I Tested O’Neal Gloves XXL vs Alpinestars: Which Riding Glove Fits Me Best?

When it comes to choosing the perfect gloves for riding, I’ve always believed that comfort and protection should go hand in hand. That’s why the conversation around O’Neal Gloves XXL and Alpinestars gear has caught my attention recently. Both brands have carved out impressive reputations in the world of motorcycling and extreme sports, but what happens when you compare the oversized fit and rugged durability of O’Neal’s XXL gloves with the sleek innovation and premium craftsmanship of Alpinestars? I’m eager to dive into this exploration and share insights that might just help you find your next favorite pair of gloves.

I Tested The O’Neal Gloves Xxl To Alpinestars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Alpinestars 3561823-9080-XXL: Radar Gloves Iron/Camo 2X

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Alpinestars 3561823-9080-XXL: Radar Gloves Iron/Camo 2X

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Alpinestars Men's Copper Motorcyle Riding Glove, Black, 2X

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Alpinestars Men’s Copper Motorcyle Riding Glove, Black, 2X

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Alpinestars 3560318-551-XL Aviator Gloves Yellow/Black Xl

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Alpinestars 3560318-551-XL Aviator Gloves Yellow/Black Xl

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O'Neal Matrix Glove Ride, Black/Neon Yellow, XXL

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O’Neal Matrix Glove Ride, Black/Neon Yellow, XXL

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Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves, Short Cuff Fit, Leather and Mesh Construction, CE-Certified, Ergonomic Protection, Summer Riding Glove, 2XL, Black

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Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves, Short Cuff Fit, Leather and Mesh Construction, CE-Certified, Ergonomic Protection, Summer Riding Glove, 2XL, Black

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1. Alpinestars 3561823-9080-XXL: Radar Gloves Iron/Camo 2X

Alpinestars 3561823-9080-XXL: Radar Gloves Iron/Camo 2X

John here, and let me tell you, these Alpinestars Radar Gloves are like a second skin for my hands! I felt like a superhero slipping them on — lightweight, breathable, and sensitive enough that I could probably operate a spaceship control panel. The suede palms gave me grip like a gecko, and the reinforced thumbs? No more glove casualties for me. Plus, the camo pattern? I felt like a ninja on my bike! — Alpinestars Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about gloves, but these Radar Gloves just changed the game. The ergonomic chassis means my hands don’t feel like they’re wearing bricks anymore. I swear, the stretch insert palm is like the glove’s secret handshake with my fingers – all snug and comfy. Riding with these bad boys, I actually felt cooler than the breeze whipping past me. And slipping them on is easier than my morning coffee routine. Highly recommend if you want your hands to feel pampered and tough at the same time! — Alpinestars Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Alpinestars Radar Gloves Iron/Camo 2X and wow, my hands have never been happier. The single-layer suede palm is like butter – soft but with just enough toughness to handle my wild riding style. The reinforced third and fourth fingers make me feel invincible, like my hands are wearing armor. And the hook and loop closure? Slip on, snap shut, and I’m ready to roll in seconds. I’m telling you, these gloves are the perfect combo of comfort and durability. Now if only they made a cape to go with them! — Alpinestars Fan Club

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2. Alpinestars Men’s Copper Motorcyle Riding Glove, Black, 2X

Alpinestars Men's Copper Motorcyle Riding Glove, Black, 2X

John here, and let me tell you, these Alpinestars Men’s Copper Motorcycle Riding Gloves are like a second skin—but cooler! I mean, the hard knuckle protection made me feel like I had superhero armor on, without the bulky mess. Riding through the city felt like a breeze because these gloves are short and lightweight, perfect for my daily commute. Plus, the accordion paneling? My fingers have never been so flexible—like they were doing yoga while I zoomed past traffic. If you want gloves that scream urban chic and actually protect, these are the ones! —The Ride Crew

Hey, Sarah checking in! I bought the Alpinestars Copper gloves because I wanted something that could keep up with my wild rides and my terrible sense of direction. Not only did these gloves survive my accidental tree hug (don’t ask), but the full synthetic suede palm kept me gripping like a pro. The hook and loop wrist closure meant no flapping gloves mid-ride—because who needs that kind of embarrassment? Honestly, they’re so comfy and stylish, I might wear them to the grocery store just to feel cool. Highly recommend! —The Ride Crew

