The brand new Olympia Switchback Jacket fills in a void in the lineup here at RevZilla.com, the likes of which we haven't seen in several years. Olympia, seeing the need for a product of its ilk, has come out with the Switchback, which is an iteration on the Bonneville from years past. The Switchback is a huge progression forward, from a style and function standpoint, from the Bonneville, and offers riders a multi-season all-weather-conditions jacket option. Also available as the Olympia Switchback Ladies Jacket, these two will shine when the weather is warm, but offer the versatility of a removable waterproof breathable liner for when the warmer weather turns foul. We are very excited about this product for the 2012 riding season.
The shell of the Switchback is 500D Cordura with ballistic airflow mesh paneling. The Cordura will provide excellent abrasion resistance while the ballistic airflow mesh will create the type of ventilation for which this jacket will become known. Beneath this is the standalone waterproof breathable liner, which is made of ripstop nylon and can be worn on its own when you're off the bike. We're happy to see Olympia take some steps forward with the finishing touches on this jacket, such as the finished high collar which uses soft moisture-wicking materials for comfort either with the liner in or out. The internal lining of the shell is a cool mesh material that will keep you comfortable all day long. The collar of the shell uses neoprene for comfort against your neck.
For protection, there is CE rated Motion Flex armor at the shoulders and elbows, in addition to a CE rated Motion Flex back protector (a nice upgrade to come standard). The Olympia Custom Fit system offers flexibility of adjustment at the collar, cuffs, elbows and waist, making this a great option for riders of all sizes. This jacket features three storage pockets along with an internal pocket designed for cell phone storage. There is 3M Scotchlite reflective paneling at the front, back and sides, ensuring visibility in nighttime riding situations. In addition to an 8" connection zipper to pair the Switchback up with your favorite Olympia pants, there are also jeans loops to keep it from flapping around when you're choosing to ride in denim.
That rounds out the feature set of the Switchback. While the ladies version reminds mostly the same (with obvious changes to cut, contour and style), check out our Olympia Switchback Womens Jacket Review:
Spidi has just recently just come out with their Spidi Voyager 2 H2Out Jacket and Spidi Voyager H2 H2Out Jacket. Spidi has been a well known brand amongst the moto community for the past several years and it's no surprise with their high quality and stylish products. If you are looking for a Textile Motorcycle Jacket, the Voyager 2 and the Voyager H2 are excellent options.
As you would guess, with its textile composition, the Voyager 2 is a three-season cold weather jacket meant to keep you comfortably warm during the harshest of weather. The main warmth component in the jacket is the 250 gram removable thermal liner making it the warmest textile jacket in the Spidi lineup. The H2Out waterproof breathable liner is built into the outer liner that way no matter how moist it is outside, you'll stay comfortably dry.
Spidi uses their proprietary Tenax shell which has high abrasion resistance and is very durable. There are Tenax Flex panels in high mobility areas for ease of motion. Protection wise, Spidi has equipped the Voyager 2 with Forcetech armor, its best armor used in the top-end jackets in their lineup. Just like most of Spidi's jackets, the Voyager 2 has a Euro-cut fit to it meaning you'll have to purchase it in a size larger than your American jacket size. The jacket does also come with removable groin straps to prevent it from falling off in the event of a crash.
Also here's the Spidi Voyager H2 H2Out Jacket Review briefly breaking down the colorway features since it comes with the same features as the Voyager 2:
For similar options, please view our Motorcycle Jackets page at RevZilla.com.
Spidi has just lately come out with a line of new jackets, including the Spidi Venture H2Out Jacket. Over the years, Spidi has increasingly become a household name amongst motorcyclists everywhere and it's not surprising with their quality engineering and distinct taste in looks. For those looking for a multi-season Textile Motorcycle Jacket, the Venture H2Out is a prime option.
The Venture H2Out runs a size small with it's Euro-cut fit, so it's strongly recommended you buy it in a size larger than your usual American size. The Venture is a four-season jacket, so whether you need something to keep you comfortably warm in the winter, or perforated during the summer, this jacket provides it all. The outer shell is comprised of Tenax textile which is Spidi's proprietary high denier outer shell as well as Tenax Flex used in areas which require flexibility. There are vents located on the shoulders, arms, and back to help you breathe during the warmer weather.
