Category: Textile Jacket

Ladies Motorcycle Jackets Worth Wearing

Post author By Kathy Koewler
Post date January 30, 2019

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

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RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
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Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

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

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

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

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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 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.

The post Ladies Motorcycle Jackets Worth Wearing appeared first on Web Bike World.

Fieldsheer Gear Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Textile Jacket Web Bike World

Fieldsheer Cadence Women’s Textile Jacket Review

Post author By Cameron Martel
Post date October 15, 2018

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

The 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).

I 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

The 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

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

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.

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 Items

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

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

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

The post Fieldsheer Cadence Women’s Textile Jacket Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

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

Post author By Kevin Anderson Sr.
Post date July 23, 2018

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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Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy This Helmet on RevZilla

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.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

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

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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REAX Ridge Image Gallery

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket As Shown On Model

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Side Chest Vents

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Interior Tag Information

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Back View of Black Jacket

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Arm Cuff Vents

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Front Chest Zipper Vents

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Full Unzipped View

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Full Back View

REAX Ridge Textile Jacket SAS-Tech CE Level 2 Armor

The post REAX Ridge Textile Jacket Hands-On Jacket Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Hands On Review: Sheer Joy In The Field

Post author By Rick K.
Post date June 8, 2018

Built For Northern Motorcyclists

As a born and raised Canadian whose day job consists of pulling wrenches at a diamond mine up in the sub-Arctic half the year, it’s safe to say that I’m an expert on the subject of cold weather and how to deal with it.

This Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile jacket is a fantastic tool to include in your cold weather toolbox.

When WBW was approached by a Fieldsheer representative named Ray Cruz about doing a review of their Hydro Heat Textile Jacket I took one look at it online and suspected I would love it. I was right.

I’ve been impatiently waiting in vain during our unusually cold Spring weather for a heated vest to show up from Tourmaster to review, so this was perfect timing on Ray’s part. He must have heard my teeth chattering all the way down in California while I’ve been riding around in below freezing temps, eh?

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First Impressions

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Side View On Model

When you pick it up the jacket feels heavy but not too heavy and the D600 Heavy Duty textile outer shell is smooth, soft and cool to the touch. The stitching is tight and sealed everywhere on the exterior and interior.

All the buttons and exterior zippers are rubber coated and feel very positive when you undo them or close them up. There’s a general air of classy yet rugged construction to this jacket.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Back View On Model

The jacket also has a badass look to it being all black with tastefully placed, minimalist striping and branding of reflective Phoslite material on the arms, lower back and chest. I immediately opined that this is missing some brighter hi-viz coloring, but couldn’t deny I liked it as it was.

Johnny Cash would have loved this jacket.

The Fieldsheer logos on either shoulder jump out at me and remind me of something you’d see on a futuristic sci-fi series military uniform. If Han Solo were riding a motorcycle on planet Hoth I’m positive he’d wear one of these. I’m going to check carefully to see if it’s so in the upcoming Solo movie…

Fit and Finish

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup Jacket Sleeves

After donning it I notice how well the Medium sized jacket fits my 40-inch chest and tapers nicely to my 34-inch waist. The sizing chart is very specific and useful on Fieldsheer website. Incredibly the arms are an agreeable, to me, 26-inch length for my stubby limbs and the velcro closures at the wrist are narrower than most other jackets I’ve worn.

I can still fit the wrist openings overtop the gauntlet portion of my gloves with some effort, but it was easier instead to tuck them inside. If you have really thick wrists (or long arms) you may find this jacket a bit uncomfortable on you.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the waist and arm areas using snaps or velcro to expand or reduce the outer shell to obtain a good fit.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup Side Waist

The rear of the jacket comes down below the waist by several inches to cover you up nicely even when hunched over in a sport riding position.

ESO Zippers

The ESO zips on this jacket deserve special mention as being my favorite kind, built with large teeth and pull tabs. They don’t snag when you run them up in a hurry and glide faster than most others. I really appreciate that quality in a garment.

