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Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Hands-On Review: Part One

Introduction

If one has been riding motorcycles for a while then the name Aerostich is likely a familiar name. Starting back in the early 1980s the company (called Aero Design & Mfg CO. Inc.) developed the original Roadcrafter riding suit. The Roadcrafter was a departure from the motorcycle gear of the day and employed Cordura and Gore-tex fabrics in the construction instead of leather.

These materials were assembled into a one-piece, coverall style, suit designed to offer protection from crashes as well as the elements. Convenience was an important factor as well and was achieved by using a unique full-length zipper running from neck to ankle. In combination with a leg length zipper on the other leg, this arrangement made it easy to step into and out of the suit easily and quickly.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Inner Tags

Over the following decades, Aerostich would expand their offerings to include jackets and pants like the Darien and Falstaff lines as well as a multitude of accessories for the motorcycle rider. The Roadcrafter has been updated to the current R3, the latest version of their Cordura one-piece suit while at the same time still offering the Roadcrafter in multiple versions including the Classic, Stealth, and Tactical versions.

Trying to describe the entire current lineup of suits would be enough for an entire article in itself so I’ll just point our readers to the Aerostich website for the descriptions. The point is that the company offers something for just about everybody.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit logo

Recently WebBikeWorld was given the opportunity to take a close look at Aerostich products and a couple of us were asked to choose what we’d like to review. Seeing as our last review of their gear was back in 2004 with a review of the Darien Jacket, we all felt it was long overdue.

Kathy Koewler chose to review an R-3 one-piece suit which is third-generation of the venerable Roadcrafter and you can read her review here. For my part, I wanted to look at something that I wasn’t that familiar with.

Before we get rolling I want to set expectations for this review. As one might have guessed by the “Part One” in the title, what you are reading is the first of what will be multiple installments evaluating the Cousin Jeremy suit.

A suit like this has a lot of details and will break in over time, and I want to present a complete picture for our readers. This installment will go over the appearance and construction details.

More details will come in future installments regarding fit, comfort, protective features, and more as I get additional seat time with the Cousin Jeremy suit.

The Cousin Jeremy Two Piece Suit

Haven’t heard of the Cousin Jeremy suit? Neither had I until I looked through the current Aerostich catalog. The best way I can describe the Cousin Jeremy is that it’s a vintage twist on a classic design. Ok, so that may have made it clear as mud so let me see if I can draw a more clear picture.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit from 3 Poses/Angles

The Cousin Jeremy suit, released in 2017, takes the Roadcrafter Classic shape and wraps it in a 10 oz waxed cotton shell. The Roadcrafter classic was ahead of its time back in the early ’80s and, as the name suggests, is considered a classic today. So what should it be called it when one takes a “classic” riding suit and constructs it from what is considered a “vintage” material?

It looks like a new term needs to be coined here but whatever it ends up being called, I was intrigued by the idea. I admit I’ve never been that taken with the look of Aerostich’s suits with the exception of the (sadly) discontinued Transit suit. The aesthetic just never grew on me.

The Cousin Jeremy changed my mind. I really like the way the brown and black worked together and the texture of the material all work together to create something very different in my eyes. Words like classic and vintage come to mind but so does utilitarian.

Construction

Heavy. If I had only one word to describe the jacket and pants heavy would be it. The shell is made from a 10 oz waxed cotton fabric with double layers (visible in black) in the impact areas such as the seat, shoulders, and elbows. The stitching appears single stitched for most areas but there are some double stitched areas on the pants. The work on the seams here is very neatly done and very strong from what I can discern.

The cut of the various panels is excellent as the garments lay nice and flat with little to no wave or buckling. I asked Carmen to examine them and she backed up my thoughts here. She has some education in textile manufacturing and agrees that these are very well put together.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Front Pockets

This is not something to be considered lightly as there are a lot of panels that make up the jacket and pants. These are not simple garments by any stretch and it takes a lot of time to construct something like this in a way that it looks good and will last.

I want to point out that the quality of construction shown here is a large portion of why Aerostich gear has what is often considered a “premium” price associated with it. The materials have a cost but the time and skill required to produce these garments are what the buyer is paying for. Having an appreciation for this kind of quality work makes for a balanced equation for me when comparing cost versus value. One gets what they pay for as the saying goes.

The Jacket

The waxed cotton exterior of the jacket gives way to a smooth, dense weave, black nylon called Supernyl. For those who decide to “Google” Supernyl (I did), I don’t believe Aerostich is referring to the trademarked SUPERNYL™ polyamide film. The nylon used in the suit will actually allow air to pass through where the polyamide film of the same name is intended for use as a gas barrier and would be quite stuffy if used to line a garment.

The lining makes it nice and easy to slide the jacket on and off. The lining also contains pockets for the shoulder and elbow armor. These pockets use overlapping flaps as closures making it easy to install and remove the armor as needed.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Front Pockets Open

Speaking of armor, there are several patches of hook and loop fastening points placed for connecting a back protector. There are also two locations for attaching optional hip armor when the jacket and pants are zipped together.

On the subject of zips, there is a 280 deg zipper in place for attaching the jacket and pants. This zipper is placed in a way that cuts across an Aerostich back protector if installed. As such the protector should be installed after zipping the pants and jacket together if that is the intended use.

Moving to the exterior of the jacket the main closure uses a heavy duty dual zipper which is covered by a flap of the shell. The flap can be secured over the zipper using several strips of hook and loop.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Collar Velcro Closure

The collar has a small strap of hook and loop to adjust and secure it closed. There is also a small loop of fabric that can hold the strap out of the way if one wants the collar open for more ventilation. The collar also has three sets of plastic snaps allowing it to be folded down for more comfort in hotter weather.

At the back near the waist is a section of elasticized fabric with two large adjustment straps for adjusting the fit. Each sleeve has a gusseted section with a zipper closure as well as a hook and loop strap for cinching down the sleeve opening.

Vents

Up between the shoulder blades is a wide vent with a waterproof zipper. Two zippers are used for airflow adjustment. Behind the vent is a large mesh section that opens to the interior between the shell and liner. This prevents some air from moving through but it should provide enough to reduce “ballooning” when the front is open.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Side Pocket

Two smaller waterproof zips are located below the underarms to provide venting and these are completely open to the interior of the jacket. There are no front vents so in order to get more air in the front one simply open the main zipper.

Pockets

Being based on the Roadcrafter, there are plenty of storage options on the Cousin Jeremy jacket. There are two pockets at the waist with fold over flaps for water resistance and these close with hook and loop material. Each of these pockets has a side opening for handwarmer pockets within a separate space behind the main pocket shell.

The chest has two pockets with the right pocket having a 10 inch (25cm) vertical opening and a waterproof zip for closure. This pocket also has an internal dividing pocket to organize items inside.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Pocket

The left chest pocket has an angled top flap with a small section of hook and loop closing it. Inside the pocket opening is a small D-ring clip sewn onto a small fabric strap. This can be used to clip a helmet strap so that one can carry their helmet hands-free if needed. That’s quite a lot of bulk to hand on one’s chest in my opinion but it could work in a pinch. For my part, I’d probably just clip my bike key there.

There’s a little trick that I missed and ended up finding out by reading the description later. The left chest pocket is not attached on the sides to the shell creating space behind the pocket. This is designed for temporary stashing of gloves like when gassing up your ride. Neat idea.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Pocket with Vertical Zipper

Finally, there is an interior pocket in the left side just under the Aerostich label that would be a good place to store a wallet or mobile device in case of inclement weather. For easier access to small items, there is a pocket on the right forearm. This pocket should easily hold smaller items like a mobile phone, wallet, or keys easily and it has a waterproof zip for closure.

That’s eight pockets in all in the jacket but that’s not the end of storage options. The left sleeve has strips of hook and loop for attaching accessory pockets if desired.

Pants

The pants are constructed of the same 10 oz waxed cotton as the jacket with double layers in the seat and knees with the knees and shin outer layer being black, while the seat is the same brown color as the rest of the shell.

Being part of a two-piece suit, there is a 280 deg zipper running around the top of the waist with dual zippers. One of the zippers has a reversible pull allowing it to be pulled from inside or outside the track. This makes it easier to pull when wearing it.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Pants Inside Out

At the waist is a single snap closure and below that is a large dual zipper that runs from the waist down to the inside of the left ankle. The right leg has a large single zipper running from the upper right thigh down to the ankle. Together, these two zippers make it easy to step into and out of the pants without the need to remove boots.

Making ingress and egress even easier is the same Supernyl lining found in the jacket. This slick and tough material makes sliding shoes or boots through the right leg a breeze.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Interiors

At the bottom of each leg, zipper run is a single snap at the opening. Using these allows one to raise the leg zipper for extra ventilation while keeping the leg opening secured in place. The leg openings can be adjusted using hook and loop fasteners to allow for more or less air to flow up.

At the waist, there are eight belt loops to make it easy to keep the pants in place when not attached to the pants. There is also an adjustable shock cord running around the waist that can be used in lieu of a belt to keep one’s pants properly positioned.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Interior Legs Unzipped

Inside the waist are two hook and loop connection points to hold the optional hip armor. I want to point out these are very well placed and when I attached the hip armor pockets it fell in just the right place over my hip bones.

At the back, there are two large pieces of hook and loop for attaching the bottom of one of Aerostich’s back protectors. These really only come into play if the pants and jacket are zipped together.

Pockets

While the pants have a significantly smaller pocket count than the jacket, their storage is still more than enough for me. At the waist are two large pockets covered by a hook and loop fastened flap. These pockets are very large and inside each pocket is a waterproof zipper that opens to the interior of the pants.

These are designed to allow access to the pockets of pants one might be wearing underneath the Cousin Jeremy pants. This pass-through is a great feature for those who have left a phone or key in their jeans pocket and needed to get to it after putting on the overpants. Ask me how I know.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Pant Pocket

On the top of the right thigh is another large cargo pocket with, you guessed it, a waterproof zippered closure. If I need to use pants pockets during a ride I’d rather place stuff here than in the waist pockets as it will likely be more comfortable.

Rounding out the pocket options is pair of hook and loop strips on the left thigh. Aerostich offers a clear panel map pocket that fits here that can be used for maps but could hold other small items as well.

Conclusion

To wrap up this initial look at the Cousin Jeremy suit, I have to say I’m very impressed with the quality and attention to detail that goes into the construction of these suits. This is doubly impressive considering the complexity of these pieces of apparel.

Pricing for a suit like this starts at $1,154.00 and includes Aerostich’s TF3 armor in the knees, elbows, and shoulders. In my case, I asked for a back protector to round out the protection which adds extra $87.00 on top of the cost of the suit.

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Zipper Closeup

Over $1,200.00 is no small investment. The quality of the apparel certainly makes for a good value but that’s only part of the equation. In the next installment, I will detail my experience in working with the team at Aerostich to get my Cousin Jeremy suit properly sized and fitted. We’ll also look at the TF series armor that I received with the suit along with some additional details. Until then keep the shiny side up.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Tons of storage
  • Sharp looking waxed cotton shell

Cons

  • Price can be a barrier
  • Sleeve zippers work their way open
  • Cotton is not very abrasion resistant

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Aerostich
  • Price (When Tested): $1,241.00 including back protector
  • Made In: USA
  • Color: Brown and Black
  • Sizes: 34 to 54 plus various lengths
  • Review Date: March 2019

Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Image Gallery

The post Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Suit Hands-On Review: Part One appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Gear Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World Women's Motorcycle Jackets

Icon Women’s Overlord SB2 Wild Child Jacket

I’m not one to shy away from that which is bold, so when Icon introduced the Overlord SB2 Wild Child, a full textile sport-specific jacket featuring turquoise/purple/magenta ombre with a zebra/ tiger stripe overlay… I was all in.

