10blade
10blade's stats
- Review count3
- Helpfulness votes5
- First reviewJuly 16, 2011
- Last reviewJune 11, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
- Question count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionJuly 6, 2011
- Last questionJuly 6, 2011
- Featured questions0
- Answer count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First answerJune 11, 2012
- Last answerJune 11, 2012
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
10blade's Reviews
Alpinestars Super Tech Touring Gore-Tex Boots Made with full-grain leather with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane Double density injected TPU ankles protection Double-density injected TPU ankles protection Injected TPU shifter area Removable EVA foam sole for excellent shock absorption and impact protection Innovative dual side closure Inner side entry/exit has an elastic mounted zipper and extra wide Velcro flap for a precise fit and a wide opening aperture for easy access. External calf closure provides additional adjustability with a Velcro-closure Elastic microfiber accordion on front and rear below Calf fit is customizable with a dual Velcro tab adjuster and inner stretch panel Additional internal quick lace panels for customized fit and extra waterproofing. Lacing has slide locking system with Velcro ended tab for extra secure, no slip lacing. Alpinestars Supertech Tour Boots use an exclusive compound rubber sole which provides the optimum in grip, performance and durability Extra TPU injection protection on the front sole area Supertech Touring Gore-Tex is CE certified
Overall rating
Too bulky, and no additional protection vis-a-vis A* Soho
PostedJune 11, 2012
10blade
From SF Bay Area
State:CA
Rider Type:Commuter
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck
2
/
5
Style
4
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
4
/
5
Features
2
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Footbed
Narrow
Wide
I bought these along with Alpinestars Sohos. My plan was to wear the Sohos for nights on the town in jeans (when I might be willing to sacrifice a little bit of road protection in deference to looking good) and to wear what I thought would be the beefier more protective "Supertech" Tourings for everyday commuting.
As it turns out, the Sohos offer just as much protection as the Alpinestars, are a whole lot better looking, are lighter and less bulky, and a fair bit less expensive. I really see little or no difference in the level of protection between the "Supertech" Tourings and the Sohos. The Sohos looking better and feeling better, I returned the Supertech Tournings and decided to keep just the Sohos.
In both the Sohos and the Supertech Tourings, there is really not a whole lot of shin protection, which simply consists of only a slightly firm "injection" which is easily overcome and deformed by the pressure of a thumb. The toe box and heel both offer a satisfying level of protection. These are not steel, TPU, or otherwise rigid; however, they are firmer and, my guess is, a fair bit more protective than similar "touring" style boots. Again, however, the level of protection is essentially the same between the Soho and the Supertech Touring.
The Supertech Touring is about 25% bulkier than the Sohos, which are really quite sleek and streamlined. Wearing a pair of Nudie jeans, which are very tight about the calves, I can easily slip the pant leg over the Sohos. NOT SO WITH THE Supertech Touring! Those are way too bulky to fit under my jeans, let alone look GOOD under my jeans. So RTA is it....
In terms of fit, the Sohos have a full-length zipper whereas the Supertech Tourings only zip up a little past the ankle. Therefore, the Sohos tend to grab on more securely about the calf.
Up the calf, the Supertech Touring rely only on Velco; there is no zipper up the calf. My concern is that, with time, the Velco may stop sticking firmly to itself and the boot may keep loosening about the calf. I have no experience with the boot to back that up, but that has been my experience with Velcro used in similar repetitive donning/doffing applications.
Despite the solely Velcro system about the calf, the Supertech Touring's will not come off in a crash. If there is one potential safety advantage with the Supertech Touring compared to the Soho, it is that the Supertech Tourings utilize a velcro tabbed QuickLace system. Although this ensures that the boot will not come off in a crash, it also means that it is somewhat laborious and time-consuming to don or doff the boot. (I would get tired of doing this a couple times a day.) It also adds a fair bit of bulk to the boot, which not only detracts from boot's appearance but also makes it more difficult to get pant legs over the boot (see above).
Don't get me wrong: These Supertech Tourings are outstanding boots, extremely comfortable, well-made, and quite dandy looking. But the Sohos are so much more and offer just as much protection.
Both the STT's and the Sohos offer an amazing amount of arch support and cushion, more so than any other motorcycle boot I've worn. These are amazing comfortable, more so than the $600 Fiorentini+Baker fashion boots that I bought in Soho!
Fit is, as with most Italian brands, somewhat on the narrow side. I am an American 8.5 and wear a 42 Birkenstocks. However, I need to wear European 43 in Alpinestars footwear. It does slip a BIT in the heel, but even with the 43 my little toe is still a bit pinched.
The Sohos actually look so good and are so comfortable, I bought a pair of these over a pair of standard fashion boots. For a combination of snazz and protection, the other boot to consider would be the Alpinestars Gran Torino, which, with its anodized aluminum slider, offers a scosche more malleolar protection.