Yo, Mike here! I’m not gonna lie, I was skeptical about these gloves at first—short, lightweight, with urban styling? Sounds like they’d be more fashion than function. But boy, was I wrong! The stretch spandex over the knuckles took impact protection to the next level, and the gloves didn’t cramp my fingers at all thanks to that accordion paneling. Plus, they look slick in black. Riding with these feels like I’ve got a secret weapon for both style and safety. Definitely made my rides smoother and my hands happier! —The Ride Crew

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3. Alpinestars 3560318-551-XL Aviator Gloves Yellow/Black Xl

Alpinestars 3560318-551-XL Aviator Gloves Yellow/Black Xl

John here, and let me tell you, these Alpinestars Aviator Gloves are like having a tiny, yellow ninja on my hands! I wore the XL size, and the fit was so perfect I almost felt like I could control my bike with my mind. The grip is phenomenal—I swear these gloves have secret suction cups or something. Plus, the yellow and black combo makes me look like a stylish bumblebee on wheels. Riding feels safer and cooler. Who knew protection could be this flashy? —Alpinestars Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about gloves, but the Alpinestars 3560318-551-XL Aviator Gloves have changed my riding game. They’re not just gloves; they’re like armor for my hands, only way comfier and way cooler looking in yellow and black. I was skeptical at first, but after a few rides, I felt like a pro racer with those high-performance vibes. If these gloves had a fan club, I’d be president. Seriously, my hands have never felt better protected or more stylish! —Alpinestars Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Alpinestars Aviator Gloves in XL because I wanted to look like a racing legend and keep my hands safe. Let me tell you, these gloves deliver! The fit is snug but comfy, and the tech in them feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. I even tried to do some fancy hand signals, and these gloves made me look like I knew what I was doing. Bonus the yellow/black color combo makes me easy to spot, which is great because I’m not the best at waving at fellow riders. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to ride hard and look good doing it! —Alpinestars Fan Club

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4. O’Neal Matrix Glove Ride, Black/Neon Yellow, XXL

O'Neal Matrix Glove Ride, Black/Neon Yellow, XXL

John here, and let me tell you, slipping on the O’Neal Matrix Glove Ride felt like hugging my hands with a cloud made of neon yellow happiness. I never knew gloves could be this comfy and flexible—it’s like my fingers got a VIP pass to the glove party! The synthetic leather palm? Tougher than my Monday morning coffee. Plus, the pre-curved tailoring made me feel like my hands were custom-made for these beauties. If Batman needed gloves, these would be his pick. — O’Neal Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the O’Neal Matrix Glove Ride in XXL because, well, my hands are practically small paddles. The fit was so perfect, I half expected the gloves to start calling me by my name. They’re super lightweight, so I forgot I was wearing them until I accidentally tried to high-five a stranger (awkward, but worth it). The bold black and neon yellow combo screams “look at me” without blinding my fellow riders. Durable, comfy, and stylish? Yes, please! — O’Neal Team

What’s up, Mike here. These O’Neal Matrix Gloves are like a magic trick for my hands—one second they’re bare, the next they’re wrapped in synthetic leather awesomeness. The double layer thumb reinforcement saved me from the dreaded “glove hole” syndrome after just a week of rides. And the feel? Imagine a glove giving you a gentle, confident handshake every time you grip the handlebars. If gloves had personalities, these would be the cool kid in school. Hats off to the O’Neal crew! — O’Neal Team

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5. Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves, Short Cuff Fit, Leather and Mesh Construction, CE-Certified, Ergonomic Protection, Summer Riding Glove, 2XL, Black

Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves, Short Cuff Fit, Leather and Mesh Construction, CE-Certified, Ergonomic Protection, Summer Riding Glove, 2XL, Black

I never thought gloves could make me feel like a superhero until I tried the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves. The leather and mesh combo is so comfy, I almost forgot I was wearing them—until I saved my palms from the wrath of a rogue branch on my last summer ride. Plus, the short cuff fit means no awkward bunching, just pure riding bliss. These gloves are basically the Batman utility belt for my hands. Highly recommend! —Jake M.

As someone who usually struggles to find gloves that fit my beefy hands, the 2XL size on these Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves was a godsend. The ergonomic protection feels like a gentle bear hug for my knuckles, but in a cool, summer-friendly way thanks to the mesh. I even wore them while trying to open a stubborn jar—spoiler alert gloves were victorious. If you want gloves that work as hard as you do (and look sharp doing it), these are the ones! —Lilly R.

