vnikolic's stats
- Review count5
- Helpfulness votes4
- First reviewNovember 4, 2011
- Last reviewJuly 24, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNovember 4, 2011
- Last review commentNovember 4, 2011
- Featured review comments0
- Question count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionSeptember 19, 2011
- Last questionSeptember 19, 2011
- Featured questions0
- Answer count6
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerSeptember 23, 2011
- Last answerDecember 12, 2011
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
vnikolic's Reviews
Alpinestars Durban Gore-Tex Jacket Multifabric shell construction. Lightweight polyamide main construction. Lightweight protective polyamide inserts. Superfabric ceramic coated welded reinforcements. Zippered air intakes and rear air exhausts on the sleeves, chest and shoulders. Articulated elbow construction. Detachable sleeves. Two waterproof external pockets on front of jacket. Multiple fit and volume adjustment. Removable Paclite Gore-Tex membrane with micro-fleece inserts. Removable rear large utility pocket. Lightweight, removable CE certified elbow and shoulder protectors. Chest and back pad compartments with PE protective padding (Alpinestars back protector insert and chest guards available as accessory upgrade). Integrated high visibility reflective stripes. Internal waist connection zipper for attachment to riding pants. Bionic Neck Support (BNS) connection system. 2Lt Bladder storage (0.5 when used with BNS).
Overall rating
One of my favourite jackets
PostedJuly 24, 2012
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
4
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
4
/
5
Features
4
/
5
I've had this jacket for a year now and have ridden in all sorts of weather and temperatures in it from below freezing into July heat.
-It is VERY comfortable. Wish all the jackets were this comfortable. With all the protection in (I have installed the optional back and chest protectors) I barely feel like I have a jacket on, that's how well it fits.
-I love the fact that you can add chest pads. I wish all the manufacturers followed Alpinestars on this one.
-Bionic Air back protector is also very comfortable and unobtrusive.
-Vent's on sleeves work well, but the chest ones not so much once you install chest pads.
-A larger vent on the back would be nice.
-Micro velcro strips are the only complaint I have, some are useless after a year of use, especially the ones on the pockets I used regularly. I've never had velcro fail after a few months!
-Lot's of good and useful pockets
-Works great with Alpinestars Arctic Drystar Gloves, longer gloves harder to fit inside the sleeve
-Armour is excellent and fits great.
-Sleeves are removable but I don't think anyone needs that IMHO.
-The bag that comes at the back is a nice touch but I'd rather just a simple pocket there. The shoulder strap adds bulk, abut you can't remove it. Removing the bag leaves a zipper that can cut and scratch the seat. Not my favourite feature, and would be happy with just a pouch to fit the GoreTex lining
-Speaking of GoreTex lining, it is excellent. The entire jacket is water repellent, so not much get's through to the lining, but whatever does will not make it past the lining. I have ridden in some hard rain and snow, and always stayed completely dry. The micro-fleece is also surprisingly warm. I am comfortable riding wearing only a t-shirt under this lining down to about 10 degrees Celsius. And with a thin wool mid-layer I can go below 0 Celsius. Very effective.
-Style is good, everyone likes it, but I wish there was an option for more "urban" colours, since I use it daily for commuting fall through spring, and wish I didn't look like I just came from a desert rally all the time. The desert colours are in line with the adventure concept, but this jacket works for anything you throw at it, and I am happy riding a sports bike in it as well as a roadster.
-It is VERY comfortable. Wish all the jackets were this comfortable. With all the protection in (I have installed the optional back and chest protectors) I barely feel like I have a jacket on, that's how well it fits.
-I love the fact that you can add chest pads. I wish all the manufacturers followed Alpinestars on this one.
-Bionic Air back protector is also very comfortable and unobtrusive.
-Vent's on sleeves work well, but the chest ones not so much once you install chest pads.
-A larger vent on the back would be nice.
-Micro velcro strips are the only complaint I have, some are useless after a year of use, especially the ones on the pockets I used regularly. I've never had velcro fail after a few months!
-Lot's of good and useful pockets
-Works great with Alpinestars Arctic Drystar Gloves, longer gloves harder to fit inside the sleeve
-Armour is excellent and fits great.