The ones on the two front, chest pockets/air vents are more typical small-tooth design but they slide smoothly too. There are flaps on either side of the outer shell zipper that has velcro to seal up tightly for blocking the wind.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closing Zipper and Velcro Straps

The design worked flawlessly in keeping cold wind on the outside even during a chilly and windy 42-degree test ride I took wearing it.

Armor

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Armor

I pulled out the Armadillo armor for inspection as always. I noted the ones in the shoulders and arms are an ok quality CE level 1 rubber design that should be effective to a point in a minor crash when it comes to protection. They have CE level 2 padding available for $19 and $14 on the Fieldsheer site that would be worth substituting, in my opinion.

https://fieldsheer.com/armor.html

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Underside of Armor

The “armor” I found in the back area was of underwhelming quality. The Fieldsheer site calls it a “contoured EVA back pad”. I would describe it as a piece of packing foam at best and wondered why the jacket didn’t come equipped with the Armadillo CE level 2 back pad I found on the Fieldsheer site instead. It’s only $25 more and I would happily pay that for a good quality one like it is.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Armor Laid Flat

The back pad probably does provide some heat insulation, but in a crash, it’s not convincing me that it would serve much purpose.

Inner Heated Liner

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Inner Heated Liner

The outer shell is in itself an above average jacket well worth the $449 price tag without question to me. The really beautiful bonus is the inner heated component that comes free if you look at it in that way.

The inner layer can be quickly removed from the outer shell via four snaps. It has thumb loops on the ends of both sleeves that make those snaps unnecessary. I found myself just slipping the outer shell on top of it and not bothering with the physical connection between the two layers.

It’s A Nice Second Jacket

I like wearing the inner liner as a walking around jacket. It’s got a smart look to it that fits me well like the outer shell does. It keeps me warm even when it gets quite cool thanks to the microfleece interior and nylon exterior that I would call water resistant.

Obviously, the portable power pack combined with the Mobile Warming heating elements makes things even better when it comes to staying warm, but the power pack is bulky, heavy and takes up a whole pocket.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Inner Liner Pockets and View

“Idiot Mittens”

The only thing I am not really fond of about the inner jacket is that I can feel and notice the wiring running across my shoulders used to connect the heating elements in the arms to the ones in the back and chest.

There are small zippered openings at the end of each sleeve that house a connector for attaching a set of heated gloves you can buy from Fieldsheer separately.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Wiring Slots Closeup Sleeves

These integrated harnesses pull slightly across the shoulders when I reach in front of me and give the same eerie sensation I remember from my childhood when I was forced to wear “idiot mittens”.

Red Colored Hand Mittens

If you’re unfamiliar with that term it’s one used to describe the string that runs from one glove or mitten up a coat sleeve, across the back, and down the opposite sleeve to connect to the other arm’s mitten or glove. This is a Canadian Mother’s way of ensuring her children never lose their winter hand protection.

It’s also great fun for everyone else. You can run up to someone you know is wearing this contraption and pull hard on the left or right mitten to result in the string connecting the other side retracting the person’s other arm in such a way they hit themselves in the face or chest.

You people living in California and other warm climates will never get to try out this hilarious prank unless you come north for a visit in winter.

Lithium Ion Mobile Warming Battery Pack Heat

Lithium Ion Mobile Battery

I put the inner jacket on my wife (who is always cold even inside the house) to see how long the battery would last while on the highest heat setting. She has never been happier in her life than during the two and a half hours that followed.

When running on the battery pack only the chest and back elements heat up unfortunately but they do get quite hot. I measured them at 110 degrees with my temp gun.

Heat From The Motorcycle Charging System

I installed the wiring harness provided with the jacket to my bike’s battery in about 5 minutes and plugged in the connector on the jacket side of the circuit. I was wearing just a T-shirt at the time and put on the jacket to test out the highest heat setting. In about 10 seconds I immediately noticed my elbows were uncomfortably warm and my chest and back were getting hot too.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Charging System on Model

I measured a scorching 124.8 degrees using my temp gun on the back element after only a couple of minutes time.

