As an avid motorcyclist, I’ve come to appreciate the crucial role that quality gear plays in enhancing my riding experience. The feel of the wind against my helmet, the roar of my motorcycle underneath me, and the sense of freedom that washes over me each time I hit the road – it’s a feeling like no other. But, as any seasoned rider will tell you, the journey is only as good as the gear you bring along. This is why I’m always on the hunt for motorcycle apparel that seamlessly merges style, comfort, and, most importantly, protection.

       Over the years, I’ve come across several brands that have left a significant impact on my riding journey. Alpinestars is one such name. Known for their innovative designs and commitment to rider safety, they’ve become a staple in the motorcycle gear industry. Their reputation for quality and performance precedes them, which is why I had high expectations when I got my hands on the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves.

       Designed with the adventure or enduro rider in mind, the Corozal Drystar Gloves promise a blend of comfort, protection, and an impressive range of motion, all wrapped up in a sleek, short cuff design. I was intrigued by their unique combination of stretch polyamide fabric upper and goatskin leather palm, promising both durability and a superior grip. The inclusion of the Alpinestars Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane also caught my eye, suggesting an all-weather functionality that could stand up to the unpredictable conditions often encountered on my rides.

       But, as any experienced rider knows, what works on paper does not always translate to performance on the road. And so, I set out on a series of rides, putting these gloves through their paces to see if they lived up to the Alpinestars name. And now, I’m here to share my honest, detailed insights with you, fellow riders. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves.

       Having spent 16 years on the saddle, I’ve come to understand the crucial role that materials and construction play in the overall performance of motorcycle gloves. They’re not just about protecting your hands; they also form the critical interface between you and your motorcycle.

Durability and Quality

       The Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves are designed with a stretch polyamide fabric upper and a robust goatskin leather palm. This combination, on paper, promises a balance of durability and tactile feel. Goatskin leather is renowned for its excellent tensile strength and flexibility, which should ideally provide a robust and comfortable interface. The polyamide fabric upper, with its inherent resistance to wear and tear, suggests a glove designed to endure the rigors of ADV or enduro riding.

       However, my experience with these gloves was less than satisfactory. Despite clocking over 20 hours of ride time with them, the gloves remained uncomfortably stiff, hardly showing any signs of loosening up. This stiffness hampered the gloves’ tactile feel, forming an unwelcome barrier between me and my machine’s controls. It was as though an invisible wall had sprung up between me and my motorcycle, disrupting the seamless connection I usually enjoy.

Breathability and Weather Resistance

       A good pair of gloves must strike a fine balance between protecting your hands from the elements and maintaining breathability. The Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves feature the company’s proprietary Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane, which theoretically should offer protection against rain without turning your gloves into a mobile sauna.

       In terms of waterproofing, the gloves were impressive, and “Yes”, they are waterproof… at least for a few hours. I recall a ride on a dreary Tuesday afternoon when a steady rain started to fall. I continued riding, fully expecting to endure the familiar discomfort of damp, cold hands. To my surprise, the Corozal Drystar Gloves lived up to their name – my hands remained completely dry throughout the ride.

       However, the gloves’ performance in cold weather was disappointing. Despite their claim of being suitable for cool weather, they offered virtually no protection against the chill. The insulation was akin to that of a thick summer glove, failing to provide the necessary warmth. On one occasion, a slight drop in temperature was enough to send a chill through my fingers, detracting from the joy of my ride. This surprised me based on how stiff the gloves are.

       As for breathability, the gloves performed reasonably well. My hands remained relatively dry and comfortable during warmer rides, suggesting that the Drystar membrane does its job in allowing for moisture to escape. However, the lack of cold resistance significantly compromises their overall versatility, making them a less than ideal choice for riders frequently encountering varied weather conditions.

       Design in the world of motorcycling gear isn’t just about the look; it’s about how that design contributes to the ride, the feel, the experience. With the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves, you’re getting a blend of functional design with a touch of modern aesthetic, a representation of Alpinestars’ commitment to producing sleek, contemporary motorcycle gear.

Color and Graphics

       The Corozal Drystar Gloves come exclusively in black. For some, the lack of color options might be a limitation, but there’s an undeniable appeal to this classic color. Black has always been synonymous with a certain coolness, an edgy style statement that never goes out of fashion. The gloves embody this timeless appeal, maintaining a sleek, low-key aesthetic that allows the functionality to take center stage.

