Price: ~€90–110 | Category: Sport Street Gloves | Certification: CE Level 1 (EN 13594:2015) | Overall score: 4.0/5
The Alpinestars SP-8 V3 is one of the most searched sport motorcycle gloves in Europe, and for good reason. It sits in the sweet spot between budget gloves with minimal protection and full-on race gloves that are uncomfortable for daily use. CE Level 1 certified, full-gauntlet, and built from full-grain goat leather – on paper it reads well. We put it through its paces to find out whether it holds up in practice.
Disclosure: Gear4Moto uses affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.
What’s in this review?
Protection – CE Level 1 With One Honest Caveat
The SP-8 V3 carries CE Level 1 certification under EN 13594:2015, the current European standard for motorcycle gloves. The knuckle protector is Alpinestars’ MotoGP-derived SP dual-density system – hard on the outside, energy-absorbing beneath. It sits securely on the backhand and does not shift during riding.
The palm protection is where you need to know what you are buying. Alpinestars uses their Arshield material on the palm slider – a blend of aramid fibre and polyamide. It is a meaningful upgrade over plain leather, but it is not hard armour. In a slide, hard armour absorbs and deflects impact; Arshield resists abrasion. For everyday street riding at realistic speeds, the distinction matters less than it does on a track. For regular track days, you would want hard palm armour.
The patented third-and-fourth finger bridge is a feature borrowed from Alpinestars’ race range. In a crash where your hand slides, fingers can be pulled apart at the seams – the bridge prevents that by linking the fingers structurally. It is a genuine safety feature that most gloves at this price do not include.
Protection score: 4/5 – CE Level 1 with a proper knuckle protector and finger bridge; palm protection is abrasion-resistant rather than impact-absorbing.
Fit and Comfort – Good After Break-In
The SP-8 V3 is cut for a sport riding position: fingers slightly curved, palm forward. If you ride upright or in a touring position, the pre-shaped fingers can feel odd at first. For sport or naked bike riders, the fit is natural from the start.
The goat leather is supple and breaks in relatively quickly. Most riders report the gloves softening noticeably over the first 300–500 km. Out of the box, the thumb-forefinger area can feel tight. This is the most common complaint and it does ease with use.
Finger lengths are generous on most digits, but the middle finger runs slightly short compared to the others – noticeable for riders with longer hands. The wrist and cuff closure is a two-step hook-and-loop system that adjusts easily with one hand, even with gloves on.
The touchscreen compatibility on the index finger and thumb is accurate – better than most at this price.
Comfort score: 3.5/5 – Excellent once broken in; initial tightness at thumb base is a consistent early complaint.
Ventilation – Adequate, Not a Summer Specialist
The SP-8 V3 has perforated cuff panels and ventilation along the finger sidewalls. In mild to warm conditions (15–25°C), airflow is adequate for sport riding. Above 30°C in slow traffic, the gloves will feel warm – the leather construction limits breathability compared to mesh or textile alternatives.
For riders in southern Spain or other warm climates doing longer summer rides, the SP-8 V3 Air variant (which adds full perforation across the back of the hand) is worth considering instead. The standard V3 is best suited to three-season riding: spring, autumn, and milder summer days.
The gloves offer no waterproofing. A light shower will reach the inside within 30 seconds. If you ride in wet conditions regularly, pair them with waterproof overgloves or consider a waterproof-membrane alternative.
Ventilation score: 3.5/5 – Good for a leather sport glove; not for summer specialists or regular rain riders.
Build Quality – Premium for the Price
The construction quality is where the SP-8 V3 earns its reputation. The stitching is tight and even, the leather feels premium, and the transition from the V2 brought cleaner seam placement that reduces pressure on the fingers. The half inner/half outer external seam design keeps stitching away from the most sensitive contact points.
The Arshield palm panel is well-integrated and shows no sign of delaminating even after extended use. The knuckle protector is secure in its housing without being rigid or movement-limiting.
For a glove at €90–110, the finish is closer to what you would expect at €130–150 from some competitors.
