Monday, January 10

Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit Review

We had the opportunity last week to get our hands on some of the products from the brand new Teknic 2011 Gear lineup. We were extremely impressed by the level of features and functionality that Teknic is able to pack into their gear while keeping it reasonably priced. One standout from the new line is the Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit, loaded with features and constructed from the finest materials with extreme attention to detail. It is the only suit we currently stock under the $1000 price point that features Kangaroo leather construction. Kangaroo is sort of a big deal and has come to prominence recently based on the fact that it provides more strength, abrasion and tear resistance than cowhide yet it is 30% lighter. Check out our full video review below and don't miss the details on the rest of the feature set after the video.

Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit Review:



As I mentioned before, the big deal here is the Kangaroo construction, keeping you extremely protected but not weighing you down with the heft of cowhide. In terms of armor, the shoulder is protected using Teknic's proprietary Airblade system, a CE rated, replaceable armor system that features vents for airflow. It is backed by shock-absorbing foam to further the protective elements. In the elbow/forearm and knee/shin, you will find CE rated Knox Flexiform armor. Flexiform is Knox's newest armor construction and provides huge upgrades in comfort over previous iterations of their protection. Also, both the knee and elbow armor is a multi-position system meaning that you can adjust the placement of the armor for proper comfort and protection. The elbows also have external aluminum sliders for abrasion resistance in a get-off scenario. To add more protection to the suit, there are pockets in the chest, back, and hips to accommodate CE rated armor.

Further safety elements can be found in the stitching system and safety wrap system from Teknic. The TASC (Teknic Advanced Seam Construction) is used throughout the suit and is essentially multiple rows of safety stitching moved away from impact areas for maximum strength and tear resistance. The Safety Wrap System can be found in the seat, shoulders, elbows, knees, and behind the accordion stretch panel at the small of the back. These areas are dual layers of protection with cowhide panels added to the kangaroo for extraordinary abrasion resistance. A curtain of cowhide is used behind the lower back stretch panel for the same reason. Rounding out the safety elements are the GP spec Speedstar knee sliders, designed for extended puck life and maximum feel when interfacing with the tarmac.

For mobility, airflow and comfort, Stretch Kevlar is used in the inner arms with Stretch Cordura in the inner legs. This forms the Full Motion Arm and Leg System allowing the rider maximum motion and ergonomics when actively riding on the track. This couples with the strategically-placed accordion stretch panels to form a serious range of motion. Meanwhile, the race precurving in the knees and elbows, and the forward rotation of the arms and hips reduces fatigue and allows the body to naturally be in the race position. The Speed Hump is aerodynamic, flows air, and protects in the event of a crash. The suit features a huge perforation scheme for maximum airflow and YKK zippers are used throughout. Finally, the 3M Scotchgard treated mesh liner is moisture-wicking, antibacterial and non-allergenic.

What you're looking at here is a great deal of suit at a very reasonable price. We do a lot of race suit reviews, and this is one of those standout products that combines feature-rich construction and attention to detail at a price that won't break the bank. We're very impressed with the Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit.

To check out more options, visit our Motorcycle Race Suits section at RevZilla.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit Review
AGV Sport Laguna, Monza, Willow Race Suit Reviews
Shift Vertex Race Suit Review
Alpinestars Tech 1-R Race Suit Review

Friday, January 7

REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves Review

Designed to provide the highest level of protection from the worst of the elements, the brand new REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves will perform extraordinarily in Spring-Summer-Fall sport and adventure riding. REV'IT!'s teaming with Gore-Tex for their Fall 2010 line of gear was immensely popular across the board, and we think that this brand new glove will have the same impact in the riding community. Any time you can add the highest degree of waterproofing and breathability to the level of quality and engineering of a brand like REV'IT!, only good things come out of it.

Check out our REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves Review:



The REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves are a full goatskin outer shell for superb abrasion resistance, tactility, and lightweight construction. The entirety of the glove gets a WR finish, which gives the exterior water resistant properties that work in conjunction with the Gore-Tex membrane to keep the hand dry and comfortable at all times. The Gore-Tex X-trafit membrane is bonded to the outershell of the glove, which keeps the liner in place, ensuring the your hand will never pull out the liner with it when you take off the glove and that there is no chance of your hand getting wet even when it's downpouring outside. The palm of the Phantoms has multiple zones of goatskin reinforcemen, a Sure Grip panel across the upper palm and
inner thumb for resistance to wear in high-use areas, and EVA foam at the heel of the hand for vibration dampening. On the outside of the palm there is a dual comp palm slider, derived from REV'IT! race gloves, that will keep the side of the hand protected from impact but also allow the glove to slide in the event of a get-off. This works in conjunction with the goatskin reinforcements that wrap around the side of the hand and little finger for superior abrasion resistance. A TPU hard shell little finger protector acts in the same manner, allowing the hand to slide in the event of a crash. The PU injected finger knuckles and hard part main knuckle armor are all leather coated to maintain the sleek design of these gloves.

