Alpinestars andes v3 drystar touring suit reviewed 

This is how to do a review.. use it and learn it before talking about it.

Excellent honest review, Brett. I like the fact that you went out and got it wet and dirty beforehand and criticised its bad points as well as praising its good ones.

Thanks, Brett. I enjoyed my v2. Glad to hear the v3 is just as good.

I love your honest reviews. Thank you:)

I like where your mind is at/going with using two camera angles

Two valuable videos on one trip... someone once said about it: A young man does a lot of things for different reasons, a smart man does one thing that serves a lot of reasons.

The "beep" at the end is really cute

Thanks for the review...been using Rukka for years...

BIG THANK YOU for getting straight to the point and mentioning the actual level of protection offered by the product and ways to improve it. I'm sick of getting hyped by reviews just to find out a product is actually far from ideal for my scenario some 20-30-40 minutes later.

A* has a new series of L2 flexible armors that are a direct upgrade of the L1 ones that come stock. Some of the least expensive, most flexible L2 armor out there. I’d choose the Valparaiso V3 personally, which is AA rated and has L2 armor.

I just received my v3 jacket and pants after using the v2 for almost four years. First impressions are not great. The fit is tighter, which isn't necessarily bad, but arm movement is a bit restricted. Two things that are really annoying about the jacket are the left handed zipper and that the collar holding loop was moved from the collar (where it belongs) to the shoulder. Any time I move my left arm the collar comes unhooked. This will be very inconvenient when riding in hot weather where I'll want that front collar held back to let more air flow. I feel like they violated the law of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" with a few of these changes. The v3 looks better than the v2, but maybe doesn't function quite as well.

Really enjoying the reviews Bret Just watching you in it, it looks very comfortable.

I have the Andes V2 suit and it is.. OK. Its very warm in cold weather with the liners in, its very comfortable, and at least in a low speed toss off I walked away without a scratch and no bruising, just a sore shoulder blade. My gripes: after only 3 months the zipper pull broke, the waste snap was useless - anytime I sat on the bike it popped open I fixed this by removing it and sowing in a button, and last but not least the drystar liner goes across the fly so if you have to take a leak you're pulling the pants down to your knees like a toddler. Likely will buy a different brand for my summer gear and when this suit wears out.

I just bought this jacket for S size, fit perfectly on my weight and height (66kg/167cm) - haven’t tested it yet but it is best wearing only the jacket without winter liner inside, it’s just beautiful and practical for road touring and occasional off road riding

I ordered level CE2 armor for the suit and installed it all. Thanks for the input on where to put the armor in. I can't find any hip armor anywhere, so I cut out the CE level 1 armor from the knees to fit in the hip armor pockets.

This is a good suit he puts it down for really no reason you can tell he can afford better but for average guy you will feel great with this purchase.

I‘ve had this jacket for a couple months. I agree that the armor feels really flimsy. The old bio armor was fine. I don’t know why A* felt they had to sacrifice protection for more flimsy “comfort.” I had some level 2 bio armor and a CE2 back protector from my old Valparaiso 2 jacket that I swapped in. For the price it’s a great jacket. I’m wearing it with the Valparaiso 2 pants.

I did 18k road miles in mine, half of those in rainy UK winter. Its pretty tired now but I keep it for trail riding on very rainy days with leatt armour underneath. Great value

Simply love your videos!

Had an A* jacket similar to this a few years ago. The shoulders were so roomy that the armor would float around, not protecting the shoulder at all. I sold it and still have my Klim jacket and Aerostitch suit

Bret is a stylish chap!

nice kit, but I still can't get over how people think, first carbon fiber parts for bike, exhaust pipe 1K upgrade but for their body the cheapest gear if any, do people has some 3D printer for body parts or they just stupid, I am afraid the second is the way how they think, but these days bikers upgrade their beach outfit (sandals, shorts and maybe t-shirt) to face mask!!! All good, cheers V!

Thank you very much sir! That review emphasizes my first impression of the suit, after having a closer look in the specs. Not gonna buy CE lvl1 with no information of the material itself. The looks is quite nice though.

Dooood this jacket is legit thank you !!! 🏆

Hey Bret, love your video's and learnd alot from u already (even before u started this channel), but (and it could be me that misunderstood this part) the C E marking (Conformité Européenn, is just a european labeling standing for the conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards and nothing more. Do not confuse this label with CE 'noteice the lack of spaceing' wich is China Export (they look the same but the spaceing between the C and E make the difference) .the "EN 17092-4:2020" on the other hand is the European Norm that indicates to wich level it is approved within europe and in this case this is classed as "Class A garments" wich is considerd light-duty protective clothing as u show at 0:57, long story short this vest is like u mention approved for commuting. (hope u do not take this wrong, i really do like your video's)

I bought the V2 jacket as a cold and wet weather jacket. I take out all the standard armour and use a fox titan body armour underneath. So I kinda use it like a waterproof enduro jacket. It's does just fine for the price but I don't use it in summer, not that it's a super warm jacket, it's just to hot to wear in summer.

