Hey guys, today we're diving deep into the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves. If you're anything like me, you know that having warm, dry hands can make or break a ride, especially when the weather gets nasty. Alpinestars is a brand known for quality and innovation, so I was super excited to put these gloves to the test. I've spent the last few weeks riding in various conditions, from chilly morning commutes to drizzly weekend adventures, and I'm ready to give you my honest take on these high-tech gloves.

The Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves aren't just your average pair of winter riding gloves. They're packed with features designed to keep your hands comfortable and protected, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. From the integrated heating system to the Drystar waterproof membrane and robust safety features, there's a lot to unpack here. So, let's get started and see if these gloves live up to the hype.

First Impressions and Key Features

Alright, let's kick things off with my initial impressions of the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves. Straight out of the box, these gloves feel like a premium product. The materials are top-notch, with a mix of supple leather and durable textile fabrics. The stitching is clean and precise, and the overall construction feels incredibly solid. These aren't flimsy gloves that will fall apart after a few rides; they're built to last.

One of the first things you'll notice is the integrated heating system. The gloves have heating elements strategically placed throughout the hand, including the fingers and back of the hand, to provide consistent warmth. The system is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, and you can adjust the heat level with a simple button on the cuff. This is a game-changer for those of us who suffer from cold hands, even with regular winter gloves.

Another key feature is the Drystar membrane, Alpinestars' proprietary waterproof and breathable technology. This membrane keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape, so your hands stay dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions. I've ridden in some pretty heavy rain with these gloves, and I can attest that they do an excellent job of keeping my hands dry.

Of course, safety is always a top priority with Alpinestars, and the HT7 gloves don't disappoint. They feature a robust knuckle protector, as well as padding on the fingers and palm, to provide impact protection in case of a crash. The gloves also have a reinforced palm for added abrasion resistance. These gloves offer a great balance of comfort, protection, and warmth.

Comfort and Fit

Now, let's talk about comfort and fit. After all, even the most feature-packed gloves are useless if they're not comfortable to wear. I found the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves to be surprisingly comfortable, given all the tech packed into them. The leather is soft and supple, and the textile panels provide flexibility and breathability. The gloves are also pre-curved, which means they conform to the natural shape of your hand, reducing fatigue on long rides.

The fit is true to size, but I would recommend trying them on before you buy, if possible. I typically wear a size large in gloves, and the large HT7s fit me perfectly. The fingers are the right length, and the palm is snug but not too tight. The cuff is also adjustable, so you can get a secure and comfortable fit around your wrist.

One thing to note is that the heating system does add a bit of bulk to the gloves. They're not as slim and streamlined as some other gloves, but I didn't find this to be a major issue. The added warmth more than makes up for the slight increase in bulk, in my opinion. Plus, the battery is located in a separate compartment on the cuff, so it doesn't interfere with your grip or dexterity.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the comfort and fit of the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves. They're comfortable enough to wear on long rides, and they provide excellent dexterity for operating your bike's controls.

Performance in Cold and Wet Conditions

Okay, let's get to the real test: how do the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves perform in cold and wet conditions? As I mentioned earlier, I've had the chance to ride in a variety of weather conditions with these gloves, and I'm happy to report that they excel in both cold and wet environments.

The heating system is a game-changer for cold-weather riding. I've ridden in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit with these gloves, and my hands stayed warm and comfortable the entire time. The heating elements are strategically placed throughout the hand, so you get consistent warmth where you need it most. I also appreciate that you can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences. On milder days, I can turn the heat down to conserve battery life, and on colder days, I can crank it up to stay toasty warm.

The Drystar membrane also performs admirably in wet conditions. I've ridden in some pretty heavy rain with these gloves, and my hands stayed completely dry. The membrane is waterproof and breathable, so it keeps water out while allowing moisture to escape. This is crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing your hands from getting cold and clammy.

One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life of the heating system will vary depending on the heat level you use. On the highest setting, the battery will last for about two hours, while on the lowest setting, it can last for up to six hours. I typically use the medium setting, which gives me about four hours of battery life. If you're planning a long ride in cold weather, you may want to consider bringing a spare battery or charging the gloves during a stop.

Protection and Safety Features

Let's shift our focus to the protection and safety features of the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves. Alpinestars is known for its commitment to safety, and these gloves are no exception. They're packed with features designed to protect your hands in the event of a crash.

The most prominent safety feature is the robust knuckle protector, which is made from a hard-shell material. This protector provides excellent impact protection for your knuckles, which are particularly vulnerable in a crash. The gloves also have padding on the fingers and palm to provide additional impact protection.

The palm is reinforced with a durable material that provides added abrasion resistance. This is important because your palms are likely to come into contact with the ground in a crash. The reinforced palm helps to prevent tearing and abrasion, which can reduce the risk of injury.

The gloves also have a secure wrist closure system that helps to keep them in place during a crash. The adjustable cuff ensures a snug and comfortable fit, which further enhances safety.

Overall, the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves offer a high level of protection and safety. They're designed to protect your hands from impact, abrasion, and other potential hazards. If you're looking for a pair of gloves that will keep you safe on the road, these are a great option.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves to give you a clear picture of what these gloves offer.

Pros:

• Excellent Warmth: The integrated heating system provides exceptional warmth in cold weather, making these gloves ideal for winter riding.
• Waterproof and Breathable: The Drystar membrane keeps your hands dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
• Comfortable Fit: The gloves are made from soft and supple materials and have a pre-curved design for added comfort.
• Robust Protection: The gloves feature a hard-shell knuckle protector and reinforced palm for impact and abrasion resistance.
• High-Quality Construction: The gloves are made from durable materials and have excellent stitching and construction.

Cons:

• Price: These gloves are relatively expensive compared to other winter riding gloves.
• Battery Life: The battery life of the heating system is limited, especially on the highest setting.
• Bulk: The heating system adds some bulk to the gloves, which may not be ideal for riders who prefer a slim and streamlined design.

Final Verdict

So, what's my final verdict on the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves? Overall, I'm extremely impressed with these gloves. They offer an excellent combination of warmth, comfort, protection, and quality. The integrated heating system is a game-changer for cold-weather riding, and the Drystar membrane keeps your hands dry in wet conditions.

While the price may be a barrier for some, I believe that these gloves are worth the investment if you ride frequently in cold or wet weather. They're a high-quality product that will keep your hands comfortable and protected for years to come.

If you're looking for a pair of winter riding gloves that can handle anything Mother Nature throws your way, I highly recommend the Alpinestars HT7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves. They're a top-notch product that will enhance your riding experience.