Alpinestars Copper Gloves
Introduction
Riding a motorcycle is not just about transportation, but also about the connection between the rider and their machine, the feeling of freedom, and the embrace of the open road. One of the key components that enhance this experience is the right gear. Among the many essential pieces of motorcycle apparel – the helmet, jacket, pants, boots – lies a humble yet crucial element: the gloves. Gloves serve as the rider’s direct contact point with their machine, and choosing the right pair can dramatically affect comfort, control, and most importantly, safety. This brings us to the focus of today’s review, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves.
Alpinestars, a name that resonates with quality, performance, and style in the realm of motorcycle gear, has a rich history that dates back to 1963. As an Italian manufacturer specializing in professional protective gear and clothing for motorcycling and motorsports, Alpinestars has consistently delivered on its promise of superior quality and innovative designs. Their products have become synonymous with safety, comfort, and aesthetics, making them a favored choice among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves are a prime example of the brand’s commitment to quality and performance. These gloves are designed with a special emphasis on hot weather riding. They are lightweight yet robust, ensuring your hands remain cool and well-protected, even on those long, sun-soaked rides. With a blend of urban styling and innovative features, the Copper Gloves aim to provide an unparalleled riding experience, ensuring optimal control, comfort, and protection.
In this review, we will delve into the various aspects that make the Copper Gloves stand out, from their material and construction to their design and aesthetic appeal, fit and comfort, performance and functionality, safety features, and overall value for money. Whether you’re an urban commuter, a weekend road warrior, or a long-distance traveler, this review is intended to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what the Alpinestars Copper Gloves bring to the table. We’ll dissect their features, discuss their benefits, and evaluate their performance to help you decide if they are the right choice for your riding needs. So let’s throttle up and embark on this detailed review.
Product Photo Gallery
Materials and Construction
Durability and Quality
When it comes to motorcycle gloves, durability is a key factor. After all, these gloves are not just about comfort but also about protection. The Alpinestars Copper Gloves demonstrate a thorough understanding of this concept with their choice of materials and construction techniques.
These gloves feature a unique blend of polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, elastane, and goatskin leather. Each of these materials brings a specific characteristic to the table. Polyamide, a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear, forms the backbone of these gloves. The addition of polyester enhances the durability factor while ensuring the gloves retain their shape and resist wrinkles.
Polyurethane introduces a degree of flexibility and water resistance to the mix, while elastane, commonly known as Spandex, provides the much-needed stretch and form-fitting comfort that riders appreciate. The inclusion of goatskin leather is a testament to the product’s focus on durability and abrasion resistance. This type of leather is known for its high tensile strength and soft texture, making it perfect for areas requiring strong yet flexible material.
The full synthetic suede palm is another highlight that underlines the quality of these gloves. Synthetic suede, with its high resistance to wear, tear, and abrasion, ensures the palm can withstand the constant friction between the hand and the motorcycle’s grips. It also provides a superior level of grip compared to traditional materials. The bonus here is that despite its durability, synthetic suede still allows for a high level of tactile feedback, ensuring riders can feel the nuances of their machine’s controls.
The quality of these gloves is not just about the materials used but also about how they’re put together. The Copper Gloves bear the hallmark of Alpinestars’ meticulous construction techniques, promising a product that can withstand the rigors of everyday riding.
Breathability and Weather Resistance
As these gloves are designed with hot weather riding in mind, breathability becomes a pivotal factor. The Copper Gloves feature breathable mesh and lycra fourchettes (the material in between the fingers), carefully designed to promote optimal airflow. This combination ensures your hands remain cool and sweat-free, even during the peak of summer.
The mesh allows air to circulate freely, keeping the hands cool, while the lycra fourchettes provide a snug fit without compromising flexibility or air circulation. This strategic use of materials ensures the gloves remain comfortable and prevent the clammy feeling that can occur with lesser breathable materials.
