'Stella' - star - in the name? This is the female version of Alpinestars' touring topper. The third version of the Stella Valparaiso - also a colorful city in Chile - fits perfectly into Alpinestars' touring line, just like the (Stella) Bogota and the (Stella) Andes. And we're not just talking about the South American names, but also the qualities that the Italians bring to the table.
No lack of expertise and know-how of course. Alpinestars is a familiar name in the sporty segment and it was only a matter of time before the road to adventure was taken.
The Stella Valparaiso V3 Drystar has a feminine, very flattering fit, without compromising on technical qualities. A bit longer at the back is logical, because a bulging motorcycle jacket against the tank is not wanted while you do want to keep that lower back covered. The cut has been completely taken in hand from an anatomical point of view and that leads to postponing fatigue and more comfort on the road.
The exterior of the Stella Valparaiso V3 Drystar Jacket consists of a smart, wear- and tear-resistant combination of textile materials. Logically, the shoulders and elbows received extra attention. Versatility is the key to this 3-in-1 motorcycle jacket, so the Stella Valparaiso V3 Drystar hides a removable, waterproof and breathable Drystar membrane under the outer shell. The logo on the chest reveals - together with the level of finish - that you can also wear it on its own, without the motorcycle jacket. One layer further down there’s the equally removable thermal lining, which keeps you warm on the coldest days of the year. Of course, the reverse is also possible: the ventilation system starts at the forearms (with a long, zippered opening), runs over the chest ('Ventilation System') and finds an apotheosis in the form of a 'super airflow', when you use the fully ventilated intermediate piece as a central zipper. Much more ventilation is hardly possible in this context.
The combination of all that - from warm to cold and back - is more than enough to make the Stella Valparaiso V3 Drystar an always-on, everywhere motorcycle jacket. The range of climatic ambitions that Alpinestars wants to face, perhaps explains the choice of the name. In and around the Andes the weather can change sometimes.
Although a touring jacket is not a race suit, it could feel quite snug. Alpinestars uses a four-sided sizing system (for the jacket only) and leaves nothing to chance. Of course, every body is different, so you also have plenty of individual adjustment options. Two centering buckles on the flank, three snaps on the upper arm, a belt with buckle on the underarms and a drawstring on the waist are the most important, but also the collar (flexible closure and collar hook) and the sleeve ends (velcro) are adjustable. It ensures that 'not sitting well' is actually not an option.
Protective materials are present in the form of Alpinestars' shoulder and elbow protectors. These are of course CE-certified. Back protection, and then we look towards the Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified), is optional.
The reflective details on the chest, arms and back are discreet but clearly present and provide good visibility in adverse conditions.
The Stella Valparaiso V3 Drystar is a motorcycle jacket in which after five months you suddenly discover something you had not previously noticed. We're in the business of top products, in other words, and top products don't disappoint on any level.
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
