There's aggression lurking in the razor-sharp lines of the Alpinestars Chrome motorcycle gloves. Yet these are house cats rather than wild lions: approachable, cuddly and even soft, here and there. And they love good weather.
Make no mistake: even the domestic cat can draw serious scratches in your arm, and small or big teeth, they bite. Only it's all a bit more forgiving with these Chrome motorcycle gloves, which clearly focus on summer street use. Alpinestars’ base lies at the race track of course, but the translation is lighter and more all-round. Also very summery, with lots of mesh on the fingers and the back of the hand. Enough to allow a tangible airflow, without making concessions in terms of protection. Spandex (stretch), leather and synthetic suede give enough strength and stretch to the entire construction to find that one point where safety, grip, fun, lightness and comfort meet. Yes, that's where we are.
The external knuckle protector is going to get a lot of attention. Apart from the padding on the palm, it's the main impact protection you'll find, and the carbon look also plays a part. 'Look', indeed. It looks 'lion', it's not. Which doesn't detract from its abrasion resistance or protection rating.
The Chrome motorcycle glove is a short motorcycle glove. Not a short cuff, just no cuff. The velcro strip that allows you to fit everything neatly just reaches your wrist. Mainly because it starts under your thumb, not because it's really wrapped around it. This means a lot of 'extra' ventilation on your wrist and by extension, your forearm.
The fingertip of index finger and thumb have touchscreen material, allowing you to control virtually any device near your bike. The reflective accents don't stand out in daylight, and they don't have to.
The Chrome is a house lion. Sharp, pointy, aggressive when needed, but at the same time manageable. Rain or snow, he prefers staying behind the window. If you are in the mood for it, you can have a hunting party, but just as often it can be a quiet game. Unless of course you step on its tail. Then the lion comes out.