Icon Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child

For reference, I’m wearing an XL in the photos and am a US women’s size 10/12 dress. I originally tested the jacket at 6000 ft elevation in the throes of winter.

Look, Fit, & Feel

Aesthetic

Clearly living up to its name, the Wild Child makes an extremely bold statement in both color and pattern. The colors are so vivid, they help make the jacket look and feel high-quality (think high-end motocross jerseys). If nothing else, it does the hi-viz thing better than hi-viz.

These colors do not blend into the surroundings, no matter what type of road you are on, and that makes all the difference when it comes to being seen. In other words, pink is safer (in the daytime)!

Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket

Fit

Icon calls the cut and style an “attack fit”, which means more streamlined and tight-fitting to the body. I found this classification to be 100% spot-on. Ballistic nylon, both smooth and accordion style (as often found in race-level apparel and one-piece suits) is strategically placed above, behind and underneath the shoulders and elbows to increase mobility.

There wasn’t an inch of room to spare in the torso or arms, but even so, it did not feel binding or constricting. Rather, it felt almost custom-tailored, especially if asked to stay put in a crash.

Feel

Appearances aside, I won’t ever be attempting any championship dance moves in the Wild Child. The jacket felt best while sitting in an aggressive riding position, which is exactly what Icon’s “attack fit” is all about.

Two features the Overlord SB2 Wild Child will never have are flapping arms and blimp-back effect, even at high speeds. With the vest liner installed, this jacket will hug you tightly and give you just enough flexibility to move around on the bike.

Fastenings, Storage, & a Fun Surprise

Main Zipper

The main zipper up the center of the jacket is Icon’s standard super-tough YKK. The teeth are rugged and the zipper pull is large enough to use even when wearing gloves. Because of the super-snug attack fit, getting the initial “connection” at the base of the jacket is a bit tricky but becomes second nature after a few fumbles, if any.

Wrist Double Zipper System

Dual YKK zippers are featured in the cuffs, allowing you to ride with the wrist completely closed, or back-zipped to expose the mesh for lower arm ventilation without compromising the snug fit around the wrist.

Icon did-away with snap closures at the wrist with the first reintroduction of the Overlord several years ago and the no-frills/no-issues theme rings true even today. Without snaps at the wrist, the cuff stays flush and snug, reducing the chances of failure under pressure and leaving more options for riders to choose from various glove styles.

Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket double wrist zipper.
 Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket double wrist zipper.

Pockets

Smaller YKK zippers are used to secure both waist pockets. The internal lapel pocket features an easy snap closure, which makes earbuds a possibility without fishing the cord through a separate port. There are two more internal mesh pockets (in the waist area) without zippers or snaps so you can get your items easily.

This isn’t the type of jacket you’d wear if you wanted to carry a ton of stuff along on your ride, but it does give you enough room for the necessities: a cell phone, a fat wad of cash and a lipstick.

Oh, and don’t forget to look for the Saint Christopher (patron Saint of the traveler) medallion, which comes standard – and cleverly hidden within a tiny pocket – in every Icon jacket and vest ever made.

Lining & Ventilation

Liner

The Overlord SB2 comes with a silky-smooth zip-in/out vest liner which might help with keeping your core slightly warmer on a cool evening, especially because there’s not much room for a hoodie underneath the tailored fit. The liner does not keep you warm in true winter weather.

 Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket

Ventilation

The core and arms of the jacket feature pinpoint laser perforation so small you might doubt it produces any airflow at all. Surprisingly, the perforation helps air easily move through the textile chassis, leaving you with a cooling effect as opposed to a blast of wind. As with anything else that has thousands of tiny holes in it, the Icon Overlord SB2 Wild Child is not weatherproof in any capacity. Wear in the winter at your own risk!

Protection

Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket.

Impact Protection

Always impressive is the full gamut of CE level 1 rated D3O armor that comes stock in every Icon jacket. Shoulders, elbows and even your back are protected by a flexible and energy-absorbing armor that is both comfortable to wear and strong in case of a crash (upgrading to level 2 can be done for $80). The armor is also easily removed, thanks in part to its flexibility.

Abrasion Resistance

The Overlord SB2 has a 100% textile chassis. It boasts the thickest/strongest material in initial impact zones (shoulders, elbows), a more “slippery” nylon over slide zones (trunk, back), and stretchy ballistic nylon in the areas least likely to incur an impact or extended slide (armpit, underarm, waist). I would categorize this as moderate abrasion resistance for the modern street rider. This material, combined with the attack fit profile, should hold up to a decent tumble or slide at surface street speeds.

Care

With the armor removed, just throw the SB2 in the washing machine on cold for a quick refresh (no dryer, though, so plan ahead). The jacket is sublimation printed (aka infused) so there’s no need to worry about graphics “peeling off” in the wash.

I didn’t get to wear the jacket long enough to test UV longevity, but I would assume that sun exposure will probably cause fading over time. I already rue the day.

Taming the Wild Child

Icon Motosports Women's Overlord SB2 Wild Child purple motorycycle jacket

I am looking forward to wearing and testing this jacket more often and for much longer rides in warmer weather. I can’t help but feel like a superhero in this ensemble. Plus, watching drivers stare is entertaining (hey, at least they see me!).

Overall

Such a bold aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone. Don’t like magenta? The good news is, if the other features appeal to you, this exact model comes in 5 different and unique color combos to appease almost anyone. The stealth rendition (all black, ghost logos) along with four bold-and-bright versions in various colors and graphic themes all retail for $195USD.

With an industry-leading armor package included and more attitude than any other aggressive sport-style jacket, the Overlord SB2 is surely worth its weight in gold… er… tiger’s blood.

Pros

  • More hi-viz (and much cooler) than hi-viz
  • No frills/no fuss styling
  • Most comfortable in the riding position
  • Sub $200
  • Full suite of CE level 1 armor
  • Superhero-inducing emotional response

Cons

  • Not for winter weather
  • Not for wet weather
  • Aggressively fitted, might need to size up

Specs

Manufacturer: Icon Motosports
Price (When Tested): $195USD
Designed and Developed In: Portland, Oregon
Alternative models & colors: SB2 Wild Child – Orange, SB2 – Red, SB2 – Hi-Viz, SB2 Stealth (All $195USD)
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Review Date: 1/21/2019

Women’s Overlord SB2 Wild Child Image Gallery

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Gear Reviews Leather Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Textile Jacket Web Bike World

Ladies Motorcycle Jackets Worth Wearing

Due to the lack of motorcycle jackets made specifically for ladies, in the past, a selection was made mostly based on what came the closest to fitting properly.

But with the huge influx in ladies on bikes, manufacturers have spent millions of dollars designing and creating motorcycle jackets and full lines of apparel that are sized and cut to fit the variety of sizes and shapes that set the ladies apart from the men on bikes.

Now ladies are facing a few new questions, and I hope to provide some helpful information on the choices out there and a few of my favorite selections.

Protection With A Purpose

With all of the amazing choices out there, many ladies are almost overwhelmed when it comes time to select gear. Some of the first questions that need to be answered are what is the piece of gear going to be used for, and what type of protection is desired from the gear.

In this case, we are speaking only of motorcycle jackets, but the questions are the same for pants, suits, gloves, footwear and even gloves. Different materials each have their own benefits, and in some cases drawbacks depending on how they will be used.

The three main categories for motorcycle jacket material are leather, textile, and mesh. I want to take just a few moments to describe and explain how quality motorcycle jackets are purpose built and how to determine which material is going to be the best fit for your needs, riding style and the environment that you will be facing.

Leather

Leather is known for its durability and ability to stretch and mold to form fit. As you might have guessed, the thicker the better for protection, but that thickness can require a longer break-in period for the leather to become soft enough to contour to your body. The other benefit is that leather in a large single piece is very durable.

The thread is going to be the weakest material in a jacket and therefore the less thread the stronger the overall jacket will be. Using single large pieces of leather will create a jacket that is less likely to shred or tear in the event of extreme abrasion such as sliding on the asphalt. And not everyone knows that all leather is not created equal.

Cow leather is considered to be strong, but kangaroo leather is both lighter and stronger. Tests have found kangaroo to have ten times the tensile strength of cow leather. The downside of leather is that it does require some care to keep the leather soft which helps to avoid cracking. It can also be tough to keep leather as weather resistant as a textile jacket, so rain and snow are not optimal for any type of leather.

And finally, there is a definitely noticeable weight to leather which can become a nuisance in warmer climates. Some manufacturers are offering perforated leather which does provide some airflow, but it is still very warm in hotter and more humid climates.

Textile

Textile jackets are man-made materials which are, in this case, designed to be durable and versatile. The fibers can be created with a number of features in mind. Durability and strength are always critical. Kevlar is a common fiber that is blended with other fabrics to create a very strong jacket that provides superior abrasion protection.

Another benefit of textile fiber is that it can be treated to provide excellent protection from the elements. Rain and snow protection, as well as the ability to block out cold wind, provide a huge added value for riders in a four-season environment.

Textile jackets are also very easy to maintain and clean. They are less susceptible to damage from being worn in the rain or snow and can be easily hosed off or sprayed off when they get dirty or smelly. On the downside, unless the textile jacket that you are considering specifically states that the material includes Kevlar, then it won’t be as durable as leather.

Many of the less expensive textile jackets do not include Kevlar and should not be considered as safe as the more expensive options. You really do get what you pay for when shopping for textile jackets, so invest in the best level of protection that you can afford.

Mesh

Mesh jackets are an adaptation of textile jackets, but one that is purpose-built for a very hot environment. I am including these because living in Phoenix, these jackets are critical in the summer months. The jackets have large panels of mesh which provide awesome airflow, but they offer very little protection in the areas constructed of mesh.

What you really get from these jackets is a means of protecting your skin from the sun and a way to get some armor protection in the event of an accident. I see too many riders in Phoenix in the summertime with nothing but a t-shirt on their upper body.

This is not only going to lead to catastrophic abrasion injuries and burns, as the asphalt is about 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more, but also serious damage from any impact like broken bones and crushed extremities. But a quality mesh jacket will provide some very durable armor and textile panels with Kevlar to protect the back and shoulders in the event of a slide or impact.

Ladies VS Men’s

Understanding the design differences between men’s jackets and ladies jackets can be very helpful as you begin to shop for a jacket that really fits your body well. Obviously, there are many different sizes and body shapes out there, but in general, ladies jackets will differ from men’s in a few specific areas.

Men’s jackets are cut fairly straight but the ladies jackets offer a more defined hip, waist and bust area. This allows for more flexibility and comfort across the shoulders and across the bust when the jacket is fully zipped. The sleeves in a ladies jacket are cut shorter than men’s sleeves and are surprisingly bigger around. And the shoulders are more narrow and less square on the ladies jackets.

All of these features will provide a more comfortable fit for the ladies and will make long rides much more enjoyable, as there are not tight areas that reduce circulation or areas that pinch or bind when you move.

The Choices

Alpinestars Stella Jaws Leather Jacket

Alpinestars Stella Jaw Leather
Alpinestars Stella Jaw Leather back view

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RevZilla

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Buy This Jacket on RevZilla – Price: $499.95

  • Sizes Available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50

The Alpinestars Stella Jaws is a leather jacket that will work equally well for a day at the track or just a day out enjoying a ride and looking sporty. This jacket is designed to be form-fitting, but the great part is that it has several adjustments so that ladies can really achieve a comfortable and safe fit.