The Phantom GTX Gloves have elasticated panels at the backhand and mid-digitally to allow for proper movement and let the armor move with the hand when you're working the controls. There is laminated reflective paneling at the tips of the first two fingers, at the backhand, and at the outside of each wrist for maximum visibility. Rounding out, you've got elastication at the wrist alongside a velcro adjuster for a snug fit, and a single velcro cuff closure that is large enough to be worn outside the jacket but can be tightened and worn inside of the jacket if desired. Overall, REV'IT! has produced yet another winner for the sport and adventure riding community.

To see similar glove choices, visit our Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves section.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
REV'IT! Orion GTX Gloves Review
REV'IT! Bastion GTX Gloves Review
Alpinestars Fall 2010 Glove Reviews

REV'IT! Summit & REV'IT! Summit H2O Gloves Review

The new do-it-all three-season glove has arrived from REV'IT! in the form of the REV'IT! Summit Glove and REV'IT! Summit H2O Glove. Available in mens and womens specific sizings, the Summit has its sights set squarely on the sport touring rider. Stylish, protective, and extremely comfortable, the Summit is a high performance Spring-Summer-Fall glove. For added functionality, look to the Summit H2O for full waterproof breathability; it will make an excellent choice as a Spring-Summer-Fall wet weather riding glove.

Check out our REV'IT! Summit and REV'IT! Summit H2O Gloves Review:



Starting off with the regular Summit, which is also available as the REV'IT! Women's Summit Glove, this glove is a full goatskin outer construction for superior abrasion resistance. The palm features goatskin leather reinforcements in addition to a Schoeller-Keprotec panel both for grip and resistance to wear in high-use areas. Also featured on the palm is an EVA foam injected panel for vibration dampening. Along the outer side of the palm is a dual comp slider, a feature borrowed from REV'IT! race gloves, that operates both as abrasion resistant (it will slide on the ground in a get-off) and impact resistant (the honeycomb structure will crush and absorb and energy caused from impact). Moving along the side of the hand, there is full
leather reinforcement that wraps up the side of the hand and pinky, providing added protection from torsion. The pinky also has a TPU hard shell protector that will protect in a crash scenario, working with the dual comp slider to allow the glove to slide. On the back of the hand, leather coated PU injected finger knuckles and a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) main knuckle provide the armor. There is elasticated stretch paneling across the fingers and the backhand which allows the armor to move ergonomically when working the controls. Finally, there is elastication at the wrist with a velcro adjuster in addition to a large single velcro cuff closure. The cuff is medium sized and long enough to go either over or under a jacket.

The Summit H2O, which again is also available as the REV'IT! Women's Summit H2O Glove, features the exact same protective elements as the Summit as far as hard part armor is concerned. The difference between the two is that the Summit H2O is entirely waterproof breathable thanks to REV'IT!'s Hydratex Pro Touch membrane. This membrane is bonded to the inside of the goatskin outer shell, ensuring that no matter the conditions your hands will stay dry. The other key difference is that the backhand in the Summit H2O features PWRShell 500D Kevlar Stretch fabric rather than being completely goatskin. Finally, knowing that you'll oftentimes be riding in wet conditions while wearing the Summit H2O Gloves, there is a visor wiper on the left index finger for quick shield cleans and a suede patch on the inner thumb and index finger to wipe your face.

No matter which of these gloves better suits your application, either one is going to perform extremely well in the conditions it was designed to excel in. REV'IT! continues to take designs of the past, figure out their shortcomings, and make dramatic improvements in the next version. The Summit and Summit H2O are another representation of REV'IT's progress.

Check out more choices by visiting our Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves and Summer Motorcycle Gloves sections.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
Dainese Ricochet Gloves Review
REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves Review
REV'IT! Fly Gloves & REV'IT! Curb Gloves Review

Thursday, January 6

REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves Review

Coming in as the replacement to the REV'IT! GT Corse Gloves and thereby becoming second in command in the REV'IT! line of race gloves, the brand new for Spring 2011 REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves offer big upgrades in protection and performance over their predecessors. Built for the most aggressive of track riding and racing conditions, the Tarmac Gloves can be paired up with the REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit for one of the fastest (and slickest-looking) outfits on the race track.

