With these waterproof RX-3 motorcycle jacket, Alpinestars aims for those who want to postpone choosing between sports and touring. In the sport-touring segment (there you go), this budget-friendly all-rounder is an excellent choice. And Tech-Air®-ready, so with the potential to be maximally safe on the road.
Tech-Air® is actually racing gear, but the RX-3 is clearly a touring jacket. In the right light and from the right angle, you’ll discover some racing history in its cut but your gut tells you otherwise. The Cordura exterior emphasises this. This is softer and more flexible than anything used and required in racing, and it is much more multi-purpose. There’s quite a lot of stretch material and it just works. The RX-3 gets an integrated waterproof and breathable membrane. Not the absolute top (no Drystar® - take a look at the RX-5 instead) but perfectly suitable for the average commuter and all-season rider. At a bargain price!
The design may suggest that the RX-3 motorcycle jacket has a slight preference towards autumn and spring. However, a couple of long ventilation zippers on the upper arms and the sides, together with the mesh lining offer rather good ventilation for whoever needs it. The removable thermal lining covers the other extreme, so the wide spread that is created here, makes everyone a happy camper. Don’t be fooled by the RX-3’s sporty cut: the RX-3 reaches far enough for you to be protected on your motorbike as well.
A motorcycle jacket like this one, with layers and all the seasons as playing field should have a little play. However, there aren’t too many adjustment options. The collar and sleeve ends get Velcro strips but be sure the fit is already quite good when you first try it on. Textile (Cordura) does not have the quality to adjust, so the first impression is the last impression.
On the shoulders and elbows, Alpinestars goes for impact protection in the shape of Nucleon Flex Pro Armor. This translates into thin, flexible protection that allow for maximal movement while warranting sufficient safety. Extra protection can be found in the form of GP Lite shoulder sliders that are actually – as you might suspect from the name – a light version of the real shoulder sliders from the racing suits. Another wink.
You can optionally fit a Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified). There is no such thing as not enough protective material in this RX-3, resulting in an AA-classification, beside the known CE-certification.
Alpinestars provides a number of reflective elements in the form of their logo and you can store a thing or two in the wide slash pockets with zippers. The two inner pockets provide even more storage space.
The connecting zipper can be convenient when you want to combine the RX-3 with good quality motorcycle pants.
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
