REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket & REV'IT! Axis Pants Review

Commuters finally have their premier multi-season all-weather outfit from REV'IT!. With the REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket, designed in a color that is the most visible to the human eye, and the REV'IT! Axis Pants, the most simple overpant we've seen to get on and off,  the everyday commuter is not only sure to be seen but will also ride in comfort and be fully protected from the elements. REV'IT! enthusiasts have long been clamoring for a fully hi-viz motorcycle jacket, since the REV'IT! Dragon Jacket only features the hi-vis yellow in strategic areas. REV'IT! has responded to those requests, producing one of the most visible and highly functional jackets we've seen, that pairs perfectly with the brand new Axis overpants.

First up, our REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket Review:

Let's start with the feature set of the REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket. As mentioned before, the outer shell is a CE-approved high-visibility neon-yellow fabric, the most visible to the human eye. The shell is a 600D construction for exceptional resistance to any abrasion and the armor is Knox Flexiform CE in the shoulders and elbows. This is Knox's upgraded armor and provides much higher levels of comfort and ergonomics than previous versions. The EVA foam back pad in the Energy can also be upgraded to a Knox TP2 CE Back Protector for higher levels of safety. Furthering the ease of visibility and safety elements is the extremely reflective 3M Scotchlite paneling that can be found across the back, at the shoulders and the elbows.

For warm weather functionality, simply remove the quilted thermal liner and open up the intake ventilation panels at the chest and the exhaust vents at the back to get the air flowing. And when it's cold and rainy, keep the thermal in and you're protected from the elements with the Hydratex waterproof breathable membrane that is sandwiched to the outer shell. There are multiple regions of adjustability, at the waist, upper arms, cuffs and hips, and a short connection zipper to attach to pants. The Energy HV also features waterproof pockets externally and inner pockets for your valuables. The jacket is a traditional REV'IT! tour fit and is built for utmost comfort for the commuting rider.


Next is our REV'IT! Axis Pants Review:

The REV'IT! Axis Pants are designed to be functional as commuter overpants in all seasons and weather conditions and also be extremely easy to get on and off over jeans. REV'IT! utilized a two-way zipper system on the side of each leg to achieve the easy in/out of the Axis pants. The shell is a 600D construction for abrasion resistance and completely waterproof and immune from the elements. The knees have Knox Flexiform CE armor which can be adjusted height-wise for proper fit. Reflective paneling at the backs of the legs aids in visibility while adjustment tabs at the ankles and waist provide a snug fit. Pair these up with the Energy HV and your commuting needs are covered.

REV'IT! heard the call and they answered it by delivering one of the most highly functional commuting outfits we've seen. We think it is going to be a home run as part of the new REV'IT! lineup.

To explore more options, visit our Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear and Motorcycle Over Pants sections at RevZilla.com.

Stay Visible, Commuters!

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear Guide
Firstgear HT Overpants Review
Icon Patrol Waterproof Jacket and Pants Review

AGV Sport Solare Jacket & Solare Pants Review

Primed to tackle the most scorching summertime conditions, the AGV Sport Solare Jacket and AGV Sport Solare Pants provide excellent bang for the buck, offering levels of functionality unseen at their price points in hot weather textile gear. As with all AGV Sport gear, there isn't a great deal of flash associated with what they produce; they simply produce high quality gear that consistently comes neck-and-neck in performance with other high-end manufacturers when third-party tests are conducted. The AGV Sport Solare combo stays true to these roots and is sure to be a big hit in the sport riding crowd this upcoming summer.

First, check out our AGV Sport Solare Jacket Review:

The first thing you'll notice in this review is the eye-popping neon yellow colorway of the Solare. Hi-viz has become extremely popular option for commuters and sport tourers, and this provides an affordable way for motorists to see you on the road. The Solare is a full mesh construction to flow air in the summer with ballistic nylon panels in impact areas for reinforcement. It features CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows with an upgradeable foam back pad. For comfort, there is a moisture-wicking microfleece comfort collar, and multiple areas of adjustability (hips, cuffs, forearm). YKK zippers with extra long pulls are used throughout, the seams utilize heavy duty stitching for tear resistance, and there are reflective panels for safety and visibility.
The Solare Jacket is packed with features at an extremely reasonable price.


Next, our AGV Sport Solare Pants Review:

The AGV Sport Solare Pants zip together with the Solare jacket to form the ultimate summertime sport touring combination. Built on a 600D chassis, the Solare pants feature huge durable mesh panels down the front and back of the legs with reinforcements in impact areas. For protection, there is CE rated knee armor and large foam hip and lower back padding. The Solare Pants also have YKK zippers with extra long pulls, heavy duty seam stitching for tear resistance, a breathable mesh lining, and adjustability at the waist. Two front handwarmer pockets, zippered leg opening, reflective piping, and a velcro secured flap closure system at the waist rounds out the features of these pants.