As for the safety features, this jacket is cut from 1.2 to 1.4 mm cowhide leather and offers CE Bio Armor in the shoulders and elbows and includes pockets so that you can add Nucleon series CE Level 2 back and chest protectors. I have found it to be very common for even high-end jackets to require the added purchase of chest and back protection. This allows for more personal choices about safety level and comfort level and should not be seen as a drawback.

What is really great about this pretty much race ready jacket is the added features for rider comfort. The back of the jacket has been designed with poly fabric stretch panels near the shoulders to provide a full range of motion with no pinching or gouging into your arms or shoulders as you move. There are also accordion insets at the elbows for added comfort and flexibility.

A critical fit area for all ladies is at the hips. This jacket accounts for a variety of hip sizes with VELCRO brand D-ring waist closures to customize the fit.

The same great closures at the wrists allow for a custom fit regardless of the size and type of gloves that you may be wearing. In short, the Stella Jaws leather jacket offers ladies all of the same protection that is offered in the men’s jackets but with the shape and adjustment options that are critical to a safe and secure fit on a woman’s body.

At about $500, this jacket is in the higher price range, but for ladies who want to ride fast and look great while also being well protected, this is The Ladies Leather Jacket Worth Wearing.

Olympia Expedition 2 Textile Jacket

Olympia Expedition Textile front view
Olympia Expedition Textile Back View

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Buy This Jacket on RevZilla – Price: $449.99

  • Sizes Available: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, 2LX, 3XL

The Olympia Expedition is a textile jacket that can accommodate all four seasons with the comfort and flexibility that ladies have never really had before. With the ability to wear one, two or three layers, this jacket can handle everything from warm summer days to fall and spring rain and even winter temperatures.

The outer shell is made of 500 and 1000D Cordura for great abrasion protection and also includes a Mega Vent Panel System to allow for more airflow when needed. Layer two provides the rain gear protection, and layer three offers thermal protection for even the coldest rides. But it is the protection from injuries that make the Expedition a real favorite among the ladies.

The CE level 2 elbow and shoulder armor are removable and can also be replaced or upgraded, as can the CE level 2 back protector. This gives riders a nice level of protection to start off with and at a reasonable cost. Then you can upgrade or make changes after you decide what will work best for you.

The comfort features in this jacket start with the tailored hourglass shape and design to meet the needs of almost any female rider. The ability to adjust the fit of the Expedition is thanks to the D-ring adjustments not only at the waist and cuffs but also at the elbows and collar. This lets you customize the fit regardless of the weather and clothing that you are wearing under the jacket.

One thing that could stand out about this jacket is that it does not offer the gussets or accordion panels that the leather and mesh jackets did. But this is due to the cut of the jacket. Being a four season jacket, it is cut a bit more generously and is not as form fitting.

For that reason, it really does not require the same insets for flexibility. This jacket will always have a slightly less snug fit and, it will very easily accommodate an assortment of shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts without becoming tight or binding.

At close to $500, this jacket is somewhat of an investment, but the cost really is not that unreasonable when you think of it as replacing two or even three other jackets to meet your needs year round.

This one and done feature, as well as the safety and comfort, make this one of The Ladies Textile Jacket Worth Wearing.

Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Mesh Jacket

Joe Rocket Cleo Mesh Front ViewJoe Rocket Cleo Mesh Back View

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Awesome pricing

Buy This Jacket on RevZilla – Price: $179.99 – $193.49

  • Sizes: Available in XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, 1 DIVA, 2 DIVA

The Joe Rocket Cleo Elite is a mesh jacket that is going to meet your needs for protection and airflow when you are riding in a hot climate.

This racing style jacket is small and lightweight for the hottest days of the year, but it can also be worn with the waterproof and windproof liner for less ideal weather. And you can add the insulated vest when the temperatures are starting to drop.

But what really makes this mesh jacket stand out are the safety features that are tucked in around all of these mesh panels. First, the Dynax reinforcements on the upper back, ribs, and forearms provide added abrasion protection in the event of an accident without eliminating the awesome airflow of the mesh panels.

The CE approved shoulder and elbow armor inserts are accessible from the outside of the jacket and can be removed or replaced as needed. And the back protector included with the jacket is dual density and can be removed or replaced to meet your personal desires for comfort and protection.

The comfort features on this jacket are equally as important as the safety in my mind because if a jacket is not comfortable, you are not going to wear it in the really hot weather of the summertime.

The Full Flex articulated back and hip expansion panels allow this jacket to snuggly fit the shape of your body without gouging or riding up when you lean forward. These panels also allow for full range of motion and the ability to change your riding position easily to avoid numbness or muscle stiffness on a long ride.

The jacket also has a full 8” connection zipper if you choose to pair the Cleo up with pants to provide even more protection in hot weather. And finally, it doesn’t add to the safety or the physical fit but the four color options make this a great fit for your personality. Riding in gear that fits great and makes you happy is the best way to stay focused and safe on your bike. All of these great features in one jacket make this one of The Ladies Mesh Jacket Worth Wearing.

The market for ladies riding apparel is finally changing to keep up with the increase in female bike owners and riders. With more options becoming available each day, and a little research and time, every lady who rides are certain to be able to find the perfect gear for both safety and comfort.

The only mistake that ladies can make now is not investing the time and money in great gear. To see what a difference quality gear can make, check out The Aftermath of Crashing with No Gear vs. All the Gear here at WebBikeWorld.

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Gear Reviews Leather Motorcycle Clothing Leather Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket Hands-On Review

A Pleasant Surprise

I was very excited to test the Alpinestars Core leather jacket because it is offered in a perforated model which is perfect for the warmer climate of Phoenix. I have worn many textile and mesh jackets over the years and I like the comfort and fit but mentally I just don’t feel as protected as I do when I am wearing leather, so the Core is a great option.

Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket in all black

The jacket is offered in all black and a combo black and white in men’s sizes 46 to 60. It would be great to see Alpinestars add a women’s line to the Core series as there are many ladies out there who would be eager to have this aggressively designed sport style jacket. But for now, the men’s sizes will accommodate many of those ladies.

From the moment that I opened the box, I knew that I was going to enjoy this jacket and the quality that it offered. When I am willing to pay what I consider to be top dollar for a product which I expect to be of superior quality, I appreciate that the manufacturer also views the item as a quality product. Clearly, Alpinestars invests the time in carefully packaging this jacket to be sure that it arrives at the customer in perfect condition.

The jacket was wrapped in tissue paper and plastic and then carefully folded to fit into the box. Because of that care, it arrived in perfect condition with not a scratch or crease on the supple leather. Being ordered online, I view the packaging and care taken in the process to be the total effort of the salesmanship from a business and Alpinestars did not disappoint.

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New Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket

The Core is a three season jacket in most climates but in a warmer environment, I could see it working very well as a year-round jacket thanks to the removable thermal liner. The all-black version leans more to the classic all black biker jacket image while the black and white color scheme is more reminiscent of a euro cafe racer style jacket. I selected the black and white simply because there is nothing remotely comfortable about all black gear in 120 degrees.

Reasonable Pricing

The jacket sells for $589.95 US, currently (and Revzilla generously ships orders over $39.99 for free). That price is not what I would consider out of line for a quality leather jacket but it is more than some name brand competitors. After wearing the Core, I can attest to the value of the jacket and the fact that I would feel good about spending close to $600 on this jacket thanks to the level of comfort and the protection that it offers.

Full Feature Breakdown

Alpinestars Core leather jacket with tags

The Core is constructed of full-grain 1.1 mm leather with poly-textile accordion stretch inserts on the chest, arms and back for full range of motion and added comfort to the sport fit.

Fit & Comfort

Fit and comfort are very important to me as I get older. I have learned many lessons about getting what you pay for over the years, and I have decided that I am happy to pay a little extra to be comfortable. In the case of riding gear, I also believe that being comfortable adds to my safety as I am not distracted by a pinch here or a bulge of material there. That being said, I was very pleased with the fit and level of comfort as soon as I put the new Core on. I never felt like I was experiencing a break in period, as I had with many other leather jackets.

Sizing

Each person has a slightly different body type and I think that this style of jacket and cut works very well for me, but without including my sizing the information would be useless to most readers. I am 5’ 10” tall and weight in around 155 pounds on average. My height comes mainly from my legs as my torso is rather short in comparison. I say this to be able to add that my arms are proportionate to my legs giving me a wingspan of nearly 6’.

The sleeve length on the Core, size 40 US and 50 Euro, is perfect for me and allows me to reach the handlebars very comfortably with no binding at the shoulders or elbows. The length of the jacket is slightly long on me as it sits about 3” below my true waistline but the Velcro waist adjustment is more than sufficient to accommodate the size difference.

True to Size & Snug

I also have an all leather Ducati/Dainese jacket in a 52 Euro which is a little large on me now, a 50 would be perfect. That tells me that the Alpinestars sizing is very true for this style of jacket. The one feature that has taken me a bit of time to get used to is the snugness of the sleeves.

As I mentioned, my other leather jacket is full leather where the Core has poly-textile inserts on the inside of the arm. This provides a snug fit which I was not used to with the full leather sleeves.

But the inserts allow for great mobility and expansion when you are riding so don’t think that you will stress the seams as you move your arms or layer with a heavy shirt in cold weather. It’s a great fit and feature, just a bit different than I was used to.

Neck & Wrist Area

Alpinestars core leather jacket collar

Comfort has not been overlooked in any of the details of this jacket even though it is purpose-built to offer great protection that would work on the street or the track.

Collar

The collar is constructed of a soft 3D mesh and leather combination that offers breathability and comfort without the stiffness and abrasion of some leather collars. The single collar snap is large and easy to manage even when wearing gloves.

My only ding on the collar design is that the left side is nicely finished with a rounded upper corner while the right side is a square upper corner. I did notice that the square corner was annoying and jabbed my neck when I had the collar snapped. But in all fairness, with a little more than one month of wear, that leather might soften a bit and eliminate the issue.

Cuffs

The cuffs are constructed of the same 3D mesh and leather combination as the collar and are super comfortable. The tab for the single snap is smaller than some jackets but it is very functional and streamlined. I never had any issues getting the snap fastened or unfastened and it was nice not to have a bulky tab at my wrist to obstruct movement or cause issues with my gloves.

The cuff zippers are also very streamlined but work very well. The high-quality YKK zippers offer a semi-auto locking feature that locks in place in any position without the zipper tab flapping in the wind. The rubberized grips make them easy to grab and move very easily as well.

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Chest Area

The main zipper on the Core is also a high-quality YKK with an elongated leather pull. I never had any issues grabbing the tab and moving the zipper even when riding in a tucked position.

The chest offers integrated PE padding as well as internal pockets for optional chest protection which can be purchased for about $40 for the pair. The all leather chest is surprisingly comfortable yet feels very secure. I hope to never put it to the test but I am confident that it would handle some serious abrasion.

The Core offers the standard front slash pockets with zipper closures as well as two interior chest pockets with velcro closures that are larger than any I have ever seen before. And just inside the left side zipper is a waterproof compartment that is large enough to hold most cell phones, a wallet or even glasses case.

Airflow

The airflow and comfort features on the Alpinestars Core go beyond any that I have ever found in a leather jacket. Perforations at the chest PE padding allow for some airflow as well as the slant zipper air vents located just below the shoulders. These can be opened to allow a huge amount of airflow to regulate your body temperature in hot environments.