Check out our REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves Review:



The big upgrade that the Tarmacs tout over the GT Corse is the addition of a dual compound slider to the outside of the palm. This is a feature of the pro-level REV'IT! Jerez Gloves and a much needed addition here. The dual comp slider is an aluminum plate that is set in a honeycomb packing and serves two purposes: the aluminum plate allows for abrasion resistance and assists in a slide, while the honeycomb absorbs all energy and offers excellent impact resistance. Beyond that, you're looking at a premium cowhide and goatskin construction with a tri-fleece liner. The backhand has a dual comp protector (another upgrade over the GT Corse), which is the aluminum knuckle protection set in a honeycomb baseplate that protects the
knuckles and back of the hand. The fingers are protected by TPU hard shell armor while the pinky has a TPU hard shell protector along the outside to work in conjunction with the dual comp slider to protect the outside of the hand. This is all double leather reinforced for abrasion resistance. There is also elasticated stretch at the fingers and backhand to allow for motion and keep the armor moving with the hand. Moving to the palm, you have double layer leather for abrasion resistance with foam padding at the heel of the hand for vibration dampening. A Schoeller Keprotec panel that extends from the top of the palm through the inner thumb provides wear resistance in the high-use control areas. The elasticated wrist has a velcro adjuster for the
snuggest and safest fit, and this adjuster is protected by a leather flap. The REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves have a double cuff closure system, the safest way for a race glove to close. PWR Gütermann yarn is used in every seam, an extremely high tensile strength thread that prevents any tearing. Finally, strategic perforation and punctuation keeps the air flowing and your hands cool and dry on the track.

Trumped only by the Jerez in the REV'IT! line of race gloves, the Tarmac should prove to be a big hit this season as folks pair it up with the brand new Tarmac Suit and the REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket.

To see other options, visit our Motorcycle Race Gloves section.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves Review
Alpinestars GP Pro Race Gloves Review
REV'IT! Jerez Gloves Review
Teknic Xcelerator Gloves Review

REV'IT! Raven Jacket, Pants & Gloves Review

The successor to the REV'IT! Allure Jacket and REV'IT! Marryl Pants, the brand new for Spring 2011 REV'IT! Raven Jacket and REV'IT! Raven Pants is the most aggressive women's-specific sport, street and track riding outfit in the REV'IT! line. Also brand new are the REV'IT! Raven Gloves, race-level gauntlets touting many of the same features as REV'IT! pro-level gloves.

Starting off, check out our REV'IT! Raven Jacket and Raven Pants Review:



Built to the curves and contours of a woman's shape, the REV'IT! Raven outfit is essentially a two-piece race suit that is designed by female riders for female riders. From the line of the outfit to the ladies-specific ProLife CE rated armor in the shoulders, elbows and knees, the entire garment suits a woman's outfitting needs to a tee. The shell is constructed of premium 1.2-1.4mm cowhide for exceptional abrasion resistance and has PWRShell 500D stretch fabric in the inner arms, along the torso, and in the crotch and inner legs, and down the backs of the calves for stretch, comfort and mobility. In addition to the aforementioned CE rated armor, there is a foam back pad that can be upgraded to CE level protection, and REV'IT!'s replaceable race-level dual compound knee sliders. The entire outfit is also safety stitched for tear resistance, and features double leather reinforcements in all impact areas.

Elasticated stretch panels above the elbows and knees allow for added mobility when in the tuck position, offering the highest level of ergonomics. There is adjustability in the waist of the jacket and the waist of the pants for the snuggest fit and there are 360 zips on both garments for full connectivity and track legality. As we've seen in a lot of REV'IT! product lately, the cuffs and collar feature moisture wicking neoprene comfort fabric to keep you cool and dry in aggressive and active riding conditions. The jacket also features slit pockets at the front for street riding when you need storage, an inner pocket for valuables, and a removable quilted thermal vest liner to warm you up with the mercury drops. The newest REV'IT! gear for aggressive track riding females looks great and will perform off the charts on the race track.


Next is our REV'IT! Raven Gloves Review:



Built for the highest degrees of comfort, performance and protection for the female track rider, the REV'IT! Raven Glove delivers on all fronts. A full cowhide and goatskin construction, protective elements like the leather-coated hard shell main knuckle protector and PU injected finger knuckles are spin-offs of REV'IT! race glove protection. Other armor, like the dual comp palm slider and TPU hard shell little finger protector, both designed for impact and abrasion resistance, are direct derivations from REV'IT! pro-level gloves. Strategic perforation and punctuation will keep your hand cool in active riding conditions while the externally stitched and pre-curved finger construction prevents any pressure points or fatigue that may result from
discomfort. At the palm, a Schoeller-Keprotec panel begins at the upper palm and wraps onto the inner thumb for resistance to wear in the high-use zones. There is also leather reinforcement at the palm with vibration dampening foam at the heel of the hand. The elastic at the wrist is complemented by a velcro adjuster strap that is protected by a leather panel and provides the snuggest and safest fit around the wrist. There are elasticated panels in the Raven Gloves on the fingers and at the backhand to allow for ease of motion and also to let the armor move with the glove when you're actively working the controls. The single velcro cuff closure is designed to be worn either inside or outside of the jacket depending on your preference.

