Alpinestars Andes v3 Jacket vs Venti Matterhorn Jacket

Posted by Webbs Motorcycles on 2nd Feb 2021

In review:

Alpinestars
Andes v3
vs
Venti
Matterhorn

Posted by Webbs, 02 Feb 2021

Which jacket is best for touring in multi-seasons?

Within our 50+ years of serving riders of all styles and disciplines here at Webb's there are common questions come up time and time again from customers regarding most products. "am I just paying for a brand name" or "is it going to last and do what I need it to" are just a couple of the first that come to mind.

To try and answer some of these, we decided to create a series of articles aimed at offering open & honest reviews that compare brands and products in the same category but of different price points in a head to head comparison and a review of exactly where they exceed and also where they could do better.

To open this series of reviews, we wanted to focus on the perfect seasonal item; jackets!

At this cold and wet time of year, some put their bikes away and await the warmer sunny days,whilst others swap their summer kit out for winter layers and keep going.

Having the right kit for the ride is important, and some clothing has the ability to go through multiple seasons, usually sporting removeable liners and adjustable ventilation, so here’s a quick shoot out between two rival products that seem very similar but on closer inspection are actually worlds apart.

First up...

Alpinestar's Andes v3

The Andes v3 needs no introduction.

The first and second variants were top sellers here at Webbs, and seen everywhere due to their comfort and performance.

The v3 doesn't disappoint either with standard Alpinestars Drystar waterproof lining features throughout the Andes jacket to give you confidence in wet weather, and a very similar style as we’re used to from touring jackets too.

 

 

 

The Direct Ventilation system is a big improvement on previous Andes jackets, which often lacked effect, now allowing air to travel through gaps in the waterproof lining and gives you the desired cooling effect in warmer weather.

 

It is usually noted that the Andes jackets are more comfortable than other rivals, which is down to using a slightly finer denier material, still very strong, but allowing more movement and flexibility with less restriction.

"Having the right kit for the ride is important, and some clothing has the ability to go through multiple seasons"

- A wise warm & dry Biker!

The contender...

Venti Matterhorn

The Venti 'Matterhorn' is designed using an adventure style that fuses practicality & design, to create a perfect 'All rounder' jacket system with dual tone grey and black panels, a long touring cut, and traditional lower front pockets.

Exclusive in the UK to Webb's, the Matterhorn was created to eliminate the need for more than one jacket going through a variety of riding conditions. This goal is achieved by utilising two individually removable thermal liners to keep water out and help insulate. You can remove either depending on what you’re met with which offers fantastic versatility seldom seen in the market at this price point.

 

 

The highly functional and large ventilation panels on the front are held open using magnets, and hidden away using water resistant zips when not being used, which again is a nice touch on a jacket at this price point.

The ventilation system continues on the sleeves, rear of the shoulders and cuffs too.

The collar, waist & cuff sections feature strapped velcro fasteners to ensure they can be adjusted to create the most comfortable wear of the jacket in any conditions.

All of the pockets (of which there are 5!), feature the same hard wearing waterproof zips as the vents to keep all of your kit or gadgets safe & dry.

The Verdict.

Really the big difference in which is best suited is your use. For example, if you were likely to ride in warmer weather, but occasionally get caught out on your travels, the Matterhorn will much more comfortable. With a removable waterproof lining you will find you can breathe more easily in warmer weather, even with the well-designed DVS from Alpinestars, you’ll notice the difference. This is outweighed if you are likely to be in the rain for extended periods of time, where water can find its way round removeable waterproof liners, and therefore the Andes is the obvious choice.

Both jackets boast a wealth of storage, reflective detailing, and connection zips, both have shoulder and elbow armour as standard and the option to add in a back protector.

The Scores on The Doors...

Alpinestars Andes:

+ Softer comfier feel

+ Higher waterproof performance

- Price

- Warmer in summery conditions

Venti Matterhorn:

+ Great warm weather performance

+ Incredible value for money

+ Very versatile removable inner layers.

- Waterproof but to a point

- Limited colour choice

Every rider has their own preferences, and arguably some might just make the budget call, especially if you are new to biking or more budget conscious.

It goes without saying that at £199.99, the Andes jacket is the usual brilliant stylish quality that we have come to expect from Alpinestars, but the Matterhorn is considerably cheaper at £149.99, and the quality is right on par with the more expensive rival.

For us; the Matterhorn takes the prize as it offers the great performance & functionality we demand at a budget saving cost.

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