All of the style and performance elements native to Shift Racing gear go into the construction of their pro-level race suit. The Shift Vertex Race Suit will perform head-to-head with any similarly priced suit as it is loaded with features and functionality. Sacrificing nothing on the style side of the things, Shift is able to combine aggressive on-track performance and protection with flashy style and slick looks.
First and foremost, protection is obviously the most crucial element of any race suit, and the Shift Vertex Suit has that covered. Premium grain 1.2-1.4mm cowhide leather is used throughout the suit with double layer reinforcements in key areas. Shift's proprietary CE rated armor is used in the shoulders, elbows and knees, and it extends to the forearm and shin. There are replaceable TPU knee sliders and pocket in the back to upgrade to a CE rated back protector. The ventilated and aerodynamic back hump also provides additional protection. The wrist and ankle cuffs feature autolocking zippers that maintain closure and stay strong in the event of a get-off. And of course, the entirety of the suit is safety stitched.
Comfort and airflow are both important when it is 130º F on track and race days. With punctuated leather at the top of the chest and side of the torso, air scoops on the shoulders, and perforation all down the front and back of the suit, a nice current of air will flow through this suit when you're riding. Along the insides of each of arm, and in the crotch and inner thighs is Schoeller stretch Kevlar, a flexible abrasion-resistant fabric that will also flow air. The articulated race fit coupled with accordion stretch paneling above the knees, above the elbows, at the lower back and wrapped from the back of the shoulders under the armpits, allows for excellent movement and ergonomics in the racing position. The mesh liner in this suit is also removable and
washable. The suit also features a vented moisture-wicking Airprene comfort collar.
It's Shift, so of course there is a wildly stylized graphic version, the green-yellow featured in the video above, and the suit is also available in black-white and white-black options. Another great piece of gear from Shift Racing, who consistently put enormous attention to detail and functionality in their products.
The Shift Avenger Jacket is by far the most popular textile offering from Shift Racing in addition to being their overall bestselling jacket, period. There are multiple reasons for this. Shift's attention to style detail is a big factor; every garment they produce has its own unique fashion element to it. Shift's gear is also high-performance and offers all the necessary protective elements motorcycle gear needs to have. For a sport riding jacket that you can get multiple seasons out of, the Shift Avenger also has great bang for the buck.
Built on a durable and abrasion-resistant 600D poly fabric chassis, the Shift Avenger features proprietary CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows. There is also a 10mm foam back pad that can be upgraded to a CE back protector for added safety. Inset within the 600D chassis are strategically placed mesh panels, along each shoulder and down the mid-section and an exhaust at the top of the back of the neck. There are also rubberized air scoops on the shoulders so with the quilted thermal vest liner removed, you can flow plenty of air and stay cool in the hot weather. When it is chillier out, put the thermal vest in, add a base layer, and you can stretch the seasonality to the colder months of the year. Finally, Stylish rubberized Shift logos adorn the upper arm of each sleeve.
For comfort, the Avenger features accordion stretch panels on the backs of each elbow in addition to large panels that start at the back of the shoulder and wrap under the arm for extreme comfort in the riding position, with this jacket being cut and articulated for the 3/4 or tucked riding position. There is adjustability available at the waist and wrists to cinch the jacket down and get the ideal fit. The collar of the Avenger is lined with neoprene for comfort and to prevent bunching when in the attack position. Every zipper on this jacket is ergonomically designed for ease of use with a glove and the waistline features a connection zipper and jeans loop to attach to pants and keep the back of the jacket from flapping at speed. The Avenger is also available as the Shift Air Avenger Mesh Jacket, designed for mild to hot weather riding.
Shift is constantly coming out with wild graphical patters in addition to their standard solids so there really is a style of this jacket for everyone. It competes head-to-head with anything at this price point from a features, functionality and style standpoint. To see more, visit our Textile Motorcycle Jackets section.
The Shift Octane Leather Jacket is one of the most popular sport and street track-legal offerings from Shift Racing. It competes only with the Shift Vertex Leather Jacket in terms of features and functionality in their lineup. Available in a matte black finish only, it is the perfect jacket for tearing through the streets, hanging out at bike night, or adding a CE back protector, pairing up with track pants, and hitting the circuit. However you choose to utilize this jacket, you will be protected and stylish burning it up on your sportbike.
