Alpinestars T-Missile Air Jacket

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. For most people, you would choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. Alpinestars publishes a super-complicated size chart which can be used to pick a size based upon your chest and waist. We’ve condensed their chart down to make it easy to read (see below). The waist is adjustable with Velcro tabs. Overall this should be a very easy style to fit.

I found the taper from chest to waist of these jackets to be on the sporty side, but not so much that it won’t work for most people. So if you have a bit of a belly, please check to make sure that the size you pick will be big enough for both your chest and belly. Example: an XL is a 46” max chest and the max belly would be about 42”.

Jacket Size	Chest Range	Max Belly
Small	37.5 to 39	35
Medium	40 to 41.5	37
Large	42 to 43.5	40
XL	44.5 to 46	42
XXL	47 to 49	45
XXXL	49 to 51	47
XXXXL	51.5 to 53	49

About sizing when accessory armor is used: I’d recommend you add 1” to your chest and belly measurements if you plan on adding the chest pads and the KR-1i back pad, which will be most peoples upgrade choice. If you want to add the KR-2I back pad, add 2”. The Tech-Air airbag system can be used with this jacket and would be used in place of the back pad and chest protectors. If selecting the air bag system, add 2” to your chest and belly measurements before selecting your jacket size.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

I see some things I like on this new 2018 T-Missile textile/mesh jacket from Alpinestars. There are more protection features and upgrades here than with any street jacket I’ve ever seen!

First off, about the jacket… The shell is a mix of flow through mesh material and solid textile materials. I’d say over half the front and back surface area is the mesh material, so we’ll call it a mesh jacket and declare it for use in summer months. Its probably a three season design… spring summer and fall.

I see a few smaller design improvements I really like: note how the collar is made of a soft material and the collar lowers down right in front under your adam’s apple. This is a great improvement for me since I have kind of a short neck and find stiffer collars to dig in a bit. I also like the one inside waterproof pocket so you can put your phone or other sensitive items inside and even though this jacket isn’t a waterproof design, you at least have somewhere safe for the tech.

The armor system is where this jacket outshines nearly anything else. Firstly, you get CE-certified level 2 Bio Air shoulders and elbow protectors. These are heavy duty units which plenty of air passages to make them compatible with a summer jacket. Level 2 means they are more substantial and have better crash protection than level 1 stuff which is what most street jackets are fitted with. This jacket also includes chest and back protection capability. There are two chest pad compartments in front and the traditional back pad compartment. The jacket comes standard with thin foam “place holder” armor pieces, but you can upgrade those with CE certified units (see the links below). Most will opt for the level one back pad although there is a level 2 back pad available as well. We’ve got good descriptions of both, so just click through the links to consider those options.

As if that weren’t enough, this jacket is compatible with Alpinestars Tech-Air® street air bag system which is an optional air bag vest that is worn under the jacket and replaces the the optional armor mentioned above. MORE ON THIS OPTION LATER.

So with this summer sport jacket style, you can do all sorts of things with regard to crash protection. The basic jacket is usable as-is and is up to par with most other jackets out there. And the upgrades are optional. You’ll be ready for any of them with this jacket. :: Paul, 05-22-18