Good review, but I have the pants and can easily fit over my Sidi X3 MX boots. NO problem on the leg as you speculated

If i remember correctly then they can't get more then Class A if they don't include the back protection, which increases the price a lot. And you have too pay a rather large price too get the certificate, if you fail the desired Class then try again from the start, so most vendors just go with Class A initially because it's a pretty safe and guaranteed tick in a box.

Hey man, I'm using a pair of Gaerne Fastback boots (which is an enduro one). I heard you said that it's not gonna work with enduro boots, but is it impossible to tuck it in? I love this pant and would like to try it but there is nowhere selling this in my place.

I have been using this suit for around 4 months now and i have to say that in significant rain i find that the crutch area gets soaked, so much for 100% waterproof.

Good review! I am leaving this review with a mixed picture of the suit or jacket. First did the jacket keep you warm and do you think this is a 3 season jacket and pant? I was trying to figure out what it was made of and could not tell either so I am glad that you pointed that out. It seems like Alpinestar should directly state what kind of material it is made of. So, what do you think of this suit for an everyday street rider and what else would you recommend? Any jackets with gore text? Do you have other videos that you discuss jackets that I can look at? I like this jacket and the feel of it but I keep hearing entry level which concerns me even as street some day again sport tourer. So, I like to know your thoughts about that and any recommendations for a 3 season jacket or one that could be worn for 4 season if desired. Also, the pants do you wear jeans underneath or it comes with a liner and that is good enough to keep you warm and it feels comfortable. Is this jacket considered a winter jacket and thanks for you time.

Great honest review .

allmost the same as Tempis 2 by Dainese, has water proof pockets and you can add back and some front chest armor as well.

Bret how was the fit? I have their v2 and the jacket was perfect, pants were terrible. I've been looking at upgrading to the v3 after melting the sleeve of my v2 on my bike's exhaust....

Thank you🙂! Nice review here

My budget is a lot lower than others in the Adv riding group. If I buy a jacket starting at $250. or more I won't need it because by the time I buy the pants, boots, and gloves in the same grade level my motorcycle will be setting in the garage collecting dust. I understand the need for protection, comfort, and usability I just don't have the finances for low priced high end gear. I do appreciate the videos for when my life changes and I buy better gear.

I have a Leatt 5.5 Body protector and I'd love to have a comfortable jacket for commuting that I can still fit over the body protector that already has a CE AA rating.

I bought this jacket added back protection now want elbows and shoulders replaced with better armor.

What would be the best set up for adventure/roadtrip at a reasonable price? I was going for the V3 but it ain't waterproof enough for my needs. Thanks for making this review

Simple and to the point 👍

Good indept review. Have v1 nice jacket good fit [2xl] and spec for the price. Bought v2 [2xl] a tighter fit, and noted some downgrades, not all ykk zips as per v1. Main front pockets not zipped again as per v1. As you said a lower price point, designed for basic commuting etc. Just wondering will v3 have furthere downgrades?

Hi. I bought the Alpinestars Andes V3 in de Honda colors. I like it. Fitment is perfect (from the EU ;-). I want to upgrade the protection in de sholder and elbow. I cant see how to remove them. They are not removable? Thanks!

I will tell you the truth about this suit, it is NOT waterproof, it is water resistant which are two different things. Also there is a membrane on the inside of the jacket that is treated, and this is the part that is “water resistant”, but here’s the problem - this treated membrane does not react well to any amount of sweat. After my first ride, I took my jacket off and (whew) it stunk like a dirty locker room, and I’m (really) not a stinky guy. I contacted Alpinestar customer service and they completely blew me off, basically saying that there’s nothing they can do about it. Since then I have purchased the Klim Badlands suit and will never go back. Perfection is perfect.

So not recommended for a trip to say...the Andes?

Highly objective review. I would expect nothing less from Bret.

I'll stick with my Coleman rain suit, smaller than two beers. It doesn't breathe, and it cost $20. Easy on, easy off, won't win any fashion shows, but I'm dry unless I sweat to death. But I only wear it for real rain. A squall isn't worth changing. I'll dry. I wear my normal gear underneath. Great for when it gets cold suddenly. Same gear + rain gear good to 35 degrees F And gloves for that, though I might put them on for a squall.

Do you know how they compare to the Andes v2? By the way you describe it, the v3 sounds exactly the same as the v2. (I have a set of Andes v2 for context)

Bret, I just got the Andes V3 jacket from Revzilla and it is already on its way back because: 1. It seemed like there wasn't any armor in the elbows and shoulders; and 2. I couldn't find a way to confirm that as I couldn't find any pockets in the elbow or shoulder areas to put in, take out, or replace the armor. One vid I watched mentioned opening up the jacket at the bottom to reach what I thought was just the optional chest armor (pockets). Thanks.

