ALPINESTARS SP-9 Bright Blue-Navy-White

The glove type indicates the riding conditions and seasons the motorcycle glove is designed for. It takes into account waterproofing, insulation, ventilation and, in some cases, active heating.

• Gore-Tex: waterproof gloves using a Gore-Tex membrane, combining rain protection with good breathability.
• Race: sport-oriented gloves focused on protection and direct handlebar feel. They are usually not waterproof and intended for sporty riding or track use.
• Mid-season: waterproof gloves with lighter insulation, suitable for cooler spring and autumn conditions.
• Heated: waterproof gloves equipped with an integrated heating system. Heat is generated by an internal heating wire powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery.
• Winter: waterproof gloves with strong insulation against cold temperatures. They are generally thicker to provide maximum warmth during winter riding.
• Summer: lightweight, non-waterproof gloves with ventilating properties, designed for warm and dry weather.

This specification indicates the gender or target group the glove is designed for. The fit and sizing are tailored to the wearer’s anatomy, contributing to comfort and control while riding.

• Men: designed with a fit and sizing adapted to the male hand.
• Women: tailored to the female hand, usually with a slimmer fit.
• Kids: specifically developed for children’s hands, with adapted sizing and comfort.

The water resistance of motorcycle gloves determines how well they protect against rain and moisture while riding. This protection is achieved by integrating a waterproof membrane into the glove.

• Non-waterproof: these gloves do not contain a membrane and are intended for dry and warm conditions. They offer maximum ventilation but no protection against rain.
• Waterproof: these gloves feature a waterproof membrane that keeps rain out while allowing moisture from inside the glove to escape. They are suitable for changing weather conditions.
• Gore-Tex waterproof: these gloves use a Gore-Tex membrane. They are listed separately because some riders specifically look for the proven waterproof and breathable performance of Gore-Tex.

The lining refers to the inner finish of the motorcycle glove and has a significant impact on wearing comfort. It provides a pleasant feel against the skin and helps regulate heat and moisture while riding.

Gloves equipped with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, are always lined. Leather or highly ventilated gloves without a membrane are usually unlined, allowing for a more direct feel and maximum airflow.

The safety certification indicates whether motorcycle gloves have been tested and approved according to a recognized European standard. This standard evaluates aspects such as abrasion resistance, tear strength and impact protection.

• EN 13594:2015 Level 1: these gloves comply with the European safety standard for motorcycle gloves. Level 1 provides basic protection suitable for regular use on public roads.
• None: these gloves do not have official certification according to EN 13594:2015. They offer comfort and weather protection but have not been tested against this specific safety standard.

Knuckle protection refers to the protective elements located over the knuckles on motorcycle gloves. This area is particularly vulnerable in the event of a fall or impact and is therefore reinforced.

Depending on the model, knuckle protection can consist of softer, flexible materials or more rigid protectors. Softer solutions improve comfort and freedom of movement, while more rigid knuckle protection offers a higher level of impact protection. The chosen design is always matched to the intended use of the glove.

A palmslider is a reinforced section on the palm that provides protection during slides or crashes. It reduces friction and wear on critical areas of the palm in case of an accident or extreme riding maneuvers.

• Yes: the glove has a palmslider for extra palm protection.
• No: the glove does not have a palmslider.

Ventilation indicates how much airflow motorcycle gloves allow while riding. This directly affects comfort, especially in warmer conditions.

• Perforated: these gloves feature perforated leather or textile, allowing direct airflow. They offer maximum ventilation but are not waterproof.
• Ventilated: these gloves use breathable materials or ventilation zones to promote airflow without being fully open.
• Non-ventilated: these gloves allow little to no airflow and are intended for cooler or wet conditions.

Touch tip indicates whether motorcycle gloves allow the use of touchscreens without removing the gloves.

• With touch tip: these gloves feature special material on the fingertips, allowing a smartphone, navigation system or other touchscreen device to be operated without taking off the gloves.
• Without touch tip: these gloves do not have touchscreen-compatible fingertips. The glove must be removed to operate a touchscreen.