       Moreover, the gloves are enhanced with anthracite reflective details that add a touch of sophistication while also serving a practical purpose. As someone who values safety as much as style, I found these reflective details a welcome addition. They subtly catch the light, enhancing visibility without compromising on the overall minimalist aesthetic.

Style and Fashion

       When it comes to style, the Corozal Drystar Gloves strike an interesting balance. They embrace the freedom associated with the short cuff design – a style that many riders, including myself, appreciate for its unhindered connection to the bike. However, I found that the stiffness of the gloves compromised this connection, making them feel more like an external addition than an extension of myself.

       Despite this, Alpinestars has incorporated thoughtful features, such as the visor wiper on the thumb – a small but practical addition that comes in handy during those unexpected showers. This inclusion speaks to the brand’s understanding of real-world riding conditions, adding a layer of functionality to the gloves’ style quotient. They were built by a motorcycle rider, not just an engineer.

       However, despite their sleek appearance and practical features, the Corozal Drystar Gloves didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of the holistic riding experience I seek. They look stylish, no doubt, and they are waterproof, but they lack the comfort and flexibility that I believe is key to truly functional and fashionable motorcycle gear.

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       Comfort and fit are paramount in any piece of riding gear. No matter how stylish or well-constructed, if it isn’t comfortable, it’s not going to make the cut for a long ride. When I slipped on the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves, I was eager to see how they would fare in this crucial aspect. And I have to admit, they left me with mixed feelings.

Sizing and Adjustability

       Finding the right size can sometimes feel like a game of chance with motorcycle gloves. However, with the Corozal Drystar Gloves, it seemed like Alpinestars has tried to get their sizing right. The gloves fit as expected, which is a plus point, but I struggled with the adjustability aspect. Sizes range from S to XXXL.

       The gloves feature a Neoprene cuff with velcro closures, which in theory should allow for easy entry and secure closure, adapting to different wrist sizes. But the overall stiffness of the gloves reduced the effectiveness of this design feature. It felt like the gloves were resisting the natural movements of my hands rather than accommodating them, which made adjustability a bit of a challenge.

Padding and Cushioning

       The Corozal Drystar Gloves come with several protective features, including hard knuckle protectors, a 3rd and 4th finger bridge, and foam padding in the palm and outer hand impact zones. From a safety perspective, these features are impressive. However, in terms of comfort, I found them to be a double-edged sword.

       The gloves’ padding certainly added to their protective value, but it also made them feel bulky and less responsive. For me, the joy of riding is in the feel of the controls, the tactile connection between my hands and the bike. The thickness of the gloves dulled this connection, making it harder to operate the controls with the precision I’m accustomed to.

Airflow and Ventilation Features

       The Corozal Drystar Gloves are constructed with Alpinestars’ proprietary Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane, a feature that is intended to provide a balance between keeping the elements out while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. This balance is crucial for rider comfort, particularly during rides in variable weather conditions.

       However, in my experience with these gloves, I found their performance in cooler weather less than satisfactory. The gloves offered minimal cold resistance, which was surprising given their substantial construction. It was almost as if I was wearing a heavier set of summer gloves rather than a pair designed for cooler, transitional weather.

       On the other hand, the gloves did live up to their waterproof claim impressively. During a two-hour ride in the rain, my hands remained completely dry, validating the effectiveness of the Drystar membrane in keeping water out.

       Yet, I have my reservations about how these gloves might perform in warmer weather. The breathable membrane is supposed to allow for airflow and help keep the hands dry and comfortable in heat. But considering the overall stiffness and bulkiness of the gloves, I’m skeptical about their ability to provide sufficient ventilation for longer rides in hotter conditions.

       All-in-all, while the gloves did well in the waterproofing aspect, their performance in terms of ventilation and cold resistance left much to be desired. The balance between keeping the elements out and allowing for adequate breathability seemed to lean heavily towards the former, which, in my view, compromised the overall comfort and adaptability of the Corozal Drystar Gloves.

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       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 Corozal Drystar 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

       A crucial aspect of a glove’s performance is its ability to provide a good grip and allow precise control over the bike. The Corozal Drystar Gloves come with thumb and palm reinforcements designed to enhance grip. However, I found that the overall stiffness and thickness of the gloves limited the level of tactile feedback I received from the controls.

       The gloves’ bulkiness made it challenging to operate the clutch, brake levers, and switchgear with the usual level of precision I’m accustomed to. It felt like there was a barrier between me and my bike, which detracted from the overall riding experience.

