Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar Gloves Review: 100% Waterproof?
When riding through rain, snow, or frigid temperatures, keeping hands warm and dry becomes critical for comfort and bike control.
The Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar gloves promise complete waterproofing along with insulation down to freezing.
But with so many winter gloves making similar claims, how confidently can the Andes v3 gloves back up their all-weather protection and allow year-round riding?
Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Goatskin grips well when wet
- PrimaLoft retains warmth excellently
- Waterproof yet breathable membrane
Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar Gloves – Our Verdict
After testing the Andes v3 gloves myself, I’m thoroughly impressed with how they stand up to cold winter conditions.
In my experience, many gloves claiming “waterproof” and “insulated” properties fail to really deliver when temperatures plummet and precipitation starts.
But the Drystar membrane on these Alpinestars gloves succeeds at keeping hands toasty without compromising feel or flexibility.
I typically shy away from bulky winter gloves due to how much fine motor control gets sacrificed. However, the goatskin leather palm and touchscreen-compatible fingertips on the Andes v3 maintain impressive grip and dexterity, even manipulating zippers and touchscreens.
And I really like how strategic stretch panels prevent the gloves from feeling stiff or restrictive when operating controls.
While they lack breathable airflow channels, I never felt excess moisture buildup inside, thanks to effective moisture-wicking liners.
After hours of riding through heavy rain and snow, my hands stayed warm and comfortably dry inside the Andes v3 gloves.
So riders seeking true year-round performance should shortlist these Alpinestars gloves when upgrading their cold-weather gear. I’d rank the weather protection on par with much pricier heated options.
Comparison To Other Waterproof Gloves
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Gloves | All-weather adventure touring glove. Removable Gore-Tex inserts for weather protection. |
| Rev’it Kodiak GTX Gloves | Heavy-duty adventure gloves. Gore-Tex membrane keeps hands dry. PrimaLoft insulation for warmth. |
| Klim Klimate Gauntlet Gloves | Heavy duty adventure gloves. Gore-Tex membrane keeps hands dry. PrimaLoft insulation for warmth. |
The Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar gloves stand out with their combination of weather protection, insulation, and comfort features, which are ideal for touring use. The proprietary Drystar material balances waterproofing with breathability.
Compared to the race-oriented SMX-Z Drystar gloves, the Andes v3 provides better insulation and impact protection for long-distance comfort. Both utilize Alpinestars’ Drystar technology for staying dry.
The Rev’it Kodiak GTX adventure touring gloves offer removable Gore-Tex liners rather than permanently bonded waterproof membranes. This provides modularity but less certain moisture blocking. The Andes include more insulation as well.
Finally, the heavy-duty Klim Klimate gloves prioritize extreme weather protection over lighter weight. The Andes strike an optimal balance of warmth, dexterity, and weight for most touring applications.
What Makes the Andes V3 Gloves Unique?
Right off the bat, the Andes v3 catches your eye with the prominent Alpinestars branding. This Italian company has spent over 50 years developing high-performance protective gear for motorsports. Their reputation rests on combining advanced technology with quality construction.
These third-generation Andes gloves represent the pinnacle for cold and wet weather riding protection. So what sets them apart?
- Waterproof Drystar Membrane – The proprietary Drystar material keeps moisture out while allowing perspiration to escape. No soggy hands here!
- PrimaLoft Insulation – Thin but extremely warm PrimaLoft batting lines the entire glove interior for heat retention.
- Reflective Strips + Logos – Strategically placed reflective details improve visibility for night riding.
- Goatskin Leather Palm – Durable abrasion-resistant leather lines the entire gripping surface for excellent feel and control.
- Flexible Knuckle Armor – Viscoelastic protectors flex with your hand while shielding from impact.