While the gloves don’t explicitly state a feature of water resistance, the polyurethane component in the material blend does provide a level of water repellency. However, it’s worth noting that these gloves are primarily designed for hot and dry conditions. Riders frequently encountering wet weather may want to consider gloves with a stronger emphasis on waterproofing.
In conclusion, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves showcase a careful selection of materials and thoughtful construction, culminating in a product that promises durability, quality, and optimum breathability. They represent the brand’s commitment to providing riders with gear that doesn’t just meet but exceeds expectations, setting the bar high in the realm of hot weather riding gloves.
“The Copper Gloves lean towards minimalism. They don’t employ flashy logos or patterns, instead, they focus on a clean, streamlined appearance.“
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
Color and Graphics
The aesthetic appeal of motorcycle gloves plays an integral role in their overall desirability. Along with their functionality, riders are often looking for gear that complements their personal style and their ride, and the Alpinestars Copper Gloves rise to this occasion.
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves are available in a variety of color options, catering to a wide range of style preferences. They offer Black, a classic and versatile choice that never goes out of style. The Black/Red Fluorescent option provides a pop of vibrant color, great for riders who like to make a bold statement or desire additional visibility on the road. The Black/White variant presents a more subdued contrast, blending the sleekness of black with the clean, crisp look of white.
The Mood Indigo choice is particularly interesting. It mirrors the Yamaha blue but with a purple twist, a unique option for those seeking a different yet captivating look. Lastly, the Teak option offers a sandy hue, a tasteful choice for riders seeking a more earthy, natural tone. I went with the Black. Classy and understated.
In terms of graphics, the Copper Gloves lean towards minimalism. They don’t employ flashy logos or patterns, instead, they focus on a clean, streamlined appearance. The subtle Alpinestars logo is incorporated in a tasteful manner that complements the overall design rather than overshadowing it. The logo can be found on the outer cuff of the glove and the word “Alpinestars” written down the finger.
Style and Fashion
Motorcycle gloves are not only about protection but also about making a style statement. The Copper Gloves make their statement with a contemporary, urban style that caters perfectly to the city commuter or the style-conscious rider.
The gloves feature a short, lightweight design, which enhances their urban appeal. This low-profile look is not only stylish but also practical, preventing the gloves from being overly cumbersome or interfering with a jacket’s sleeves.
Adding to the gloves’ visual appeal are the accordion stretches on the backhand. These serve a dual purpose, enhancing finger flexibility while also adding an interesting visual element to the gloves. This feature, in combination with the overall streamlined design, gives the Copper Gloves a sleek and modern aesthetic.
They also feature a hook and loop wrist closure, which ensures a secure fit while maintaining the gloves’ sleek aesthetic. This type of closure is not only practical but also blends seamlessly into the overall design, adding to the minimalist appeal.
In conclusion, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves make an impact with their modern, urban aesthetic. The variety of color options, coupled with minimalist graphics and a sleek design, ensures these gloves will resonate with riders who appreciate both function and style. Whether commuting through bustling city streets or embarking on a weekend ride, these gloves offer a stylish and practical solution for your riding needs.
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Fit and Comfort
Sizing and Adjustability
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves are available in sizes from Small to 3XL, offering a broad spectrum that caters to a wide range of hand sizes. This expansive size range is a testament to Alpinestars’ commitment to inclusivity and ensuring every rider can find a glove that fits them comfortably and securely.
One of the standout features of the Copper Gloves is their adjustable hook and loop (Velcro) wrist closure. This design allows riders to customize the fit according to their individual preference, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement. The adjustability feature is not just about comfort, but it’s also about safety; a well-fitted glove is less likely to slip off in the event of an accident
Padding and Cushioning
The Copper Gloves excel in terms of padding and cushioning, with a variety of features aimed at increasing comfort and protection. These gloves feature padding on the fingers, offering increased comfort and protection. This can make a significant difference during longer rides where constant grip on the controls can lead to discomfort or fatigue. The padding doesn’t just cushion the fingers but also offers an additional layer of protection in these high-impact areas.
