Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon Gloves - Review http://www.bikechatter.net/media/reviews/photos/original/17/dd/23/1078_4b767812663b80b340af87b3a2927015XL_1306932669.jpg

With the warmer weather here to stay the next offering sent to us by Alpinestars are a pair of their supermoto styled SMX-2 Air Carbon gloves, Leigh has previously had a pair of the Octane gloves so he passed them to me to try my first short gloves - here is what I thought

Initial Thoughts

My initial Impression of these gloves is that they look funky, an interesting hybrid of street and off road styling, nothing to do with the fact they are shiny Blue/White in comparison to my all black attire. The first time I put them on they were a little tight but this is to be expected with any leather product.  It's an interesting feeling, they are a snug fit and feel very natural almost like you aren't wearing anything at all. Every finger is comfortable and there is no wasted material, Alpinestars seem to be bang on with their sizing on these gloves even with the Velcro wrist fastening which to be honest is a little odd feeling at first, however im chalking that to I've never worn shorties before, I am usually used to having a substantial cuff which of course adds considerably to restriction and bulk.  

Construction

I've worn these gloves everyday for my work commute, and every possible second I can be on and off my bike, during sunshine and rain and they are very good at coping with everything that's thrown at them even good cold resistance is going to get a mention. The only Gripe Ive had with them is that having lots of velcro fastenings on my jacket and trousers means that the mesh textile material on the outer is always getting caught and pulled away, I had this experience before on my very first set of gloves and being honest the AStars gloves have coped with this better then anything else and only occasionally need a manicure to neaten up the fingertips.

The SMX 2 Air Carbon Gloves are a cross breed of leather and textile with a carbon fibre full knuckle protector, the textile outer of the fingers provides very nice air flow and adds to the natural feel, on the flip side they have synthetic leather on the fingers and palm to provide the perfect abrasive surface for control, as an additional spot of grip the main 3 fingers also get a silicone print to ensure when you reach for you levers you get them. They are soft, unobtrusive and wear in very quickly and comfortably.


The SMX-2 Air carbon main features are listed as;

A Lightweight hybrid leather and mesh upper construction offers the ideal combination of durability, abrasion resistance and comfort.

Synthetic leather palm construction with Clarino® reinforcements provides extra durability and protection where it is needed most.

Exceptional impact protection afforded by Carbon Fiber knuckle protectors.

TPR finger reinforcements.

Thumb foam padding.

Reinforced landing zone with built in foam padding offers additional impact protection.

Airprene cuff with TPR Velcro® flap closure for secure, comfortable fastening.