Alpinestars direct their knowhow and experience towards the sport-touring segment in this Stella RX-5 Drystar®-motorcycle jacket that stands out because of its materials and design. Breathable, waterproof, all-weather, for every day of the year and the next. And Tech-Air®-ready so with the potential to be maximally safe on the road.
This Stella RX-5 Drystar®-motorcycle jacket has been designed specifically for women. Hence, the ‘Stella’ in the name. Excellent, because the centered cut is just a tad tighter and sportier than the men’s version.
Tech-Air® as airbag system is actually race-worthy material but the Stella RX-5 Drystar® is a thoroughbred touring jacket. In cut, in style, in functionality. The (somewhat) longer jacket can get some getting used to if you are familiar with Alpinestars’ faster-than-lighting usual designs but it should be said that the Italians take this relatively new course with consideration and added value. It is not really three-quarter length but the chances of your lower back becoming bare are practically non-existent.
The outer material is a combination of wear- and tear-resistant fabrics (with sufficient stretch) and forms the first line of defense. Right below that, you can feel the integrated Drystar®-membrane – breathable and waterproof – that qualifies as the ‘bad weather’ department. Another layer and we enter the removable thermal lining. Two wide ventilation zippers on the chest and two more on the upper arms, the accompanying double air outlets in the back are the best warranty for a decent summer ride. The weather would have to do all types of crazy antics to faze this Stella RX-5 Drystar®.
A motorcycle jacket like this one, with layers and all the seasons as playing field should have a little play. This translates into individual adjustment options in the waist (velcro strips), a pushbutton on the upper arm and velcro on the collar. The zippers on the sleeve ends are long and double as extra ventilation channel. Good. A decent, central YKK waterproof zipper with cover flap inspires trust.
On the shoulders and elbows, Alpinestars goes for impact protection in the shape of Nucleon Flex Pro Armor. This translates into thin, flexible protection that allow for maximal movement while warranting sufficient safety. Extra protection can be found in the form of GP Lite shoulder sliders that are actually – as you might suspect from the name – a light version of the real shoulder sliders from the racing suits. You can optionally fit a Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified). There is no such thing as not enough protective material in this RX-5, resulting in an AA-classification, beside the known CE-certification.
Alpinestars provides a number of reflective elements in the form of their logo and you can store a thing or two in the wide slash pockets with zippers. The two inner pockets provide even more storage space.
The connecting zipper can be convenient when you want to combine the Stella RX-5 with good quality motorcycle pants.
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.
