Motorcycle & Powersports > Powersports Protective Gear > Gloves
Alpinestars GP Pro R3 Review: The Definitive Assessment of Protection and Feel
The Alpinestars GP Pro R3 gloves are built to bridge the gap between pure racing protection and high-performance street riding. As a successor to one of the most popular sport gloves ever made, the R3 is packed with high-end safety features derived from professional racing suits, yet remains comfortable enough for extended road use. In this in-depth review, we analyze the R3’s core protective technologies, evaluate its comfort and fit, and determine if it truly offers the best balance of safety and dexterity for serious riders.
GP Pro R3: Quick Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| **Primary Material** | Goat Leather and Cowhide Leather |
| **Knuckle Protection** | Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) TPU Hard Knuckle |
| **Key Safety Tech** | Patented Finger Bridge (Ring/Pinky Finger) |
| **Closure** | Dual Cuff Closure System (Velcro) |
| **Waterproofing** | None (Perforated Sport Glove) |
1. Protection: Racing Pedigree for the Street
The core strength of the GP Pro R3 lies in its **Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) TPU knuckle protector**. This protector is dual-density, meaning it's designed to absorb energy while the hard shell slides, reducing the chance of catching the glove on the pavement.
Advanced Safety Features
- **The Patented Finger Bridge:** This is the R3's signature feature, connecting the ring finger and the pinky finger. This crucial design element prevents the pinky finger—the most exposed and fragile finger—from being splayed or rolled during a high-speed slide.
- **Cuff Protection:** A long, robust cuff with a second-level TPU slider ensures the wrist bones are protected and keeps the glove secured to the hand during a fall, preventing "glove removal" injuries.
- **Palm Slider:** The palm is reinforced with a TPU slider designed to allow the hand to slide across the pavement rather than catching and twisting the wrist (scaphoid bone), a key area of sport glove protection.
2. Comfort, Fit, and Dexterity
Image: Alpinestars GP Pro R3 in Black/White.
For a glove offering this level of protection, the R3 provides surprisingly good feel and comfort. Alpinestars utilizes a mix of premium goat leather on the palm for sensitivity and more durable cowhide leather on the back of the hand. The palm construction features minimal stitching in critical grip areas.
- **Pre-Curved Fingers:** The fingers are aggressively pre-curved, reducing hand fatigue over long distances by matching the natural grip position on the throttle.
- **Ventilation:** Multiple perforations on the cuffs and fingers ensure adequate airflow, making the R3 suitable for warm to hot riding conditions, though it is not ideal for the extreme heat of summer.
- **Fit Profile:** The glove generally runs true to size, offering a tight, "race fit" that minimizes material bunching—essential for throttle and brake control.
3. Materials and Long-Term Durability
The combination of high-grade leather and strategically placed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) ensures durability. The dual cuff closure provides a secure, redundant fit. While the leather requires basic maintenance (Hand Wash Only, as the manufacturer states), the build quality suggests the R3 is an investment designed to last several seasons of aggressive riding.
Quick Pros & Cons Summary
👍 Pros
- Excellent safety feature set (Finger Bridge & DFS Knuckle).
- High-quality leather provides great bar feedback.
- Aggressive pre-curved shape minimizes riding fatigue.
- Strong wrist and cuff protection.
👎 Cons
- Not suitable for cold or wet weather (no waterproofing).
- The race fit may feel too snug initially for some riders.
- Premium price point reflects racing technology.
Final Verdict: Is the GP Pro R3 Worth the Investment?
The Alpinestars GP Pro R3 is not just a glove; it’s a piece of protective racing equipment adapted for the street. It offers a clear, measurable safety advantage over mid-tier gloves due to its integrated Finger Bridge and advanced DFS protection. **If you frequently ride aggressively, participate in occasional track days, or simply demand the highest level of passive protection for your hands, the GP Pro R3 is a highly justifiable investment.** While it sacrifices cold-weather comfort for superior feel and safety, it remains a top contender in the high-performance sport glove category.
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