Alpinestars Rhod Windstopper Jacket

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 bottom waist band is stretchy, so the style is very forgiving in case you have a bit of a belly.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Alpinestars Rhod Windstopper Jacket is a hybrid hoody/jacket with a built in wind proof material which will be idea for mild weather. The design is very sharp and would be suitable to wear just as easily off the bike as on. Armor is included for the shoulders and elbows and a back protector is optional. The hood is detachable.

FINALLY! A hoody style jacket where the hood is removable! I’ve reviewed a lot of jackets similar to this one what have hoods which are not removable and/or do not have a way to pin them down in back to keep them from flopping around when you are riding, but I am so please to say this one has both! Take the hood off for riding if you like, or if you prefer to leave it on, you can use the snap in the back to pin it down. Perfect! The overall styling here is very sharp and the fit is easy and comfortable. I could easily wear this jacket out in public with no issue of it looking to “motorycycle-ish”.

The solid material over the shoulders and elbows is a fabric blend which will resist abrasion to some degree, and the rest of the jacket’s fabric feels a bit more like nylon. I like the more “firm” surface of the nylon because I think you’ll be able to keep it clean easy, unlike knit materials used in a traditional hoodies. The overall look is more dressy and athletic than many casual jackets.

Outside are a couple zip-close hand warmer pockets. Inside, there is one breast pocket that is waterproof to keep your electronics and there is a wire pass-through for your speakers. Also inside are two simple mesh patch style pockets. And in back is sort of a “half fanny pouch”. There is a zip off to one side down low that leads to a pocket that is about half the width of the back. Gloves maybe? Not sure what they had in mind, but it may come in handy. Just don’t store anything hard or sharp in case you fall. The sleeve ends are a simple knitted cuff but they’ve added monkey loops to the ends so your sleeve won’t be yanked up over your elbows if you fall. The waist band is knitted and should fit a wide range of body types.

Armor is included in this jacket for shoulders and elbows. It is Alpinestars Nucleon Plus type which is thin and VERY flexible and it works well for a soft-shell street jacket like this. A pocket built into the back area of this jacket accept 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.

Oh, one other detail… the marketing bullets for this jacket refer to a “Detachable hood with coulisse system”. As best I can tell, EURO coulisse = US drawstring, referring to the drawstring around the hood so you can snug it down around your face. The more you know, right? :: Paul, 06-16-21