Put this whole outfit together and you're ready for the most aggressive track days. REV'IT! delivers once more with a protective and performance outfit that doesn't sacrifice style.

To see other choices, visit our Women's Leather Motorcycle Jackets, Women's Leather Motorcycle Pants, and Women's Summer Motorcycle Gloves sections.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
REV'IT! Women's Ventura Jacket and Pants Review
REV'IT! Ladies Jacket Reviews
Alpinestars Stella Sigma Jacket Review

Wednesday, January 5

200 MPH on the Bonneville Salts Flat Recap w/ Jack Broomall at Martin Motorsports in PA

Hey, check this event out! Our friend Jack Broomall, who has taken us along on his rides to Alaska, the Isle of Man TT, and elsewhere is doing a Saturday, January 15th presentation on his experiences racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Jack holds Bonneville Land Speed Records in six different motorcycle classes and is a member of the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. Along with pics and videos he'll speak about racing on the salt, the record setting process, and the unusual selection of sick bikes (and cars too!) that have been drawn to the salt flats every summer for over 60 years. You'll also be able to check out his multi record setting Suzuki GSXR750. It sounds like there will be refreshments and some great door prizes too! Pretty cool way to spend a Saturday afternoon in mid winter.

All this goes down on Saturday, January 15th at 1:00PM at:

Martin Motorsports
567 Route 100 North
Boyertown, PA 19512
(Adjacent to the WalMart Supercenter)
610-369-3120

You can also learn more at


-TeamZilla

REV'IT! Tornado Jacket & Tornado Pants Review

REV'IT! was faced with a tough task with one particular piece in their lineup this year. How do you take a bombproof hot weather outfit and modify it to have even higher levels of functionality? The REV'IT! Turbine Jacket and Pants outfit is immensely popular amongst riders seeking the breathability of mesh without sacrificing protective elements (and don't fret, it's still staying in the lineup). So REV'IT! said, why not borrow elements of the Turbine, but also add waterproof breathability and thermal qualities to stretch the seasonality? Out comes the REV'IT! Tornado Jacket and REV'IT! Tornado Pants, with arguably the most mesh of anything in the REV'IT! lineup and the added bonus of waterproofing. That's forward-thinking.

Watch our REV'IT! Tornado Jacket and Pants Review:



First off, this outfit is also available as the REV'IT! Women's Tornado Jacket and REV'IT! Women's Tornado Pants, with fit specific to a woman's curves and contours. That said, the Tornado is able to flow so much air not only by the size of the mesh panels, but by the size of the mesh weave itself. Both jacket and pants use PWRShell Mesh, a wider gauge mesh designed to allow more air in and exhaust more air out the back for supreme levels of airflow. So with the 2-in-1 liner system out, you won't find a better weapon against the sweltering nature of the summer months. Moving on to the liner, it is REV'IT's brand new 2-in-1 thermal liner and waterproof breathable membrane system, designed to keep you warm but also protected from all forms
of precipitation. It is also styled as a standalone destination layer and can be worn by itself as a windbreaker after the bike has been parked (the pants' liner, however, is not styled to be worn alone). All areas that are non-mesh in this outfit utilize 600D material for exceptional abrasion resistance. In the shoulder, elbow, and knee (which is height adjustable), there is CE Rated Knox Flexiform armor, Knox's brand new armor that is much more comfortable and ergonomic than previous versions of their armor. There is EVA foam padding in the hips and the foam back pad can be upgraded to the Knox TP2 CE Back Protector for added safety. Adding to the safety elements are the laminated reflective panels that can be found strategically placed throughout the garment for visibility.

There are also multiple comfort and ergonomic elements to this outfit. The collar is multi-adjustable and features a lockdown system to prevent flapping when riding with the collar open. It is also a moisture-wicking neoprene collar for maximum comfort levels around the neck when riding. There is elasticated stretch paneling above the elbows and above the knees for ease of motion as well. You've got multiple zones of adjustability in this outfit as well: at the waist and ankles in the pants, and at the cuffs, hips, and biceps in the jacket. Another great feature is the large entry zipper in the pants; both the liner and shell feature zippers on the inside of the leg that go all the way up to the thigh,
making getting them on and off extremely easy. With the liner out, they can even be worn as overpants. There is a connection zip on both jacket and pants to tie them together and make a full riding suit.

REV'IT! is constantly building upon designs and making improvements and changes where they see fit. The Tornado, an amalgamation of the Turbine, is another example of REV'IT!'s groundbreaking innovation.

