Alpinestars GPU Suit Review

Baketech · 05-27-2003, 8:27 AM

I decided to take the plunge and get a 1pc this season. Ended up getting an Alpinestars GPU.

It is at the lower end of their pricing scale, but has many of the same features as their mid-range suits. I compared them directly at the track and found minimal difference other than the nicer graphics on the more expensive suits.
The suit has a full removable mesh liner, and GP style hard armor. I bought the perf model....only available in black/silver.

Fit is perfect.....I am 6' tall, and just under 200lbs, ended up with a 46/56 suit size. Fits perfect without a back protector, and just a tad snug with it. By my next track day, I intend to be back at my normal weight of 190 and it should be just right with the protector.

Being my first 1pc, I was stunned at how comfortable it was. The legs have been cut beautifully, full movement, yet no loose or bunched leather anywhere. Feels great on the bike.....almost like a 2nd skin.

I know its probably not equivalent protection to more high end products, but it appears to be a pretty well made suit. It fit my budget and should offer more protection than the zippered 2pc I was using prior. Great bang for the buck.

Maybe someone can weigh in here with some 1st hand experience concerning its protection? I would really like to hear any counter-opinions here, harsh or not....

Edit:
I think NH has one of these in a 42/52 for sale. If you are shopping for a reasonable priced track day suit, its worth a look.

nhfirefighter13 · 05-27-2003, 8:21 PM

Quote:

Baketech : I think NH has one of these in a 42/52 for sale. If you are shopping for a reasonable priced track day suit, its worth a look.

Thanks for mentioning it.
I do still have it and it will be going on EBay sometime this week, actually.

Mind if I ask how much you paid for it?

Baketech · 05-27-2003, 10:29 PM

I got it from New Enough....think it is listing for $611....better check the site to be sure.

tnarinen · 05-28-2003, 8:45 AM

Just received my Alpinestars SX-1 about 3 weeks ago. I was surprised as well how comfortable it was. I'm 6'3 and went with size 50/60. Took perf model too, only available in blue (I wasn't sorry, as I have white/blue 954). As for protection, I don't think the more expensive suits are that much better, I tried Tz-1, Bostrom and new S-MX also and only thing I could thing as expensive being better is the external plastic protectors. They propably offer increased abrasion resistance if you slide long in tarmac. The impact protection (elbows, shoulders, knees) is same in all Alpinestars models I think. For example my SX-1 appears to be pretty much a GPU eith external shoulder protection and (ventilated) hump.

As soon as I can get my new Knox KC2000 Race back protector, I think I'll be protected pretty ok. Though I'll propably add chest protector from Impactarmor also pretty soon. Colin uses one so there must be some credit to it...

Baketech · 08-16-2005, 6:02 PM

A little follow up information after my incident on 8/6/05...

It started as a simple lowside, but I ended up tumbling at a pretty good speed...guessing around 80 or so when I went off...

The forearm that hit first did pretty well...some abrasion etc, but the armor worked well, and I have no bruises there.

I hit pretty hard on the front of my shoulder when I rolled...hard enough to seperate my ribs...and the shoulder seam was actually abraded through in a small area. It didn't pass through to the double layer...but it's an area that will need repair. The armor did well here as well...

The only area I have an issue with is the hip padding. The suit has standard style foam padding in the area. Both of my hips have a pretty good bruise, and I think the GP style armor of a better suit would have protected better here.

http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/fi...m_DSC00528.jpg
http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/fi...m_DSC00525.jpg

Hammer · 08-16-2005, 6:12 PM

Barnicle Bill does excellent repairs. He done some on mine early this year and held up well during live crash testing.

Heavy-Dee · 08-16-2005, 6:40 PM

I crashed mine in T1 at Grattan. It did it's job. Wore a nickle size hole in the forearm which I had patched. The leather is a bit thin IMO, but for the money. A good suit. I didn't get rashed at all, so I can't say that the 500 bones I paid for it was not worth it.

