Alpinestars Advancements: The Atem and Celer Jackets

Whether it’s some wonderful development like insects no longer being the size of Volkswagens or something horrendous like Volkswagen choosing not to continue making the real Beetle any longer, the evolution of concepts, ideas, and technology is an ever present reality that can go in any number of directions. In the case of the new Alpinestars Atem Leather Jacket  and Alpinestars Celer Leather Jacket though, that evolution was absolutely for the best, and to the benefit of anyone who puts in track time. What was previously thought to be best and greatest in the category, just got better.

In the the case of the Alpinestars Atem Leather Jacket, the most visually obvious change will be the departure from that stretch panel along chest from the previous iteration over to a more solid leather. Some things that are a bit less obvious, but equally significant, include the new removable 3D bubble liner that includes a new independent removable snap receiver for the back protector, the changing of the wrists from 3D mesh to a Neoprene, and the changing of the 3D mesh at the back of the neck over to an Aramidic stretch. Further changes will also extend to a new set of shoulder armor from Bioarmor over to Betac, significantly more stretch accordion sections at the shoulders and down through the underarms, a refined finish on the handwarmer pocket, the inclusion of a waterproof pocket, and additional reflective accents in the upper arm and back. Of course, this aggressive top of a track suit jacket will maintain its CE certification as a safety garment.

Alpinestars Atem Leather Jacket Review

As for the Atem’s little brother, the Alpinestars Celer Leather Jacket, the changes will be a bit less extensive but equally dramatic in application with the inclusion of a removable thermal liner, a new shoulder PU armor set-up, and new waterproof inner pockets. Sometimes changes happen in smaller increments than others. That is definitely the case with regard to the new 2015 version of the Celer jacket from Alpinestars. However, smaller increments translate into large-scale functionality, and in the end, a great jacket got better.

Accepting that change is unavoidable, and valuing Alpinestars as one of the stand out companies that does these changes primarily in response to the feedback of their customers (unlike some German car companies), is part of the advancement of an industry. This evolution is most definitely closer to that of our current lack of frightening giant bugs than to that of the fate of The Bug. And thank goodness for that!

- Josh