Check out similar gear by visiting our Summer Motorcycle Gear section.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
REV'IT! Turbine Jacket & Pants Review
2010 Summer Motorcycle Gear Guide
Summer Touring Motorcycle Gear Guide

REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket Review

You take the REV'IT! Air Jacket, the best selling summerweight mesh jacket at RevZilla, and make it more aggressive for the sportbike crowd. What's born is the REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket, a sport leather inspired jacket that's built for those scorching days when it's just too hot for leather but you can't sacrifice any styling. Huge mesh panels and aggressive lines with serious attention to style is sure to keep all the sportbike riders out there happy in the hot weather with this brand new summer option from REV'IT!.

Check out our REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket Review:



The Tarmac Air is a 600D outershell with enormous PWRShell Mesh panels that will fly air through this jacket. Knox CE rated armor protects in the shoulders and elbows while the perforated EVA foam back pad can be upgraded to CE rated protector for even higher levels of safety. Where the mesh panels aren't, there is 600D abrasion resistant fabric in all impact regions. Multiple zones of adjustability, at the hips, the cuffs, and the biceps, allow you to cinch down for the perfect fit. The collar is also a 5-position adjustable closure system for snugness with a moisture wicking microfleece comfort collar topped by rolled leather. Elasticated stretch paneling above the elbows allows for ergonomics when in the sport riding position. Slit pockets
and inner pockets allow you to stow your valuables while you're on the road. Lastly, the Tarmac Air has a short connection zipper and a jeans loop for pants connectivity so the back of the jacket isn't flapping when you're at speed.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a better sportbike mesh jacket for scorching hot summertime riding. When it's time to hang up the leathers because it's just too damn hot outside, aggressive sport riders have a new staple jacket to turn to.

Check out more options by visiting our Summer Motorcycle Gear and Mesh Motorcycle Jackets pages.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit, Leather Jacket and Pants Review
REV'IT! Turbine Jacket and Pants Review
REV'IT! Ignition Jacket Review

Tuesday, January 4

REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit, Leather Jacket & Pants Review

Flying in as the replacement for the popular REV'IT! TT Race Suit, the brand new for Spring 2011 REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit boasts some big upgrades over its predecessor, including a lighter weight construction and a brand new Hydra Bag ready speed hump. The REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket and REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Pants also arrive as a two-piece race suit option or simply as a choice for aggressive street and sport riding. Beyond the technical upgrades, the styling is awesome as well (we think it looks like a superhero's race suit) so you'll be flying around the track in true fashion.

First up, check out our REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit Review:



Utilizing a premium X-lite cowhide construction, the first thing we noticed about the REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit is how remarkably lightweight it is. The size 50 worn by our model in the video weighs an astounding 13 pounds, so you certainly won't feel bogged down by this suit on the track. One shortcoming of the TT suit was the perf scheme; the Tarmac corrects that by added huge perforated and punctuated leather panels throughout the suit for high levels of airflow. Couple that with the PWRShell 500D Stretch panels along the inner arms, torso, crotch, and inner legs, designed for mobility and comfort but also to flow air, and you've got some serious cooling happening with this suit on. Further comfort is provided by the moisture wicking neoprene
comfort collar and cuffs that will keep you both cool and dry during active riding conditions. Ergonomically, beyond the PWRShell Stretch, there are elasticated panels at the shoulders, back, side of torso, elbows and knees to allow you maximum mobility when you're in the tuck on the track. The fitment is a snug race fit and all of these ergonomic features work together to prevent physical fatigue, crucial in active riding scenarios. Finally, the VCS Speed Hump now features a Hydra Bag ready system that can house a hydration unit and prevent dehydration on hot track days. It also has intake and exhaust vents to further the airflow. Moving into protective elements, ProLife CE rated armor is used in the shoulders, elbows, and knees, with foam hip padding
and an upgradeable foam back pad. Externally, dual comp protectors are on the shoulders and elbows; an aluminum plate for sliding welded to a honeycomb baseplate for impact protection. The knees feature replaceable dual compound knee sliders. The entirety of the suit is safety stitched using high tensile strength thread, and there are double leather reinforcements in the seat and other impact areas. YKK zippers are used throughout and autolocking zips are on the cuffs to maintain closure and strength in the event of a get-off. Lastly, the breathable mesh lining is fully removable and washable to keep the funk out of the suit. It'll be hard to find another pro-level race suit with this level of functionality, REV'IT's attention to detail, and their stunning visual designs.


Next, check out our REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket Review:



The top half of a two piece race suit, the REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket features all of the same performance and protective functionality of the Tarmac one-piece suit, but can be paired with the Tarmac pants for a customized fitting suit. Of course, it can also be worn for aggressive sport and street riding as well. The Tarmac Jacket also features adjustment straps at the waist for a snug fit and short and long connection zippers for pants-connectivity and track legality. Pockets are available on the outside if storage is a necessity, with inner pockets for your valuables. The Tarmac also has a removable quilted thermal vest liner to extend the temperature range.


