Alpinestars T SP-5 Rideknit Jacket

This jacket is fitting noticeably small as compared to many other Alpinestars street jackets. To help you choose a size, I’ve put together a chart below that shows you Alpinestars chest size estimate for each jacket size, and also our estimate of the actual max chest of this jacket. In the very small sizes, the jackets are close to what you might expect… maybe a half size small, but in the larger sizes, they are one full size smaller (maybe even a bit more in the multi-X sizes).

The best thing to do to choose a size is to measure your chest and belly and choose a jacket size that will be big enough to accommodate both, and for most, that will put you in a jacket that is about one size bigger than you normally wear.

Note: If you plan to add a back protector, add 1” to your chest and belly measurements before choosing a size. Add another inch if you plan to add chest protectors.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Alpinestars T SP-5 Rideknit Jacket is new for 2021 and represents a new approach to a traditional textile jacket style. There are a number of “Rideknit” products in this year’s Alpinestar’s lineup including a leather jacket, pants, and shoes, so be sure and check those out.

There is a lot different with this new style. First, let’s talk about what’s similar to other styles and then I’ll tell you about the differences. The armor used in this jacket is the same as in nearly all other street styles. It is the Alpinestars Flex Plus type which works well for a style like this. It is light and flexible and comfortable. The armor package is reinforced by external molded armor units. Those add another layer of impact protection and also give this jacket a sporty look. A pocket is built into the back area of this jacket to 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 flexible jacket like this. It is light and fairly robust feeling.

Like many other street styles, a standard selection of pockets are included here. Two front hand pockets, two inside breast pouch style pockets, and one inside waterproof pocket are included, which you can use to protect your phone if you happen to catch a shower. Speaking of a shower, this jacket isn’t waterproof, so plan accordingly. One nice surprise here is the large fanny pocket in back, which is uncommon to have in a sport style like this.

The big difference with this new Rideknit concept is the mix of materials and the overall construction. The front and back are covered in a material that is a complex weave that creates sort of a hybrid fabric, and it is done in such a way that it appears to be a camo print. The fabric is sturdy but softer than traditional Cordura style jackets. The sides of the torso and the underarms are made of a stretch fabric that is sort of mesh-rib knit. It stretches and molds the jacket to your body without the use of external straps and adjusters. Likewise, at the end of the sleeve, they’ve done away with the usual zipper/hook and loop strap arrangement and just rely on the stretch material to give you the fit. The stretch materials are very breathable and in fact, I think this jacket would work pretty well up into the hot days of summer. If you were moving, maybe even the hottest days. There are no removable liners, or windproof layers included, so you’ll be layering under the jacket with your own garments in cooler weather.

Check out the matching Rideknit pants to go with the jacket. Those are about as comfortable as a protective pant can be because they also use knitted breathable materials. If you plan on just wearing jeans with a belt, you can attach the tail of this jacket to your belt with two snap-close loops they provide in back.

Overall, I really like the direction Alpinestars is taking these new products. I like the idea of less complexity and great comfort. There are many new “riding shirts” and jeans that fill this niche, but the Rideknit design feels safer to me… more like what you expect from more traditional gear. :: Paul, 06-10-21