Alpinestars SMX Air Jacket Review: Entry-Level Price, Airbag-Ready Brains

A $299.95 vented textile jacket with a stretchy back

The Short Answer: The Alpinestars SMX Air is a $299.95 entry-level sport textile jacket for warm-weather riding. It mixes tech mesh with 450-denier polyfabric, carries CE A-class abrasion certification and Nucleon Flex Plus Level 1 armor, and adds a removable wind liner. Its stretch back panel makes it comfortable out of the box and compatible with Alpinestars Tech-Air airbags. It runs slim.

This one comes with a twist: the SpeedAddictsTV SMX Air episode is hosted by Speed Addicts founder Schad, who name-checks “the great Adam Waheed” in the intro while running through the jacket. Schad is a bigger guy than Adam, which makes him the perfect person to tell you exactly how slim this jacket runs. Spoiler: pretty slim.

Sponsored by Speed Addicts

This breakdown comes from Speed Addicts, the fastest-growing gear site on the web, where the SMX Air ships fast and free with the company’s no-hassle return policy and a self-service returns portal that takes the fear out of buying gear online. Want to try it in person? Visit the Speed Addicts Superstore in Orange, California, browse what Schad calls the world’s greatest helmet wall, and say hi to the crew.

What Is the Alpinestars SMX Air?

Alpinestars uses the SMX name across gloves (the SMX-1 is its top-selling short glove), boots and jackets. The SMX Air is one of its entry-level textile jackets: a lightweight, breathable sport and sport-touring piece. It costs $299.95 and is sold in multiple colorways in sizes small through 4XL. Women’s versions are sold under the Stella SMX Air name.

It’s certified CE A class for abrasion resistance under EN 17092-4. Schad’s quick primer: CE garment ratings run A (basic), AA (better) and AAA (usually leather).

Fit: Slim, Race-Style Cut

Schad (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) wears an XL and says he’s “kind of pulling it off.” The SMX Air uses a race-style cut that’s flat and tight across the chest so it won’t bunch up in a tuck, and the arms are on the narrow side. His advice: if you’re not bulky, buy your true size; if you’re bigger, go up one size from your usual Alpinestars or T-shirt size. And if you plan to wear a Tech-Air vest underneath, give yourself a little extra room.

Construction and Ventilation

• Tech mesh chassis on the abdomen, back and inner arms.
• 450-denier polyfabric on the outer arms, elbows and shoulders for abrasion resistance.
• Perforated 450D polyfabric on the upper chest for extra airflow.
• Stretch panels across the back, shoulders and sides, with high-density stretch on the upper back.
• Removable windbreaker liner that turns it from a normal around-town textile jacket into a full mesh jacket.

The stretch back is what makes the SMX Air special, Schad says. Many textile jackets feel crunchy and stiff out of the box; the stretch panel makes this one comfortable immediately and helps it fit over the hump of a Tech-Air airbag’s built-in back protector.

Armor and Protection

Impact protection comes from Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows (Alpinestars’ Speed Addicts listing also mentions forearm coverage), plus DFS Lite thermoplastic shoulder sliders. There are no hard elbow sliders. Pockets for a chest protector and back protector are built in, but both protectors are sold separately. Order the back protector to match your jacket size.

For a big protection upgrade, the SMX Air is Tech-Air ready. Schad’s pick is the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, which he calls Alpinestars’ best airbag going for street, dirt and track.

Adjustments and Storage

• Zippered wrist openings (no straps) that open wide enough to go over gloves.
• No forearm or bicep straps, since the slim cut and stretch fabric keep things snug.
• Velcro waist adjusters on both sides.
• Zippered slash pockets on both sides.
• Inside: a cargo pocket on the wind liner, a waterproof pocket on the left and another cargo pocket on the right.

Verdict

For warm-weather sport and commuting riders on a budget, the SMX Air delivers serious airflow, real abrasion certification, Tech-Air compatibility and a stretchy, comfortable fit. Just respect the sizing advice if you’ve got a few extra burritos in your build.

Alpinestars SMX Air Jacket Specifications

Related Moto-1 Reading

• Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma Review: The airbag Schad recommends pairing with the SMX Air
• Cortech Chicane 2.0 Jacket Review: Another sporty textile option
• Best Value Sport Touring Motorcycle Gear? Tourmaster Zephyr Review: More budget-friendly warm-weather gear
• 2026 Suzuki GSX-8R Review: A real-world sport bike the SMX Air suits

FAQ

Does the Alpinestars SMX Air run small?

It runs slim. Riders with an average build can buy their true size, but bigger riders should go up one size. Leave extra room if you’ll wear a Tech-Air vest underneath.

Is the SMX Air jacket CE certified?

Yes. Alpinestars certifies it to EN 17092-4:2020 A class, with Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor.

Does the SMX Air come with a back protector?

No. It has pockets for a back protector and chest protectors, but they’re sold separately.

Can you wear an airbag with the SMX Air?

Yes. It’s Tech-Air ready, and the stretch back panel is designed to accommodate an airbag system.

Is there a women’s version?

Yes, the Stella SMX Air.