Alpinestars review

Alpinestars covers more sport riding budgets than any other brand here. The Faster V2 starts at $499.95, and the GP Plus R V4 Rideknit at $699.95 is the more protective pick: its page lists 1.3 mm race grade leather, a CE Category II EN17092-3 AA Class rating, Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder armor, GP Lite elbow armor and dual density DFS shoulder sliders. It is ready for the Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air 3 airbag systems, and stretch panels plus RIDEKNIT inner arms make the cut work in a tucked riding position. Women get the Stella Faster V3 at $514.95, anatomically profiled with a class A rating and CE Level 1 shoulder protectors. Back and chest pads are sold separately, from $69.95. Free 30 day returns and free shipping over $99 make sizing less risky than at brands with shorter windows. We compared documented features and published prices; Alpinestars trails Dainese only because its entry jackets cost less but its AA model costs more.

Who it is for

sport riders who want a track-derived fit and airbag readiness

Price

Faster V2 leather jacket $499.95; GP Plus R V4 Rideknit leather jacket $699.95.

GP Plus R V4 Rideknit Leather Jacket racing/sport | jackets $699.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• GP Plus R V4 Rideknit uses 1.3 mm race grade leather
• CE Category II EN17092-3:2020 AA Class certification on the GP Plus R V4
• Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder armor and GP Lite elbow armor included
• Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air 3 airbag ready
• Faster V2 leather jacket is the entry model at $499.95

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free shipping over $99 and free 30 day exchanges and returns
• Strength: Women's Stella Faster V3 costs $514.95 with a female specific cut
• Strength: Mesh liner has pockets for a back protector and split chest protector
• Weakness: Back and chest protectors cost extra, from $69.95 for the Nucleon KR-2i insert
• Weakness: Sport fit with pre-curved arms is snug for upright cruiser riding
• Weakness: Tech-Air products cannot be shipped back for returns by the customer

Key facts

• Cheapest leather jacket: Faster V2, $499.95
• GP Plus R V4 leather: 1.3 mm race grade
• Certification: EN17092-3 AA (GP Plus R V4)
• Airbag: Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air 3 ready
• Returns: Free 30 day exchanges and returns

Where it ranks

Alpinestars is No. 1 in our Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets verdict.