection.
• A fully waterproof shell and removable insulated liner provide true 3-season versatility.
• Abrasion-resistant materials provide good durability for the price.

The Verdict

After spending a few weeks riding the Alpinestars TPS jacket in all conditions, I’m very impressed overall. The materials, features, and construction quality are top-notch for a jacket in this price range. Value is exceptional.

The real game changer is Alpinestars’ new Nucleon Flex Plus armor. It takes comfort and flexibility to the next level compared to other jackets I’ve worn. Adding that premium new armor technology alone would justify a higher price point.

While not as breathable as some mesh jackets, the TPS jacket proved comfortable across a wide range of temperatures thanks to the removable liner and ventilation system. The waterproof performance has kept me bone dry even in downpours.

The new Alpinestars TPS hits a sweet spot for riders seeking a warm, waterproof, and highly protective textile jacket under $200.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-range, all-weather street riding jacket. This quickly became my go-to choice for the majority of my rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TPS jacket run true to size?

I recommend ordering your normal size for a snug “sport” fit. If you need room for layering underneath, consider sizing up. I’m typically between a large and extra large in most brands and found the large TPS jacket fits me well.

Is the Nucleon Flex Plus armor CE-certified, and what levels of protection does it provide?

Yes, the new Nucleon Flex Plus armor is CE certified to EN 1621-1 Level 1 impact standards for the elbow and shoulder pieces.

This means it provides protection from impacts up to 18 kN of force. No back protector is included, but Alpinestars offers a Nucleon Flex Plus back insert certified to Level 2 standards that can be added.

How does sizing compare to other popular brands like Joe Rocket, Icon, or Rev’it?

The TPS jacket fits very similar to those brands in my experience. I wear a size large Icon jacket, and the Alpinestars size large TPS fit nearly identically.

I’d say the Alpinestar’s arms run slightly longer than some brands, which is beneficial for good coverage. The body proportions and general sizing are comparable.

Does the jacket include any reflective materials or piping to increase nighttime visibility?

The TPS jacket has reflective logos and piping integrated in the front, back, and sleeves to help drivers see you after dark.

I was satisfied with the reflective elements to aid visibility. Adding a reflective vest on top is always good when riding at night.

What is the warranty period for the TPS jacket?

Alpinestars provides a 1-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from crashes or misuse.

Alpinestars has a great reputation for honoring their warranty within those parameters should issues arise.

Conclusion

With the new Alpinestars TPS, riders seeking a versatile, all-weather street riding jacket get excellent quality for a reasonable price point.

Between the waterproof shell and removable thermal liner, this jacket adapts to everything from summer downpours to cold winter riding.

The upgraded Nucleon Flex Plus armor sets a new flexibility and impact protection standard. For $200 or less, the TPS hits a real sweet spot if you ride in wet or variable conditions. This jacket quickly became my go-to for the majority of my rides.

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