Lastly, check out our REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Pants Review:



Essentially the bottom half of the Tarmac suit, the REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Pants are a premium 1.2-1.4mm cowhide construction and pair up with the Tarmac jacket to form a two-piece race suit, if sizing of a one-piece suit is an issue. They can also be worn for high performance in aggressive street and sport riding. The pants have adjustability at the waist to cinch them for a snug and safe fit in addition to a slit pocket if you need to store a valuable. There are very few other pants out there that will rival the Tarmacs level of functionality.

Another string of absolute home run products from REV'IT!, the new Tarmac line is going to put a lot of the competition on their heels as they try to catch up to what REV'IT! has done.

To see other suitable options, visit our Leather Motorcycle Jackets, Leather Motorcycle Pants, and Motorcycle Race Suits sections.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
Alpinestars Tech 1-R Race Suit Review
Dainese Delta Pro Leather Pants Review
REV'IT! Victory Race Suit Review

REV'IT! Womens Ventura Jacket & REV'IT! Ventura Pants Review

For all the hardcore adventure riding women out there, it's well-known that finding high-performance gear that isn't just a downsized version of a man's outfit is an arduous task. Sure, there is the REV'IT! Siren Jacket, billed as an all-weather ADV jacket, but in reality it's only going to perform well in Fall-Winter-Spring. And then of course there is the REV'IT! Sand or the REV'IT! Cayenne Pro, which are unisex sizing according to REV'IT! but can really prove challenging for a female to find her proper fit. This year, REV'IT! responded to the requests and produced the most bombproof ADV outfit the women's motorcycling community has seen to date. The REV'IT! Womens Ventura Jacket and REV'IT! Womens Ventura Pants will perform in all seasons
and all weather conditions and truly live up to the REV'IT! name.

Check out our full REV'IT! Ventura Jacket and REV'IT! Ventura Pants Review:



Starting with the shell, the Ventura is a 500D PWRShell construction for abrasion resistance with strategically placed PWRShell 500D Stretch fabric for comfort and ease of motion. Internally, ladies-specific ProLife CE rated armor is in the shoulder, elbow and knee (which is height adjustable), with a foam back pad that can be upgraded to a Knox TP2 CE Back Protector in addition to EVA foam hip padding. For seasonality, both jacket and pants feature detachable quilted thermal liners and detachable Hydratex waterproof breathable liners. With them in, you'll be protected from all forms of precipitation and your body will stay warm as the mercury drops. When it's hot and sunny out, simply take out both the liners, and pop open the
ventilation. The outer collar of the jacket is fully removable, and when taken off reveals a large Dynax mesh panel to flow air. The sleeve zippers are two-way, similar to the Sand except they extend higher for even more airflow, and there are additional intake vents at the upper legs and on each side of the torso. So, with the liners out and the vents open, you'll get solid airflow that will keep you cool in the summertime. For storage, there are two large dry cargo pockets on the jacket, two pockets on the pants, inner pockets for valuables, and a large rabbit pouch for storage of a liner.

The key to this outfit is the womens-specific nature of the design. REV'IT! utilized their Engineered Skin design, which is essentially garments created from many different panels of fabric that are ergonomically designed on a CAD machine. But to add to the specific curves and contours built into the outfit, REV'IT! added multiple zones of adjustability to accommodate the widest range of women's body shapes that they could. So you'll find adjustability at the hips, waist, cuffs, upper arms, waist (of pants) and ankles. So, with the stretch paneling and the hip/waist adjustments, in addition to the fact that this outfit is available in short, long and standard sizes, every female ADV rider should be covered. There is
stretch paneling in the Ventura above the knees and at the lower back, in addition to the backs of the elbows, for maximum comfort when riding. The removable collar also features a 5-way adjustable closure and a lockdown system so there will be no flapping when riding with the collar open. Laminated reflective panels are strategically placed for maximum visibility during night time rides. Both the jacket and pants feature short and long connection zippers to be paired up and make a full suit.

Female ADV riders everywhere are sure to be excited about the brand new REV'IT! Ventura Jacket and Pants. When we first heard that the rumors of this outfit were actually materializing, we knew that REV'IT! was finally going to deliver and fill a longstanding gap in their female product line. We hope that this starts a trend in the industry and more manufacturers start to realize how big a segment the female ADV community is.

