Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

I bought the Jacket and trouser set in the Dark Grey/Black colour. As with all sets the jacket/trousers are able to connect and create a 1 piece set. The Drystar layer is incorporated into the material suit, so it can't be removed. Only the thermal liner is removable.


Jacket
First impressions are good. There are plenty of practical pockets for you phone, wallet, keys etc. Winter lining is warm, but not overly bulky and well secured in the jacket.
Waist adjustment straps and poppers on the arm give you adjustment for when you have the winter lining in or out, or more layers on.
The collar is very comfortable as it is lined on the outer edge with a soft material,even more so at the chin area. You can also half height the collar with a popper at the back for summer time.
It only has 1 frontal zipper at the front which has a storm flap in front & behind to prevent rain/win intrusion. The front storm flap can be secured to 'back' to the jacket allowing breeze to pass through during warmer climates.
I can't comment how effective the vents are yet as the temperatures aren't that high yet!


Trousers
Very good fit, comfortable & practical. Pockets are on the thigh & are fairly shallow, meaning nothing of bulk can go in them.
Waist adjustment straps give you the perfect fit, and also come with braces if you so wish to use them.


I have only used these for a few hours so far, in single digit temperatures, and they've performed well. No buffeting, flapping, wind intrusion or cold spots. I've not been caught I the rain yet so can't comment on how waterproof the suit & pockets are yet.


One thing to note is to get the right size for top & trousers. I have a Medium jacket and Large trousers. The trousers are very fitting and so you need to make sure they fit comfortably.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

For the first time this year I've been out in the rain. It was a persistent rain, but not heavy so not a full test but none the less worth while.
The gear performed well. I didn't get any heat loss or cold spots & the water simply runs out/off the gear due to the waterproof layer being directly underneath the outer textile. This leads to it drying out quicker as the jacket doesn't retain any water.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Cor, you've been caning the credit card Daddyjob!!
Been looking at these as my kit is getting some serious usage and will need replacing soon. Please keep updating as I'm seriously not keen on the wet getting in clothes I have to wear all day so this is a major factor. Recent weather should be enough of a test for the best designed piece of kit!!
Toasty warm is good too.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Recently picked up the jacket after SBS agreed to refund my RST Raptor which was clearly not waterproof as was advertised.

The Drystar has been a godsend for me! Been out in some serious downpours and its kept me bone dry which is saying something from someone in Manchester.
Not quite as warm as some other jackets of that style but I find its exceptionally lightweight and is warm enough.

Only grip I have found and beware of this one. The chest pocket thats sort of in between the front zip and the storm flaps isn't waterproof. My phone was in it during a rain and came out a little damp. Luckily no damage but in some of the storms I've been in recently it would of been knackered.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

I've found that out too, little disappointing but it is near the vent. There is another pocket on the lower right hand side of the jacket, however it only has a Velcro seal on it.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

I was out in heavier rain today for an hour or so at motorway speeds. Still happy to say the Jacket and trousers are still performing well. Kept me warm & dry, outer pockets dry, lap & bum dry too!

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Now seriously considering the jacket and trouser combo... just need to find £300 in the street. Might purchase in installments, kecks first I think.

Thanks for the updates as it really is better than the reviews you get which say, "Never been out in the rain, but they look waterproof"! No comparison to real world testing. The tapes on the seams of my cheapo Spada trousers have come adrift and the things are useless now above a mild drizzle.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

TBH that's the reason i am doing this for everything i recently bought. No good reviews around in different weather conditions, or updates as to how well they last, wear, work etc etc.

I'd highly recommend them as they are a great investment and have proved themselves good in the current time i've had them.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

*Warranty repair*

On the left cuff velcro the stitching had started to come loose. I took it back to Infinity Motorcycles who said it would take a week or 2. I got a call a week later saying that it was ready to collect. They have issued me with a brand new jacket under warranty.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Good to know.
Have ordered trousers and take delivery tomorrow.
So no pressure... but I won't ask you for a refund!
Will order jacket when funds allow. I always over research every purchase, but this set seems to be the best spec and vfm out there at the moment. We all know Rukka. etc. but that would mean spending more than the value of the family car, not happening!

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Now bought the jacket too.
I am so grateful to you guys for the review, it was spot on. Great gear and reasonable money.
I have worn them in 19C so not exactly Death Valley, but the Drystar lining did it's job of shedding any moisture from me, and I was bone dry even after wearing for 2 hours. Not Gore Tex but a third of the price!
Looks bloody good too, like it cost fortunes.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

For sizing I am 5' 10". 32" waist and 44" chest so I went for Med trousers (spot on) and Large jacket.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

I'm away on the bike this weekend so will be a good test to see how it copes with heat, humidity and the possibility of heavy rain/thunderstorms!
I agree, it looks like a quality piece of kit but costs a fraction of the price.

I went the opposite way! Large trousers & medium jacket. 32" waist but found the trousers too tight with the linings in whilst wearing jeans (my normal riding attire). Jacket is about right for me at a medium (38-40" chest), not worn it without the lining yet & just a t-shirt to see how well it truly fits.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Just took delivery of this Jacket myself - first impressions are that it's very good quality and seems well made for a very reasonable price (just under £140 from bikers bargains).

Have only used it to walk the dog this afternoon, but I see no concerns with using it on the bike :)

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Had the jacket-pants combo for nearly a year now! Apart from looking grubby I have worn it nearly every day and no signs of wear, yet. Can vouch for complete waterproof-ness, alas!!
So have no fear heading out into Storm Doris tomorrow that I will not arrive at work completely dry. Takes a while to dry out after a full drenching, but plan to clean and Nikwax it over Easter break to restore surface water repellency. Can not, at this stage, recommend highly enough. Great piece of kit.
Thanks Daddyjob for sharing.

Re: Alpinestar Andes DryStar
 

Quick update. Two years in and still a massive fan of this combo. Still like new (apart from being even dirtier than last year) and still utterly waterproof.
I really could not, and have not recommended any biking kit as highly as this. Bearing in mind I do 8000 miles a year in ALL weathers. You will need an extra layer at minus temperatures for the jacket just to plug gaps and stay completely toasty, but I can attest it is all watertight after 2 years and I am still amazed at the quality and value. Not often you say that.