Waterproof and Water-resistant Features

       One area where the Corozal Drystar Gloves shine is their waterproof capability. Alpinestars has incorporated its Drystar waterproof membrane into these gloves, and it certainly lives up to its promise. During a two-hour ride in the rain, my hands remained completely dry, a testament to the effectiveness of the Drystar technology. Moreover, with 20 plus hours of riding, my hands have yet to feel a drop of wetness through these gloves.

       This feature proved to be a significant benefit, allowing me to focus on the road and not be distracted by wet, cold hands. While the gloves didn’t offer much cold resistance, their ability to keep my hands dry in wet conditions was impressive.

       In conclusion, the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves present a mix of performance features. They offer excellent waterproofing capabilities, but their functionality is compromised by their stiffness and bulkiness. These factors impacted my ability to feel the controls, which, in my view, is a crucial aspect of any pair of motorcycle gloves. While they may be suitable for some riders, I found that they did not meet my personal expectations for a glove’s performance and functionality.

       Motorcycling, by its very nature, is a high-risk activity, and the importance of reliable protective gear cannot be overstated. When I first picked up the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves, I was impressed with their substantial feel and the visible protective features. 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

       The Corozal Drystar Gloves are designed with a number of features intended to provide impact protection. These include synthetic leather molded hard knuckle protectors and a patented 3rd and 4th finger bridge to prevent finger roll and separation during impact. Additionally, they come with foam padding on the palm and outer hand landing zones.

       These features certainly add to the gloves’ protective value, but it’s important to note that their effectiveness can only truly be assessed in the unfortunate event of an accident. It’s also worth noting that the rigidity of these gloves, while a downside in terms of comfort and flexibility, could potentially offer an added layer of protection in a fall or crash.

Abrasion Resistance

       The gloves’ outer construction is a blend of stretch polyamide fabric and goatskin leather. This combination is designed to provide abrasion resistance in key impact zones. Again, I haven’t personally tested this feature to its limits, but based on the materials used and my previous experience with similar products, I would expect the gloves to offer a good level of abrasion resistance.

       However, it’s important to balance the potential protective benefits against the gloves’ overall stiffness and lack of flexibility. The gloves’ rigidity could potentially result in them being pulled off or twisted around in a high-speed slide, which would compromise their protective value.

Reflective Features and High-visibility Colors

       Visibility is a critical safety aspect for any rider. The Corozal Drystar Gloves come with anthracite reflective details intended to improve rider visibility in varying light conditions. These features are subtle and blend seamlessly into the gloves’ overall design, becoming visible only when illuminated by a light source.

       While any additional visibility is a plus, these gloves are only available in black, a color not known for its high visibility. The reflective details help, but they are quite minimal and might not be as effective as larger or more brightly colored reflective elements.

       In summary, the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves offer a number of protective features that, on paper, should provide a good level of safety. However, the gloves’ overall stiffness and the potential impact this could have on their performance in a crash situation is a concern. Meanwhile, the minimal reflective details, combined with the gloves’ black color, might not provide optimal visibility in low-light conditions. As always, the balance between protection, comfort, and functionality is key, and in my opinion, these gloves might not have found the sweet spot.

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       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 Corozal Drystar Gloves provide good value for the money? Let’s delve into this.

Price

       The Corozal Drystar Gloves are priced at $109.95, but at the time of writing this review, they’re on sale for $82.46. This price point puts them in the mid-range category of motorcycle gloves. It’s a competitive price point, with many other brands offering gloves with similar features in this range. I bought mine here: *REVZILLA LINK*

Cost-effectiveness

       When considering the cost-effectiveness of these gloves, we have to evaluate what they offer for their price. They come with several high-end features, such as Alpinestars’ Drystar waterproof membrane, synthetic leather molded hard knuckle protectors, and a patented 3rd and 4th finger bridge.

       However, in terms of comfort, flexibility, and cold resistance, the gloves didn’t meet my expectations. The overall stiffness of the gloves made them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods and limited my ability to feel the controls, which is a crucial aspect of any pair of motorcycle gloves.

       Considering these factors, I’m not convinced that these gloves offer the best value for money, especially at their regular price. Even at the discounted price, I feel there are other options in the market that could offer a better balance between comfort, protection, and performance.

Warranty and Support 

       Alpinestars typically offers a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship on their products. While I didn’t have to avail of the warranty for these gloves, my past experiences with Alpinestars’ customer service have been generally positive. They are responsive and willing to address any concerns or issues.