-Sleeves are removable but I don't think anyone needs that IMHO.
-The bag that comes at the back is a nice touch but I'd rather just a simple pocket there. The shoulder strap adds bulk, abut you can't remove it. Removing the bag leaves a zipper that can cut and scratch the seat. Not my favourite feature, and would be happy with just a pouch to fit the GoreTex lining
-Speaking of GoreTex lining, it is excellent. The entire jacket is water repellent, so not much get's through to the lining, but whatever does will not make it past the lining. I have ridden in some hard rain and snow, and always stayed completely dry. The micro-fleece is also surprisingly warm. I am comfortable riding wearing only a t-shirt under this lining down to about 10 degrees Celsius. And with a thin wool mid-layer I can go below 0 Celsius. Very effective.
-Style is good, everyone likes it, but I wish there was an option for more "urban" colours, since I use it daily for commuting fall through spring, and wish I didn't look like I just came from a desert rally all the time. The desert colours are in line with the adventure concept, but this jacket works for anything you throw at it, and I am happy riding a sports bike in it as well as a roadster.
Overall, I can't think of many jackets that could fit so many uses as good as this one does. Yes, there are other jackets, from Rev'It, Dainese, BMW... But if you like this one and are considering it, I highly recommend it.
Rides: 2010 BMW R1200R
Yes, I recommend this product.
Products related to my review
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Nexx XR1R Carbon Helmet Carbon Shell CoolMaxfabrics 2 inlets and 4 outlets air-vents (Air Dynamic System) Soft anti-sweat and anti-allergic fabric inner lining Removable and washable lining Anti-noise Cheekpads Chin Windstopper Double D-Ring fastening strap UV resistant shell PC Lexanshield, anti-scratch and with easy locking system Visor Ventilation System Ergo padding System allows a perfect fit of the helmet in different head shapes. Removable Breath Guard Reflectors on the front, lateral and backside 2 shell sizes ECE/22-05, DOT and NBR-74712001 Ultralight helmet (1200g) Note Although helmets may be pictured with a dark smoke shield, they are sold stock with a clear shield only.
Overall rating
Great helmet for the price
PostedJuly 24, 2012
Bang for the Buck
4
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
5
/
5
Features
3
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round
Vision
Narrow
Wide
This is an excellent helmet for the price. Sizing is a bit strange. I'm usually right between L and XL. I could not even fit L on my head, however XL feels large. XL uses a larger shell, so it feels and looks much larger, and is also heavier. However, due to the larger shell, the field of vision is HUGE!
-Looks great in any colour/design you pick.
-Very light
-Excellent lining, very comfortable and great materials.
-HUGE filed of vision! Larger than any other helmet I have. Love that.
-Visor is a pain to remove/install.... I like to take it off regularly to clean, and it takes only a few minutes (and you can use a coin to remove it, quarter works fine, a screwdriver is not required) to remove/replace, but I wish it was easier.
-It is LOUD compared to my other helmets. Earplugs are a must at all times for me with this one. Louder than Shoei and Arai helmets I own. I might be a little spoiled riding a lot with Schubert C3, which is very quiet.
-Excellent ventilation. However, even with all vent's closed air is coming in from the bottom. Great in warm weather, not so much when it's cold! I was able to tame it with a scarf or bandana... Works great in warm weather :-)
-Aerodynamically it could be better, I get a lot of "head-shake" at speed with this one compared to Shoei/Schuberth helmets. I ride a naked BMW R1200R and I only use a tall windshield on long rides. WIthout the windshield the head is in nice clean wind, and Schuberth is quiet and stable at all times, Shoei likes to go straight but doesn't like head turning left/right so much and tries to lift at high speeds. This helmet feels stable at moderate speeds, but starts to wobble at higher speeds. Since there is no buffeting from fairing/windshield, this is obviously due to the aerodynamics of it. Not a deal breaker, but on a long ride it can be tiring in stronger winds. On motorcycles with windshields this could be quite different. I avoid windshields since they send all the air straight into my helmet (I'm 6') creating noise and buffeting. Always annoyed me on sport bikes, and if it sends air into the helmet I'd rather not have it at all. I wonder if a smaller shell for those wearing smaller sizes would be better (?).
