F.T.W. Racing

Review :: Alpinestars GP Tech Gloves

From the manufacturer:

Developed with Alpinestars professional MotoGP and Superbike racers, the GP Tech is the ultimate expression of road racing glove innovation, featuring the very latest design and production technology for greater performance and safety. The updated version features new, aggressive colorways and improved performance fit, material and construction adding to the gloves class leading safety and performance features.

• Develped with input from professional racers on the MotoGP circuit
• PU knuckle and finger sliders for superior impact and abrasion resistance
• Patented third and fourth finger bridge protects against "finger roll" and potential seam bursting during impacts
• Strong, supple kangaroo leather palm is reinforced with Pittards digital leather and an advanced direct-inject Kevlar panel
• Fingers have external seams for comfort
• Kevlar stitching throughout for strength
• PU-injected wrist closure for a secure, comfortable fit
• Perforated cuff and ventilated finger forchettes keep your hands cool
• Glove top is reinforced with knit Kevlar, features highly abrasion-resistant Pittards
• Armor-Tan leather at critical areas
• Padded Kevlar top panel provides impact resistance, flexibility, and improved cooling
• 3D anatomical design for a superior fit

I just bought these to replace my Tecknic Speedstar gloves that failed me in the last crash.  Those bastards ripped to shreds. More on that later.

I have tried Alpinestars gloves before, but they never seemed to fit right.  They seemed to always bunch up (no matter the size) and not provide the same protection that I was used too.  I did take the plunge once again (I just love Alpinestars) and bought some GP Tech gloves in black.  Out of the box, these things feel broken in.  Usually, I have to fold the fingers over on my gloves and put a heavy weight as to stretch out the leather.  These feel amazing right out of the box.  The protection is there with heavy duty armor around all the knuckles and the strongest gauntlet section I have seen yet.

Surprisingly, they are flexible as well.  I thought the gauntlet section would get in the way or prevent movement.  Nope.  All good on that front!  The whole glove is well constructed, as with all Alpinestars products.  The safety is all there (see above) and I feel 100% confident in these gloves.

The negative?  Cooling.  This glove gets hot quick.  I would not recommend this to anyone but racers, or trackday riders as this thing heats up fast.  It is still very comfy, but lacks the cooling I am used to. That is about the only negative I have felt so far.

I will let you know after I crash test them.