Contact

       You can contact Alpinestars here:

https://www.alpinestars.com/

talk-to-us@alpinestars.com

(US) 1-800-438-2577 / (INT) +1-310-891-0222

       While the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves come with several appealing features and a reputable brand name, their overall performance and comfort didn’t fully live up to my expectations. Considering their price, even on sale, I would recommend potential buyers to consider other options in the market that might offer a better balance of price, comfort, protection, and performance.

Touchscreen Compatibility

       In this digital age, the ability to interact with our devices without removing our gloves is a convenience we’ve come to appreciate. The Corozal Drystar Gloves do feature touchscreen compatibility in the index finger, which ideally allows riders to operate devices like smartphones or GPS units without having to remove their gloves. However, the overall stiffness of these gloves made precise interaction with touchscreen devices somewhat challenging in my experience. It’s a valuable addition, but its usefulness can be hampered by the limited dexterity these gloves offer.

Velcro Wrist Closure

       A notable feature of these gloves is the Velcro wrist closure, which goes beyond just securing the gloves onto your hands. This closure system also allows for a certain degree of adjustability, enabling riders to achieve a more personalized and snug fit. In theory, the ability to fine-tune your gloves’ fit can significantly enhance both comfort and control, leading to a safer and more enjoyable ride. But again, the stiffness of the gloves did limit the overall comfort, despite the adjustability provided by the Velcro closure.

Visor Wiper

       Another practical feature on these gloves is the thumb visor wiper. This is especially useful during rainy rides, allowing you to clear your helmet’s visor without taking your hands off the handlebars. It’s a small addition that significantly enhances visibility and safety in less than ideal weather conditions. It’s one of those subtle features you might not miss until you have it, and then wonder how you ever did without.

Drystar Waterproof Membrane

       Perhaps one of the standout features of these gloves is Alpinestars’ patented Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane. Designed to keep your hands dry in the wettest of weather while allowing for breathability, this technology has proven its worth. During a two-hour ride in the rain, my hands remained completely dry, validating Alpinestars’ claims about this technology.

       While the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves do incorporate some thoughtful and innovative features, they struggle with a fundamental aspect: comfort. Despite the range of specialized features, the overall stiffness of these gloves significantly detracts from their appeal. A great pair of gloves should offer a balance of comfort, protection, and functionality, and in this regard, the Corozal Drystar Gloves fell short of expectations.

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       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.

       Motorcycle gear, in my experience, is all about balance. A good pair of gloves should offer protection, comfort, and functionality in equal measures. They should be an extension of your hands, allowing you to feel and control your ride without any hindrance. As I pen down my thoughts on the Alpinestars Corozal Drystar Gloves, I can’t help but reflect on this balance.

       In terms of protection, these gloves deliver. The hard knuckle protectors, the reinforced palm and outer hand landing zones, and the patented 3rd and 4th finger bridge, all contribute to making these gloves a reliable choice in terms of safety. Their waterproof capabilities are also commendable, with the Drystar membrane living up to its name during my wet weather rides.

       But despite these positives, I found the gloves lacking in some fundamental aspects. Comfort and flexibility were significant shortcomings for me. Even after over 20 hours of use, the gloves remained stiff and unyielding. They felt more like a barrier than an extension of my hands, reducing my ability to feel the controls of my motorcycles. The cold resistance was practically non-existent, making them more akin to a thick summer glove than a cool weather ADV glove as they were advertised.

       The touchscreen compatibility, which should have been a useful feature, was rendered ineffective due to the overall stiffness and lack of dexterity when trying to use my GPS. Even the aesthetic appeal, which is admittedly subjective, felt lackluster due to the limited color options.

       At their current price of $82.46 (discounted from $109.95), I would hesitate to recommend these gloves. While they do offer reliable protection and waterproof capabilities, the lack of comfort and flexibility is a deal-breaker for me. Given my sixteen years of riding experience, I have come across gloves that offer a much better balance at similar or even lower price points.

       In the end, I believe Alpinestars missed the mark with the Corozal Drystar Gloves. This is a bit disheartening, as Alpinestars is a brand I hold in high esteem, having owned and loved many of their products over the years. I know they can do better, and I hope they take these issues into account for future iterations.

       To potential buyers, I would advise trying these gloves on and spending some time with them before purchasing. If possible, take them for a test ride. Gloves are a personal piece of gear, and what doesn’t work for one rider might work for another. But for me, my search for the perfect pair of waterproof rain gloves continues.

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