Build quality score: 4.5/5 – Punches above its price in materials and construction.
Value – One of the Strongest at This Price
At €90–110, the SP-8 V3 competes with gloves from Dainese, Knox, and Rev’It in the mid-range sport category. Its combination of goat leather construction, CE Level 1 certification, proper hard knuckle protection, and finger bridge technology is difficult to match for the price.
The main concession is the palm protection (Arshield vs hard armour) and the moderate ventilation. If those are critical for your riding, you will need to spend more. For everyday sport street riding, the SP-8 V3 delivers more than its price would suggest.
Value score: 4.5/5 – Excellent quality-to-price ratio for sport street use.
Who Is the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 For?
The SP-8 V3 is a strong choice if:
- You ride a sport, naked, or adventure bike and want a proper gauntlet glove under €110
- You commute and want protection without the bulk of a touring glove
- You are a new rider looking for your first quality sport glove
- You ride in mixed conditions across spring, summer, and autumn
Consider something else if:
- You ride in temperatures regularly above 30°C – look at the SP-8 V3 Air instead
- You want hard palm armour for track days – look at the Alpinestars GP Pro R3 or similar
- You ride in rain regularly – add waterproof overgloves or choose a membrane glove
Alpinestars SP-8 V3 vs Competitors
| Glove | Price | Certification | Palm armour | Finger bridge | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars SP-8 V3 | ~€105 | CE Level 1 | Arshield (soft) | Yes | No |
| Dainese Air Maze | ~€80 | CE Level 1 | None | No | No |
| Knox Handroid Pod | ~€180 | CE Level 2 | Hard | Yes | No |
| Rev’It! Cayenne 2 | ~€100 | CE Level 1 | Soft | No | No |
| RS Taichi RST462 | ~€120 | CE Level 1 | Hard | No | No |
The SP-8 V3 sits comfortably ahead of the Dainese Air Maze on protection and build, while undercutting the Knox Handroid Pod significantly on price. The RS Taichi RST462 offers hard palm armour at a modest premium if that is your priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 gloves CE certified?
Yes. The SP-8 V3 is CE Level 1 certified under EN 13594:2015, which is the current European standard for motorcycle gloves. This covers impact and abrasion protection on the knuckles and palm.
Do the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 gloves fit true to size?
Generally yes, but the thumb-forefinger area runs slightly tight on some hand shapes. Alpinestars recommends measuring hand circumference and comparing against their size chart. The gloves loosen with use over the first few hundred kilometres.
Are the SP-8 V3 gloves good for beginners?
Yes. CE Level 1 certification, proper gauntlet coverage, and a well-known brand make them a solid choice for a first quality sport glove. They are comfortable enough for daily use without being so expensive that a new rider hesitates to invest. See our guide to the best motorcycle gear for beginners.
Can I use the SP-8 V3 on a track?
For occasional or casual track days, yes. For regular track use, the Arshield palm slider is less than ideal – hard palm armour is preferable on a circuit. Consider the Alpinestars GP Pro R3 or similar for dedicated track use.
Are the SP-8 V3 waterproof?
No. The SP-8 V3 offers no waterproofing. Water penetrates within about 30 seconds in sustained rain. Pair with waterproof overgloves for wet conditions or choose a glove with a membrane liner such as the Alpinestars WR-1 V2 Gore-Tex.
Gear4Moto Verdict
The Alpinestars SP-8 V3 does what a mid-range sport glove should: it protects, fits well once broken in, feels premium in the hand, and does not ask for a premium price. The Arshield palm and the missing waterproofing are genuine limitations, but neither is a surprise at this price point and both are well-documented before purchase.
For sport and naked bike riders looking for a capable, CE-certified gauntlet glove under €110, the SP-8 V3 is one of the most straightforward recommendations in its category. It is not a track glove and it is not a winter glove – but as an everyday sport street glove, it is excellent value.
Overall score: 4.0/5
Disclosure: Gear4Moto uses affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.