To check out other options, visit REV'IT! 4-Season Gear.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
Cold Weather Women's Motorcycle Gear Guide
Firstgear TPG Monarch Jacket Review
Dainese Xantum D-Dry Jacket Review

Monday, January 3

REV'IT! Fly Gloves & REV'IT! Curb Gloves Review

Two new sport riding focused summertime gloves are going to be released from REV'IT! in Spring 2011 to complement the immensely popular REV'IT! Monster Gloves. The REV'IT! Fly Gloves provide excellent ventilation and safety features, while the REV'IT! Curb Gloves add upgraded protective elements for summertime rides. Of course, each of these gloves features slick design elements, as REV'IT! never sacrifices on style for the sport rider.

First up is our REV'IT! Fly Gloves Review:



The REV'IT! Fly Gloves feature a full goatskin and PU-coated cowhide exterior construction for the highest levels of abrasion resistance, but it is also fully perforated to flow the maximum amount of air on hot weather rides. The sleek design sets the REV'IT! Fly apart as the PU injected finger knuckle and main knuckle armor are completely leather wrapped to maintain the slick look of the glove. Elasticated stretch panels at the backhand and fingers allow for movement and let the armor move with the hand as you work the controls. The palm features a Schoeller-Keprotec panel that assists in preventing wearing down of the glove and also provides grip. For the price, you won't find many other gloves that feature the REV'IT! Fly Gloves in terms of
features, functionality and style for summertime sport riding.


Next is our REV'IT! Curb Gloves Review:



If you're looking to upgrade the protective elements of the REV'IT! Fly and REV'IT! Monster, the REV'IT! Curb Gloves will be your go-to summertime sport glove. Similar to the Fly, the Curb is a full goatskin and PU-coated cowhide construction. The perforation scheme is significantly scaled back to go along with the beefed-up protection. Both the main knuckle and finger knuckles are carbon fiber for exceptional impact protection, while the outside of the little finger is reinforced with leather and has a TPU hard shell protector. The palm features a dual comp slider, a protective element borrowed from REV'IT! race gloves. The rest of the palm is goatskin with Schoeller-Keprotec
paneling for wear resistance, EVA foam for vibration dampening, and cowhide reinforcements for abrasion resistance. The fingers are externally stitched, race-style, and pre-curved for comfort. There are multiple zones of double stitching throughout the glove for tear resistance and PWR|yarn is used throughout, an extremely high tensile strength thread. These gloves are simply the next level of functionality when it comes to hot weather sport and street riding. We think they're going to be an absolute home run in the sport riding and touring community for their go-to summer glove.

Check out other options by visiting our Summer Motorcycle Gloves section.

-RetroZilla

Related:
REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews
Dainese Ricochet Gloves Review
Icon Sub Gloves Review
Alpinestars S-MX 2 Gloves Review

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

Saturday, January 1

REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Reviews

Lets check out the REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear Overview:



REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket

The much anticipated line of REV'IT! Spring 2011 Gear is here and we've got HD video reviews for you. 15 videos in total that detail and break down 20 brand new pieces from REV'IT!. From the aggressive hot weather sport styling of the REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket to the multi-season all-weather hi-viz commuter-focused REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket (at right) all the way through the REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit, REV'IT! has addressed many holes in the lineup and come out with a seriously impressive run of new gear.

One outfit in particular that has a ton of hype surrounding it is the brand new REV'IT! Women's Ventura Jacket (at right)
REV'IT! Ventura Jacket
and REV'IT! Women's Ventura Pants. This is the first truly women-specific, in terms of cut and sizing, all-season all-weather Adventure Touring outfit. Take the REV'IT! Sand Jacket and REV'IT! Sand Pants, make it specific to ladies, and then increase the functionality and ventilation. Out comes the REV'IT! Ventura Jacket and Pants, sure to be an absolute home run amongst the hardcore adventuring female community.

Over the course of the next several days, we will be posting up our HD video gear reviews of all this new product in addition to blogs that will accompany them. For now, I'll quickly go through the new line with a couple brief notes about each new product.

REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit
First is the new REV'IT! Tarmac series. There is the REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit (at right), coming in to take the place of the REV'IT! TT Suit, the big upgrade here being the integration of a hydration-bag-ready speed hump. The liner system is now 3D bubble mesh, fully removable and washable, which creates a microclimate within the suit for temperature regulation and is a big step up over the standard mesh liner in the TT. It also comes in at a lower price point which is always nice. The REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket and REV'IT! Tarmac Pants are essentially the top and bottom halves of this suit and offer the versatility of varied sizing if the one-piece suit is a difficult fit for you. And of course, the jacket on its own can be paired with any race-level pants and vice versa with the Tarmac
REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket
Pants. The REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves are also brand new and complete the racing side of the Tarmac line. Consider the Tarmac Gloves the little brother to the REV'IT! Jerez Gloves, as they replace the REV'IT! GT Corse as the second in command in REV'IT!'s race glove offering. The Tarmac Gloves add dual compound aluminum/honeycomb armor to the back of the hand, essentially an aluminum plate for sliding set in a honeycomb backing for resistance to impact. They are definitely a forward step from the GT Corse gloves. Rounding out this portion of the line is the REV'IT! Tarmac Air Jacket (at right) which is essentially a REV'IT! Air Jacket on steroids, with beefier mesh, a shell
more abrasion-resistant than the Air, and more aggressive
styling for the sportbike rider.