Temperature Measuring Hand-Held Device

It wouldn’t hit the claimed top temperature of 149 degrees while lying across the seat of my bike, but I’m sure it did while I was wearing it on several test rides I took.

Man, oh, man… Mobile Warming is REAL!

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How To Use Mobile Warming

I supposed it easy to manage the system without reading the instructions, but I was wrong. Running on the bike’s charging system it was somewhat straightforward:

Plug in the jacket to the bike connector harness
Push and hold the rubber button located on the right chest until it lights up red
Do the opposite to turn it off

If you momentarily push and release the button the color changes to orange, green and purple with subsequent toggles before coming back to red. I don’t know about you but I found this a bit confusing. I figured these were different settings but wasn’t sure what green vs red would be so I had to grudgingly read the instructions that came with the jacket on one of the tags.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Button RGB closeup.

Here’s a video of it I found explaining it as well:

Red: 100% heat power at 149 degrees
Orange: 75% heat power at 132 degrees
Green: 50% heat power at 118 degrees
Purple/Blue: 25% heat power at 100 degrees

Using The Power Pack was even more perplexing because when I would push the ON button I would get a momentary number appearing between 1 and 4 that would cycle to the letter “H” and then shut off while rendering no heat.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup and Mobile Battery

After reading the directions, I came to find out you need hold the ON button until the “H” appears solid indicating it’s powering up and then a non-flashing number would appear to tell you the battery pack charge status: 1 low charge up to 4 full charges.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Unplugged Mobile Battery

Next, you hold down the chest button to turn on the heat and select your desired temperature. Pretty simple once you understand what you’re dealing with, really.

My Biggest Beef

This leads to my biggest complaint about the jacket heating system: using it on the fly.

The control button is located only on the inner jacket and it’s hard to locate with your gloved hand while riding to adjust the temperature or turn on and off. There’s only a little popping sensation when you push the button that is hard to notice with a gloved hand under the outer jacket.

The control button lights up nicely to let you know it’s on, but when it’s covered by the outer jacket you can’t see it.

Dear Fieldsheer jacket designers: in the next generation, please put a clear cover over the button area of the outer jacket so I can see where it is and what’s going on and better control it.

It could alternatively be located on the right forearm with a clear window in the outer jacket to make life easier.

Road Testing In Hot and Cold Weather

This is an all black jacket that has an integral Rainguard waterproof membrane. It screamed out to me that it would be an oven in cold temperatures even without the heated system turn on, I was right about that. I was very comfortable in 42-degree riding even with a stiff crosswind. I love the removable neck gaiter. It was a huge difference maker.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Chest Pockets and Zippers

I tested it in 80-degree weather after removing the inner jacket and opening the vents in the chest, arms and back to see if I could stay cool even in traffic.

To further help keep the rider cool, there’s a small hook on the collar allowing it to be pinned open after removing the neck gaiter.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Neck Clasp - Velcro/Zippers

I was totally blown away by the venting and breathability of the jacket shell. The exterior textile seems to shed heat very easily even in sunlight. Once I got moving the airflow was terrific and at highway speed, I was actually starting to get too cold as the entire surface of the jacket seemed to be conducting the cool wind. The inside material of the outer jacket is a silky smooth, nylon that really gets cold in a hurry and cools the rider.

You can see in the photos below how the rear vents are wide open on the lower back.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Rear Vents

Rainguard Waterproof Testing

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Waterproof Hose Test

I put the Hydro Heat jacket through the same waterproof torture test I always use which involves my wife spraying me with the garden hose on full blast at 5 paces for 5 minutes. I like this test because it sends gallons of cold water everywhere I specifically want to expose leakage problems. Additionally, it tells me how good the inner layer protects against cold rain sapping body heat.