Alpinestars Core leather jacket chest

Back Area

The back of the Core is all leather with integrated PE comfort padding that sits on either side of the back protector. And the back of the jacket is definitely extended lower than many other models to offer abrasion and impact protection to the lower back and hip area. This is also where there is a grey on black Alpinestars logo that is easy to miss during the day but is a large safety reflector when riding at night.

The back protection that is included with the Core is my biggest, and maybe only real issue with the product. Not only is it just a thin piece of foam, but it is also much smaller than the average back protector.

I understand that Alpinestars has spent a good amount of time and money creating a new line of back protectors, such as the Nucleon KR-2i Back Protector Insert which provides CE Level 2 protection and is compatible with the Core, but the included protector is far below the quality and safety level of the rest of the protective gear in the Core.

Alpinestars Core jacket back protector foam

A Word Before Upgrading

A word about the upgrade for those who are interested in adding the KR-2i. There is a snap connector that attaches to the inside of the jacket roughly between the shoulder blades to install the added back protector.

Alpinestars velcro and snap back protector attachment system

The additional benefit to this installation system is that you can customize the location by moving the connector on the velcro pad in the jacket which is a unique feature. I have not tried the Nucleon KR-2i as of yet. To be honest, I was waiting until I completed my evaluation of the Core before I invested any money in the new back protector.

Internal Armor Pocket

In the past, I have only found a few jackets that offered the level of protection that I wanted in the back area, so I purchased a D1 Manis and used that in every jacket that I wore. It was a tight fit in some jackets as the back plate pocket was smaller but it did the job.

In the case of the Alpinestars Core, the internal pocket for the back protector is very small. I could insert the top two-thirds of the Manis but it wasn’t really a good fit, so I will likely be investing in the floating Nucleon.

Alpinestars Nucleon KR-2i Back Protector

Even with my concerns about the back protector that is included in the Core, I believe that this is still a great jacket and I would still be willing to pay the $650 that it will cost once I order the Nucleon KR-2i. No product is perfect for everyone but this one shortfall is definitely something that I can correct whereas the fit and comfort are not so easily changed.

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Shoulders & Sleeves

Alpinestars Core leather jacket with reflective logo

The shoulders were the first part of this jacket that caught my eye. The Dynamic Friction Shield protectors in the shoulders offer some great protection on impact as well as in a slide situation. When falling or being thrown, your shoulders tend to take a great deal of abuse with very little muscle to protect the bones.

The injection-molded shells with dual density foam padding work almost like a helmet for your shoulders. The removable CE shoulder protectors add even more comfort and protection while allowing for great mobility and a full range of motion and riding positions.

The removable CE elbow protectors offer more protection than I expected as they cradle your elbow and extend down your forearm almost to your wrist. Not only does this help in the event of impact but it also keeps the lower arms a bit rigid. This allows for better airflow and helps to keep the sleeves from sticking to your arms in hot weather.

The use of the poly-textile accordion inserts at the armpits and inside of the arms is what sets the Core apart from every other sport or race style jacket that I have worn. These panels provide the expansion and flexibility that just can’t be found in solid leather construction. The Core is designed to have a snug fit but these inserts allow for free arm movement that would tug at the back and should areas in a solid leather jacket.

Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket shoulder protection

Icing on the Cake

All of the areas that I have detailed above are the really big benefits and features for the Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket. But there are a few other features and items that deserve to be mentioned.

  • Waist offers some great D-ring adjustment straps with Velcro closures for a really personalized fit.
  • Full circumference zipper to attach the Core to Alpinestars pants.
  • Reflective Alpinestars logo is on both forearms, the chest and the lower back for added visibility at night.

Reflective Alpinestars logo on Core jacket

The Verdict?

As I mentioned earlier, the Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket could be my favorite piece of gear ever! I have never owned such a well designed and constructed piece of gear that was instantly comfortable. There is no breaking in period that you just push through in hopes of being rewarded with a super comfortable jacket.

I don’t often find a piece of clothing that fits me well enough that I am instantly sure that I will like it and continue to use it. And even though the Core is only offered in men’s sizes and cut, I was extremely satisfied with the fit and comfort of the jacket immediately.

In a month-long hands-on test, a jacket will only see a small amount of wear and tear as compared to a lifetime of use, but the quality of the materials and construction lead me to believe that this jacket will last as long as I do. I would be very surprised to not be wearing this in ten years barring any unfortunate incidents.

And if I do go down in the Core, I fully expect to have the best protection I could get or expect from a leather jacket.

I highly recommend the Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket for anyone who is looking for a leather sport style jacket.

Pros

  • Excellent comfort
  • Good abrasion protection
  • Packed with safety features
  • Great airflow
  • Quality construction and materials
  • Ample interior and exterior pockets
  • Removable full thermal liner
  • Available in perf or non-perf leather

Cons

  • Minimal back protection included
  • Quality back protection costs extra
  • Cost is above some riders budget

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Alpinestars
  • Price (When Tested): $589.95
  • Made In: China
  • Designed In: Cyprus
  • Alternative models & colors: All black on black or black and white combo
  • Sizes: EURO 46/48/50/52/54/56/58/60/62/64
  • Review Date: November 2018

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Alpinestars Core Leather Jacket image Gallery

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Fieldsheer Cadence Women’s Textile Jacket Review

With the Albertan riding season now coming to a close, it’s time for the review of this Cadence to go live. We’ve had the Cadence in our possession since May but decided to wait until cooler weather before publishing this review. That time came and, I have to say, I’m impressed with how the Cadence has handled lower temperatures.

The Cadence is a sub-$300 textile ladies jacket, with touring style and comfort. The jacket features plenty of ventilation, considerable storage, and a removable Thermo-Guard liner that helps it weather the cool… weather… in stride.

My wife Melissa – shown here – provided her thoughts while I penned this review. The Cadence is available from a number of online outlets as well as from Fieldsheer directly.

Features

From Fieldsheer:

  • Rugged and Durable 600D Carbolex-HD Construction
  • Pre-Formed Riding Position Fit
  • Phoslite® Reflective Logo for Nighttime Visibility
  • Rainguard® Waterproof Membrane
  • Thermo-Guard™ Removable Full Sleeved Quilted Liner
  • Integrated Armadillo® CE Level 1 Armor in Shoulders and Elbows
  • Contoured EVA Back Pad
  • Micro-Fleece Padded Mandarin Collar
  • Two-Stage Lower Sleeve Adjusters
  • Adjustable Wrist Closure
  • Adjustable Waist Belt Straps
  • Zippered Hip Expanders
  • Heavy-Duty ESO Zippers
  • Two Hand Pockets
  • Two Chest Storage Pockets
  • 8in Zipper Attachment for Fieldsheer Pant Integration
  • Belt Loop for Attachment to Pants

Aesthetics & Style

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

Fieldsheer Cadence ReviewThe Cadence comes in an always-exciting Khaki Green, with tan, grey, and black accents. I wouldn’t say that the Cadence is particularly exciting in terms of style, but I would say that it’s almost nondescript enough to pass as something other than a motorcycle jacket. Almost.

The front of the jacket showcases four large pockets – one at each breast, and two at the waist – and a raised collar that snaps shut, providing a decent amount of neck protection against wind and small road debris. Most of the jacket is the same flat khaki color and texture; the exception is the forearms, which are ridged and feel as though they are filled with foam.

A strap and buckle sits midway up either side of the jacket- with them, you can adjust the Cadence quite significantly, adjusting the fit by several inches (each side has 3 notches in the strap) if you want.

Each arm is accented by tan inserts and two snap-straps: one to adjust forearm width, and the other for adjusting the sleeve opening width. Just above the elbow is an arm vent, which opens and closes in a snap (pun intended).

Fieldsheer Cadence ReviewI would have really liked to have seen some high-viz accents on the arms or shoulders, as the good heat-management properties and touring styling of the jacket make it likely that riders will wear it once the sun sets. A little bit of safety goes a long way, and the lone high-viz accent – the Fieldsheer logo stitched at the base of the neck at the rear of the jacket – doesn’t do a great job in keeping you nighttime visible.

The rear of the jacket is also quite spartan, with the Fieldsheer logo and the two vents on either side of the waist serving to break up the glorious khaki green. Branding on the Cadence is kept to a minimum.

Overall, the Cadence is a fine looking, if somewhat muted, touring jacket that most riders will find fits their styling sensibilities.

Roder Protection & Safety

Fieldsheer Cadence ReviewThe Cadence is decidedly average in terms of protection, coming equipped with CE level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders. A foam back pad is also included, though I wouldn’t count on it to provide much more than a token amount of protection in the event of a crash or fall.

CE level 1 is a decent level of protection, but CE level 2 would’ve upped impact resistance by a fair degree and bolstered the Cadence’s safety credentials. Of course, considering the jacket is priced under $275, the use of CE level 1 makes sense. You can replace most of the level 1 armor with level 2 if you feel so inclined.

The back pad and shoulder armor can be removed easily enough, but the elbow armor is a bit trickier due to its location. You can’t pull the sleeve through the jacket easily to turn it inside out (because of the armor), so you have to access it via the openings at the wrist. It isn’t laborious to remove the armor, just a bit tricky due to limited accessibility and visibility.

Comfort

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

According to Melissa, the Cadence is comfortable and flows a decent amount of air through it when you’re at speed. Vents on the arms, sides, and rear of the jacket help keep you cool and all can be opened/closed via snaps. The Thermo-Guard liner is quite good at keeping you warm, reducing interior airflow to a minimum. Melissa removed it for most of the summer, only putting it back in the Cadence in September.

Ergonomics are good, as is mobility. Assuming a proper fit, you shouldn’t have any problems with mobility/flexibility. The jacket does have a slight pre-formed riding position fit, but it isn’t nearly as aggressive as the fit on the Suzuka racing jacket is- it’s just enough to keep it from crimping too much when you’re behind the bars.

Ventilation

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

There are three vented areas on the Cadence: just above the elbow on each arm, the upper back, and lower back (near the waist). The arm and waist vents open/close via snaps, while the back vent is always “open”. Since the back vent is tucked underneath overlapping material, it generally isn’t a concern regarding water penetration.

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

Waterproofing

A ventilated textile jacket is not waterproof, and the Cadence is no exception. Water resistance is good overall, but if you want something waterproof, you’ll want to consider other jackets. The Cadence will be sufficient for most riding situations, but you’ll get wet if you find yourself caught in the rain.

Closing the vents does a decent job keeping you dry, but remember these are snaps vs. zippers and don’t completely seal. Don’t go play with a hose or decide that riding in a downpour is the way to go and you’ll make it out just fine.

Other Comfort ItemsFieldsheer Cadence Review

You can connect the Cadence to your belt or riding pants via the rear loop. The loop is only single-stitched, though, which is surprising given the force that would be placed on this area in a fall or slide.

A few nice touches:

  • The collar is lined with fleece, helping keep it comfortable for periods of long riding. The fleece is soft and doesn’t irritate the skin.
  • You can zip/unzip sections on either side of the jacket near your hips, allowing the Cadence to adjust as needed for a more comfortable fit. This is in addition to the waist belt/buckles.
  • With the interior liner removed, the Cadence weighs approximately 3.5lbs- heavy enough to feel reassuring but light enough to remain comfortable on long rides.