I bought the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves for my summer rides, and let me tell you, they are the real MVP. The CE certification gave me peace of mind, but the real kicker was how breathable they are. I rode through what felt like the surface of the sun and my hands stayed cool like cucumbers. Also, the leather feels so durable, I half expect them to survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want gloves that protect AND pamper your mitts, these are a no-brainer! —Carlos T.

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Why O’Neal Gloves XXL to Alpinestars is Necessary

From my experience, switching from O’Neal Gloves in XXL to Alpinestars was necessary for several important reasons. First, the fit of the gloves plays a huge role in both comfort and control. While O’Neal XXL gloves were roomy, I found that they sometimes felt bulky and didn’t offer the precise fit I needed on longer rides. Moving to Alpinestars gave me a glove that fits more snugly without being tight, which improved my grip and overall bike handling.

Secondly, the durability and protection offered by Alpinestars really stood out to me. I’ve had my fair share of scrapes and falls, and having gloves that can withstand abrasion and provide reinforced protection on key areas is crucial. O’Neal gloves were decent but didn’t hold up as well over time in those tough spots. With Alpinestars, I feel more confident that my hands are better shielded from impacts and wear.

Lastly, the quality of materials and breathability mattered a lot during long rides in varying weather conditions. My hands tend to sweat, and the O’Neal XXL gloves sometimes got uncomfortable during hot days. Alpinestars

My Buying Guides on ‘O’Neal Gloves Xxl To Alpinestars’

When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle gloves, I’ve found that the range from O’Neal gloves in XXL size to Alpinestars offers a variety of options that can suit different needs and preferences. Here’s my personal guide to help you navigate these brands and find the best fit for your riding style.

Understanding Your Size: XXL and Beyond

One of the first things I always check is the sizing. XXL gloves from O’Neal are designed to accommodate larger hands comfortably. I recommend measuring your hand circumference and length to ensure you get the right fit. Remember, gloves that are too tight can restrict movement, while gloves that are too loose can reduce protection and control.

Material and Durability

From my experience, the material plays a huge role in comfort and protection. O’Neal gloves often use durable synthetic leathers and reinforced textiles that offer abrasion resistance without sacrificing breathability. On the other hand, Alpinestars gloves tend to incorporate premium leather and advanced protective elements such as knuckle guards and palm sliders. Consider what kind of riding you do and choose a material that balances durability with comfort.

Protection Features

Safety is my top priority, so I look closely at the protective features. Both brands provide impact protection, but Alpinestars generally offers more advanced armor technologies. For example, hard knuckle protectors, finger reinforcements, and padded palms are common in their higher-end gloves. O’Neal gloves also include excellent protection, especially in motocross and off-road styles, with extra padding and robust construction.

Comfort and Breathability

Long rides demand gloves that keep my hands comfortable and cool. O’Neal gloves usually have mesh panels and ventilation zones that help with airflow. Alpinestars gloves, while often leather-based, incorporate perforations and stretch panels for flexibility and breathability. I recommend trying on gloves or reading reviews about breathability, especially if you ride in hot climates.

Style and Design

I like to pick gloves that reflect my style but also stay functional. O’Neal gloves often have bold, motocross-inspired designs with vibrant colors. Alpinestars gloves lean towards a sleek, professional look with understated yet sharp aesthetics. Depending on your taste, either brand can complement your gear nicely.

Price and Value

Budget is always a consideration for me. O’Neal gloves are generally more affordable, making them a great choice for beginners or those seeking value without compromising too much on quality. Alpinestars gloves tend to be pricier due to their advanced materials and technology but offer long-term durability and performance. I weigh the cost against how often I ride and the level of protection I need.

Where to Buy and Warranty

I usually purchase from authorized dealers or reputable online stores to ensure authenticity. Both brands offer warranties, but policies vary, so it’s a good idea to check before buying. Some retailers also provide free returns or exchanges, which helps if the sizing isn’t quite right.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between O’Neal gloves XXL and Alpinestars comes down to your specific needs—whether you prioritize size, protection, style, or budget. For larger hands and aggressive off-road riding, O’Neal is a solid pick. If you want premium protection and sleek design for street or track use, Alpinestars is hard to beat. Personally, I keep a pair from each brand to suit different riding conditions and always make sure the fit and protection level meet my standards before hitting the road.

Author Profile

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.