I can report that not only did I stay warmer than I have compared to any other jacket during this test, but I was pleased to find all four exterior pockets are completely waterproof! I put strips of paper in the pockets to see if any amount of moisture bleeds through the rubber coating on zips and the Fieldsheer shrugged it off like… well, water off a duck’s back.

Very impressive to say the least.

Final Verdict?

This Fieldsheer is my new favorite all around jacket. It looks cool, keeps you warm or cool equally well much to my shock and is totally waterproof.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Side View Shoulder Logo

The fit is flattering and you feel good wearing it. You don’t look like a highway or construction worker with obnoxious neon colors adorning your jacket, but you’ll still be visible in low light thanks to the reflective striping. I know, I know… Hi-Viz is desirable… yadda, yadda, yadda.

The included armor kind of stinks but can easily be improved for about $60 more to all CE Level 2.

The Mobile Warming system is luxurious comfort out on the cold highway or out and about if you get the optional power pack. They just need to address the issues with the temp control button and the size of the bulky power pack for it to be perfect.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Mobile Battery

Perfect? Well, it’s pretty darn close to it as is. I’m keeping this one around, even if just to keep my wife happier.

Pros

Above average weather protection
Excellent fit and finish
D600 Carbolex HD Nylon textile outer shell
All 4 exterior pockets are waterproof
Armadillo armor padding in elbows, shoulders and back included
Outer shell is double thick in impact areas over the armor
Black color is balanced with plenty of reflective material
Mobile Warming Heated liner doubles as a second jacket to wear
Mobile Warming system has four levels of heat to suit rider needs
Optional Lithium-Ion power pack gives over for 2 hours of constant heat when you’re off the motorcycle and has a USB port to charge devices
Wear only the well ventilated outer shell in hot weather to stay cool
Removable microfleece neck wind blocker
Good value for the money with 2 year warranty

Cons

Heat control settings aren’t intuitive (directions have to read to understand)
It’s difficult to control heat settings while riding
Armor is only CE level 1 in arms and shoulders and back armor is sub-par
Black color is the only option with no hi-viz areas
No women’s sizing
Power pack takes a long time to fully charge
Power pack doesn’t heat up the arm area elements
Power pack is quite bulky and heavy to keep in your pocket
Internal wiring for heat elements can slightly restrict arm movement

Specs

Manufacturer: Fieldsheer
Price (When Tested): $449.99
Made In: Bangladesh
Alternative models & colors: Any color as long as it’s Black
Sizes: SM to XXXL
Review Date: May 18, 2018

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Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

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Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Image Gallery

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Button RGB closeup.

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Armor

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Armor Laid Flat

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Underside of Armor

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Rear Vents

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Charging System on Model

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Neck Clasp - Velcro/Zippers

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup Jacket Sleeves

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Wiring Slots Closeup Sleeves

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Full Frontal View On Model

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closing Zipper and Velcro Straps

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup of Chest Pockets and Zippers

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup Side Waist

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Inner Liner Pockets and View

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Unplugged Mobile Battery

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Mobile Battery

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Closeup and Mobile Battery

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Inner Liner Jacket Back

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Inner Heated Liner

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Waterproof Hose Test

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Back View On Model

Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Side View On Model

The post Fieldsheer Hydro Heat Textile Jacket Hands On Review: Sheer Joy In The Field appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Motonation Metralla Ladies Vented Textile Jacket Faces 100 Degrees In The Desert: Hands On Review

Post author By Kathy Koewler
Post date May 28, 2018

A Pleasant Surprise

I was really eager to get my hands on this jacket and test it out. I was trying to manage my expectations but I had really high hopes of finally finding a jacket that was cut to fit a woman while still offering protection and great airflow. As soon as I opened the box I was pretty excited that the coat actually had the shape that looked like it was going to fit me.

Before I get too much more into the jacket itself, I want to talk just a little bit about the shipping from Motonation. The box was well taped and made it through the shipping process very well. And when I opened the box I was very happy to see each item was carefully folded, wrapped in plastic and carefully packed in the box.

