Alpinestars T-Jaws Waterproof Jacket - 2017 :: MotorcycleGear.com

Alpinestars T-Jaws Waterproof Jacket - 2017 (XXL Only)

  • Poly fabric outershell
  • Light weight 450D and 600D as reinforcement on critical areas
  • Removable Thermal Liner
  • Sport collar with snap closure and comfort panel on the back
  • Pre-curved sleeve construction
  • Stretch accordion above elbows and behind shoulder for ease of movement
  • Stretch panels on sleeves and upper chest for ease of movement
  • Velcro waist and wrist adjustment
  • Zippered air intakes on shoulder area for an optimal ventilation
  • Waterproof internal pocket
  • Integrated high visibility reflective graphics on sleeves and back to improve rider’s visibility in low light condition
  • Removable CE protectors on shoulders and elbows
  • Back protector compartment (CE certified -Bio Armor back protector available as accessory- this was a mistake in Alpinestar’s marketing materials. See below for the back protector recommendation)
  • New adjustable Velcro & Snap button system to integrate the Entry Level CE certified Alpinestars Nucleon Back protector
  • Chest pad compartment with PE comfort foam padding
  • Padding details on chest and upper back
  • Internal waist connection zipper for attachment to Alpinestars riding pants

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Sizing Information

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes. 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).

This particular style runs a bit smaller than other recent models we’ve tested from Alpinestars. The fit is definitely “European” because the jackets we tried on our fit check mannequins Huey and Dewey fit good and look good, but they don’t have much extra room. My measurements of other sizes confirms this.


If you like a very trim fit, then you’ll like this style in the size you normally choose, but if you prefer a more “American” fit or you are between sizes, I’d recommend you choose a size larger than you usually wear. And since this jacket has a pretty trim fit, you’ll also want to check your belly (if you have one) and make sure the jacket size you pick is big enough for your mid-section as well as your chest.

Jacket Size Chest Range Waist/Belly Range
Small 37.5 to 39 31 to 32.5
Medium 40 to 41.5 33.5 to 35
Large 42 to 43.5 36 to 37.5
XL 44.5 to 46 38 to 40
XXL 47 to 49 40.5 to 42
XXXL 49 to 51 43 to 44.5
XXXXL 51.5 to 53 45 to 47

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Our Two Cents

Alpinestars standard sport jackets are back, and are slightly updated for 2017. The T-Jaws jackets come in two versions… the Waterproof version and the Air version. So the climate use for each of these jackets is different, but MANY styling and functional features are the same, so I’ll cover both here in one discussion and hopefully you’ll be able to pick the one that is best for you.

The T-Jaws Air jacket is best for mild to hot weather. The shell of this jacket is about 50% solid textile material, and 50% flow through mesh, so with the mesh allowing a free flow of air, the jacket should be comfortable in pretty darn hot weather. To extend the usable temp range a bit, the jacket comes with a removable “wind breaker” liner. This liner is just what you’d think… a full sleeve liner made of a very thick nylon material that would break the wind and give a bit of comfort when it cools off. So this jacket would be perfect for arid and often hot climates, but if you start out on a cool morning, or go over a mountain pass, you could add this liner for a bit of warmth. It isn’t waterproof, but it might do you some good for a very brief shower.

The T-Jaws Waterproof, having a solid textile shell, will be better suited for colder to mild weather, and often times, wet weather. The jacket is made so that the inner liner is waterproof so if it gets rain, the outer shell will get wet but the inner liner will keep the water from coming all the way through to your body. The jacket has a couple smallish zip vents on the shoulders and although they will admit some air, the air won’t pass all the way through to your skin because of the fixed waterproof liner, so for that reason, I don’t recommend a fixed-liner jacket like this for hot weather use. But it will be great for the wet and cold. And the jacket comes with a removable full sleeve thermal liner too that will help retain body heat through insulation.

Features in common? Well, the overall styling and fit are the same… a decidedly sport look and fit. The armor is the same as well. The jackets come with CE protectors in the shoulders and elbows along with the capability to add CE protection in the back and chest. The chest protection “option” is the Nucleon KR-Ci inserts (see below). Added chest protection is an upgrade you don’t see with most jackets, so those concerned with the best armor/protection system will see value here. Both jackets have a pocket for an upgraded back protector (see below). And something new this year… there is a snap system to accommodate the Alpinestars Nucleon KR-R Back Protector, which is a VERY substantial option. The snap functions to secure the top of the back protector and to hold it vertical so it doesn’t go sideways on you.

A few other convenience features to mention…both have a waterproof breast pocket for storage of valuables or electronics. Both jackets have expansion panels above the elbows and behind the shoulders to allow for good freedom of movement which is nice to have in a trim cut like this. And both have waist adjusters to help you get a good snug fit. And for nighttime visibility both styles have some reflectives (see our night photos). Both these jackets have an all-around zipper for connection to Alpinestars pants (that are equipped with the same all-around zipper).

So if you are in the market for a high quality street jacket with armor capabilities well above average along with sharp sport styling, then I’d recommend either of these styles. :: Paul, 11-04-16

Back protector insert: These jackets have a pocket built in to accept a back protector. You actually have four back protector options… the KR-CELLi, KR-2i, the KR-1i or the KR-R. I’d recommend the KR-CELLi in a street jacket like this. It is light and flexible and fairly robust feeling. The other three are more substantial, thicker and stiffer. And the KR-R is the most robust since it is a bit longer and attaches to your body with the kidney belt. The KR-R is more for a race suit in my mind… not a lighter weight street jacket like this one. Of course any of the three will work and so it is your choice.

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