That impressive list of features made me eager to test their performance first-hand. So I geared up and braved some brutal winter conditions in the Andes v3 gloves.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof yet breathable Drystar membrane | Expensive price tag |
| Excellent insulation down to freezing temps | Limited airflow/ventilation |
| Durable abrasion-resistant goatskin leather | Snug fit requires break-in period |
| Flexible viscoelastic knuckle armor | |
| Touchscreen compatible fingertips | |
| Reflective details aid visibility | |
| Anatomical comfort fit | |
| Gauntlet sleeve for weather protection |
Traction and Control with Andes V3 Gloves
CE-rated level 1 protection? Check. Locking out cold and wet? Check. But a third key criterion for winter gloves is maintaining a solid grip on the bars and good finger dexterity to operate controls. Here’s how the Andes v3 gloves stack up in this regard:
- The malleable goatskin leather palm offers impressive stickiness in dry, wet or cold conditions.
- Silicone grippers on the fingertips further enhance traction and control. These are handy when manipulating touchscreens as well.
- Pre-curved design matches the natural closed fist contour of your hands for a relaxed grip.
- Stretch Lycra panels between the knuckles improve flexibility for easily accessing controls.
- Fingers glide smoothly over levers and buttons thanks to unrestricted joint movement and minimal bulky seams.
The Andes v3 gloves really shine when it comes to balancing protection with bike control and operating precision.
Armor and Safety Precautions
Sliding across the asphalt at speed, your hands take quite a beating in an accident. The v3 Andes guard your paws with strategic armor in key areas:
- TPU viscoelastic knuckle guards absorb and distribute impact force.
- Extra leather thickness across the palm heel and base of the thumb – frequent crash zones.
- Foam padding on outer fingers dampens vibration and adds protection.
- Kevlar lining boosts tear resistance if the gloves contact the ground.
- 3M Scotchlite reflective accents improve visibility and allow riders to signal turns.
- Do the reinforcements interfere with flexibility?
Pleasantly, Alpinestars manages to pack robust padding and armor into a surprisingly flexible glove. While you notice some break-in stiffness, the Andes accommodate complete unrestricted movement after just a few rides.
So, if you go down, you can feel confident knowing your hands are well-guarded. But it’s also reassuring that all those safety additions don’t impede comfort or control during everyday use.
Ventilation and Breathability Factors
As a consequence of designing gear to seal out the elements, ventilation often suffers. The challenge comes in blocking external moisture while letting interior sweat evaporate.
With the non-porous waterproof Drystar layer, the Andes v3 gloves have less airflow than traditional leather options. However, they utilize some clever moisture-wicking materials and design elements to combat stuffiness:
- 3D mesh liner – Open weave construction rapidly pulls sweat away from the skin.
- Strategically placed perforations on finger backs provide thermal exhaust ports to release built-up heat.
- An elasticized wrist helps hot interior air escape while keeping water out.
Despite the excellent waterproofing, my hands never felt uncomfortable or clammy wearing the v3 Andes gloves. Breathability proves adequate for temperate to cold weather riding.
Sizing Advice on the Andes Gloves
Finding just the right size winter gloves often proves tricky. You need enough play to easily don the gloves, but not so baggy that excess material bunches up uncomfortably.
Alpinestars resolved this balancing act in the Andes model with an elasticized entry design. This woven mixture of polyester and spandex stretches comfortably without excess bulk.
Once situated inside, a precise anatomical contouring keeps the material uniformly smooth. This ergonomic unisex shaping accounts for female proportions as well.
So rather than strictly male or female sizes, these Alpinestars gloves stick to universal small through 2X-large sizing. I wore my usual medium and obtained a flawless fit.
Just note that the long gauntlet sleeve may require trying both wrist snaps to get an ideal seal on tighter jacket cuffs. Some riders mention the liner stitching chafes knuckles initially until the seams soften through wear.
Alpinestars Men’s Glove Sizing Chart
| SIZE | HAND (IN) |
|---|---|
| SM | 7.5-8 |
| MD | 8-8.5 |
| LG | 8.5-9 |
| XL | 9-9.5 |
| 2XL | 9.5-10 |
| 3XL | 10-11 |
The manufacturer provides sizing information and does not guarantee a perfect fit.
FAQ
How well do the Andes v3 gloves keep your hands dry in heavy rain?
The proprietary Drystar membrane provides a waterproof yet breathable barrier that keeps hands completely dry, even after hours of riding in a downpour.
What temperature range are the Andes v3 gloves designed for?