It really looked like someone took a minute and cared about packaging my items so that they would arrive in perfect condition, which they did, and I appreciate that. Just one step in the customer service process but one that Motonation handles very well. As a company, they have been superb to work with which is not always the case with online orders.

The Jacket

Anyway back to the Motonation Metralla Ladies vented textile jacket. The jacket looks great in a very basic black and white color scheme. I am normally not a fan of black gear due to the added heat in my area of Phoenix, Arizona but the black front and back panels are very functional.

My textile jacket is all white and it looks a little grungy most of the time from bugs and other spots. The white along the sides of the jacket and the sleeves give it a crisp look but in a more protected location that doesn’t show the dirt as much as a full white jacket. The accordion fabric Spandex panels on each side grabbed my attention. Holding the Metralla up by the shoulder pads I could easily see the slight hourglass shape of the coat, which made me both excited and a little apprehensive. I was hoping for a great fit but also hoping that I wasn’t too fat for this great jacket.

A few other features jumped out at me as well even before I tried on the jacket. The zippers are heavy duty and appear to be durable which is a big plus for me. Nothing is worse than a jacket that you love but are forced to retire because of low quality or poorly designed closures. Another small detail but one that caught my eye was the hook and loop collar tie back. It allows you to leave the collar open for better airflow without the tab beating against your throat or chin at speed.

Overall I was pretty wowed by the Metralla even before I tried it on!

The Moment of Truth

After a quick once over, I was off to try on the Metralla in front of a mirror. I hate to admit it, but I care about both how it fits/feels and how it looks. I kind of hate to include this but I feel like its a part of my job so I will add that I am 5’ 10” tall and weigh 153 pounds to give readers a frame of reference for my size. Sliding my arm in, I was very happy with the roominess of the sleeves and the length. I have fairly long arms for a woman and that often is the reason that a jacket doesn’t fit me.

In addition, the shoulders fit me very well which is also rare. I have been told that I have broad shoulders and I guess I agree. Once while shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding, a sweet older lady who was helping me politely whispered that I should stay away from sleeveless dresses as they made me look like a linebacker. Brutally honest advice but helpful. I rarely buy dresses but I think of her each time I try on a ladies jacket and hope the shoulders are cut more generously.

Zipping the jacket was really easy as the large zipper and added pull tab make it simple. I felt the body of the coat become a little snug around me but it never felt too tight or constricting. I was really happy that no diet would be needed before the actual testing could begin.

Standing in the mirror I did the usual motions of raising my arms and twisting to see how the jacket felt and if it would move with me or bind. I was happy to find not a single place that was uncomfortable, tight or cutting into me in any way. Next, I adjusted the waist straps and the sleeve gathers for a perfect custom fit.

The Motonation Metralla was my first experience with any Motonation jacket so I was forced to rely totally on the sizing chart in the catalog. My waist measurement is in the 32-34 inch range and my chest is right about 37 inches. Knowing that the arm length and the shoulders are always difficult for me, I opted to err on the side of larger rather than smaller and ordered a large to accommodate the linebacker shoulders. My reasoning was that the waist was adjustable but the shoulders are a set size.

Also, I was fairly sure that I would be adding additional back protection so that would require a little extra space. The cut might be a little on the small side but not any huge discrepancy. The large is working great for me and allows me a really great range of motion sitting upright or crouched on my Ducati 959.

USA Sizing	Alpha Sizing	Chest (inches)	Chest (centimeter)	Waist (inches)	Waist (centimeter)
8	XS	34-36	86-92	30-32	76-81
10	Small	36-37	92-94	32-34	81-86
12	Medium	37-39	94-99	34-36	86-91
14	Large	39-40	99-102	36-37	91-94
16	XL	40-42	102-107	37-38	94-97

Bargain Pricing

The jacket sells for $119 which is far less than almost all of the other options on the market. Many ladies jackets including those in the $200 plus range only offer a foam back pad so even after adding a back protector this jacket is priced very competitively. Revzilla offers the Alpinestars Stella Wake Air for $199.95 and the Amok Air Drystar for $319.95 which offer comparable ventilation but only a foam back pad as well. I added an Icon D30 Viper 2 Back Protector which runs about $45 on Revzilla and the total cost is still far less than most other ladies mesh options.