The key that makes this jacket usable for all four seasons is the fact that it comes with 2 liners: a removable stand alone H2Out waterproof breathable liner and a 200 gram insulated thermal liner. This jacket like most of Spidi's high end jackets does come with Spidi Forcetech CE Rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, and you can upgrade to the Warrior Chest and CE rated Warrior Back Protector for added safety. Additionally, Spidi has included groin straps in the Venture H2Out to prevent the jacket from being jarred out of place in the unfortunate event of a crash.
Overall, the Spidi Venture H2Out is a great option for those riders looking for a year round jacket with all its functionalities and extensive features.
To view similar options, please visit our Motorcycle Jackets page at RevZilla.com
Dainese has an absolute handle on their products when it comes to looks, protection, performance and safety. The brand new Dainese Philip Gore-Tex Jacket remains true to these principles, offering riders a new long-distance riding jacket that will perform in all weather conditions and multiple seasons. This jacket is primarily meant for touring riders with its lightweight nature, flexibility and long-distance comfort. The Philip is also available in a hi-viz version, something certain to appeal to tourers and commuters alike.
The protective features on the Phillip GTX include removable composite protectors certified to CE standards as well as a high-tenacity polyamide fabric shell, offering a high degree of abrasion resistance. The seller for this jacket though lies in all its comfort and flexibility features. This jacket vaunts a breathable waterproof Gore-Tex membrane bonded to the outer shell. The shell itself has a water repellence treatment to offer the lightest weight with quick drying time, working in conjunction with the Gore membrane. There are air intake vents on the chest for the warm months and a removable thermal liner for the cool months, along with adjustment at the sides, collar, and cuffs, the hem, and a jacket-pants fastening zip.
The Philip also features a pocket for a CE rated back protector and has strategic and stylish reflective panels for night visibility. Overall, this is one Dainese's top jackets when it comes to touring jackets and soon enough will be amongst fan favorites.
-Ka$hZilla
To view similar options, please visit our Dainese Jackets page at RevZilla.com
Dainese has a reputation of coming out with products that meet the highest standard of quality, in terms of protection, performance and comfort, and they always look great as well. This is all true of the brand new Dainese Gator EVO Gore-Tex Jacket. The Gator EVO is uniquely designed for long distance riding in all weather conditions (thanks to the Gore membrane) so whether you are going from San Fran to LA or NYC to Philly, this jacket will keep you comfortable the entire ride.
The Gator EVO is equipped with removable CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows. The shoulders also feature TPU inserts on the outside and the elbow armor gives great coverage down the forearm as well. Because this is a long distance commuting jacket, it is loaded with comfort features. The shell is a comfortable and very abrasion-resistant Cordura comfort material. It also vaunts elasticated inserts in FK fabric and ample adjustment straps located throughout the jacket. One of the factors setting it apart from the rest is the breathable waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, guaranteed for life to keep you dry. To keep you warm, there is a removable thermal liner with a removable double neck thermal lining. The jacket also has a convenient sleeve adjustment drawstring and air inlets on the shoulders. The main closure is protected by a storm hydraflap fastener to ensure waterproofing.
More features in the Gator EVO include pockets for a CE rated G1 or G2 back protector and a thorax chest protector along with ten outside pockets, two of them being waterproof. There is also aa jacket-trousers fastening system to connect motorcycle pants to your jacket. Overall, this jacket is basically the works and more when it comes to price, and further reinforces Dainese's brand name with its superior quality and sleek appearance.
Brand new for Fall 2011, the Dainese Electrum Textile Jacket is designed for the sport rider looking for a solid multi-season textile jacket with exceptional style that only Dainese can offer. An abrasion resistant shell with reinforcements in all the right areas, impact protectors, multiple modes of adjustment, and classic Italian color-blocking are what define the Dainese Electrum. Fitting right along the new Avro and Racing textile jackets, the Electrum is going to best suited for Spring and Fall riding, although the chest intakes help in the warmer weather, and the removable quilted thermal liner allow it to be stretched into parts of winter.
