Well, with the unseasonal heat of the last few weeks it’s been time to put the winter riding gear away and drag out the ventilated jacket. I’ve had a mixed run with summer riding gear, selling my DriRider Climate Control jacket early last summer when it proved to be a) Not waterproof when it claimed it was and b) Equipped with third-world quality zippers.
I replaced it with a run-out Joe Rocket Phoenix IV jacket. Fully ventilated with a zip-out rain lining, it really has proved to be the duck’s guts. It’s got all the features I need and some I don’t. Two external pockets (not waterproof) and 2 internal ones that are. One of the internal pockets doubles as a pouch for your .mp3 player and has a plastic grommet in the top for the audio cable and another in the outside of the jacket to allow the cable to exit the jacket on the way to your ears.
The other internal pocket is quite large, though long and skinny and it took me a while to figure out what it’s for, that is until I read the little label on the top of it. It’s designed so that you can carry a spare visor. Very clever.
Sleeves have three-way adjustable tabs and press studs so that you can make them as narrow as you need to to avoid having them flap about (suits me great as I have fairly thin arms and wrists) and the armour is the better quality sort of stuff. The waist band is also adjustable by way of velcro tabs.
My only grouch is that the wrist closure is a velcro tab rather than a press-stud one and this sometimes comes undone while riding, necessitating some adjustments either on the run if it’s the right one or stopping if it’s the left one.
I’m very happy with the quality of the jacket. No seams have come undone and despite a whole season’s wear, it still looks and fits like new. I’m guessing that JR is up to a Phoenix V or VI by now, but you could do worse than look at one if you’re in the market for a summer jacket.
sanoptic says
You should wear what most riders do in my area in hot weather….T-shirt ,shorts; thongs but they do have a helmet on.
No just kidding ..
Joe Rocket is a good brand for motorcycle gear ,your jacket looks good & works as intended.
I still wear a 20 year old Dainese Textile jacket in summer but its more like shower proof these days.Still fits too which is amazing as I’ve put on a few kgs since i turned 50 a few years ago,must have stretched in sympathy..LOL
seeya
Phil Hall says
Funny about that, I’m finding the same with my riding gear!!!