HD

Hammer · 08-16-2005, 9:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

I crashed mine in T1 at Grattan. It did it's job. Wore a nickle size hole in the forearm which I had patched. The leather is a bit thin IMO, but for the money. A good suit. I didn't get rashed at all, so I can't say that the 500 bones I paid for it was not worth it.

HD

Hell of a lot cheaper than a skin graft.

Scratch · 08-24-2005, 10:10 PM

hey guys maybe you could help me out. I like this suit and thinking about getting it, for the money I don't think it can be beat. I'm just having a hard time on deciding which size to go with.

ME:

5'11", long arms (scrape knuckles on the ground when I walk) and long legs (can wipe my ass by reaching up around my neck).

About 190lbs., fluctuate between 180-190 all the time, occasionally 175.

Will most likely be wearing it with a Knox back protector (same as Bohn).

I'm torn between the 54euro and 56euro.

I generally prefer a looser fit, but I think it's probably best to get it as snug as possible, especially since leather tends to stretch out alot.

What do you all think? Bake does the suit seem too loose now that you've had it for a while or does it still fit fine?

Any help appreciated, again thanks.

Scratch · 08-24-2005, 11:02 PM

Hey, what the hell? You mean you guys aren't sitting by the pc waiting for me to post q's so you can respond in an expediant fashion?

Sons..of...a....

Baketech · 08-25-2005, 7:47 AM

LOL....sorry Scratch...

My 46/56 suit still fits very well when I am 190 (with a back protector) ... like a second skin, full mobility but still no loose spots anywhere. Doesn't seem to have lost any of it's shape or size...

I think you are correct that you are right on the line with the 54/56...and it's going to be a tough call...

If you are frequently 175, then I am "guessing" that the 54 will be the one...

One option is to try one on at a track day...I tried a few sets that way before purchasing mine, and have let people try mine since then. You will be a bit surprised (maybe not) how different fit and size is between manf's...

My recommendation though, would be to talk with New Enough on the phone. Ask them if they will ship you both sizes when you place your order. You can try them both on, then return the one you don't want. They have been very accomodating with these things in the past...and do not charge a re-stock fee when you do this. (Just my 2 cents, but any vendor worth dealing with will do the same....) The extra shipping will cost you a few bucks...but it's worth it to get the fit you want imho...

Heavy-Dee · 08-25-2005, 8:37 AM

I have a really weird, short, thick, body type. The legs of the suit are probably too long, but the arms seems fine. After the suit stretched a bit, and I lost a few lbs it fit well. I have the 46 (IIRC), and I'm 5'8'', 195 lbs, about 15% bf.

HD

Scratch · 08-30-2005, 8:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

I have a really weird, short, thick, body type. The legs of the suit are probably too long, but the arms seems fine. After the suit stretched a bit, and I lost a few lbs it fit well. I have the 46 (IIRC), and I'm 5'8'', 195 lbs, about 15% bf.

HD

HD you wear a 56 euro/46 US?

Heavy-Dee · 08-31-2005, 8:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratch

HD you wear a 56 euro/46 US?

Yea, pretty sure.

HD

Scratch · 08-31-2005, 9:32 AM

Wow, you'd think you would be swimming in it.

Heavy-Dee · 08-31-2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratch

Wow, you'd think you would be swimming in it.

Why's that?

Scratch · 08-31-2005, 3:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Why's that?

Dunno, seems that suit sizes are kind of a subjective thing. I've got a friend of mine who's about your size, he wanted a slightly looser fit so he went with a 54. Another buddy of mine is my size and somehow squeezes his ass into a size 52. All personal preference I guess. The problem with off the rack suits is that they seem to only account for height and weight when there are other factors involved. Arm size/length, calf size, shoulder broadness etc.

Heavy-Dee · 08-31-2005, 4:13 PM

I think the big problem is that different manufactures run size differently. A*s run a little small. However I have a Joe Rocket jacket which is also a 46, so

But you are right, there are a lot of factors. I know this better than most b/c of my strange body shape. Shut up Noodles.

HD