A visor wiper is a soft rubber strip, usually located along the length of the left index finger of the glove. It allows the rider to wipe the helmet visor in rainy or poor weather conditions without removing the glove.

Color indicates the colors present on the motorcycle gloves. Some models combine multiple colors; each color is listed separately when it is clearly visible.

Gloves can combine multiple colors, for example black-red or black-gray-yellow, depending on the design.

The material on the back of the hand affects both protection and comfort of the motorcycle glove. Depending on the material, gloves can be more durable, flexible, or breathable.

• Artificial leather: synthetic material that is durable and easy to maintain. Provides good protection and flexibility.
• Leather: natural material with excellent wear resistance and comfort. Commonly used in sport and touring gloves.
• Microfibre: very fine synthetic material that is supple and breathable.
• Softshell: flexible material that can be wind- and water-resistant, offering comfort during movement.
• Textile: lightweight and breathable material, often used in summer or ventilated gloves.

The material on the palm affects grip, durability, and comfort of the motorcycle glove. Depending on the material, the glove can feel more robust or provide better contact with the handlebars.

• Artificial leather: synthetic material that is durable and provides good grip. Easy to maintain.
• Leather: natural material with excellent wear resistance and comfort, giving optimal handlebar feel.
• Microfibre: very fine synthetic material that is supple and breathable, ideal for comfort and flexibility.
• Softshell: flexible material that provides protection and can be wind- and water-resistant.
• Textile: lightweight and breathable material, often used in summer or ventilated gloves.

The handback material protects the top of the hand and contributes to comfort, ventilation, and impact protection. Below are the different options, with their characteristics and benefits:

• Double layer goat leather: two layers of goat leather for extra abrasion resistance and robust protection.
• Double layer goat leather with padding: two layers of goat leather combined with soft padding for improved impact absorption and comfort.
• Goat leather: supple and strong, providing a good balance of grip, protection, and flexibility.
• Goat leather and mesh: goat leather for durability and mesh panels for ventilation, ideal in warmer conditions.
• Leather and textile: leather for abrasion resistance combined with textile for added comfort and breathability.
• Premium full-grain cowhide: thick and durable leather with a luxurious look and excellent abrasion resistance.
• Cowhide leather: strong and robust leather offering high protection and durability.
• Cowhide and goat leather: mix of robust cowhide and supple goat leather for a balance between protection and flexibility.
• Full-grain goat leather and synthetic leather: combination of top-quality goat leather and synthetic material for a lightweight, sturdy, and durable handback.

The palm material largely determines the grip, handlebar feel, and abrasion resistance of the glove. Below are the different options, with their characteristics and benefits:

• Synthetic leather: this is a synthetic alternative to real leather. It is wear-resistant, easy to maintain, and often more affordable, but usually offers slightly less feel and durability than genuine leather.
• Leather: this is the most common choice for motorcycle racing gloves thanks to its excellent abrasion resistance, grip, and direct handlebar feel. It also provides a high level of protection in case of a fall.
• Microfibre: this is a high-quality synthetic material that is lightweight, flexible, and highly abrasion-resistant. It offers excellent feel and grip and is often used as a modern alternative to leather.
• Softshell: this is a flexible and comfortable material that often provides better protection against wind and cooler conditions. It offers excellent comfort but is generally less abrasion-resistant than leather or microfibre.
• Textile: this refers to woven synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and flexible. Textile offers good comfort and ventilation but usually less abrasion resistance than leather.

The membrane in a motorcycle racing glove determines whether the glove is waterproof and windproof while remaining breathable. Below are the options, with their characteristics and benefits:

• With membrane: a brand-specific membrane provides water and wind protection while allowing moisture to escape. Ideal for wet or windy conditions.
• Without membrane: gloves without a membrane are generally more breathable and ventilated but less suitable for rain or cold, windy days.

The lining in a glove affects comfort, insulation, and the feel when worn. Below are the different options, with their characteristics and benefits:

• No lining: the glove is made of stitched panels without additional lining. This provides more direct feel and often better ventilation, but less insulation.
• With lining: a lining made of materials such as polyester, aramid, or others provides extra comfort, warmth, and sometimes improved durability. Some linings also enhance wearability and moisture management.