Alpinestars SP-8 v3 Gloves

The SP-8 v3 is built from full-grain leather with a Pittards digital leather palm, a reinforcement Alpinestars uses where clutch and brake feel matter most. A PU-injected knuckle protector covers the back of the hand, and a palm slider sits at the base of the hand to manage friction in a slide. A bridge between the third and fourth fingers is designed to reduce the risk of individual fingers being wrenched back on impact, while external seams keep stitching away from the areas most likely to contact the ground. The glove carries a CE Level AA rating under EN 13594, and sizing runs from XS through to 3XL. The stretch fabric inserts across the back of the hand let the glove flex naturally with the fingers, rather than resisting movement the way a stiffer leather-only construction would.

On the bike, the Pittards palm keeps lever and clutch feel sharp, and the PU knuckle protector sits close enough to the hand that it does not dull control noticeably, though riders coming from a soft leather glove will feel the added structure across the back of the hand at first. The accordion stretch panels on the fingers let the glove flex with the hand rather than bunching at the knuckles, and the hook-and-loop wrist strap holds the cuff secure under hard braking. Waterproofing is limited, since the construction favours grip and abrasion resistance over sealing out moisture, so wet rides will get through to the hand eventually. Riders who spend most of their time on dry, warm rides will get the most out of this glove, since its strengths lie in control feel rather than sealing out the elements.

The SP-8 v3 suits sport and sport-touring riders who want CE-rated knuckle protection without moving to a full gauntlet race glove, and who are prepared to size carefully given the snug Alpinestars fit. The leather and stitching hold up well over repeated wear, though the leather needs an initial break-in period before it stops feeling stiff at the knuckles. Riders wanting genuine wet-weather protection should look at a dedicated waterproof glove instead, since this one prioritises feel and protection over sealing out rain. For riders who want a dependable, CE-certified glove for spirited road riding or occasional track days, it remains a solid pick. Its CE Level AA rating also gives buyers a clear, tested benchmark to compare against other sport gloves at a similar price point.