Alpinestars Yaguara Drystar Jacket (XXL Only)

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, so the style is very forgiving in case you have a bit of a belly, but don’t be concerned if your belly is smaller than the size listed below because this jacket has some very effective side waist adjustment straps.

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.

Alpinestars Yaguara Drystar jacket is a 3/4 length touring/adventure jacket with a host of armor choices and a very complete rainproofing and venting package. This is about as much tech as can be packed into one piece of riding gear!

The waterproofing setup on this jacket is more advanced than most. It is a “bonded” construction jacket which means the waterproofing membrane is bonded to the back side of the textile shell material so the shell material and the waterproof membrane become one. Being bonded rather than having a separate waterproof liner behind the shell means that the water is blocked from passing through the outer shell and therefore the shell material does not become waterlogged in a rain. Also, with extensive zippered venting, the bonded waterproofing means that when the vents are open, the air coming through the vents goes right through to your body and is much more effective than jackets with a separate waterproof liner. So with the direct venting construction, this jacket will take you further into summer and still be reasonably comfortable. With all the zips closed and because the shell will be windproof as well as waterproof, this jacket will work well in cold temps too. You can layer underneath with your own thermal layers to get the insulation you need for conditions. A bonded and well vented jacket like this is about as close as you can come to a full four season design which is waterproof too.

The armor system is where this jacket (and many other new styles for 2018) really shines. Firstly, you get level 2 CE-certified Bio Air shoulders and elbow protectors. These protectors are the highest rated and are as substantial of any armor we offer. 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. The shoulder armor capability of this jacket is beefed up with external hard protectors on the outside of the shoulders. These protectors will add hard impact protection in that area. The elbows are reinforced with strips of Aramid strips (you can see those in the photos), which adds additional abrasion protection.

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.

I found this jacket to be very easy to fit since the body of the jacket isn’t tapered like a shorter sport cut jacket. And its easy to move in because the shell has stretch material incorporated behind the arms and down the inside of the sleeves. These stretch areas also work with the Tech-Air airbag system. That air bag needs some room to inflate in case you ever have the need. Check out the matching pants too… The whole outfit would be just about as good as it gets for quality and safety. :: Paul, 05-30-18