Storage

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

Good news: the Cadence has pockets everywhere! Six on the front (four sealable pockets and two hand pockets), an interior zip-up pocket on the right breast, and a Velcro-sealed pocket on the interior left. They are all a decent size and each can hold keys, a wallet, and a phone.

Build Quality

Fieldsheer Cadence Review

Most connecting sections, as well as high-impact areas, are double-stiched. The stitching is also very cleanly done, which not only helps contribute to the feeling of polish and quality on the Cadence, but also plays a part in the overall clean-cut presentation of the jacket. The Cadence looks as good as it feels, and it’s reassuring to see that it’s made as well as it looks it like it ought to be.

The outer shell is made of Carbolex-HD, a water-resistant synthetic fabric that is made from polyester fibers. Fieldsheer claims that Carbolex-HD has been tested using ASTM standards and found to be four times stronger than other nylon fabrics and twice as strong as standard Carbolex. Fortunately, neither Melissa nor myself have had an opportunity to test this hands-on, so we’re going to take Fieldsheer’s word for it on this one.

After four solid months of use, we have found a few stray stitches, mostly around the external left breast pocket. The rest of the jacket looks relatively new despite the miles it’s seen. I have no reason to believe the jacket wouldn’t survive for the next few years of regular wear and riding.

Affordable, Comfortable, & Storage-Friendly

The Cadence is a good jacket that’s priced right. We like the ample storage available, and we like that all of these pockets – aside from two of the front pockets – can be snapped or zipped closed.

In most respects, the Cadence plays in the playground it’s competing in. Comparably priced jackets from brands like Icon, REV’IT, Tourmaster, and the like offer similar features/functionality. The main difference is that some jackets that are closer to the $300 mark include CE level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows, whereas you’ll have to pony up some extra cash to have level 2 integrated into the Cadence. As of the time of this writing, Fieldsheer sells Armadillo CE level 2 shoulder armor of $15 and a level 2 back pad for $25. No level 2 elbow armor is offered for sale on Fieldsheer’s website.

Assuming you’re not into racing, most riders will find the Cadence properly equipped as is. Aside from lacking high-visibility sections, there’s not much to fault in the Cadence.

Disclosure: Fieldsheer provided the Cadence at no-charge to webBikeWorld for the purposes of this review. 

Pros

  • Pockets, pockets everywhere!
  • Comfortable fit that is adjustable at the waist, hips, and forearms.
  • Interior Thermo-Guard liner does its job.
  • Arm and back vents flow air nicely through them.
  • Two-year warranty

Cons

  • No level 2 elbow armor available from Fieldsheer
  • Needs more high-visibility strips

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Fieldsheet
  • Price (When Tested): $269
  • Made In: Bangladesh
  • Alternative models/colors: None
  • Sizes: XS – XL, size chart here
  • Review Date: October 2018

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Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Hands-On Review

First Impression

My first impression of the Olympia X Moto 2 jacket was very good. The first thing that I noticed when I opened the box was the quality. Excellent material, awesome zippers, refined stitching. This jacket looks awesome and the quality is undeniable.

I took the jacket out of the box and started checking it out. The outermost layer has the zip-in backpack with a built-in water bladder.

The Outer shell itself is very good quality Cordura fabric. The outer shell features built-in shoulder, elbow and back armor.

The inside layers feature a laminated rain jacket and thermal layer.

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Outer Shell

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Front

The Outer shell is constructed in 500 and 2000 denier Cordura® fabric. The entire jacket features quality YKK Zippers throughout. It features a Mega Vent Panel System in the chest, back, and arm position. The Shell features removable CE approved Motion Flex armor in the elbows and shoulders area.

The back of the shell features a removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector. The Shell features cool mesh airflow lining throughout. It has lots of adjustability in the collar, cuffs elbows, and waist. The collar features comfort neoprene. The shell features an 8” connecting zipper for the matching pants as well as side waist adjuster straps.

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Back

The outside of the jacket features 3M scotchlite® reflective detailing at the front, sides, and back. There are eight storage pockets and the shell also features an oversized waterproof back storage pocket. The shell also features an integrated zip-off backpack that includes a 2-liter hydration bladder.

Rain Jacket

Olympia X Moto 2 Rain Jacket

The second layer of the jacket is an AquaRes™ laminated rain jacket that can be worn over or under the main outer shell. If worn inside, the rain jacket zips in and becomes a liner within the protective shell. The rain jacket features a stowaway hood with a rubberized neck gator. 3M reflective piping is located at the front, sides, and back of the rain jacket. You also find side entry pockets as well as an interior pocket for storage.

Olympia X Moto 2 Rain Jacket Rear

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Thermal Layer

Finally, the innermost layer of the X Moto 2 Jacket features a removable full sleeve thermal layer with Thermolite® insulation. It can be zipped into the main shell or the rain jacket depending on the weather.

Olympia X Moto 2 Thermal Layer

Zip-Off Backpack

The X Moto 2 Jacket also features a zip-off integrated backpack. The backpack features an integrated shoulder harness system as well as a 2-liter hydration bladder.

Olympia X Moto 2 Zip-off Backpack

Riding with the Jacket

My first impression of riding with the jacket on was an undeniable feeling of safety. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and the armor is extremely well positioned.

It was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) when I tried the jacket for the first time. I was not cold at all. I wore the jacket with all of the components. The thermal liner did a spectacular job at keeping me warm. In fact, It was perfect while riding, but a bit too warm to wear inside.

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket test drive on the road

The following day, I wore the jacket and the matching pants while I was conducting a review of a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS. It was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) again, but it was raining. I rode in the rain for almost 3 hours and I was amazed at how dry I was at the end. I was not cold while riding except for my hands as my gloves were inadequate for the weather. I made a point of placing some tissues in various pockets to see if any of them would get wet. None of them did.

The jacket moved very naturally with my body while riding. I did not feel constricted at any time. I did feel extremely grateful that I was wearing such good gear during this ride. I did find that the collar of the jacket was a bit thick and my helmet seemed to rest on it a bit. It was not uncomfortable, but it did require me to make an added effort to conduct proper shoulder checks on the bike.

Final Impressions

This jacket is amazing. I highly recommend the Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket to anyone who is looking for an all-around riding jacket. The versatility of this jacket will be greatly appreciated for anyone who rides in different conditions. The multiple layers, the copious amount of storage and the CE rated armor puts this jacket at the top of my favorites.

The safety aspects of this jacket give you peace of mind knowing that you have a very high level of protection should you find yourself in an emergency situation.

At the time of this review, the retail on this jacket was C$ 719.99 US$ 479.99

Disclosure: Please note that I was provided the Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Free of Charge for this review.

Pros

  • Excellent Materials
  • Outstanding Build Quality
  • Extremely Versatile
  • Loaded with Safety Features
  • Good Visibility
  • Comfortable, Warm, & Stylish

Cons

  • Collar is a bit thick
  • Jacket is a bit heavy with all layers and backpack

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Olympia Motosports
  • Price (When Tested): $ 479.99
  • Alternative models & colors: Fatigue-Grey/Pewter, Pewter/Ivory, Pewter/Neon-Yellow
  • Sizes: SM – 4XL
  • Review Date: September 2018

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REAX Jackson Hands-On Review

REAX is a new line of gear from COMOTO, the parent company of RevZilla and Cycle Gear. Kevin went into who they are in a bit in his review of the Ridge jacket and you can check out their corporate site here to learn more about them.

The high-level overview is that REAX is RevZilla’s house brand, designed to be price competitive and appealing to “millennials”. I put “millennials” in quotes because I find that their gear is a fairly conservative universal style and don’t see how it’d be specific to millennials.

Then again, I’m a millennial. Moving on.

The point is REAX markets themselves as a new brand made by people in the industry that “get it”. While testing the Jackson I avoided reading Kevin’s review of the Ridge jacket until I was finished my review, as I was quite curious to see for myself what REAX was all about.

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Features

  • Matte Buffalo leather 1.2mm-1.4mm thickness
  • Strategic perforations
  • SAS-TEC CE Level 2 elbow and shoulder armor
  • Pocket for optional back protector (back protector sold separately)
  • Reinforced protective shoulders
  • Reinforced Superfabric elbow inserts
  • Reinforced double-layer elbows
  • Arm and shoulder stretch inserts
  • Articulated sleeves
  • Adjustable waist
  • Zippered cuffs
  • Hand pockets with key clip
  • Neoprene inserts at collar and cuffs
  • Moisture-wicking stretch mesh lining
  • Interior waterproof device pocket
  • Interior cargo pockets
  • Interior belt/jeans loops
  • Subtle reflective highlights
  • YKK zippers
  • Two (2) year warranty on materials and workmanship

Initial Impression

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Collar Closeup

The Jackson is a good looking leather jacket and it makes a strong first impression.

The all-black scheme works for it, blending the stretch panels, armor, and leather sections together. REAX branding, while present, is minimal and done in all-black, embossed in the leather. You won’t see it from a distance but it is there.

It looks like something a stealth fighter pilot would wear, and I’m 100% down with that.

The first try on goes well. I’m wearing the Jackson on the heels of the Fieldsheer Suzuka review, and immediately I’m getting the impression that the fit of the Jackson is more relaxed by comparison. Excellent.

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Inner Lining

The Jackson is a one-piece jacket – the liner is not removable and there are no matching pants (though REAX does have three different pairs of pants in their lineup at this point). There are two belt connectors at the rear, though.

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Tag

Both front pockets zip up, there are two pouch-style pockets in the liner, and another zippable (and waterproof) pocket on the inside left breast.

As of today, the Jackson is worth $429 new on RevZilla. That’s a fair buck but not out of line for a good quality leather jacket. Value is important to me as anything that asks for my money had better be worth it.

So far things are looking good, though!

Aesthetics

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Side View

The people I’ve shown this jacket to generally have given one of two reactions: “that’s a great jacket for $430” or “who’s REAX?”. Not a bad sign.

There are four reflective areas on the Jackson: on the front chest (both sides), on each arm just above the elbow, and on the back at the top of the spine. These reflective areas are normally a dull grey but light up like Christmas against a light source (such as a car’s headlights).

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket View of Shoulder and Back

I like how they’ve paneled the leather and stretch material. With the way they’ve designed it, the Jackson looks like it came out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, and I am also down with that. While maybe that’s a stretch, that doesn’t change that the Jackson looks good.

The perforated leather that dominates the front and rear of the Jackson is complemented by the perforated panels on the arms and shoulders.

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Arm Armor Padding View

I like how the armor is integrated into the shoulders, elbows, and arms. It sticks with the black theme and doesn’t detract from the jacket at all. It doesn’t feel out of place and I think it adds a bit to the jacket. In the case of the elbows, the armor and finishing material offers a slight visual break from the all-black and enhances the look.

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Back View

All in all, I think that the Jackson is an aesthetic win. I’d wear this jacket anytime. So I guess that’s a +1 for the Millennial-focused style.

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Fit

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Left Side View

Bryce weighs approximately 180lbs and is wearing the Jackson in a size extra-large (he’s the handsome fella showing off the Jackson in these pics). It’s a bit loose-fitting on him but not so much so that he’d want to size down to a medium. I’m 195lbs and also find the large comfortable. In the video on RevZilla’s Reax Jackson page, Hi-Viz Brian is shown in the Jackson and he’s 195lbs.

The fit is sporty but not racey. The Fieldsheer Suzuka I recently reviewed fits much more aggressively than the Jackson does, though the Jackson is still a sport fit. I’ve got a pretty large chest at 45” and find that the fit in the Jackson is fine but were I any bigger, I’d want to bump up to an XXL.