-Shield optics are excellent, not distortion to speak of.
-Pinlock works great to keep it fog free.
-I wish there was an internal sun visor like on Schubert
-Fits round oval, so if you're more of an oval shaped check it well first.
-I like the reflective inserts in the padding, works great for added visibility at night
-Finish is great, had no problems so far
-It's not as light as I expected it to be
-The regular XR1R is the same except a bit heavier, my girlfriend likes that one very much (doesn't care for the carbon one) and it comes in a lot more finishes if that's something you're interested in
-Very light
-Excellent lining, very comfortable and great materials.
-HUGE filed of vision! Larger than any other helmet I have. Love that.
-Visor is a pain to remove/install.... I like to take it off regularly to clean, and it takes only a few minutes (and you can use a coin to remove it, quarter works fine, a screwdriver is not required) to remove/replace, but I wish it was easier.
-It is LOUD compared to my other helmets. Earplugs are a must at all times for me with this one. Louder than Shoei and Arai helmets I own. I might be a little spoiled riding a lot with Schubert C3, which is very quiet.
-Excellent ventilation. However, even with all vent's closed air is coming in from the bottom. Great in warm weather, not so much when it's cold! I was able to tame it with a scarf or bandana... Works great in warm weather :-)
-Aerodynamically it could be better, I get a lot of "head-shake" at speed with this one compared to Shoei/Schuberth helmets. I ride a naked BMW R1200R and I only use a tall windshield on long rides. WIthout the windshield the head is in nice clean wind, and Schuberth is quiet and stable at all times, Shoei likes to go straight but doesn't like head turning left/right so much and tries to lift at high speeds. This helmet feels stable at moderate speeds, but starts to wobble at higher speeds. Since there is no buffeting from fairing/windshield, this is obviously due to the aerodynamics of it. Not a deal breaker, but on a long ride it can be tiring in stronger winds. On motorcycles with windshields this could be quite different. I avoid windshields since they send all the air straight into my helmet (I'm 6') creating noise and buffeting. Always annoyed me on sport bikes, and if it sends air into the helmet I'd rather not have it at all. I wonder if a smaller shell for those wearing smaller sizes would be better (?).
-Shield optics are excellent, not distortion to speak of.
-Pinlock works great to keep it fog free.
-I wish there was an internal sun visor like on Schubert
-Fits round oval, so if you're more of an oval shaped check it well first.
-I like the reflective inserts in the padding, works great for added visibility at night
-Finish is great, had no problems so far
-It's not as light as I expected it to be
-The regular XR1R is the same except a bit heavier, my girlfriend likes that one very much (doesn't care for the carbon one) and it comes in a lot more finishes if that's something you're interested in
Overall, great value for the money, an "affordable" lightweight carbon helmet. Not on par with Arai/Shoei/Schuberth high end helmets, but a great helmet never the less.
Rides: 2010 BMW R1200R
Yes, I recommend this product.
Products related to my review
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Alpinestars Bio Armor Back Protector Features Direct replacement for Alpinestars RC Back Protector which has been discontinued Optimized for insertion into the latest Alpinestars technical jackets. Slimline profile. Conformable impact absorbing compound mold easily to the body. Perforated to improve the breathability. CE certified level 1 to latest prEN1621-22010. Please see below chart for protector measurements Size Measurements Small 14.5 Height 9.75 Widest Point 6.5 Narrowest Point Medium 16.25 Height 9.5 Widest Point 6.75 Narrowest Point Large 18.5 Height 10 Widest Point 6.75 Narrowest Point (function() var cycle true ('table.sizechart tbody tr').each(function(row) classname (cycle !cycle) 'light' 'dark' row.addClassName(classname) ) )()
Overall rating
An excellent upgrade!
PostedNovember 4, 2011
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Air Flow
4
/
5
Features
4
/
5
I purchased this to use in my girlfriends Alpinestars Stella Scout jacket. It fit perfectly, and she doesn't even notice it. The coverage seams to be sufficient, it is larger than I thought it'd be.
Rides: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R
Yes, I recommend this product.