Another impressive feature is the palm reinforcement patches. These patches not only provide superior grip, essential for maintaining control of your motorcycle, but they also offer an additional layer of cushioning. This can be particularly beneficial for those long rides where prolonged pressure on the palm can lead to discomfort.
Airflow and Ventilation Features
The Copper Gloves are designed with hot weather riding in mind, and this is reflected in their airflow and ventilation features. The gloves incorporate stretch spandex and breathable mesh in their design, creating a lightweight glove that promotes optimum airflow.
The breathable mesh allows air to circulate freely, keeping the hands cool, while the stretch spandex ensures a snug fit without compromising ventilation. This combination of materials is thoughtfully designed to prevent your hands from becoming overly sweaty or uncomfortable, even in high temperatures.
Furthermore, the lycra fourchettes (the material in between the fingers) enhance breathability without compromising flexibility. This intelligent use of materials means that the gloves are not just comfortable and well-fitted, but they also keep your hands cool and dry.
To wrap this section up, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves showcase a thoughtful blend of features designed to maximize fit, comfort, and ventilation. Whether you’re riding in the city on a hot summer day or heading out for a long journey on the open road, these gloves are designed to keep your hands comfortable and protected.
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Performance and Functionality
Motorcycle gloves are more than just an accessory; they are an essential piece of gear that can significantly impact your riding experience. So, when I put on the Alpinestars Copper Gloves, I was looking not only at how they felt, but also at how they performed and how they enhanced (or hindered) my interaction with my motorcycle.
Grip and Dexterity
When it comes to motorcycle gloves, the ability to maintain a firm and responsive grip on the controls is crucial. Alpinestars Copper Gloves excel in this regard, thanks to their full synthetic suede palm and palm reinforcement patches. This design choice enhances the durability of the gloves while ensuring a robust grip, even under challenging weather or riding conditions.
Moreover, the gloves have been designed with the practical needs of the modern rider in mind. The fingertips, particularly on the index finger, are touchscreen compatible. This feature enables riders to use GPS devices, smartphones, or other touchscreen interfaces without having to remove their gloves, adding an extra level of convenience and maintaining hand protection during such interactions.
The gloves’ design also considers the natural movement and flexibility of the hands. The accordions on the backhand increase finger flexibility, allowing for an easier, more fluid grip on the handlebars. This added flexibility does not compromise on the grip strength, making the gloves highly dexterous and comfortable for handling various controls during a ride.
To further enhance usability, an ergonomic puller has been incorporated into the gloves, ensuring ease of use when putting them on or taking them off.
In essence, Alpinestars Copper Gloves offer a remarkable combination of grip strength and dexterity, allowing riders to maintain optimal control and tactile feedback with their controls. Whether navigating through city traffic or cruising on the highway, these gloves assure reliable and responsive performance.
Waterproof and Water-resistant Features
Although the product description does not specifically mention waterproof or water-resistant features, the Copper Gloves are designed with a full synthetic suede palm. Synthetic suede is known for its ability to withstand various weather conditions, including light showers. It is also quick-drying, which means even if you do get caught in the rain, the gloves won’t stay wet for long. I was caught in a breif, yet heavy 15 minute downpour where both the gloves and my hands got a bit wet, however, within 20 mintues the gloves were dry. The breathability of the gloves acted as a hair dryer when crusing at 55 miles per hour.
However, it’s important to note that while synthetic suede offers some level of water resistance, the Copper Gloves is definitely not fully waterproof. Therefore, for heavy rain conditions, a waterproof over-glove might be necessary to keep your hands completely dry.
Additionally, the gloves’ touchscreen compatible fingertip is a feature that enhances their functionality in various weather conditions. This feature allows you to use GPS or smartphone devices without needing to remove your gloves, a significant advantage if you’re caught in the rain or need to make a quick stop to find shelter.
All things considered, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves demonstrate a commendable performance in terms of aerodynamics and weather resistance. Their design and material choices contribute to a smooth and comfortable riding experience in various weather conditions. Despite lacking specific waterproof features, they offer some degree of weather resistance, making them a versatile choice for various riding conditions.