Arm mobility is pretty good, but you won’t be doing much hugging with the jacket zipped up.

Comfort

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Unzipped Open View

The Jackson can be adjusted on either side of the waist via low-profile velcro and at the wrists with the usual zip.

The pre-formed sport fit is there but it’s not uncomfortable. Standing and walking around in the Jackson is only a little awkward, but other than a bit of stiffness in the arms, it looks and feels like a normal jacket (well, looks that way from a distance, anyway).

Airflow

I’m honestly quite surprised at how air flowed through the Jackson. Coming from the Suzuka, which flows air more freely and is very comfortable to ride in on hot days, the Jackson feels more constricted and doesn’t vent as well in the torso.

I was expecting more airflow on the chest and back given the use of perforated leather and stretch panels, but it’s modest at best. The arms are well ventilated, though, and can be made even more so by loosening the cuffs.

Other than the cuff zips, there are no other areas that you can open or ventilate. The Jackson relies on its breathable material and perforations. This doesn’t translate into sweltering-hot rides, but the mediocre ventilation on your torso, combined with the black on black everything, does mean that the Jackson can heat up- especially when the sun’s out. If you live in a hot climate, you’ll definitely want a lighter jacket to wear on those hot, sunny days.

However, people that live in climates with cooler mornings/evenings and where the average temperature isn’t 90+ (like this Canadian), the Jackson would work pretty well as a 2-almost-3 season jacket.

Storage

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Closeup of Inner Liner Pocket

The Jackson has three zippable pockets – front left/right, and inside left breast – as well as two pouches in the jacket liner. I call them pouches because they don’t zip closed or seal at all. I don’t like to use pockets that don’t seal, zip, or snap closed in some way. Believe it or not, but years ago I lost an iPhone to a Ninja 500R, open interior jacket pocket, and a small pothole.

If you’re free of that personal restriction, then you’ve got five pockets to use.

The waterproof breast pocket is big enough to stash my wallet, Samsung S9, and some. Plenty deep and with the previously-mentioned stuff, it zips right up. The chest does get a bit tight when you’ve got the jacket zipped up and the breast pocket loaded, though.

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Closeup of Frontal Pocket

Both the front pockets are also a good size and can carry about the same amount of stuff as the breast pocket. These zip up but aren’t waterproof.

Construction & Protection

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Closeup of Back View Collar

Aside from some cracking in the leather in perforated areas, the Jackson looks really solid. The stitching looks good on both the leather and nylon areas. This is also the case for the liner, which is integrated nicely into the jacket with no loose sections to snag or strings to catch.

With this much perforation you can’t expect much in the way of water resistance, so unlike Kevin and Jim, I opted not to stand in front of a garden hose to test. No bathtubs, either.

Armor

CE level 2 protects your shoulders and elbows, while 1.2mm – 1.4mm leather covers the rest. There’s room for a back protector, but in its place is a foam pad that doesn’t offer any real protection. If you’re keen on back armor, budget to add that to the Jackson.

Conclusion: A Solid Jacket for the Street Rider

REAX Jackson Riding Jacket Closeup of Lower End and Logo

The Jackson does a good job in its role as a daily wearable street jacket. In my mind, a good street jacket is good looking, affordable, and versatile enough to be worn in most situations.  It should also be safe and comfortable to wear.

The Jackson is not excellent in any given category, but it’s pretty good in all of them. My biggest gripes are the low use of reflective material, which make the Jackson harder to see at night (which isn’t helped by its all-black motif), and that it could use a few more sealable pockets.

With respect to affordability, the Jackson as purpose-made to slug it out in its price range. It’s specs match or better the best-selling jackets in the space, such as the Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 or REV’IT Stewart Air. The Jackson often has the protective edge thanks to its use of CE level 2 armor, and it’s priced near the lower-end of its segment.

I’ve ridden in the Jackson on hot days and cool mornings, and both were comfortable, though you’ll probably want a long sleeve shirt to wear on those cooler rides simply because of how well ventilated the arms are.

It’s not surprising that the new stuff from REAX is pretty good given Comoto’s position in the market (and the data RevZilla undoubtedly provides their product planners).

The Jackson isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty darn good.

Pros

  • Good looking
  • Comfortable fit
  • CE Level 2 armor

Cons

  • Have to buy back armor separately
  • Chest ventilation is just okay
  • Not very reflective

Specs

  • Manufacturer: REAX
  • Price (When Tested): $429
  • Made In: Vietnam
  • Materials: Buffalo-hide leather, nylon, polyester
  • Sizes: S – 3XL
  • Size Chart: Here
  • Review Date: August 2018

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Gear Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Web Bike World

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Hands-On Jacket Review

First, some background: REAX is a new riding apparel line recently launched by Comoto Holdings – that’s RevZilla and Cycle Gear to you and me. I am fortunate to have friends working within this group, who were willing to speak candidly with me about it, on the condition they be left anonymous.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Full Back View

The gear is being marketed directly to the Millennial generation, and that was readily apparent to me as I started seeing the Cycle Gear advertising for it in particular. It is widely believed within the company that this group, in particular, has pretty specific tastes when it comes to riding apparel, and REAX is tailored to meet what they believe those to be.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Full Unzipped View

Colors, branding, and styling in these products is decidedly low key. Bright colors, large logos, or anything that would be considered avant-garde styling wise is strictly off the table. If you are old enough, as I am, think 1979 and prior.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Closeup Interior Neck Logo

Although made with modern materials, and with modern safety features, no new ground is being broken by its appearance. This, I was told, is exactly what Millennials want. Completely modern in function, but with an older look.

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Construction

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Black Color

The Ridge is a textile jacket, marked as being constructed from 95% nylon, and 5% spandex. I was not able to find out specifically anything about the weight or weave of the outer shell material. It looks and feels like 600 denier weight to me, with a tight enough weave to provide a relatively soft feel.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Interior Tag Information

A spandex stretch panel is sewn in over the shoulders, and runs under the arms, along with a similar panel over the elbows, providing better freedom of movement. The arms are also pre-curved, and do not bunch up inside the elbows when on the bike.

Color selection for this jacket is limited to two – charcoal and black, which is the one tested here, and “Loden”, which I think could be most readily compared to olive drab.

Logos and branding, as mentioned above, are quite subdued, with the largest being the REAX logo embroidered into the rear of the jacket’s neck and a very small one embroidered on to the bottom front right of the shell. The logo embroidery is barely any darker in color than the rest of the shell, and it does not stand out as a result.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Back View of Black Jacket

One of the nicest features in this jacket is the removable black interior liner. It is windproof, with a nylon exterior shell, elastic cuffs on the wrists, and a soft fleece interior. Two zippered hand warmer pockets are on the outside, along with mesh hat style pockets on the inside. The left chest also features a zippered pocket, which is surrounded by orange stitching. A small orange elastic loop is attached to the rear of the neck, there for attaching the liner to the jacket via a nylon loop with a snap fastener, attached to the jacket’s neck.

The liner is so nicely made, that it stands alone as a garment you would likely wear by itself once off the bike to keep chilly air at bay.

Attachment of the liner to the jacket is very well thought out. Two zippers, one for each side, are used to attach the liner, in addition to the aforementioned snap. Once zipped up, the zipper pulls go into fleece-lined garages, preventing the pulls from resting directly on your neck. I like this separate zipper design, versus the type that uses one that has to go around the entire circumference of the jacket. Having one straight pull, up and down, makes attaching and removing it less fussy than trying to make the zipper follow a curve.

The Ridge features waterproof pockets in the outer shell in the places you would expect to find them – two zippered hand warmer types in the lower front, and a zippered waterproof Napoleon pocket in the left chest. The tail area features a full-width zippered rabbit style pocket, presumably for storing the liner when removed. Two hat style pockets are found inside, made with the same mesh the jacket is lined with. A hook style metal key ring is attached inside the left front hand warmer pocket – a nice touch.

The jacket also features a lot of ventilation zips – eight in total. Two are in the upper chest area, one on each forearm, behind a hook and loop adjuster cuff, and one on each side of the torso, running front to back, in a slight curve as it runs around the side of the body. Two very small vent zips are found on the rear of the arms, over the tricep area. The vents on the sides are also tack stitched inside, to prevent the mesh liner they open to from being torn.

This jacket is marketed as being fully waterproof. The main waterproofing layer is bonded directly to the interior of the outer shell. The main zipper in the front features a wide drainage flap, designed to catch any water that gets through and direct it down. This zip can be operated from the top, or the bottom, opening or closing either way. The exterior zippers are also equipped with pulls, allowing easy operation with gloved hands. Zipper pulls all nest into nicely made garage ports when closed.

All exterior zippers in this jacket are YKK Aquaguard types – not Aqua Seal. Although these zips are quite water resistant, they are not truly waterproof. More on these later.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Closeup Magnetic Collar Clasp

The neck area of this jacket is another place where it is exceptionally well thought out for comfort. The top 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) is lined inside with microfleece, featuring what I believe is a neoprene roll at the top edge, with an Adam’s apple cutout of the same material in the neck closure flap.

The best feature of that closure is a large, strong, and well-placed magnet, that holds against similar magnets sewn into the liner. It is extremely easy to open or close with gloved hands and stays where you left it.

The rear of the jacket features belt loops for attaching to riding jeans and a zipper that can be used to connect it to matching REAX pants. Although I did not test to know for sure, I suspect this zipper will also be compatible with other brands of riding pants as well.

Last regarding construction, is quality. The Ridge is made in Vietnam, and I was not able to find a single flaw in its stitching or material. All seams in it are sealed. That is really saying something, as I am really looking hard for any nit to pick. There weren’t any. It is genuinely well made.

Safety

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket SAS-Tech CE Level 2 Armor

The Ridge features SAS-Tech CE Level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows. I really like an armor of this type – it is highly flexible, making it comfortable and unobtrusive to wear, and at the same time, is able to better protect you than hard plastic armor can should the need arise, owing to its shock absorbing qualities.

The outer shell of the jacket features an additional layer of material sewn on where the armor sits, and the inner lining has well-designed pockets that make getting the armor in and out easy to do. Kudos to the REAX team for reaching for the good stuff here.

As good as that is, the Ridge does not include a back protector. Although it features the pocket sewn into the back to hold one, inside that pocket you will find a piece of foam that does not provide safety of any kind. If you are considering this jacket, consider what it will cost additionally to add the back protector.

Also, with regard to safety, the Ridge really does not feature any truly reflective material. Although it is said to feature “Subtle Reflective Highlights”, in practice, it really does not. The zipper garages are, I am assuming, the aforementioned reflective bits. I am assuming since they simply don’t reflect any light. This is a place where the styling/marketing mission of the jacket got ahead of its function. Know if you are riding at night, other motorists will not see this.

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Fit

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket As Shown On Model

Fit, overall, with the Ridge is what I would consider being average. I am 6’ 0” (1.82 m) tall, and weigh 180 lbs (81.6 kg), and found size “Large” in this jacket to be quite comfortable in its cut, sleeve length, and length overall top to bottom. If you are not able to try it on first at a Cycle Gear store, order whatever size you would normally wear. If you aren’t sure, both the folks at RevZilla and Cycle Gear can help guide you with regard to what exactly you need, size wise.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket As Shown On Model

I think it strikes a nice balance in its length, not sportbike short, nor ¾ length adventure tour. This is one of the places having a two-way main zipper can be handy – if the jacket is bunching up uncomfortably at the bottom when on the bike, you can easily unzip it some from the bottom up.