Utilizing Shift's proprietary CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, and premium grain 1.2-1.4mm leather, the Octane provides the highest level of protection from impact and abrasion. Included with the jacket is a 10mm foam back pad, that can be upgraded to a CE rated protector for added armor. There are also external foam injections along the back and dual layer leather in impact areas for added protection. The ventilation scheme is solid in the Octane with perforated leather at the top of the chest, thermoplastic rubber protected leather punctuation in the mid-torso, zippered shoulder intake vents with perforation at the top of the back and zippered exhaust vents at the mid-back. There are also Kormax stretch Aramid panels along the insides of each arm. These will flow a bit of air at speed but function mainly to facilitate an array of arm sizes. Another nice feature is the removable full-sleeve thermal liner that can be used on colder rides.
Comfort is a standout feature of the Octane as well. Beyond the Kormax stretch on the inner arms, there are accordion stretch panels on the backs of the elbows and panels at the backs of the shoulders that wrap under the arms. This is extremely helpful for riding in the aggressive attack position to allow for unrestricted ergonomic movement. There are also vented Airprene inserts in the collar to keep your neck cool and comfortable. There is also a ballistic nylon panel inserted at the front waist of the jacket that easily folds over in the tuck for comfort. All the zipper pulls are ergonomic for easy use with gloves on, and the wrist zips are auto-locking meaning that when they are folded down there is simply no way to open up the cuff. Subtle reflective piping will keep you visible during nighttime rides.
Another great leather option in the Shift lineup, the Octane is comfortable, versatile, protective, and stylish as hell. To see more, visit our Leather Motorcycle Jackets page at RevZilla.com.
Two leather jackets from Shift for today's review, the Shift Vendetta Leather Jacket and the Shift Vantage Leather Jacket. The Vendetta is a completely perforated warm to hot weather riding jacket while the Vantage is a classic leather, with subtle style and full motorcycle functionality. We feel strongly about the Shift Racing line of product and think they are a great fit for the street and sportbike rider, offering exceptional protective elements and overall functionality with excellent attention to styling detail.
The Vendetta is built for the rider in a hot weather climate or the motorcyclist looking for a solid hot weather jacket. At its core, the Vendetta is premium grain 1.2-1.4mm throughout the jacket with a full perforation scheme. This means enormous quantities of air flowing on the bike. The leather is also dual-layered in all impact areas for protection. Combine that with the CE rated shoulder and elbow armor, with a back pad upgradeable to CE protection and you've definitely got the safety elements in this jacket covered. The articulation and design is definitely for the 3/4 or tucked riding position, and there is strategic reflective piping throughout for nighttime visibility. For added seasonality, there is a quilted thermal vest liner that can be zipped in for Fall and Spring riding.
The Shift Vantage Leather Jacket offers a sleek, subtle design for the rider not trying to be overly flashy on the road. Utilizing 1.2-1.4mm premium grain cowhide leather for abrasion resistance, the Vantage is available in a muted Matte Black option (shown at right) and the Dark Vintage finish shown in the video. The Vantage has CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows which can be removed if you so choose and a back pad that can be upgraded to a CE protector for added armor. There are zippered chest intake vents with a zippered rear exhaust vent for airflow. The Shift Vantage is articulated for the upright or 3/4 riding position. Lastly, the cuffs feature autolocking zippers that when in the "closed" position cannot be opened when there is wind rushing at you.
Two more great leather choices from Shift Racing, built for the street rider. To see our full selection, visit our Leather Motorcycle Jackets page.
Relatively new on our radar at RevZilla.com, it hasn't taken long for Shift Racing to seriously impress us with their street and race gear. The top of their racing lineup, the Shift Vertex Leather Jacket, maintains their attention to style details combined with technologies that provide serious motorcycle protection. The Vertex is essentially the top half of a two-piece race suit, built in the same style as the Shift Vertex Race Suit, a one-piece track suit. The Vertex Jacket also pairs up well with the track-ready Shift Vertex Gloves, full gauntlet race-legal gloves.
The Shift Vertex Jacket features premium 1.2-1.4mm perforated and non-perforated cowhide leather for abrasion-resistance and airflow. There is CE rated shoulder and elbow protection that can be removed if you so desire, and a foam back pad that can be upgraded to CE Rated protection for serious track and street riding. The aerodynamic back hump features intake ventilation and exhaust ventilation to keep the air flowing when in the tuck position and also assists with stability and added protection. Along the inside of the arms, there is KorMax stretch Aramid paneling that allows for stretch and flexibility, and also flows air. At the backs of the elbows and shoulders, Shift utilized leather accordion stretch paneling to maintain comfort in aggressive riding conditions.
In addition all the perforation discussed previously, there are also two air scoops at the shoulder that will help channel air through the jacket. Every seam on the Vertex is safety stitched, meaning there is no fear that the seams will come apart in a slide situation. There is also temperfoam padding in strategic impact areas to further the armor. The cuffs feature AutoLock zippers that can not be opened when in the closed position, which is a safety and convenience feature. The collar features vented airprene comfort inserts which hug snugly to the neck and are extremely comfortable. For cold weather versatility, the Vertex has a completely removable and washable quilted thermal vest liner. And for track functionality, there is a 360º pants-connection zipper and a short zip and jeans loop for convenience.