With the PrimaLoft insulation, they provide warmth and comfort down to around freezing, 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius.
Does the armor interfere with flexibility when operating controls?
No, strategic stretch panels between the knuckles and pre-curved design allow complete unrestricted movement and dexterity.
How does Alpinestars Drystar technology compare to GoreTex gloves?
Drystar offers exceptional waterproofing and breathability on par with premium GoreTex gloves at a more affordable price point.
Final Verdict on the Andes v3 Drystar Gloves
After punishing my poor frozen fingers these past few winters, the Alpinestars Andes v3 gloves proved a revelation. The triple threat protection blocks wind repels water, and locks in heat through the bitterest riding conditions.
Yet the supple goatskin leather palm maintains outstanding grip and control. Touches like the kevlar lining and high-tech knuckle armor further ramp up safety. And the thermal comfort, even in freezing temps, eliminates any excuses to park the bike when snowflakes appear.
While the price sits at the higher end of the spectrum, you truly receive top-grade construction and materials. Given the abuse I dish out, the Andes v3 will likely outlast cheaper winter options that need replacing annually.
So, for those diehards committed to racking up year-round mileage regardless of the forecast, the Andes v3 Drystar gloves deserve consideration. Their weatherproofing confidence opens up adventure touring possibilities that substandard gloves would cruelly curtail. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly find the ice and snow far less intimidating!
Have you tested the Andes v3 gloves in heavy rain?
Absolutely! To verify Alpinestars’ claims that the Drystar membrane provides complete waterproofing, I subjected the Andes gloves to hours of riding in a relentless Midwest downpour. Not only did they prevent a single drop from seeping through, but just as importantly, my hands remained comfortable inside rather than soggy. The wicking liner keeps your skin nice and dry.
So while most gloves simply rely on brief water-resistant treatments to repel rain initially, the Andes v3 gloves form a reliable barrier so your hands can actually stay dry inside across entire rainy rides. Just wipe them down instead of the usual lyric-ringing motions post-ride!
How do the Andes v3 Drystar gloves fit?
I found the anatomical profile of the Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar gloves to conform to my hands flawlessly straight out of the packaging. They already follow the natural closed fist contour. Thanks to strategically placed stretch Lycra panels, the gloves flex easily when operating controls.
While snug initially, the soft, durable goatskin leather shell loosens up quickly over the first few rides to eliminate any uncomfortable pressure points. Just make sure to take advantage of both wrist strap positions to achieve a tight seal against jacket cuffs.
For reference, I wear size medium gloves, and these Andes v3 in medium fit me perfectly in terms of finger length and palm width. Riders note the Thermolite liner may rub knuckles at first, but it’s just the seam needing breaking in. So, I recommend ordering your normal glove size.
How does Alpinestars’ Drystar waterproof membrane compare to Gore-Tex gloves?
An inevitable question arises – how does the proprietary Drystar material stand up against the popular Gore-Tex alternative for waterproof, breathable membranes? Both represent top-tier motorcycle glove technologies.
Drystar and Gore-Tex take distinct approaches to repelling moisture while venting interior condensation, but achieve equally impressive results. Some notable comparisons between the membranes:
- Drystar layers a weatherproof film over an insulating fleece liner
- Gore-Tex infuses the waterproofing into exterior shell fabric
- Drystar flows 1.2g/m2/hr of moisture vs Gore-Tex at 1.0 g/m2/hr
- Drystar mourns flexibility, while Gore-Tex grows stiff when wet
For riders seeking maximum breathability, Gore-Tex gloves maintain a slight edge. However, Drystar’s performance scarcely lags behind while affording superior abrasion resistance.
And Drystar gloves cost significantly less than premium Gore-Tex counterparts. Drystar qualifies as an outstanding choice for all-weather protection regardless of price.
And Finally…
I’d love to hear about your own experiences wearing winter motorcycle gloves! Have the Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar made it into your seasonal rotation?
Let me know which winter weather riding gear keeps you racking up miles once the snow starts falling.
So bundle up, brave the cold, and keep the rubber side down!
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Sources: Motorcycle personal protective equipment (1)
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