Alpinestars has been the jacket I default to since my first sportbike, and after a low-side on a wet roundabout that the GP Plus walked away from, I stopped second-guessing the brand. I have ridden, crashed, sweated, and toured in their gear for over a decade, and the five jackets below are the ones I still recommend in 2026 without hesitation.
I evaluated current models on fit, armor coverage, ventilation, abrasion zones, and how they hold up after a real season of use. Track days, two-up touring, daily commuting, and one unplanned tumble all factored in.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Leather Jacket | Best overall | 4.8/5 |
| Alpinestars T-Jaws V3 Waterproof Jacket | Best all-weather | 4.6/5 |
| Alpinestars Missile V2 Ignition Jacket | Track riders | 4.7/5 |
| Alpinestars T-SP-1 V2 Riding Jacket | Sport commuting | 4.5/5 |
| Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Jacket | Touring | 4.6/5 |
1. Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Leather Jacket - Best Overall
The GP Plus R V3 is the leather jacket I would buy if I had to pick one. Full cowhide, CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor, accordion stretch on the back, and the cut works on both sportbikes and naked bikes without bunching at the waist.
2. Alpinestars T-Jaws V3 Waterproof Jacket - Best All-Weather
The T-Jaws V3 has a removable waterproof liner and a thermal liner, which means it works from spring rain to summer heat without needing a second jacket. I have used mine in a downpour to Newcastle and stayed dry.
3. Alpinestars Missile V2 Ignition Jacket - Best for Track
The Missile V2 Ignition is built around track use with a tail hump for an aero seal to matching pants, full perforation, and a race fit that leaves no slack. If you do trackdays four times a year or more, this is the jacket.
4. Alpinestars T-SP-1 V2 Riding Jacket - Best Sport Commuter
The T-SP-1 V2 is textile, sport cut, and built for daily riders who want armor without the leather price. CE Level 1 armor included, with a pocket for a back protector upgrade.
5. Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Jacket - Best Touring
The Andes V3 is the touring jacket. Drystar membrane, removable thermal liner, multiple vents, and enough pockets to actually use on a multi-day ride. Mine has 12,000 miles on it and the zippers still feel new.
What Matters Most
Armor rating and fit. CE Level 2 armor is the minimum I will wear on a street bike now, and fit matters more than fabric because loose armor in a crash slides off the impact point and does nothing.
My Setup
I run a GP Plus R V3 on dry track days and twisties, an Andes V3 on long tours, and the T-Jaws V3 for commuting through unpredictable weather. Three jackets, three jobs.
Common Mistakes
Buying a size too large because the jacket feels stiff in the store. Leather breaks in. Buy it snug. The other mistake is skipping the back protector pocket upgrade.
Final Recommendation
For most riders, the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Leather Jacket is the right call. It is the jacket I have crashed in and the one I keep going back to.
Frequently asked questions
Do Alpinestars jackets run small?+
Yes, especially the Euro-fit race cuts. I size up one from my street size for anything with the GP or Tech name on it, and the chest still sits snug enough that armor stays put.
Is leather or textile better?+
Leather wins on abrasion and track use. Textile wins on weather range and commuting. I own both and rotate based on ride length and weather, not on what is trendy.