With the A-Aria Switch jersey, moto and mountain bike giant, Alpinestars has joined forces with Polartec and employed its technical fabrics to create a cool and dry-riding top. Where Polartec’s fabrics make it comfortable and seriously durable, the cut and mix of different materials affect its positioning among the best mountain bike jerseys. And then there’s the price...
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Alpinestars A-Aria Polartec Switch Long Sleeve jersey - Technical details
Alpinestars says that the A-Aria Polartec Switch Long Sleeve Jersey is a premium option for those who seek performance and comfort. It’s built using Polartec’s Power Dry fabric that’s complete with laser perforations to encourage airflow. That’s combined with a main fabric at the torso that’s built for breathability and moisture-wicking. These fabrics are made from recycled materials that promise maximum mobility.
With this jersey, stretch is the name of the game with the collar and cuffs being stretch bonded for freedom of movement. At each shoulder are hallmark Alpinestars logos that could add a smidgeon of durability when bashing through overgrown trails, too – a drop tail provides extended coverage.
The A-Aria Polartec Switch jersey is available in both long and short-sleeve variants and sizes from S up to 2XL. There are two colours on offer, too, the black and gold pictured here and a light grey.
Alpinestars A-Aria Polartec Switch Long Sleeve jersey - Performance
Although the A-Aria Polartec looks rather simple, there’s a fair bit going on here that lies within the fabrics. Present is a lighter and softer fabric used for the torso whereas the sleeves get a thicker fabric.
And this combination works rather well. The torso fabric keeps the jersey cool and the sleeves add a heft of durability, which has kept the jersey tidy, even after navigating the commonly overgrown trails of the UK’s summer riding. The fabric used for the sleeves is a little tougher, and in its tighter knit, there’s not much for brambles and twigs to snag on, which is a real benefit.
The jersey as a whole is mighty tough too. I’ve crashed fairly hard while wearing the A-Aria, possibly the heaviest crash I’ve ever had and, impressively, the jersey is intact. Despite the speed and abrasion of the fall, there’s no tearing in the fabric, only a small patch where some of the dye is washed away.
The fit, for the most part, is ideal but unfortunately, that’s where the positives come to a rather abrupt end. During my time with this top, I’ve found that it tends to rise at the back when in the attack position. Of course, this does great things for cooling but I’m not particularly keen on having my back bare when descending.
This rising of the rear comes from two sources with the first being how the shoulder areas are cut, and attached to the sleeves. The shoulders of the jersey roll forward when in the attack position with the weight of the printed-on Alpinestars logo encouraging the fact.
Additionally, the inclusion of the rubber-printed Alpinestars logos completely inhibits moisture wicking in that particular area. Things get sticky, which encourages the shoulders to roll forward and the back to rise. I’ve also found that the fabric used for the arms, while excellent at fending off snags, isn’t particularly capable in the moisture-wicking department. They can get warm and sweaty. Granted, the perforations work to make it slightly more comfortable.
Alpinestars A-Aria Polartec Switch Long Sleeve jersey - Verdict
£90 for any jersey is a very serious investment but the A-Aria isn’t the only one at this price and for a top made using special materials, the price isn’t completely outrageous.
For example. Rapha’s Men’s Trail Merino Long Sleeve jersey comes in at £95, but then that’s designed to keep you warm in colder conditions. It’s a simpler jersey, too, following a more traditional raglan design.
In terms of performance, wicking and breathability, DHaRCO’s Men’s Race Jersey is an option that’s well worth considering. It might not be as durable but its warm weather comfort far exceeds the A-Aria’s. Plus, that jersey will set you back £77.
Endura’s MT500 Burner Lite L/S jersey outperforms but still comes with one of the downsides present on the A-Aria, compromised breathability around the shoulders. But for £55, it’s much more forgivable, especially as the Burner Lite stays put while riding.
If it’s uncompromising durability you’re looking for and you’ve got deep pockets, the Alpinestars A-Aria Polartec Switch Long Sleeve jersey is worth considering. Its torso fabric does a good job of wicking while encouraging airflow but it’s keen to rise on the descents through poor placing of rubber logos and a sleeve fabric that lacks ventilation.