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Throttle Closet
Full specification As published
Material600D/300D polyester
WaterproofingDrystar membrane
ArmorCE Level 1 shoulder/elbow
LinerRemovable thermal liner
ClosureYKK zippers with adjustable cuffs
Coverschest, back, shoulders, elbows
Bench rank88 of 200 on this site
Jacket · Rank 88 of 200

Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar Jacket

by Alpinestars

A three-season touring jacket built around a Drystar waterproof membrane and CE Level 1 armor, aimed at riders who want dependable all-weather protection at a fair price.

4.3 Rider rating 4.3 out of 5 Bench score 60/100
  • Fully waterproof Drystar membrane
  • CE Level 1 armor included
  • Removable thermal liner
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Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail
Verdict

The Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar jacket is a dependable, budget-friendly touring jacket with genuine waterproof protection and CE Level 1 armor included. It suits riders wanting a reliable all-weather layer for commuting or touring, though a bulkier fit and thinner armor padding show where it sits below Alpinestars' premium lines.

The Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar jacket is built for riders who log serious miles across changing weather, using a Drystar membrane to keep rain and road spray out while the 600D/300D polyester shell resists abrasion and wind. CE Level 1 armor comes fitted as standard at the shoulders and elbows, positioned within an internal structure that keeps it in place through normal riding movement, and a back pocket accepts an optional back protector for riders wanting more coverage. A removable thermal liner lets the jacket flex between cold mornings and warmer afternoons rather than locking riders into a single-season garment, extending its usefulness well beyond summer into shoulder-season touring and early winter commuting.

Adjustable cuffs, waist tabs and a reinforced collar seal out drafts and moisture when conditions turn rough, while vents open up airflow once the weather warms. The Drystar membrane holds up well through sustained rain, and the CE Level 1 armor stays positioned through the ergonomic internal structure rather than shifting during normal riding movement. Multiple external and internal pockets hold a phone, wallet or paperwork securely, and reflective detailing helps with visibility during dusk or unpredictable low-light conditions on longer routes, which matters for anyone riding into the evening on tour or commuting home late after dark through unlit country roads and busy roundabouts on the way back home.

This jacket suits touring riders and commuters who want one reliable all-weather layer rather than swapping jackets as conditions change. The back protector is sold separately, so riders wanting full CE-rated back protection need to budget for that upgrade. The fit runs bulkier than a sport-touring jacket, colour choices stay limited, and the fabric and hardware feel a step below Alpinestars' higher-tier jackets. The armor padding itself could stand to be thicker for riders prioritizing maximum impact protection over comfort. For dependable, budget-conscious touring and commuting, it still performs well across the board, season after season and year after year of regular commuting and touring use in changeable weather conditions.

What works
  • Strong value for a fully waterproof touring jacket
  • Versatile three-season design with a removable liner
  • Comfortable fit suited to long-distance rides
  • Solid CE Level 1 armor at shoulders and elbows
  • Reasonable ventilation for warmer climates
  • Durable enough to handle daily commuting
What doesn't
  • Bulkier fit than a dedicated sport-touring jacket
  • Back protector needs to be bought separately
  • Colour options stay fairly limited across the range
  • Feels a step below Alpinestars' higher-end jackets
  • Armor padding could be thicker for high-impact riding
Bench scorecard
Protection58Weather56Airflow46Comfort68Value74

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features
  • 600D/300D polyester construction
  • Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane
  • CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor included
  • Removable thermal liner for all-season use
  • Back pocket for an optional back protector
  • Adjustable cuffs, waist and collar
  • Multiple external and internal storage pockets
  • Reflective panels for low-light visibility
Where it sits in jacket
This piece 60 Category median 52 Category best 65

Bench rank 4 of 50 in jacket. The median piece in this category scores 52; the best scores 65.

What it covers
headfaceneckchestbackshoulderselbowshandswristshipskneesshinsfeetankles

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Who it fits
  • Wet-climate riding: the spec carries real waterproofing, not just a DWR coat.
  • Long days in the saddle, where fit matters more than a spec-sheet win.
  • Riders building a kit on a budget who still want something that lasts.
Stack it against
Held Zeffiro 3.0Bench 65 · 4.6 ★
Klim Marrakesh JacketBench 62 · 4.6 ★
Klim Badlands Pro JacketBench 59 · 4.6 ★
Klim Induction JacketBench 54 · 4.6 ★