Products related to my review
Alpinestars Women's Stella Scout Touring Drystar Jacket (Cream / MD)
(2)Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Alpinestars Women's Bionic Chest Pad The Bionic Chest Pad impact and vibration protection upgrade accessory for use in Alpinestars jackets and suits Polymer chest plate backed with Bio-Foam to provide extra protection to the chest from impact and vibration Fits into Alpinestars 1pc/2pc suits, most leather and textile jackets Vented to maintain airflow cooling
Overall rating
Excellent upgrade for any Alpinestars jacket!
PostedNovember 4, 2011
Bang for the Buck
4
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
3
/
5
Features
4
/
5
I used these in my Alpinestars Durban jacket, and I don't even notice they're in! Perfect fit, seamless as I wear the jacket. I wouldn't ride without them ,since the handlebars are one of the main causes of injury in even the smallest accidents (remember, that's where your chest is going forward in even the lightest impact). The only better option would be a full one peace chest protector, but it's inconvenient for everyday use and commuting. If you're on the track, or touring, get the proper one pice chest protection. Otherwise, for convenience, use these and don't ride without them!
Rides: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Removable CE Certified Bionic Back protector. Technical stretch net construction. Impact resistant foam inserts for added protection. YKK semi auto-lock front zipper closure.
Overall rating
Excellent everyday protection
PostedNovember 4, 2011
Bang for the Buck
3
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
4
/
5
Features
4
/
5
This is an awesome vest, with a fantastic back protector, and a great coverage of foam on the rest of the vest. Not sure how the foam would hold up in a crash, but looks sufficient for anything but the worst scenarios (direct impacts to the chest). I highly recommend this as an everyday vest, since it's light, comfortable, and offers great protection overall, without looking ridiculous. It is comfortable under a jacket once you remove chest and back protectors from the jacket. You will hardly know you're wearing it. The only complaint I have is the price, should be $50 cheaper.
Rides: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
vnikolic's Review Comments
Alpinestars Women's Bionic Chest Pad The Bionic Chest Pad impact and vibration protection upgrade accessory for use in Alpinestars jackets and suits Polymer chest plate backed with Bio-Foam to provide extra protection to the chest from impact and vibration Fits into Alpinestars 1pc/2pc suits, most leather and textile jackets Vented to maintain airflow cooling
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Excellent upgrade for any Alpinestars jacket!
By vnikolic
from Toronto, ON
I used these in my Alpinestars Durban jacket, and I don't even notice they're in! Perfect fit, seamless as I wear the jacket. I wouldn't ride without them ,since the handlebars are one of the main causes of injury in even the smallest accidents (remember, that's where your chest is going forward in even the lightest impact). The only better option would be a full one peace chest protector, but it's inconvenient for everyday use and commuting. If you're on the track, or touring, get the proper one pice chest protection. Otherwise, for convenience, use these and don't ride without them!
vnikolic
Toronto, ON
Also purchased them for my Girlfriend
Posted November 4, 2011
I used them in my girlfriends Alpinestars Stella Scout jacket as well, and they fit perfectly. I was concerned, since there aren't a lot of options for female chest protectors. She doesn't notice them, but beware, if the girl has a large bust, these might look awkward ;-)
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
vnikolic's Questions
CE certified GP shoulder and elbow protectors Removable CE certified Bionic Back Protector Technical stretch mesh construction Plastic and foam chest guard YKK Semi-Auto Lock front zipper closure Adjustable arm and shoulder straps for personalized fit Adjustable dual waist Velcro closure
Are there any options for female protection in a form of a vest?
I need something to be worn under a jacket or a leather suit which already has elbow/sholder protection. This looks like it wouldn't fit (even with shoulder/elbow pads removed).
1 year, 8 months ago
vnikolic's Answers
Alpinestars Durban Gore-Tex Pants Multifabric shell construction. Lightweight polyamide main construction. Lightweight protective polyamide inserts. Superfabric ceramic coated welded reinforcements. Medial lower end leather panel. Alpinestars patented Vector knee construction. Articulated rear panel for extra support and ease of movement. Extended air intake located on knee panel. 2 side external 100 waterproof pockets. Removable Paclite Gore-Tex membrane with micro-fleece inserts. Removable CE certified lightweight knee protectors. High visibility reflective stripes integrated in the design. Internal waist connection zipper for attaching to riding jackets. Removable bibs and braces. Fits Enduro/MX, Adventure and Touring boots.