On the Alpinestars range what would be your choice for commute on a 125 Honda forza scooter 2seasons/maybe 3 with some protection??? Thanks a lot 🙏🖐️💯😉

Made in Bangladesh proud of you

I would like see video about neck brace 🤞

As soon as you mentionned dampness and moisture you lost me. What's the point in buying a suit unable to protect you from the most intrusive and incomfortable of the elements: Water, rain, mist, vapor !!!! Just go for a Goretex suit. Yes it is more expensive but after having bought 3 suits to finally end up with a Klim one, I spent too much. Now I am happy, protected from sun, wind and water. For cold weather I add an electric vest. Simple, comfortable, protective and looking good.

For the v3 pants how low in temps can I go, comfortably, during the winters? I’m talking about highway speeds up to the low 40’s with wind chill, etc.

You mention upgrades. I’m assuming you’re referring to the armor? I’m considering this for winter riding in Florida.

I tried it on but was disappointed by the quality. I went for a Revit sand 3 suit instead. It's a big step up in price but also the quality. RST also makes a good adventure suit, feels like Revit quality for a bit less money

I just bought the gray jacket and black pants. If I get the gray pants how hard is it to clean ?

Will the sleeves go over a gauntlet style glove ?

Thank you for the review why don't you use Klim stuf? Because it is really waterproof.

Naturally we all have different body shape and my experience with this suit is only wearing it at the mc show so haven’t ridden mc at all in it but I could concider it only for touring and commuting not for off-road because it was too large and bit heavy with the all layers at least for off road riding that involves a lot movement, Revit in the same price category is more comfortable for my body.

It would be much safer if it was in bright colors so other drivers can see you better. Reducing the risk of actually needing protection....

There is an interior chest pocket that states 'waterproof compartment' and it is huge...so there is a waterproof pocket. Why not put your hat in the huge back pocket or that interior pocket? You also have the jacket unzipped the entire time and it looks as though it would be too tight otherwise, was sizing a problem? How long did you wear it, seems odd to mention the best feature being compatibility with the airbag vest when the chest looks very tight.

Hi Bret, What brand is the bag on your handlebars and the brand of your mirrors at 00:10. Thanks

Is it waterproof? Or you get soaked in the rain?

Hello, please advise. What size are you wearing in the video? I have 184cm and 91kg, chest 109cm, waist 96cm, hip 107cm, thigh 63cm, inseam 83cm, outer arm 65cm. I'm worried that my XL size will be large. Thank you for your response.

Is it good enough for very hot weather? Like Africa?

Which one do you prefer between The Revit and alpinastar? Seen you wearing both..on trail.

Is the Drystar liner laminated in the Andes V3 ? I can’t find specifics about online.

I just bought the suit. Removable elbow and shoulder pads? I don't see how. Any pointers on how to change the elbow and shoulder pads to level2? Maybe I'm just blind!

Whoa Bret, did you just show your head? :)

I came here to see if Andes V3 would keep me dry and alive but now I've seen Bret's head without a hat so I can die in peace.

I noticed in your previous videos you were 100% sold on neckbraces but in some later videos it looks like you've foregone it. Is there a reason?

Alpinestars makes gear up to size 6XL now?? I was never able to find Alpinestars gear that would fit my 6.2 foot frame with that extra nourishment pouch, may have to look into this a little further. Although, Klim..............

I'll probably pick up the girls version then put the D30 armour in it.

Do you tried them in a storm?

good review,, for me, it won t be this suit,,, I will keep shopping thanks,,, honest review

5:40 Don't buy that air vest! It's a rip-off. The vest costs >€1000 and if it activates, it costs ~€300 + a few weeks to reset (done by factory). Get a Helite airbag for €600 that costs €20 + 10 minutes to reset. The Helite you can also use with all your outfits, not just the one jacket. I have one of Alpine Stars more expensive suits (air bag compatible) and it's ok. Period. I got it because I wore out my old one and theirs fit me best. I also have Rukka and that is simply much better in just about every way and only slightly more expensive.

Great review. Thanks. Good value but not waterproof so bring rain gear or spend more, is the lesson here.

Revenant Gore-tex Pro

A full set of D3O inserts would make it so much Better 👍

Host a ride up where you are and we will join you.

Wait, so 509 bucks for a somewhat waterproof suit with insufficient body armor and NO WATERPROOF POCKETS. That sounds terrible. I don't see why somebody would spend on something like this when there are tons of lesser or better brands offering more value for cheaper. The pants were 260, and there's only inlet venting but no exit? And the omission of materials means it's the same cheap stuff used everywhere where the material doesn't offer protection, just the flimsy armor pieces. I've been riding either jeans or cargo pants with separate armor on top or underneath, and with a mesh jacket with a Dainese armored top. I want to buy a waterproof suit but the market just hoses you with high price and low quality. But, then again, this is aimed at the guy who's got money, a touring bike, but just takes it out to Starbucks and maybe down a graded road once a month. But just for the normal people this doesn't seem like a good buy in any way.

Did your crotch get wet? My current "waterproof" suite always leaves me literally freezing my nads off

I forgot to review, due to the rescue if that big bike.