“The accordions on the backhand increase finger flexibility, allowing for an easier, more fluid grip on the handlebars.“
Safety and Protection
Motorcycle gloves are a critical piece of safety gear, and the Alpinestars Copper Gloves have been designed with a keen focus on protective features. They strike a balance between comfort, style, and safety, ensuring riders can enjoy their journey while remaining well-protected. But, as I’ve learned over my 16 years of riding, the effectiveness of these features can only truly be assessed in real-world conditions.
Impact Absorption
One of the key safety features of the Copper Gloves is their PVC hard knuckle. This feature provides a robust protective barrier over the knuckles, one of the most vulnerable areas during a fall or impact. The hard knuckle is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
The gloves also feature padding on the fingers, which not only enhances comfort but also contributes to impact absorption. The added padding provides an extra layer of protection, cushioning the fingers against impact and reducing the risk of injury.
Abrasion Resistance
The Copper Gloves make use of synthetic suede on the palm for added durability and abrasion resistance. In the event of a slide or fall, the palms are often one of the first areas to come into contact with the road, making abrasion resistance a critical safety feature. The synthetic suede palm is designed to withstand the harsh abrasion of asphalt, protecting the hands from potential road rash.
Additionally, the gloves’ full construction uses a blend of materials, including polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, elastane, and goatskin leather. These materials are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, further enhancing the gloves’ overall abrasion resistance.
Reflective Features and High-visibility Colors
While the Copper Gloves do not specifically mention any reflective features or high-visibility colors in the product description, they offer color variants like Black/Red Fluorescent that can enhance visibility to some extent. Bright colors can improve a rider’s visibility on the road, making them more noticeable to other road users, especially in low-light conditions or during night rides.
Upon reviewing all aspects, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves show an impressive commitment to safety. The combination of impact-absorbing features, robust abrasion resistance, and visibility-enhancing color options contributes to the gloves’ overall protective capacity. They provide a shield of protection that helps riders to enjoy their journey with increased peace of mind, knowing they are well-protected.
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Price, Value for Money, and Warranty
As any seasoned motorcyclist knows, investing in quality riding gear is a non-negotiable part of the lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate a good deal when we see one. The question is, do the Alpinestars Copper Gloves provide good value for the money? Let’s delve into this.
Price
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves have a price of: $64.95. They are a great glove at this price point that is very competitive. I bought mine here: *REVZILLA LINK*
Cost-effectiveness
Considering their cost-effectiveness, the Copper Gloves present a strong case. They combine a variety of high-end features typically found in more expensive gloves, such as palm reinforcement patches, ergonomic puller, and accordions on the backhand, all for under $65. This blend of premium features and affordable pricing makes the Copper Gloves a cost-effective choice for riders looking for quality, durability, and functionality without breaking the bank.
Warranty and Support
While I couldn’t find the specific warranty details for the Copper Gloves, Alpinestars typically offers a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty, coupled with the brand’s reputation for excellent customer service, provides buyers with an extra layer of assurance and underscores the value for money provided by these gloves.
Contact
You can contact Alpinestars here:
(US) 1-800-438-2577 / (INT) +1-310-891-0222
Overall, at $64.95, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves offer impressive value for money. The blend of advanced features, durability, and the potential warranty support from Alpinestars makes this pair of gloves a smart investment for any rider prioritizing safety, comfort, and style.
Specialized Features and Innovations
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves are packed with a number of specialized features and innovations that set them apart in the crowded market of motorcycle gloves. These distinctive aspects enhance the overall functionality, comfort, and safety of the gloves, showcasing Alpinestars’ commitment to providing high-quality gear for riders.
Touchscreen Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Copper Gloves is their touchscreen compatibility. This feature, incorporated in the fingertip of the index finger, allows riders to operate their smartphones or GPS devices without removing their gloves. In today’s connected world, this feature is a significant convenience, allowing riders to navigate routes, control their music, or answer calls easily and safely while on the road.