In my opinion, between Dainese, Sidi, and A*, Alpinestars makes the best, most comfortable boots.
Rides: 1999 BMW F650 Funduro
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Constructed from full-grain leather Double density injected TPU ankles and shin protection layered under the leather Internal heel and toe counter reinforcement 100 Waterproof Gore-Tex lining Removable EVA foam foot bed provides superior shock absorption and impact protection Exclusive 3D tread pattern on sole provides excellent grip and comfort Adjustable Velcro and zippered calf closure system Soho Gore-Tex boot is CE certified
Overall rating
Look fantastic, feel great, and so-so protection
PostedJune 10, 2012
10blade
From SF Bay Area
State:CA
Rider Type:Commuter
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
3
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Footbed
Narrow
Wide
I got these because I'v started to spend more time in New York (Soho specifically). I generally ride a Monster, but for New York a Vespa scooter is more practical. Therefore, lowered my protection threshold for this purchase.
These look fantastic in jeans. In fact, I purchases these over a pair of non motorcycle boots just to wear even when off-bike.
Build and durability is excellent, better than other Alpinestars, which I generally find to be fantastic already.
Comfort is excellent. These really feel better than fashion boots. Arch support good, and amount of cushion is excellent. These really mold to and stretch to the shape of your foot.
These are more "American" in fit than other Italian boots. They are certainly wider than most Italian footwear. These feel better than Dainese footwear, which do not have as much cushion or arch support. (I find that DAINESE foot stuff have a kind of concave aspect to their soles; the medial and lateral aspects of the sole are actually a mm or 2 higher than their central aspect, such that the middle of the foot is relatively unsupported.)
These hug the feet well, but there is no mechanism for tightening the foot portion of the boot. As a result, if you have "short" feet (vertically), there may be some slip in the heel cup. There is excellent adjustability--afforded by a full-length velcro flap--in the calf.
Protection-wise these are so-so. They are adequate for city scooter riding, but I would not take theses on a highway or go for long distances. In a crash, the Sohos would provide good protection to the heel and toes, marginal protection to the shin, and good protection to the foot itself (metatarsals), and slight protection to the ankle.The toe and heel support are not steel, but they are slightly rigid. Still, I am able to overcome their rigidity with my thumb and make them "dent in." There is no real shin support--perhaps a thin layer of padding, but not much more.
I also purchase the Alpinestars Supertech Touring boot for comparison, and I ended up returning the Supertech Touring. The Soho's offer just as much protection, are less bulky, are easier to don, are lighter, and are simply more practical.
Rides: 1999 BMW F650 Funduro
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Alpinestars Frontier Gore-Tex Jacket Extremely versatile and durable jacket for everyday, year-round use The Frontier jacket adapts to any condition, from rain storms to summer heat using layers and exhaust ports to regulate temperature and dedicated pockets for storing panels, and also offers excellent visibility for night riding and a relaxed riding position for long tours Non water-absorbing micro twill fabric Textured, highly abrasion-resistant inserts positioned in the most exposed areas Thermoformed shoulders with embossed logos Removable and wearable Gore-Tex Soft Shell liner Removable quilted thermal liner Removable CE certified Bio-armor elbow and shoulder protectors Internal chest and back protection compartments with PE inserts Reflective stripes integrated into styling Inner forearm stretch panel inserts Two large chest panels can be folded into a specific pocket to allow air ventilation Extra large rear panel opens to function as an exhaust port for cooling Two external water-resistant pockets Two internal mesh pockets on fixed liner Neoprene edging on neck and wrists External shell has micro fleeced collar lining for comfort Fixed mesh comfort liner with built-in stretch inserts that move in unison with external stretch panels for flexibility and comfort and 2L Taslan contouring the liner to repel water Drainage rivets sleeves, upper back panel and lower jacket edge Two-way YKK front central zipper cursor Reflective Alpinestars and Gore-Tex logos
Overall rating
Versatile, full-functioned all-weather jacket with excellent protection and build quality.
PostedJuly 16, 2011
10blade
From SF Bay Area
State:CA
Rider Type:Commuter
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Air Flow
5
/
5
Features
5
/
5
This jacket looked too good to be true in Anthony's review and in the Revzilla write-up. But this jacket has turned out to be everything I had hoped it would be and more: extremely versatile, full-featured, all-weather jacket with probably the best built-in protection of any garment (with the possible exceptions of Motoport or Aerostich). I upgraded to CE-certified bionic chest and back armour for a few extra dollars, and it feels well worth it. I feel extraordinarily well protected.
I generally wear a 40S suit, have a 33" waist, and have 32" sleeves on my dress shirts. The 40S Frontier jacket fits me perfectly except for the sleeves which are just a TAD short. (They're probably 33 or 34 inches).