The long 9 inch (22.8 cm) forearm vent zips easily allow enough space for gauntlet style gloves to be worn underneath the sleeves.

Function

This is where I ran into what I believe are the two biggest problems the Ridge has – ventilation and waterproofing.

Ventilation

I’ll start with the ventilation, or the lack thereof. In fairness, I should mention that all my road testing of the Ridge is being done in the southeastern part of the U.S, in the summer. 100 F degree heat, and high humidity, from late spring into early fall are the norm here. The jacket, however, is being marketed as a true four-season, year-round, piece. If you happen to live in a climate that isn’t quite so hot, you might be less critical of this particular aspect than I am.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Front Chest Zipper Vents

With that said, as I mentioned before, the jacket is equipped with eight ventilation zips, that simply do not work. Even when the zippers for them are opened, the ventilation openings themselves will not stay open. The vents on the chest have flaps that cover the zippers – great for helping to keep water away from them. Not so great when trying to get them open to move some air.

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Side Chest Vents

The long vent zips, on the sides of the torso, will kind of stay open when unzipped. However, their placement is pretty neatly blocked by your arms when outstretched to a handlebar. The small vents on the rear of the arms are hard to explain, owing to their small size and placement – exhaust air possibly?

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Arm Cuff Vents

The remaining vents, on the forearms, are the most effective in the jacket. With gauntlet style gloves on underneath them, however, the area remaining to try and catch any moving air is pretty small.

Adding some means of holding the vents open would drastically improve their function, as some other brands of jackets have done. This, however, would change its appearance, something I think mattered a lot to its designers.

Waterproofing

Next up is the waterproofing. The Ridge is marketed as being a truly waterproof jacket. It is – mostly.

Again, in fairness, testing of this claim is harsh – being blasted with a garden hose. The good news is that the jacket held the water at bay for several minutes of this treatment. The bad news is that the water eventually found its way in. To replicate this abuse on your bike, you would have to ride some distance in a monsoon.

Water pretty quickly will begin making its way into the neck area. Although the magnet neck flap design is very nice for a day in/day out use, you can only cinch it as tight against the neck as the magnets will allow. For me, this left a gap, and the water flowed in.

The zippers themselves are not fully watertight. The rain flap behind the main zip is effective, directing water getting through it down. The ventilation zips on the chest, however, eventually leaked inside the jacket.

The waterproofing on the shell itself, however, is truly waterproof. None gets through it.

Conclusion

The REAX Ridge is a well made, well thought out riding jacket, with just a couple of things that hold it back from getting a better rating from me. If you really like the low key way it is styled, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how good it is.

Its construction is first rate, no issues there. The inner liner, in particular, is a treat.

It is being marketed as being waterproof. Although it is more resistant than most, it is not waterproof.

Its safety is only OK. Two things have my attention there, first and foremost the lack of a back protector. At its price point, I feel like that should have been included. Second is the lack of any reflective quality. Street price as of this writing – $479.00.

The four-season claim simply does not make the grade. With the fantastic liner this jacket has, and the lack of ventilation, I am looking forward to wearing it once it cools off some. For riders in hot climates, the Ridge is really a two-season jacket for fall, and winter.

Pros

  • Low key styling appeals to riders who appreciate it
  • Liner is nice enough to be worn alone off the bike
  • Easy to use magnetic collar closure stays where you put it
  • True to size
  • Very well made in both stitching and material

Cons

  • Back protector must be bought separately
  • Not entirely waterproof
  • Ventilation simply does not work in hot climate
  • No real reflectivity for night time use

Specs

Manufacturer: Reax Moto
Price (When Tested): $479.99
Made In: Vietnam
Alternative models & colors: Charcoal / Black, & Loden (Olive Drab)
Sizes: SM/MD/LG/XL/2X/3XL
Review Date: July 20, 2018

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RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy This Helmet on RevZilla

REAX Ridge Image Gallery

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Fieldsheer Gear Reviews Leather Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket Review

I take safety seriously and encourage ATGATT riding. From that perspective, the jacket is second only to a helmet in terms of safety and impact resistance. Having the right jacket can be the difference between bumps/bruises and skin grafts. When choosing, one should always prioritize the jacket’s ability to protect you over other factors.

This is especially true when performance riding comes into play. If you venture out on the track or windy roads and have performance on your mind, your jacket needs to keep up. This needs for type of riding prioritize abrasion resistance, but also airflow and comfort. Getting hot, sweaty, and sticky under your gear is more than just a little uncomfortable.

The Fieldsheer Suzuka I have here is an example of a sport jacket that doesn’t require many compromises. The Monaco leather is perforated in all the major areas (more on that below), and it comes with a removable Thermo-guard liner. Level 2 armor is present on the shoulders and elbows, and there is a foam backplate. The Suzuka is designed to seamlessly integrate with the matching Fieldsheer Rider pants.

Words/Photography: CameronModel: Bryce

Features

  • 1.2 – 1.4mm partially-perforated Monaco cowhide leather
  • Phoslite® reflective panels in the arms and rear speed hump
  • Removable Thermo-guard liner
  • Integrated CE Level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows
  • Thermoplastic armor on the elbows/shoulder (to complement CE L2)
  • Leather stretch panels underneath the arm, sides of torso, and back.
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Zipper integration with matching pants
  • EVA Rear aerodynamic speed hump and back protector

Looks

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

There’s no mistaking the Suzuka for anything other than a race jacket. Armored shoulders and a tapered waist, combined with its close overall fit, give the Suzuka an aggressive and racey look.

The back features an aerodynamic speed hump, solidifying the Suzuka’s aggressive and athletic posture. The top of the hump has perforated material, and when you’re moving along, it does a good job sucking in air and sending it down your back.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

The white/black/yellow scheme is quite aggressive and badass looking; high-visibility strips are found on both arms and the sides of the front/back sections. It very much looks the part and stands right next to popular jackets in this segment, such as the Alpinestars Atem, Dainese Racing 3, and Scorpion Clutch.

Protection

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

When it comes to protection, my preference is leather over textiles. I prefer leather, in part because of its superior abrasion resistance, but also because of how it feels to wear. Often, textile jackets are stiff and take a long time to break in. By the third wear, the Suzuka had noticeably relaxed in the arms and felt more natural to wear.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

The Suzuka is all leather – even the stretch panels on the torso, arms, and back. Integrated into the leather is CE level 2 armor in the shoulders/elbows, with reinforcing plastic armor surrounding them to supplement their protection and impact resistance.

Back protection is provided via the protective hump and removable foam backpad. Both the hump and the backpad are made of an anti shock foam material.

The thickness of the leather varies from 1. 2mm – 1.4mm, which is a good balance between weight and protection.

Comfort

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

The Suzuka is a comfortable jacket, though it’s more comfortable on the bike than it is off of it. The pre-formed shape of the jacket makes it a little awkward to walk around in. I find I have to leave it undone when I’m not on the bike or else my mobility is noticeably hindered.

Out riding is where the Suzuka feels at home.

Airflow

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

The Suzuka breathes extremely well. Hot weather riding in leather can be sweaty, but the Suzuka does a good job in keeping you cool due to the extensive use of perforated leather. Perforations run up the front sides, actual sides, shoulders, back, and arms. All sections enjoy strong airflow, especially once you’re doing 30 mph or more.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

The rear speed hump is a surprisingly good air dam, drawing a strong flow that travels down your back. This effect is amplified when you’re tucked forward a bit, with air flowing over and behind the helmet.

If you live somewhere hot but want the protection and style of a leather race jacket, the Suzuka is a well-ventilated choice.

Heat Management Via the Thermo-Guard Liner

The Thermo-Guard liner is removable. It lines the entire jacket, and zips into place in the torso and snaps at the wrists. When in place, the jacket is noticably tighter. The Suzuka is much warmer with the liner in place; airflow from the perforations no longer hits the skin directly. This is great for Alberta’s arid climate, where the temperature falls a fair bit in the evening once the sun’s set.

You don’t want to wear the liner on its own, though. Some jackets come with liners that look like light rain shells, and are made to be seen. The Suzuka’s liner doesn’t look bad, but it’s definitely not something you’d wear without the rest of the jacket.

Fit

I’m 6’2” and 195lbs, with a 43” chest and 36” waist. The Suzuka size 44 fits well in the chest and shoulders; the 35” sleeve stops just shy of my hand. The fit is somewhat restrictive (the Suzuka has a “riding” shape pre-formed in it already), but when in the riding position it’s quite comfortable.

I find the jacket a little shorter than I prefer. An extra 0.5 or 0.75” would have been excellent. As-is, my shirts tend to poke out the bottom.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

Straps on both sides allow you to relax or tighten the waist. Like most race jackets, it’s a tight fit. The tight fit is most noticeable in the arms and shoulders, although you’ll also notice it in the chest and back when stretching your arms. You can open the wrist area via the zipper, which improves airflow and relaxes the fit a bit.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

You’d think that a tight-fitting jacket wouldn’t be too great with respect to comfort, but the Suzuka will surprise you there. The numerous stretch areas do their job, and so you can reach most things easily. You won’t be the most successful hugger, but you’ll have no problem operating your machine or navigating the walk to/from.

But it is still a race jacket, after all.

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

A complaint I have is that the chest zipper would sometimes unzip itself by a few inches after I reached for something. This happened more frequently when I was wearing a backpack.

Pockets a Plenty

Fieldsheer Suzuka Leather Jacket

If you’ve got stuff to carry, the Suzuka’s got a place to put it. Both the removable liner and the leather jacket proper have pockets, with 6 on the leather and 1 additional on the liner. All pockets can be sealed, most with zippers.

The left chest pocket is large enough to carry a Samsung Galaxy S9, small keyring, and a thin wallet. All the pockets are reasonably sized, affording you a fair amount of storage.

Making Connections

A full-circumference waist zipper connects to the matching Fieldsheer Rider pants, turning the pair into a complete race suit (I did not receive the Rider pants to test). If you would wear a race suit but don’t want to do so all the time, the Suzuka and Rider combination is a good choice that offers you the option to wear each individually.

Quality

Tough single-stitching is the name of the game throughout the majority of the Suzuka, with armored shoulder and elbow areas being double-stitched.

The quality of the jacket is really good. There aren’t any cut corners in terms of how it’s put together. The leather itself is soft and supple, which helps in both the feel and in actually putting it on/taking it off.

All this leather and good-manufacturing comes with a cost, though, and that’s in the weight. The Suzuka isn’t a lightweight, though it’s no Sumo either. If you’re looking for a lightweight jacket, though, I’d look elsewhere.

This Jacket’s Worth Your Interest

Fieldsheer isn’t as well known as the bigger players, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a strong competitor. As the Suzuka demonstrates, Fieldsheer makes some pretty good stuff. In fact, we called the last Fieldsheer jacket we reviewed (the Adventure Tour) the best all-season ¾ length jacket you can buy for under $400.

Someone looking for a quality leather race jacket that has good protection, lots storage, and is suitable for three-season (or four-season if you live in the south) riding will find a lot to like in the Suzuka. I won’t go so far as to say the Suzuka is the best race jacket you can buy for $500, but it definitely plays with the big boys and is worthy of your consideration. Recommended.