Velcro Wrist Closure
The Copper Gloves come with a hook and loop wrist closure. This closure system is not just about securing the gloves – it also helps ensure a personalized and snug fit. The ability to adjust the fit of your gloves can greatly enhance comfort and control, making for a safer and more enjoyable ride.
Ergonomic Puller
The ergonomic puller is another thoughtful feature in these gloves. It simplifies the process of putting on and taking off the gloves, making them more user-friendly. It’s a subtle feature, but one that contributes to the overall positive experience of using these gloves. You’d be surprised by how many $250+ gloves do not have this.
Palm Reinforcement Patches
The reinforcement patches on the palm improve grip and control, enhancing the rider’s interaction with the motorcycle’s controls. This feature is particularly useful in wet or cold conditions where control can be compromised. By improving the grip, these reinforcement patches contribute to a safer and more confident ride.
Lycra Fourchettes
The Lycra fourchettes, or the material between the fingers, offer enhanced breathability and flexibility. This design choice helps keep your hands cool and comfortable during long rides, especially in hot weather. It also allows for a greater range of movement, enhancing the overall comfort and usability of the gloves.
The Alpinestars Copper Gloves showcase an impressive array of specialized features and innovations that enhance their functionality, comfort, and safety. They represent Alpinestars’ continued commitment to developing products that meet the needs of modern riders, further solidifying their place as a trusted brand in the motorcycle gear market.
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About Alpinestars
Alpinestars is a renowned manufacturer of technical, high-performance protective gear for motorcycle and auto racing, as well as action sports such as Mountain Biking and Surfing. Founded in 1963 by Sante Mazzarolo in Asolo, Italy, the company initially focused on hiking and skiing boots. However, it quickly gained recognition in the motorcycle world when motocross racing started to explode in Europe in the 1960s.
The company’s name, Alpinestars, is a translation of the Italian “stelle alpine” or “alpine stars,” which refers to a flower found in the mountains around the area where the company was founded. The flower’s ability to adapt and thrive in harsh conditions was in line with Mazzarolo’s vision for his products.
Over the years, Alpinestars has become synonymous with quality, protection, technology, and style, setting standards in innovation, function, and craftsmanship. The company’s products range from professional racing equipment like leather suits, boots, and gloves to casual wear and technical protection for various adventure sports.
Alpinestars has equipped countless world champions past and present and produces its range of off-road and road racing (MotoGP, Motocross, Formula One, and NASCAR) products with the highest technical standards in safety, performance, and comfort. It is also involved in the design and manufacturing of various protective and performance apparel for other forms of motorsports and action sports.
Conclusion
After putting the Alpinestars Copper Gloves to the test in a variety of conditions and logging over a thousand miles with them, I can confidently say that they deliver on their promises. They have proven to be more than capable of standing up to the rigors of the road, providing consistent performance, comfort, and protection throughout my journeys.
Whether navigating through the city rush, cruising on the open highway, or taking on twisty backroads, these gloves have adapted admirably to each scenario. The comfort they provide, especially over longer rides, is noteworthy, with the breathability of the design helping to keep my hands cool and dry.
The touchscreen compatibility feature has proven to be highly useful for quick GPS checks and controlling my playlist on the go, while the reinforced palm has offered a firm grip and maintained a strong feel of the controls in different weather conditions.
Moreover, the durability of these gloves is impressive. After over 1,000 miles of wear, they’ve held up well, demonstrating the quality of their construction and materials. The synthetic suede palm and PVC hard knuckle have done an excellent job in terms of abrasion resistance and impact protection, offering peace of mind while riding.
To sum up, the Alpinestars Copper Gloves have proven themselves to be a reliable companion for any rider. They have risen to the challenge in various riding conditions over an extended period and distance. At a price of $64.95, they offer a practical blend of comfort, durability, and functionality, making them a worthwhile investment for any rider. Whether you’re a regular commuter or an adventure-seeker, these gloves are equipped to enhance your riding experience.
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