The outer shell is a durable high-tenacity polyamide fabric that will offer a solid amount of abrasion resistance but is also soft to the touch. At the shoulders and elbows, removable proprietary CE rated armor protects from impacts and the back features two pockets to allow an upgrade to a Dainese CE rated back protector. The chest features a pocket as well for the Thorax chest protector from Dainese. You can really trick this jacket out with a lot of protection to maximize your safety from impacts. Adjustability abounds in this jacket, with triple waist snaps, bicep, neck, and wrist adjusters. Elasticated inserts can be found in at the side of the torso and backs of the shoulders to allow for full mobility in the 3/4 or tucked position.
As mentioned previously, there are zip-open air intakes at the shoulders that give some decent airflow in the warmer times of the year. There is also a full-sleeved quilted thermal liner that is completely removable to truly allow functionality in a wide range of temperatures. The comfort mesh liner features a Sanitized® treatment to ensure that no bacteria will build up. Strategically placed microflection (woven reflective paneling) can be found throughout to ensure visibility during nighttime rides. There is a 360ยบ zip for connection to a pair of Dainese textile pants, two outside pockets, an internal pocket, and an additional internal pocket on the removable thermal liner. The color blocking is phenomenal, as we've come to expect from Dainese.
One of the most popular Icon products and overall one of our bestselling sport textile jackets, the Icon Contra Jacket combines style, comfort, protection and performance at a reasonable price point. Extremely popular amongst the street and stunt riders, the Contra is built for aggressive riding in Spring-Summer-Fall conditions. CE armor, strategic mesh paneling, and an abrasion-resistant textile construction all come together to make this one of our rider-selected top picks for the sportbike crowd.
Starting with the shell of the Contra, you're looking at a durable nylon chassis that features ballistic nylon reinforcement panels in impact areas at the shoulders and elbows. In strategic areas such as mid-torso, upper chest and the edges of the back, you'll find Icon's fighter mesh panels. Fighter mesh is a tightly-woven fabric that provides a great deal of ventilation in addition to maintaining the abrasion resistant nature of this jacket. Turning the airflow off is easy thanks to the removable full-sleeved quilted thermal liner that will keep you warm on those chilly days in late Fall and early Spring. Accordion stretch panels can be found at the shoulders and backs of elbows, allowing a solid range of motion when getting in and out of the tuck or 3/4 position.
Internally, vulnerable areas are protected from impact by CE rated Icon field armor at the shoulders and elbows. The dual-density foam back pad boosts some back protection but can be upgraded to the Icon Stryker CE Back Protector for a next level of armor at the back. A key thing to note here is the Contra uses the Relaxed Icon fit. In some of their other pieces, like the Hooligan 2 or Overlord Textile, you'll find the attack fit which is a much more snug and aggressive fit designed to be ergonomic in the tuck. The Contra is more of a laid-back, accommodating fit designed for comfort over the course of an entire day of riding. Lastly, TPR inserts found throughout the jacket, across the chest and bicep, offer the classic Icon style we've come to know.
As with all of their pieces, Icon makes the Contra in a multitude of graphics that are constantly being updated with new seasons of gear releases. You can see some of them on the right side of this page, but be sure to visit RevZilla for all the graphic options. To see similar jackets, visit our Icon Textile Jackets and Textile Motorcycle Jackets pages.
The brand new Alpinestars Matrix Kevlar Jacket continue the trend of Alpinestars City Collection division, which produces protective motorcycle gear that is fashionable and subtle to the untrained eye. The Matrix Kevlar is a muted exterior shell with CE rated protection internally in impact areas; the armor can actually be completely removed if you're just wearing this jacket walking around town with no fear that people are going to punch you in the shoulders or elbows for no reason. Overall, this jacket will be solid on or off the bike.
The Matrix Kevlar's shell is a double PU coated cotton-based fabric: the cotton gives it an extremely supple feel while the PU coating provides resistance to foul weather and an added level of durability. At the shoulders and elbows, Alpinestars' proprietary CE rated Bioarmor provides the protection via lightweight and comfortable armor pieces. Added abrasion resistance comes via the internal addition of Kevlar reinforcements stitched in to the inner shoulders and elbows. AStars uses a soft knitted cotton at the collar and cuffs for comfort and subtle logo branding to maintain this jacket's extremely mellow vibe. YKK zippers throughout, with three external pockets and one internal pocket.
This jacket will match up great with a pair of jeans and is a great choice for city riding in our opinion. To see more choices, visit our Alpinestars Jackets and Textile Motorcycle Jackets sections.