Features from Top to Bottom

The Collar

The collar of Metralla is very comfortable thanks to the microfiber lining and neoprene used in the construction. The snap on the collar appears to be a little oversized compared to many that I have seen on jackets but I look at that as a huge plus in the durability category. And as I mentioned earlier, the collar tie back is an awesome feature that I think every jacket should offer. The loop is a thick rubber and the hook is hard plastic so the durability should be pretty reliable.

Motonation Metralla

Shoulder And Elbow Armor

The shoulder armor is made of a high impact CE approved dual-density pad. Each pad has a nice curve and is very flexible to accommodate a full range of motion. They are also designed with channels and openings to allow some airflow into the padded areas of the jacket. The protectors are inserted into fairly standard shoulder pockets that are secured with hook and loop tabs.

Riders can elect to upgrade to a more protective CE1 or CE2 level armor if desired. The elbow armor is the same material as the shoulder armor and also fits into a hook and loop secured pocket. CE1 and CE2 level armor is also available for the elbows.

A Simple Yet Awesome Addition

One of my favorite features on the arms of the Metralla has got to be the sleeve gathers. These are hook and loop secured 1-inch straps that allow you to custom fit the arms of the jacket. This is the simplest solution to flapping jacket arms but one that many manufacturers overlook. What I like is that it lets me tighten the sleeves when I am wearing just a t-shirt or loosen them a bit if the weather is cooler and I have inserted the liner or a sweatshirt.

Zipper And Cuff Closure

The finishing touch for the sleeves are the 2-way YKK zippers and the cuff closures. The extra long pulls on the zippers make them easy to grab and use even with gloves on. And the 2-way feature allows you to fit the cuff over any set of gloves that you can imagine.

In addition, you can open all or part of the zipper area to allow a great amount of airflow up the lower arm area. And again, the neoprene and microfiber are included in the cuff for supreme comfort when securely closed with the hook and loop 1.5-inch tabs.

Added Attention to Detail

There is a line of reflective piping for added great night visibility that runs from the collar down to a few inches shy of the cuff on the front and back sides each sleeve. In addition, there is a half inch wide reflective stripe stitched onto each sleeve between the shoulder and elbow and a 1-inch sash from the armpit to the mesh fabric on the front of the jacket. Multiple stitching is also used throughout the shell in all high impact areas to reduce the potential for tearing and skin abrasion.

The Body of the Jacket

Motonation used huge pore mesh to provide amazing airflow through the arms, chest, and back of the Metralla jacket. I would estimate that the jacket is about 75% Polyester mesh and the remaining portion of the shell is 600 denier Polyester fabric. The entire jacket is then lined with a 100% Polyester anti-bacterial mesh lining which is finer than the exterior mesh fabric.

The jacket includes a removable waterproof, windproof and breathable lining. This full lining can be zipped into the jacket and secured in the sleeves with the color-coded tabs at the wrists. The front of the jacket is finished off with two front hand warmer pockets with zipper closures. These pockets are not huge, about 6 inches square, but they are big enough to hold an iPhone.

The waist also features 1.5 inches wide hook and loop straps to allow for custom fitting the waist over clothing or when the jacket is attached to a pair of riding pants. This strap runs across the expansion at the waist but is certainly long enough to accommodate having the panel stretched without compromising the ability to secure the hook and loop fasteners.

Motonation Metralla

Expansion Panels

What makes this jacket a standout design for the ladies is the accordion inset on each side of the jacket. The spandex panels run the full length from the armpit to the waist, and each is about 3 inches wide when contracted. But as needed, these panels can actually double in size to a full 6 inches each. This offers a great amount of flexibility when sizing the jacket for additional clothing or to achieve that much desired perfect fit.