We're extremely excited to have the Shift line as part of our offering at RevZilla and with each new piece of gear we see of theirs, we have been steadily impressed. Check out similar jackets in our Leather Motorcycle Jackets section.
We've said it before but we can't emphasize it enough: we are extremely impressed with what Shift Racing does from a style standpoint. And the fact that they are able to integrate serious protective elements into their gear really puts the pressure on their competitors to up their game. With the full high-top Shift Kicker Shoes and the Shift Fuel Street Shoes, they have provided all sport riders out there with non-clunky protective riding shoes that really stand apart from the rest but are subtle and stylish enough that you can wear them around town under a pair of jeans without anyone knowing you've got protective moto gear on.
The Shift Fuel Street Shoe is the bestselling item from Shift, period. Staying true to the Shift theme, the Fuel is a great looking riding shoe that offers tremendous value at the $99 price point. At first glance, you'd think it was a sneaker, but the Fuel has all the protective and performance elements of a motorcycle shoe. The outer construction is a mixture of split grain and synthetic leather while the interior is constructed of breathable wicking materials to allow your foot to breathe and not get clammy on long rides. The Speed-lace system, which is secured by an adjustable velcro strap, allows for quick and easy on and off by simply pulling the laces from the top eyelet. The low profile of the laces also helps to prevent getting snagged on your bike at all.
For protection, there is medial and lateral hard plastic ankle protection that will keep you safe from impact and offers abrasion resistance beyond the leather itself. The reinforced toe box protects the front of your foot while the injected rubber inserts atop the toe box aid in protection and grip when shifting. The molded and bonded polyurethane outsole provides a great deal of comfort and will allow you to walk in these shows all day when you get off the bike. Bringing to the table the perfect mix of comfort, style, and protection, the Shift Fuel Street Shoes are a bestseller for a reason.
Essentially the big brother to the Shift Fuels, the Shift Kicker Shoes provide style, comfort, and safety into a motorcycle riding shoe that could easily pass as a sneaker. With a full genuine and synthetic leather chassis, multiple protective and reinforcement elements, and a load of creature comforts, the Shift Kickers will quickly become your favorite riding shoes. Upgrading from the standard adjustable velcro lace cover, the Kicker uses a ratcheting alloy buckle closure system to protect the laces and provide a secure fit. The laces themselves are the Shift Speed-lace system that allows for quick tightening, easy on/off, and their low profile protected by covers significantly reduce the chance of getting them caught on any parts of the bike.
For safety, there is hard plastic medial and lateral ankle protection, a reinforced midsole for strength on the pegs, a reinforced toe box, and an extremely subtle injected rubber patch over the toe box for strength and grip while shifting. The sole is molded, bonded and non-slip for superior traction properties and exceptional resilience and comfort. Lastly, the interior of the shoe is breathable and moisture-wicking so on those long rides there is no chance of your foot getting unpleasantly clammy.
Shift Racing has just recently come into our lineup and we're super excited about what we're seeing so far. From their jackets to their gloves to their shoes, the attention to detail from both a stylistic and performance standpoint really is first-rate. Stay tuned for more about Shift as we roll out more video reviews. To see our full selection, visit our Motorcycle Riding Shoes section at RevZilla.com.
A relative newcomer to RevZilla, Shift Racing has already impressed us with the products they're putting out. Recently, we shot video reviews of a bunch of Shift gear that you can see over at RevZillaTV. In this post we'll be highlighting some new jacket offerings from Shift. One jacket is built for hot weather riding with some cooler weather versatility, the Shift Air Avenger Jacket; one is constructed for multi-season sport riding, the Shift Fuse Hybrid Jacket; and the last one is a waterproof option built for all-season and all-weather touring, the Shift Triton Storm Series Jacket.
Utilizing three premium grade mesh fabrics with variable levels of abrasion resistance and ventilating qualities, the Shift Air Avenger Jacket has been rebuilt from the ground up. The Air Avenger is a true summer-weight jacket that utilizes a full-sleeved removable quilted thermal liner with an extended collar to stretch the seasonality through Spring and Fall. The first thing that jumps out about Shift gear is their extremely unique styling; their slick designs are daring and resemble nothing we've seen in the industry. The Air Avenger has medium-gauge mesh in the mid-chest and back, thicker mesh in areas that are more prone to contact with the ground, and wider mesh to flow the most air in regions that have limited chance of impact. The Air Avenger
also utilizes thermoplastic rubberized vents and logos to
keep even more air flowing.
