Alpinestars SP-2 Gloves - 2012

Alpinestars gloves generally fit just a bit more snug than other brands of gloves. Some might notice this while others might not. If you are between sizes, your best shot would be to choose larger. Hopefully you’ve had some experience with buying gloves and can choose based upon the fit of a previous pair. If you have no previous experience with glove sizing, go here for help.

Just before writing my comments here, I saw that we have no less than four prior versions of the SP-2 glove that have come and gone over the last 10 years or so. I’d love to say that every year they’ve gotten better, but honestly, they really look very similar to prior versions. But that isn’t too hard to figure because this glove is meant for every day street and sport riders, and they have the basic features for protection and style, but the aim is to remain in an affordable zone. And when a manufacturer has a stye that has been a winner (for sales) as long as this one, they know not to monkey around with it too much. Anyway, enough of the history lesson! I’m wearing the White/Black color gloves in the pictures (take the “View Larger Images” link above) and I think they are sharp (I also like the Black/White/Fluorescent Yellow version). And the gloves are comfortable too. The hard carbon knuckle protectors feel like they’d be really tough if ever tested. There are various other built-in protectors and there is double layer material in strategic spots. Overall, I’d characterize these as very competent street rider gloves. They aren’t robust enough for the track in my opinion as they lack certain features found on EVERY track glove (such as a positive closure at the wrist). But for their intended purpose and for what they cost, I think they are great. And Alpinestars has a long sales history to prove that a lot of riders think they are great gloves too. :: Paul, 05-05-12