The panels are also soft enough that they are comfortable when bending or leaning sideways as they give a little, unlike other fabrics. And finally, this is the feature that allows the chest area to be comfortable for ladies of varying sizes and proportions.

Motonation Metralla

On The Inside

The inside of the Mertalla features a 7 by 3.5-inch cargo style pocket that expands to almost an inch thick. The pocket is secured with a ¾ inch wide strip of hook and loop on the closure flap. An additional waterproof interior vertical zip pocket is also provided in the shell and is about 6 inches square. The capacity is enough for a phone, wallet or even a glasses case as long as you are comfortable with items stowed in the chest area. And finally, there is an 8 Inch YKK waist connection zipper to attach the Metralla to pants for a full suit feel.

Motonation Metralla

The Liner

The Metralla includes a windproof, waterproof liner that is made of a breathable material called Reissa. This liner zips in over the interior mesh liner. The Reissa liner is full sleeves as well as the body of the jacket which is not always the case with liners. The sleeves of the liner have color-coded snap tabs to secure the sleeves near the wrists for added comfort and a great fit.

I have never been a fan of zipping in liners but found this one to be very comfortable. It is roomy enough that you still have a full range of motion and the breathable material helps to eliminate the sticky feeling that occurs with some liners. Adding the liner is great for wet conditions but it also adds an additional bit of function to the jacket as it can be used to eliminate the airflow and serve the same purpose as a heavier textile jacket, making the Metralla an even better bargain.

The Back Pad

The only aspect of the Metralla that I would even begin to consider a downfall is the 8mm thick memory foam back pad. The pad measures about 15.5 inches from top to bottom and is around 9.5 inches at the widest point, so not only is it thin but it is rather small. I prefer to have a little more protection for my back not only for impact but also to endure more abrasion should I be forced to slide.

I removed the memory foam pad and replaced it with an Icon D30 Viper 2 pad which offers CE Level 2 protection. The D30 is slightly larger, 16 inches by about 10.5 inches so it was tough to get into the back pad pocket and is slightly curved when in the pocket. But it functions well and is comfortable as the curve wraps around my back and shoulders a bit. And for $45 it was an easy fix to make this pretty much my perfect summer weight jacket.

Motonation Metralla

Final Thoughts

I have worn this jacket quite a bit since it arrived. I liked it from the first ride and am finding that I like it even more as I continue to use it and enjoy the great airflow and comfort that it offers. I hope that I never need to put the armor to the test but I am very confident that it will do its job as well. I have worn a lot of big name jackets over the years including Icon, Joe Rocket, and Dainese and I have paid a lot more for each of those jackets than the very reasonable cost of $119 that Motonation is asking for the Metralla. But I have never been as satisfied with any of the big name, expensive jackets as I am with this one.

The Verdict?

I’m a huge fan of the Metralla. It is well worth the price and I would venture to say that it is even worth twice the price.

The Metralla is a great design for ladies and offers great ventilation for riding in hot weather. The option to add the waterproof and windproof liner also makes this a very versatile jacket that can meet the needs of a summer riding or even cooler spring and fall weather.

This is a great jacket for ladies who are new to riding as it offers great protection and is affordable but it will also meet the needs of the more experienced riders who are willing to spend more on a jacket. Don’t waste the money, buy the Metralla and get a great deal and a great jacket.

Specs

Manufacturer: Motonation
Price (When Tested): $119
Made In: Pakistan
Alternative models & colors: None
Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
Review Date: May 2018

Pros

Cons

Great air flow
Accordion Spandex panels
Hourglass Shape
Microfiber lining
Heavy duty zippers
Hook and loop collar tie back
Quality construction
Double stitching
Several pockets
CE shoulder and elbow armor
Excellent customer service

Only one color- no choice
Small back armor pocket
8mm thick memory foam back pad

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