Alpinestars Verona WP Jacket - 2012

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. For most people, you would choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. Alpinestars publishes a super-complicated size chart which can be used to pick a size based upon your chest and waist. We’ve condensed their chart down to make it easy to read (see below). The size Med and XL fit Huey and Dewey very nicely! The overall cut of this style is a bit different than other Alpinestars jackets. This one has more of a European fit. By that, I mean that the body is cut fairly snug and the shoulders are not as wide and the arm holes are a bit higher/smaller than you might find in other styles. For those with a trim shape and who like their clothes to be trim also, it is a good choice. If you are stocky and/or muscular, then I think you might want to look at other styles.

Alpinestars’s sizing chart lists the recommended waist range and the jacket has a lot of waist size adjustment. Judging by the way the jackets fit and the numbers in the chart, we feel the “waist” sizes they list could more appropriately be considered belly size ranges. Your actual jean size waist could be smaller than what is indicated and you’d still be OK.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Verona WP jacket for 2012 is part of their “City Collection”. The target is urban riders… commuters, scooter riders, etc. Not that you couldn’t use this jacket for any type of riding mind you, but the overall styling and its features are targeted to urban riders. The cousin to this jacket is the Messenger which is a 3/4 length style. The Verona is a waist length sport style jacket. The shorter length may be preferred by those that ride in a sport position. The sport length jackets give up a bit in the way of storage, but on the flip side, will not be as bulky. The overall styling would be at home in any circumstance either on or off the bike. The jacket shell is a PU coated polyamide. It is made to be abrasion resistant, but the overall feel is softer (and not as swishy) as a harder surface nylon traditionally used in motorcycle gear. It feels a bit like cotton. The exterior styling is devoid of big logos and such and therefore looks a lot like any jacket you might wear outdoors. The jacket has CE rated protectors in the shoulders and elbows and you can also add back and chest protection (see below). We’ve taken a number of close-up photos which you can view by taking the “View Larger Images” link above. There is also a picture of how this jacket worked on our Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey (they fit just fine BTW). The shell of this jacket has an integrated rain barrier. This will keep water out of course, but it will also cut down on breathability as compared to jackets without it. The jacket is not fitted with vents either, so consider this jacket for cold to mild weather use. In the really cold temps you will enjoy the full sleeve removable thermal liner. Overall, a very nice sport style for the city! :: Paul, 09-27-11