REV'IT! Axis Pants
The next two products are designed with the commuter in mind and finally address some glaring holes in the REV'IT! lineup. The brand new REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket (pictured above) and REV'IT! Axis Pants are sure to be a smash hit with commuters for a number of reasons. The Energy Jacket finally delivers on the need for a completely hi-visibility all-season and all-weather jacket in the REV'IT! line. The Energy HV absolutely glows! The Axis pants, on the other hand, are an overpant designed exclusively with the commuter in mind, with extraordinarily fast on and off speed (our REV'IT! rep claims that it can be done in under thirty seconds, a feat you'll witness when that video is released). They also boast a 600D shell and adjustable CE
rated armor and reflective for visibility.

REV'IT! Tornado Jacket
The REV'IT! Tornado Jacket (at left) and REV'IT! Tornado Pants (below left) take the design of the REV'IT! Turbine Jacket and Turbine Pants to the next level. With more mesh than REV'IT! has ever utilized in a jacket and pant combo, the Tornado will flow more air while keeping you extremely well protected than anything else in the REV'IT! lineup (and probably on the market for that matter). Beyond the immense airflow, the most significant upgrade is the addition of a 2-in-1 liner system. The detachable liner is a standalone windbreaker that is waterproof breathable and features thermal insulating qualities.


REV'IT! Tornado Pants
The pants liner, though not designed to be worn alone, is also the 2-in-1 thermally insulated waterproof breathable liner system. So in reality, the only weather condition this outfit will not perform in is the dead cold of winter. Any other time of year through a wide temperature range and all precipitation, the Tornado will be a go-to option. Also available in a women-specific REV'IT! Women's Tornado Jacket and REV'IT! Women's Tornado Pants. This version will be cut and contoured to match the shape of a woman's body and designed for long-distance touring comfort.



REV'IT! Raven Jacket
REV'IT! put a lot of focus on women-specific gear this year,
noticing the glaring need in the industry for technical gear contoured for the shape and curves of women. For the sporty female rider, the REV'IT! Women's Raven Jacket (at right), REV'IT! Women's Raven Pants and REV'IT! Women's Raven Gloves give women a slick-looking sport and track riding combo. Designed by women riders for women riders, the curves and lines of this outfit are pre-shaped to fit a woman, unlike a lot of women's gear that is simply smaller versions of men's sizes. The jacket and pants both feature 360º zips, safety stitching, and ladies-specific armor and the jacket also has a removable thermal liner for colder riding. The REV'IT! Raven Gloves are a full gauntlet sport glove, with plenty of protection and armor for track riding.

REV'IT! Fly Gloves
In addition to the Tarmac and Raven Gloves, REV'IT! has also released five other gloves for Spring 2011. The REV'IT! Fly Gloves (at right) are a lightweight short cuff summertime sport riding glove a notch below the REV'IT! Monster Gloves in features and functionality. A step up from the Fly and Monsters would be the REV'IT! Curb Gloves, another lightweight summertime sport glove built for aggressive riding, that touts carbon fiber protection and a dual-compound aluminum and honeycomb palm slider. The REV'IT! Phantom GTX Gloves are a multi-season all-weather sport touring glove featuring a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane and hard shell protection. With protective elements borrowed from the Jerez race glove, the Phantom GTX gloves will get you through the
REV'IT! Summit H2O Gloves
worst of it. Finally, the REV'IT! Summit Gloves and REV'IT! Summit H2O Gloves are designed for multi-season sport touring with the H2O version providing the added versatility of complete waterproofing. Also available as the REV'IT! Women's Summit Gloves and REV'IT! Women's Summit H2O Gloves (at right), these gloves are stylish and work great as a do-it-all multi-season option.

I realize this is rather long-winded for a simple overview of the line, but there is a lot here. REV'IT! has taken giant strides forward this Spring, just like they did in the Fall with their Gore-Tex line. It will be interesting to see how the competition responds and what they've got in store for new Spring gear.

Stay tuned for video reviews and detailed blogs to go along with all of the new REV'IT! Gear.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Spring 2011 REV'IT! Gear Sneak Preview
REV'IT! Everest GTX Jacket & Pants Review
REV'IT! GTX Gore-Tex Gear Guide
REV'IT! Sand Jacket & Pants Review
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