Pros

  • Lots of storage and quality-of-life touches
  • Lots of armor
  • Well ventilated and comfortable
  • Made well
  • Leather feels soft
  • Two year warranty

Cons

  • Backpad armor could be tougher

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Fieldsheer
  • Price (When Tested): $499
  • Made In: Bangladesh
  • Alternative models & colors: Black/White/Blue, Black/White/Red, Black/White/White
  • Sizes: 40 – 52
  • Review Date: July 2018

Fieldsheer Suzuka Image Gallery

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Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket: Tuk Tested!

Tuk Tested

What exactly does “Tuk Tested” entail, you might ask?

This jacket has been tested more thoroughly than any other piece of gear in WBW history to date (that I’m aware of).

I just returned from a 5600-mile adventure ride while using the Ballistic 14 jacket. Beginning from my home in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada it ranged all the way to the northernmost location reachable by road in Canada: Tuktoyaktuk or Tuk for short.

Map showing the Tuktoyaktuk, or Tuk, motorcycle route

Over the course of that trip, I encountered temperatures ranging from a chilling 30 degrees all the way up to a sweltering 90 degrees Fahrenheit and all the UV radiation that comes with it.

Plenty of rain almost every day for the first week straight, wicked dust on remote gravel roads and literally thousands of insects assaulted this gear for two and a half weeks nonstop. There was even a close encounter with a large bear as seen in the photo below.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket on Model with Bear statue

First Impressions

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket on Model with Bear statue

A handsome textile jacket that is lightweight. Sturdy yet pliable with double-stitching in the soft exterior nylon shell which doesn’t appear to be waterproof, but the “Dry-Tech” branding on the back suggests otherwise.

Fitment and Finish

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Off-side View

The medium sized jacket fits my 40-inch chest perfectly and there’s lots of possible adjustment on each arm through stretching elastic bands and rubber coated snaps. The waist on each side has velcro adjusters as well to achieve a comfortable fit.

Sleeves

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Arm Detailing Shown by Model

The sleeves are sewn in such a way as to be slightly bent even when the jacket is just sitting on a hanger. This is further supported by accordion-like pleats on the elbow area to stop the nylon from stretching out from arms remaining in the bent position over many miles of riding. Smart design.

The velcro closures on the wrists offer a huge range of adjustment and lock down really tight to seal out wind and water over any size of glove.

After a few weeks of riding, I noticed the microfleece lining located just above the cuffs on the inside of each sleeve started sagging out of the sleeve and getting in the way while I was tucking in my gloves. Not a huge deal really, but irritating when you go to close up the wrist velcro and have to push in the liner first.

Zippers

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Closeup of Front Zipper Closures

The main zipper is YKK quality and was always solid along with the other ones on the jacket vents and pockets. The zips never caused me any grief whether wet or dry at any time with the exception of the one on the inner thermal layer. More on that later.

Collar

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Closeup of Collar Closures

The collar has three locking positions on it to hold the connector securely in place for sizing around your neck. I never had the collar open up once unless I hadn’t installed it correctly in the groove. The collar lining has soft microfleece inside it and a layer of neoprene at the top that caused no chafing and kept wind and rain out perfectly no matter how wild things got on my trip.

There’s also a hook on the opposite side of the locking slots available to latch the collar open if you prefer during hot weather riding.

After a few thousand miles of riding, I noticed that the red colored neoprene strip had been stained black by the bottom of my helmet rubbing against it, but wasn’t frayed at all.

Sharp Looking detailing

I love the tasteful branding on the shoulders, arms and back along with the overall color scheme. I would have preferred one without the white patches on the upper chest areas because the dirt and dust discolored it slightly over time, but it’s good for visibility purposes. I’ll have to try machine washing it to see whether the brownish tint comes out.

Venting and Breathability

I’m beyond impressed that such an affordable jacket worked in low and high temperatures equally well.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Ventilation Features

Dubbed the “Variable-Flow” ventilation system, the outer shell definitely allows perspiration to exit the inner jacket to the atmosphere.

This is especially noticeable in the lower arm areas despite the fact there aren’t any zippers there or anywhere on the arms to open up. I could feel the cool wind on my forearms at speed on the bike when the weather was hot, but not when I had the inner thermal liner installed and the weather was cold.

Well done Joe Rocket Canada!

Straps for the Vents

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Back Ventilation Features

The vertical vents running down the sides of the zipper on the front of the jacket each have a small strap with a snap on the end which can be used to prop open the two vents instead of relying on the wind to blow them open to cool the rider.

Similarly, the vents on the middle of the back also have these straps to prop them open too. I haven’t seen this on even the Rukka jacket I just reviewed and adored.

Thermal Liner (Secondary Jacket)

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Thermal Liner Jacket

I love it when a jacket comes with a bonus feature like this second jacket which doubles as an insulating layer under the main jacket shell. The puffy insulation isn’t feather-down filled as far as I can tell, but man does it ever work in keeping you warm. I enjoy wearing it around town as a casual jacket when I’m not riding.

The only beef I have with it is the zipper. I had it jam up several times when trying to put it on, and a few times the lock at the bottom came undone after zipping it up. The zipper split from the bottom up a few inches. Happily, each time I just backed the zip down to the bottom things went back into place without issue and all was well.

I like the side pockets on the inner liner and how they zip closed to keep contents from falling out. The liner is uber lightweight and so if not for the zippers I’m sure everything would regularly fall out.

The liner can be attached to the outer shell using loops of material that snap closed, but honestly, I never used them. I found the liner fit me fairly snug and didn’t climb up my arms when I put on the outer shell over it thanks to the elastic cuffs on it.

Waterproof Testing

As with all gear claiming to be waterproof, I torture tested the Ballistic 14 for 5 minutes straight by having my wife spray me with the cold water from the backyard garden hose. We aimed it specifically at all the zippers, pockets and seams to see if anything would leak.

This was when I found out the two pockets located in the white area of the upper chest are NOT watertight! I had left the remote garage door opener in one of the pockets and it was wiped out by water leaking inside.

Real Rain Testing

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket In-Action Road Test

In addition to this water testing, I was absolutely pounded every day on my ride to Tuk for about 80% of the time I spent riding along the coast of British Columbia by heavy and light rain. Through it all, the Ballistic 14 “Dry-Tech” integral waterproof membrane shrugged it off beautifully.

The best part about this outer shell is that it doesn’t absorb the water like some other jackets do and stay wet and cold. The water beads up on the outer shell beautifully and then just blows off. Obviously, this helps keep you warm on the bike.

Oops…

I began to think it was immune to all rain, until the 6th day of rain when I encountered the heaviest rain I’ve ever ridden in mixed with some small hail. Something happened that produced a whimper of shock and discomfort from me when I felt the chill of very cold water soaking through my thermal layer right down to my navel area. Luckily the rain stopped about that time and I was spared from being completely soaked.

I had missed closing one of the snaps on the double flap for sealing the zipper and that’s how the monsoon-like wave of water managed to penetrate what I thought was a perfect water defense. There are overlapping flaps sealed with snaps and velcro along with a folded over water dam of fabric in the zipper area that should stop anything from coming through unless you mess up and forget to close it completely.

Happily, the jacket never leaked again on the trip, so I’m going to accept the blame for the leakage.

Armor

The armor included with the jacket is marginal at best in the arms and shoulders being only CE level 1. The pad on the spine area is what I would equate with packing foam found in parcels at the post office.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket CE Level 1 Armor

Yes, it’s all super lightweight which is appreciated but offers little in the way of protection. I opted to replace the packing foam spine protection with a quality Rukka D30 Air Level 2 piece of armor. It fits in the pocket perfectly and gave me peace of mind while I rode on some very treacherous roads up in Canada’s Arctic region where help is far away or unavailable.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket CE Level 1 Armor

Joe Rocket Canada should definitely put better quality protective armor in the spine area of this jacket. It deserves better.

The nylon exterior shell isn’t double thick over the impact areas where the armor is installed underneath, unfortunately. Neither is there any low friction, Superfabric covering those areas, so even though I’m confident the rider would be protected in a slide, I’m not sure the jacket would be serviceable afterward depending on the severity of the slide.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Closeup of Elbow Design

Plenty O’Pockets

There is 11 pockets total with four located on the inside in the mesh liner.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Closeup of Front Pocket

The large front pockets were the ones I used most of all for my phone and wallet since these are waterproof ones and conveniently located. There aren’t zippers on them, but the velcro worked perfectly for keeping things safe.

There are open pockets behind these two for putting your hands in to keep them warm when you’re not riding too.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Inner Lining Key Ring

One vest pocket has a clip ring on it for keeping a key safely tucked away. I know that’s what it’s for because there is a small symbol of a key beside the zipper opening.

The pocket below it is for housing a spare helmet visor inside while another mesh one on the lower right has a strap equipped with a snap on it for securing something else which I couldn’t sort out.

There are no small pictographs were present to provide any hints either, so use your imagination I suppose.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Inner Jacket Features

The large pocket on the exterior situated in the small of the back came in handy for storing my warm weather gloves while I was riding in the cold, and vice versa.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Back View

Final Verdict

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Full View of Open Jacket

I gush about how well this jacket held up to the amount of punishment it endured on my ride to Tuktoyaktuk and back.

I liked this jacket the moment I first tried it on, but admit I was more charmed initially by the oh-so-sexy Rukka ROR I recently reviewed until I really field tested this Ballistic 14 in the field. Before leaving for Tuk I was sorely tempted to take the Rukka instead, but I had promised to wear the Joe Rocket Canada gear before hand and am a man of my word.

The JRC jacket costs HALF the price of the ROR, comes with armor included and a thermal liner.

The Rukka (nice as it absolutely is) has none of that in its favor.

The Ballistic 14 is not nearly as lightweight and not quite as stylish, but damn… I’m finding it hard to rationalize ever reaching for the Rukka before this Joe Rocket Canada offering if I’m being completely honest.

I did notice some threads sticking out of the seam on the left sleeve of the Ballistic jacket towards the end of my long trip home, but since appearing they haven’t come out any further. After over 6000 miles of wear and tear it’s earned those whiskers I think.

Back in 2007, the late Rick Korchak did a review of the Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0 jacket. He loved the “surprise and delight” features of the jacket back then and those are perfect words to describe this latest descendant of that jacket perfectly.

Rick sadly is no longer with us, having just recently passed on to the motorcyclist afterlife, but I certainly echo his appreciation of Joe Rocket innovation which is so evident in this 14th incarnation of a proven, quality riding jacket.

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket on Model

What a bargain! What a great piece of gear! It’s on my personal recommendation list for any kind of riding due to its versatility. It’s a pity this exact jacket is only available in Canada although similar ones are available through Joe Rocket Direct in the US like the Joe Rocket Ballistic Revolution.

Pros

  • Excellent fit, finish, design and value for the money
  • Waterproof exterior using the effective Dry-Tech system
  • Easily adjusts at neck/arms/waist to fit snug and keep wind and water out
  • Large pockets house everything you need
  • Durable Rock Tex 600 Nylon exterior shell
  • Stylish and warm inner thermal liner makes a great secondary casual jacket
  • Subtle reflective striping on arms and back are effective, not overbearing
  • Priced low comparatively at $399 Canadian dollars

Cons

  • Only available in Canada
  • Jacket breathes well but would benefit from zippered arm venting
  • Inner layer of microfleece around the wrists tends to sag out sleeves
  • Jacket did leak once through the zipper during a monsoon-like rainstorm

Specs

 

  • Price (When Tested): $399 Canadian Dollars
  • Made In: China
  • Alternative models & colors: 4 different color schemes to choose from
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL-5XL
  • Review Date: June 21, 2018

 

Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket Image Gallery

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