It's remarkable how versatile this jacket is in terms of comfort range. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where temperatures can go from the 80s to the low 40s within a day's ride, and the jacket works well within that temperature range. I have not ridden this up in the Sierra's yet, but I imagine the jacket would reach its lower range of comfort around the high 30s. The HUGE front and back ventilation panels make this product unique and incomparable in terms of air flow.
I LOVE the pockets on this jacket. They are so low-profile and so well-integrated into the design of the jacket that it's easy to forgot how many there are. It seems I'm always discovering some new pocket or some new feature on this jacket. It's full of pleasant surprises!
My only potential complain would be that the zippers seem a bit small. I would expect a larger more substantial YKK zipper (and these are YKK). Still, they have not failed or "faulted", and I can imaging how larger zippers might be unnecessarily bulky.
Rides: 1999 BMW F650 Funduro
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
10blade's Review Comments
10blade has not submitted comments on any reviews.
10blade's Questions
Alpinestars Frontier Gore-Tex Pant Multifabric shell construction. Hydrophobic micro-twill fabric. Textured, highly abrasion resistant inserts External 100 Waterproof cargo pockets. 4-in-1 system incorporating the removable Gore-Tex and thermal liners allows the user to configure the jacket to their own preference. Jet ventilation system incorporating large ventilation panels. Removable CE certified GP-R knee and shin protectors. Integrated high visibility reflective stripes. PE protective padding in the hips. Internal waist connection zipper for attachment to riding jackets.
Alpinestars Frontier as an overpant?
Are the A* Frontier pants amenable to being worn as overpants?
Are the hip pads within accessible pockets, and, if so, is there an upgrade option for a more substantial armor for the hips?
Are the hip pads within accessible pockets, and, if so, is there an upgrade option for a more substantial armor for the hips?
1 year, 10 months ago
by
10blade
State: CA
Rider Type: Commuter
Age: 45-54
Gender: male
SF Bay Area
10blade's Answers
Alpinestars Super Tech Touring Gore-Tex Boots Made with full-grain leather with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane Double density injected TPU ankles protection Double-density injected TPU ankles protection Injected TPU shifter area Removable EVA foam sole for excellent shock absorption and impact protection Innovative dual side closure Inner side entry/exit has an elastic mounted zipper and extra wide Velcro flap for a precise fit and a wide opening aperture for easy access. External calf closure provides additional adjustability with a Velcro-closure Elastic microfiber accordion on front and rear below Calf fit is customizable with a dual Velcro tab adjuster and inner stretch panel Additional internal quick lace panels for customized fit and extra waterproofing. Lacing has slide locking system with Velcro ended tab for extra secure, no slip lacing. Alpinestars Supertech Tour Boots use an exclusive compound rubber sole which provides the optimum in grip, performance and durability Extra TPU injection protection on the front sole area Supertech Touring Gore-Tex is CE certified
Sizing....Alpinestars vs. Dainese
I own a pair of Dainese Visoke D-WP boots (size 45) and they fit perfectly. Does anyone know how A-Stars and Dainese match up sizing wise? With American sizing - I typically run between 11 to 11 1/2.
I already own a pair of Sidi Crossfires (size 45). They fit a bit snug, but are great on the bike....just not so good for walking around.
I really want a comfortable boot both on and off the bike. The Visoke's are just wearing out...from the inside, actually. They're ripped to shreds around the heel pocket.
I already own a pair of Sidi Crossfires (size 45). They fit a bit snug, but are great on the bike....just not so good for walking around.
I really want a comfortable boot both on and off the bike. The Visoke's are just wearing out...from the inside, actually. They're ripped to shreds around the heel pocket.
I don't know these particular boots, but I have had many pairs of Alpinestars and Dainese boots in the past.
I find that Daineses are fair bit narrower and overall more constrained throughout the toes and foot. The Alpinestars are wider and have a bit more of an "American" fit. Also, the Alpinestars have considerably more arch support and cushion.
I'm an American 8.5DD and wear 42 in Birkenstocks. I find myself having to wear 43 in Alpinestars (though the chart says I should be wearing a 42).. I must say the 43s fit PERFECTLY. So the A*'s run small and narrow.
I find that Daineses are fair bit narrower and overall more constrained throughout the toes and foot. The Alpinestars are wider and have a bit more of an "American" fit. Also, the Alpinestars have considerably more arch support and cushion.
I'm an American 8.5DD and wear 42 in Birkenstocks. I find myself having to wear 43 in Alpinestars (though the chart says I should be wearing a 42).. I must say the 43s fit PERFECTLY. So the A*'s run small and narrow.
11 months ago
by
10blade
Age: 45-54
Gender: male
SF Bay Area