For protection, the removable CE rated shoulder and elbow armor is complemented by molded external padding down the front of the chest and the back. The back features a pocket for a CE rated back protector to boost the protective elements of the Air Avenger. It also has ballistic nylon reinforcements in impact areas to further the abrasion resistance. The Air Avenger is articulated for riding in the sport position, has strategic reflective paneling for increased night visibility, and ergonomic zipper pulls for convenience. Custom fit is achieved through the waist and wrist adjustability while the internal chest pocket allows you to keep your precious valuables close to you. Overall, we think this is a great bang-for-the-buck product from Shift.
The forward-thinking Shift Fuse Hybrid Jacket utilizes a mix of leather and textile to create a garment that is extremely abrasion resistant and protective (leather) but also lightweight (textile). 1.2-1.4mm premium grain leather exists on the shoulders, elbows and back in all major impact areas to provide utmost abrasion resistance. The rest of the coat is a full textile construction to keep the weight of the jacket low and comfort levels high. The jacket is articulated to be comfortable when you're in a sport riding position and accordion stretch panels in critical areas add to this comfort. There is also adjustability at the side waist to customize the snugness of the jacket.
CE rated shoulder and elbow armor keeps you protected with the option of adding a CE rated back protector to the built-in integrated pocket. In crucial areas, the leather is actually double layered to increase the protection and down the back, you'll find leather-wrapped molded back pads to further the protection. The removable quilted thermal vest liner helps to extend the seasonality of this jacket while the neoprene paneling in the neck adds to the creature comforts. Again, the style of this jacket is completely unique and sets it apart from other sportbike and stunt specific gear that we've seen thus far.
Brand new for 2010, the Shift Triton Storm Series Jacket represents one of Shift Racing's all-season all-weather touring jackets. Built upon a 600D polyester shell with ballistic nylon reinforcements in impact areas, the Triton utilizes a waterproof seam-sealed mid-liner to keep you completely dry through all precipitation conditions. Waterproof zippers and zipper vents further the waterproofing of the Triton. For all-season warmth, there is a removable full-sleeved quilted thermal liner which can be taken out when the mercury rises, combining with the zippered intake and exhaust vents to keep you cool in hot weather. Removable CE rated shoulder and elbow armor and a pocket for a CE back protector fortify against impact and
are further aided by the injected foam pads on the back of the jacket.
The Triton is an articulated touring fit with adjustability in the forearm, bicep, waist and wrist to maintain a comfortable tailored fit. Reflective piping is added to multiple seams for night-time visibility and every zipper pull is built for ergonomics and ease of use with gloves on. There is also accordion stretch paneling in high-flex zones to maintain comfort and pliancy when hitting the riding position. Finally, a short connection zip and a jeans loop will allow this jacket to seamlessly connect to a pair of pants. An all-around great four-season jacket at the right price point.
Stay tuned for more reviews of Shift Racing products. We're pleased to bring them into our lineup at RevZilla.com and are extremely happy with what we've seen from them so far. Check out all of our Motorcycle Jackets to compare and contrast.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of year again. The time when every motorcycle gear manufacturer starts unveiling a litany of new product. So consider this the first round of goodies with products from REV'IT!, Arai, Icon, Pirelli, in addition to new lines we're stocking: Gerbing's Heated Motorcycle Gear, Shift Racing, Fox Racing, Piaa Lights, and BMC Filters. Check out the video that goes through all of the new products.
We're stoked about this first wave of new product. The brand new REV'IT! GORE-TEX gear is going to be an absolute home run for every serious ADV and Sport Touring rider out there. We think that the REV'IT! Defender GTX Jacket & Defender GTX Pants will be the cornerstone of this lineup. Beyond that, we're thrilled that Arai dropped hi-vis versions of two of their most popular helmets, the Arai RX-Q and the Arai XD-3, for the safety-conscious motorcyclist. Icon comes in with the brand new line of Alliance helmets, with the Icon Alliance Speedmetal and Icon Alliance Hi-Viz being our first glimpse of their new lineup at RevZilla.com.
Gerbing's Heated Motorcycle Gear, a manufacturer for the military, will be getting the full RevZilla video treatment in the very near future so consider this a sneak preview but you can expect much more from us on this game-changing line of heated motorcycle apparel. We have a full stock of Pirelli Angel tires, Shift Racing & Fox Racing sportbike and motocross gear, best-in-class Piaa Lights, and the top of the line BMC Air Filters.
We're always excited for this time of year when all the new product gets rolled out. And we're thrilled to share it with you! Check out all of the new August Motorcycle Gear at RevZilla.com
