Alpinestars Gpx Gloves

Alpinestars GPX Gloves

CW EVALUATIONS

Protect without losing touch

THICK, HEAVILY ARMORED ROADRACE-style gloves with their long gauntlets and bulky security straps are no fun at the gas-n-dash, where easy-off/easy-on is ideal. Same goes for the sandwich shop, magazine rack or video store, all places where speed counts. For those day-to-day situations, Alpinestars offers a best-of-both-worlds option: the GPX.

At first glance, this short-gauntlet model bears a strong resemblance to Alpinestars’ top-drawer $300 GP Tech roadracing gloves. Among the crossover features: aggressive styling, perforated leather construction with additional venting atop the beefy molded knuckle guards, accordion stretch panels on the thumb and first two fingers, and a bridge between the third and fourth fingers to keep those two digits tied together and, hopefully, out of harm’s way in the event of a spill. A hook-andloop-backed strap snugs up the logoed rubberized cuff, which ends just above the wrist, right in line with the sleeve end on many riding jackets.

A synthetic suede palm and rubbertipped foreand index fingers provide excellent feel on handgrips, as well as on brake and clutch levers, even in the rain. When it comes to off-thebike tasks that require fine motor skills, such as removing a gas card from your wallet or mining a pocket in your jeans for toll-booth change, the GPX likewise performs well.

Comfort and convenience along with the protection needed for everyday use on the street? We give this MotoGP offspring two thumbs-up.

DETAILS

Alpinestars, Inc. 2780 W. 237th St. Torrance, CA 90505 310/891-0222 www.alpinestars.com Price...$120

Ups Great fit, feel and protection Popular colors and styling Available in S-XXXL sizes

Downs Short on lower-arm coverageby design More expensive than some longgauntlet models May get pinched if left laying around