If you're looking for an affordable sport and street riding summertime option without sacrificing style elements, this outfit could be a good choice for you. To see more choices, check out Hi-Viz Motorcycle Jackets, Summer Motorcycle Gear, and Summer Motorcycle Pants sections over at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Sport and Street Summer Motorcycle Gear Guide
Prevent Melting, Get Summer Gear
Shift Avenger Jacket Review
Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear Guide

Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear Guide

Attention all commuters and riders wanting to be seen on the roadways: our Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear Guide has arrived. In this video gear guide, we feature six helmet options, seven jacket choices, and three vests to be worn over top of protective gear. High-Visibility Motorcycle Gear continues to grow in popularity as riders become more conscious of the dangers of riding. Hi-Viz gear is a great choice for the commuter, the urban rider and the long-distance tourer. Check out our picks for the top tier of hi-vis gear.

Hi-Viz Motorcycle helmets are available from many brands with that number growing as each wave of helmets comes is released. Our favorites come from Nolan, Arai, Icon and Scorpion. There are modular options, such as the Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer and the Nolan N43 Helmet, in addition to a dual sport choice in the Arai XD-3 helmet. Two touring choices, the standout Arai RX-Q and the Arai Vector, and one sport helmet designed for riding in the tucked position, the Icon Alliance Hi-Viz, rounds out our picks for the best hi-viz helmets.

The best-selling full hi-viz Olympia Airglide 3 jacket is our first choice for hi-viz motorcycle jackets. The Airglide 3 is available in two high-visibility options, a full neon yellow construction and the "toxic" version which is hi-viz yellow with fire red accents. The outer shell is constructed from 500D Dupont Cordura with ballistic mesh panels to flow air in hot weather. The jacket also features a two-stage built-in liner jacket; the outer layer is waterproof and breathable while the inner layer is Thermolite insulated. These windbreakers can be worn together or individually inside or without the outer shell providing a great deal of versatility and bang for the buck in this hi-viz choice.

The REV'IT! Dragon Jacket in black & neon yellow is our bestselling hi-viz accented jacket. Offering a more subtle high-visibility option, the Dragon has four-season versatility that will truly shine in Fall-Winter-Spring riding. The waterproof breathability in the Dragon is found in the detachable Hydratex liner jacket that can also be zipped out and worn as a standalone destination layer. Under that layer is another detachable thermal liner for added wintertime insulation. With a brawny 750D PWRShell construction, 1000D Cordura reinforcements and Knox CE protection in shoulders and elbows, the REV'IT! Dragon does all everything you'd expect from an all-season all-weather jacket:
keep you warm, dry, and protected no matter what the conditions.

The Olympia AST Jacket and Firstgear Kilimanjaro Jacket are also great options for four-season touring. They are both 3/4 length with waterproof breathable membranes built into the outer shells. For this reason, we see this as an excellent option for the rider in the Pacific Northwest where it stays cool most of the year and you see heavy precipitation. There are several large ventilation panels on both jackets and each has a removable thermal standalone liner jacket. With the vents open and the liner out you will get some good ventilation; it just won't flow as much air as gear with removable waterproof breathability. Olympia pioneered hi-viz motorcycle apparel and Firstgear isn't far behind as their R&D catches up.

The Firstgear Rush Mesh jacket and the Dainese Shotgun jacket are going to be the ideal hot weather hi-viz options in this guide. The Rush Mesh has a full-sleeved water-resistant windblocking liner that can be removed when the mercury rises; couple this with the 250D polymesh outer shell and you will have plenty of airflow and visibility in extremely hot conditions. The Dainese Shotgun jacket is arguably the most stylish of the entire lineup with Dainese claiming that you will not find a more comfortable summer jacket on the market. With stretch fabric and tons of mesh paneling, including 3D mesh that creates air channels for added flow, you will absolutely be comfortable and cool wearing this in the summertime.

The brawniest of our hi-viz motorcycle jackets is the Olympia X-Moto jacket, an all-season all-weather beast of a jacket that we've featured in several of our guides as a top pick for extreme ADV touring. The jacket features a sporty two-stage waterproof breathable liner that acts as a standalone destination layer within which is a removable Thermolite inner liner. With a hefty exterior constructed of Cordura including 2000D reinforcements and CE rated armor, you have all the protection you need for touring or dual sporting. There is also a removable integrated hydration bladder and an zip-off expandable storage pocket on the lower back. The Olympia X-Moto: excellent versatility,
high-visibility and built for all-season all-weather adventure riding.

If you don't want to buy an entirely new jacket but need to be seen when you're on the bike, there are three great hi-viz motorcycle vest options. The Olympia Nova Vest, available in neon red and yellow options, has a good deal of adjustability to fit over your motorcycle jacket in addition to mil-spec brightness and a see-through ID chest pocket. Two Icon vests round out our lineup: the Icon Mil Spec Mesh Vest and the Icon Mil Spec Field Armor vest. The Mil Spec Mesh vest has a removable ID holder with multiple reflective panels throughout and is a stylish choice to zip over your jacket. The Mil Spec Field Armor vest provides both high-visibility and added protection with the impact-absorbing
plastic back armor and reinforced rubber chest armor.

These are our picks for the best of the best in Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear. There are helmets, jackets and vests to choose from for the maximum level of visibility and safety when you're on the road.

-RetroZilla

Related:

Scorpion EXO-900 Hi-Viz
Fall 2010 Icon Alliance Helmet
New Motorcycle Gear August 2010
Icon Jackets Fall 2010