Alpinestars Northshore Tech Fleece Jacket
4.6
5
7
7
Good jacket for more than just riding.
I like this thing as much as an all-around jacket than just a piece of riding gear.
For riding, it is a good commuter or light riding jacket. Rode to work one colder morning and I could barely feel any wind even at highway speed. While it was good for the morning, it did come back to bite me in the afternoon when the temperature spiked unexpectedly. I would definitely recommend upgrading to the Bio Armor shoulder and elbow pads. There isn't a pocket for a back protector, but if you want to wear a stand-alone one, I had enough room to do so.
I also take the armor out to wear this thing as casual cold weather coat. I get a lot of compliments on it and people don't even know it's a bike jacket until I tell them.
May 11, 2013
Nice Casual Jacket
This was my first piece of actual riding gear and I love it. Comfortable and stylish enough to wear even on days when I'm not riding. It's kept me plenty warm on 35 degree highway commutes and I haven't gotten too hot with it on yet (65 degrees.) Occasionally I feel that the padded shoulders and elbows bunch up a little, but it can be expected.
Overall it's a great jacket that makes me feel a little bit of piece of mind over a standard non-motorcycle jacket. Good investment for someone who's not ready to drop a ton of money on a jacket.
March 3, 2013
Great product!
This jacket is awesome! It does allow very little air flow there for the 2 rating. I got a size up from the recommended size from alpinestars therefore do not find it too small. I am 6 feet 176 pounds and I'm wearing a large. But I think it would fit fine if I got a medium instead. Overall it's a great jacket for city riding. I wouldnt wear it on the freeway.
July 23, 2012
Not exactly what I thought
First le me begin by saying that this jacket fits slightly snug, especially through the arms. I am used to a "roomier" fit, so I was not crazy about this jacket when I first got it, but I wore it around the house to get used to it, took the tags off and went for a ride. The snugness of the jacket actually works to your benefit once the air starts moving near 60 mph. I was glad that the jacket fit a little snug.
Next, it does keep the cold air out. No ventilation what so ever so this is one of those jackets you will want to stop and take off. But when the weather is a bit cool, to downright cold, it will keep the air out. I have yet to feel a draft wearing it. (Temperatures tested were 50 on the low and 85 on the high).
I really enjoyed how small this thing rolls down into. It fits perfectly in my swingarm bag and easily lashed over the passenger part of my seat when not in use. I took the foam armor out and that helped quite a bit.
Here is where I was disappointed. Not sure if it was just the video or my own prejudices but for some reason I thought this jacket was waterproof not just resistant. Other "softshell" jackets I have worn were completely waterproof and I guess I just expected this to be the same.
It could / should be waterproof, but there are one or two areas that need fixing.
-First, in a downpour, I stayed mostly dry, which is pretty good for a water "resistant" jacket. However the front / main zipper leaked terribly. They need to make a better internal storm flap to protect against the rain.
-Next the pockets leaked. Same thing, better storm flaps to keep the water out.
-Just make it actually "waterproof".
A very good spring, summer evening and fall jacket, especially for the money. Worth the investment.
June 24, 2012
My everyday commute jacket
A very comfortable jacket which I use almost every time I commute in Perth's winter. It's a definite wind stopper and it's even kept me dry after riding in a light rain for about 20 minutes.
Looks like an everyday jacket and will not scream, 'biker!', while offering better-than-nothing protection.
I've used this between 12-25 degrees Celsius in Perth's winter.
May 31, 2012
perfect for casual winter riding
great fitting jacket, very comfortable and warm, obviously not much in the protection department but that wasnt expected, airflow rated poorly because its not meant to have any!
June 28, 2011
Nice around town, very stealthy
Great jacket, good fit/finish, it only has padding, not armor so it's really only meant for low-speed use. The shell fabric is smart looking and won't look ratty after a few washes. The interior fleece is comfy but the jacket still breathes nicely. The extended back is good for keeping out drafts while leaned forward (sportbike) but it's not so long that you notice it while walkin around.
I think they did a good job with this one, it's totally stealth except for a few tiny (very tiny)accents on the cuffs, neck, arm that are so small only someone familiar with the brand would know it's a riding jacket.
Very well done, riding buddies who have seen it WANT it.
Only reason I gave a 4-star is because they left out a back pad which seems to be in every jacket on the market.
This jacket fits the "better than nothing" and "stealth" requirements perfectly for people who would prefer to wear full gear at times it's inconvenient or too showy for the destination.
October 10, 2010
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