Alpinestars 2021 Stratos V2 Techshell Drystar Jacket
The Stratos V2 Techshell Drystar® Jacket a highly versatile, technical urban riding jacket incorporating a 100 % waterproof and breathable Drystar® membrane for effective and proven all-weather performance. With the slim profile, the ability to upgrade with Alpinestars Nucleon back, elbow, and shoulder inserts, plus a detachable fleece hoodie for enhanced comfort and thermal insulation, the Stratos v2 is ideal for daily riding in and around the city.
Features:
- 2-in-1 technical softshell jacket with water-resistant outer shell fabric (3L polyester) construction incorporating a water-repelling reinforcement to protect against light rainfall
- Internal detachable fleece for enhanced comfort and thermal insulation
- Water-resistant vision zipper on front opening, two zippered hand pockets and a hidden “Napoleon” offer true practicality
- Detachable hood collar construction with elastic drawstring regulation
- Special construction around arms provided movement and comfort when in the riding position
- Bottom shock cord adjustment for a highly personalized fit on and off the bike
- Hook-and-loop closures on wrist provide a snug, secure fit to keep the elements out
- Elongated rear profile covers lumbar area and offers extended coverage in an upright riding position
- Pre-curved sleeves improve comfort and reduce fatigue
- Reflective logo on chest and back to make the rider more visible to other road users
- Ventilation system on the side for improved airflow and breathability
- Front inner waterproof pocket
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Sizing Information
These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. The size Medium and XL jackets fit Huey and Dewey, our Fit Check mannequins very nicely! Also, we checked several sizes with a tape. We found the sizing to be comparable to standard men’s clothing sizes. So our primary advice would be to 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). You can use this size chart to check your own measurements against the size chart to make sure the size you select will work. Choose a size that is big enough for both your chest and belly.
The max waist of a jacket style like this is only a couple inches smaller than the max chest and the jacket has side waist adjusters so it will look good even is your waist line is substantially smaller than the max.
| Jacket Size | Chest Range | Waist/Belly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 38 | 36 |
| Medium | 41 | 39 |
| Large | 43 | 41 |
| XL | 46 | 44 |
| XXL | 49 | 47 |
| XXXL | 51 | 49 |
| XXXXL | 53 | 51 |
Our Two Cents
The Stratos V2 Techshell Drystar jacket by Alpinestars is a “softshell” style jacket which has a snowboard jacket vibe. It includes standard elbow and shoulder armor and options are available for the chest and back. A nice “destination” fleece liner in included also.
If you like the idea of a motorcycle jacket that has features to make it useful for other things than just riding the bike, this one might be for you. The shell material of this jacket is softer than the material used in most motorcycle jackets. And it seems to have just a bit of stretch to it. Like I said in the opening paragraph, it reminds me of a jacket for other sports like snowboarding. The geometric graphics and bring colors also add to that style I think.
This jacket has an attached hood, but for motorcycling, you may or may not want it attached, so thankfully they’ve made it removable. It does have a snap in back to hold the hood down on your back to keep it from catching a bunch of wind. Inside the jacket is a removable thermal liner. It is styled to be used as a “destination liner. It’s polyester fleece and it looks very nice. One complaint though… the inside of the thermal liner sleeves is fleece, so when you try to push your arms though, your shirt sleeves hang up on it, so you have to try to hold your shirt sleeve with your fingers when you put the jacket on. Using materials other than slick fabric in the inside of jacket sleeves ought to be an unforgivable sin in apparel manufacturing if you ask me, but obviously nobody did. :)
This jacket does have a couple of vents in the side of the torso, which closes with waterproof zippers, so you can allow just a limited amount of air in the jacket for warmer weather, but not a lot. So with that in mind, I’d recommend this jacket for mild weather to cold weather. And since the jacket is fitted with a waterproof liner, it will work for wet weather too. I think fall, spring, and winter are going to be the seasons where this one shines.
Armor is included in this jacket for shoulders and elbows. It is Alpinestars standard molded Bio type which works well for a street jacket like this. A pocket built into the back area of this jacket accepts a back protector. You actually have three back protector options… the KR-CELLi, KR-2i, the KR-1i. I’d recommend the KR-CELLi in a street jacket like this. It is light and flexible and fairly robust feeling. You can also add optional chest protectors. There is one version offered and it is also listed below. :: Paul, 10-17-19
Note: Just on the inside of the jacket on either side of the main zipper is a strip of female snaps. I think these are for some yet-to-be-released chest armor accessory.