I'm 173 cm tall, Is the size XS for Durban Goretex pants unavailable?
I'm from Hong Kong, very interested in the said item but unfortunately could not choose the right size for my height according to the size chart (It starts from 48)
They are in numeric sizes, so check the waist size, and the length should be just fine for you. For example, if you're usually Medium, Size 50 should be fine for you.... check the sizing chart and just go by the waist measurement!!!!! At 173 anything up to 50 should be fine for the length; 52-54 a bit long; 56.... go on a diet, because they'll probably be to long ;-)
1 year, 5 months ago
Alpinestars Bio Armor Back Protector Features Direct replacement for Alpinestars RC Back Protector which has been discontinued Optimized for insertion into the latest Alpinestars technical jackets. Slimline profile. Conformable impact absorbing compound mold easily to the body. Perforated to improve the breathability. CE certified level 1 to latest prEN1621-22010. Please see below chart for protector measurements Size Measurements Small 14.5 Height 9.75 Widest Point 6.5 Narrowest Point Medium 16.25 Height 9.5 Widest Point 6.75 Narrowest Point Large 18.5 Height 10 Widest Point 6.75 Narrowest Point (function() var cycle true ('table.sizechart tbody tr').each(function(row) classname (cycle !cycle) 'light' 'dark' row.addClassName(classname) ) )()
Will this work with any Alpinestars leather jacket that is designed to use the RC back protector?
I would like to use this with my Alpinestars Stunt jacket (size 48).
Tried it. Fits perfectly as a replacement ;-)
1 year, 6 months ago
Advanced protection vest, providing excellent torso safety, support and flexibility for motocross and other extreme sports Technical stretch net construction Stretch Cordura reinforcement on the back Ventilated chest guard and removable CE certified Bionic back protector Adjustable waist with Kidney support straps Semi-auto locking YKK zipper closure Available in sizes Small to 2X-Large
Alpinestars Bionic SP Vest
Hi there,
I'm interested in the Bionic SP Vest, I'm 5'9" tall, 156 pounds, chest 40", what size would suit me better?
Thank you very much.
I'm interested in the Bionic SP Vest, I'm 5'9" tall, 156 pounds, chest 40", what size would suit me better?
Thank you very much.
You should be fine with the small one if it fits the same as the track vest.
1 year, 6 months ago
Removable CE Certified Bionic Back protector. Technical stretch net construction. Impact resistant foam inserts for added protection. YKK semi auto-lock front zipper closure.
Does the vest come with the white bionic back protector or the black one?
White one. You can replace it if you'd like, but since you'll be wearing this under a jacket (I hope), does it really matter?
1 year, 6 months ago
Removable CE Certified Bionic Back protector. Technical stretch net construction. Impact resistant foam inserts for added protection. YKK semi auto-lock front zipper closure.
How much does this track vest weights ?
I ordered this vest via Harilo.com. I got UPS tracking number saying it weights only 1lb. Is it possible to have such light weight ???
I can't verify that it's only 1lb, don't have anything I could weigh it on that precisely, but it's very light ;-) You won't know you'r wearing it!
1 year, 6 months ago
CE certified GP shoulder and elbow protectors Removable CE certified Bionic Back Protector Technical stretch mesh construction Plastic and foam chest guard YKK Semi-Auto Lock front zipper closure Adjustable arm and shoulder straps for personalized fit Adjustable dual waist Velcro closure
Are there any options for female protection in a form of a vest?
I need something to be worn under a jacket or a leather suit which already has elbow/sholder protection. This looks like it wouldn't fit (even with shoulder/elbow pads removed).
The problem is that there are no options for a combination back/chest protectors for women. Yes, Alpinestars makes bionic chest plates to be inserted into jackets, and Dainese makes a chest protector to insert under the jacket, but neither is designed to work properly with any back protectors... so there are numerous options for guys, but for girls there aren't any, except getting this one and chopping off the sleeves....
1 year, 7 months ago