Being girls, we probably spend more time SHOPPING for actual pieces of kit, than WEARING them.

Our MAIN priority, ofcourse, in preparing for our trans-africa trip, was our MATCHING OUTFITS!!

Three months. Day in and day out. The same outfit! Sweat, sand, rain and lots and lots of tears.

OMG - has such a thing even been INVENTED by modern man, let alone become available for mere mortals to put on our gold cards??

We set about with vigour and tried on various jackets, starting with the Harrod's league: Dianese, Alpinestars - working our way along to the M&S versions Bellstaff, Fieldsheer & Tourmaster the sporty ones - and finally the Primark specials: Akito & Buffalo.

IMAGINE our surprise, when we stumbled upon a little gem from Holland: Rev'it!

Both Jeanie and I could hear the angels sing "Haaa-leeee-luuuuu-jaaaa" as the comforting weight slid onto our shoulders: these jackets were in a different league altogether!!

We paid around £200 per jacket - not bad for three months worth of daily wear wardrobe!



We put a little review together - in case you're equally nuts about RESEARCHING things:


Craftmanship: 10/10
We've unzipped every zip, popped every stud, examined every stitch, pulled on every corner tab and flap and it is a work of perfection. Every layer of this jacket is put together to outlast Armageddon (or worse, two girls on bikes across Africa for 3 months!)
EVEN the tag ( a little plastic booklet that closes with a pop-stud) tells you that THIS is not just ANY garment… this is a REV'it Garment!

EXTREME Hot Weather Riding: 10/10
Peel off the two inner layers (which, incidentally, is a DODDLE and can be achieved with one hand, thanks to the chunky zips)
Open a MYRIAD of strategically placed, mesh backed VENTS (which, by the way, can also double as sexy little peep holes)
Unzip side panels, chest panels - leaving you with (very sexy) mesh panels that expose your skin to the wonderfully cool air - WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON PROTECTION, keeping armour in place.
Then - wait for this - STASH the unzipped panels in a handy pocket on the back… OMG!! These guys are phenominal!
EVEN BETTER - the entire OUTER layer is MACHINE WASHABLE!! Halleluja! We can actually wash off the stink, sweat and tears, without damaging anything!
PLUS - because its breathable and light - it DRIES very quickly too!
The ZIPS are all top quality smooth, sturdy zips - so putting everything back together again is a doddle.
The jacket is lined with a breathable mesh membrane, that feels… well, you can't really feel it - its fab!

COLD & WET Weather Riding 10/10
We tested these on a VERY chilly ride from Canterbury to London. Temperature outside was around 8 degrees. It felt like -8 on the bike.
Keeping ALL the layers in, this jacket zips up to ensconse you in a toasty warm cocoon.
The collar is well designed, meaning its not so IRRITATINGLY FIDDLY as other jackets tend to be - and is high enough to stop your neck from freezing.
The sleeves are thoroughly zipped in such a way, that there's NO WIND tunneling down your arm -
WITHOUT HAVING NAFF ELASTICATED CUFFS, that irritate you when you're trying to get your gloves on!

WARM Weather Riding: 10/10
The thermal inner layer unzips - and here's the beauty:
The waterproof membrane is SOOO light, you can keep it in, without building up too much heat… soooo, if it rains on your parade… you will STILL be dry!!
If it DOES get warmer - zip the waterproof membrane off, and stash it in the handly pockets at the back!
Eh Presto!

Protection 10/10
CE approved armour
Back padded protection
Integral kidney belt padding
Reflective strips for visibility

Fit 10/10
Being girls - this was obviously VERY important - and the jacket DID not disappoint!
Adjustable side belts: makes for more figure hugging fit
Adjustable sleeve widths
Adjustable cuffs (instead of the ELASTICATED cuffs so many brands have)
Adjustable collar

Design Genius: 11/10
It’s the MIND BLOWING attention to detail that puts this jacket in a league of its own:
1. The collar has a METAL, UNFIDDLY little hook, that allows you to hook the collar back when its unzipped.
WHICH not only avoids STUDLASH (riding along, being battered with a collar flapping in the wind) but ALSO avoiding collar-tips-in-your-latte-foam-syndrome (very, very uncool!).
2. Vents - are sealed with magic material that avoids water seeping in - but keeps the zips easily accessible. (sylicone like stuff)
3. Pockets - deep, FULLY WATERPROOF, UPSIDEDOWNPROOF pockets (for when your JACKET hangs upside down - not you!)
4. Detachable, fabric ZIP pulls. INGENIOUS! Makes zips easily done up with gloves - and replace them if they break after too much yanking.
5. Inside pockets - sewn into the lining - for mobile phones and gadgets

THE ONLY DOWNSIDE of these ADORABLE jackets, are that they sadly dont come in MAUVE. Or PINK!

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Thanks for the review, I was thinking about getting some of their gear.

Girls always pay such good attention to detail, (except for chain tension.)

Great review, I hope you are still singing their praises in 3 months time!

One question. Do they come with matching trousers? Otherwise you could end up committing some hideous fashion faux pas with non-coordinating trousers. I don't know about you, but I just couldn't live with myself if that was to happen. What about boots/a helmet that matches/non clashing underwear!?

Incidentally, I like the style of your review. The capitalisation makes me feel like I'm reading a tabloid rag. 'The LOVECHEAT was spending HOURS with highclass HOOKERS in hotels, FONDLING their CLA**ERS, while his wife and 4 kids stayed at home unable to afford BREAD!'

Happy Riding

Joel

On the road you will live in your riding jacket. Good luck and congrats on the
XT600's.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

hi there
i myself just bought the rev it airforce jacket and challenge pants
my friend tom and i are riding to russia this july so hopefully this gear will perform as good as it says
lee

In 3 months time we will be back from a 3 week ride covering some of the Kalahari and Namib deserts... so we would definteily be able to comment then on hot weather...

OFCOURSE we've bought the MATCHING trousers! We wouldn't DREAM of travelling with NON-MATCHING clothing!

Our boots and helmets are co-ordinated with our BIKES - adds an element of.. aesthetic balance, would you agree?

Er... why am I not sure whether I should feel CHUFFED, or HUFFED about this comment, Joel??

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MollyDog - [admiring sigh] As always you are the voice of reason and temperance - you are such an asset to these forums (and to us!)

Yes, they are not MADE in Holland... they are only DESIGNED and QUALITY CHECKED by the Dutch. Which is really what matters, I think.

As for jackets we've missed out on - I've glanced over the actual list originally - but have corrected it, for the sake of a fair review. And, indeed, we have NOT tried Ruka's. I've never seen them in the flesh (or fabric?)

Your other comments are extremely helpful - I'll definitely elaborate on the review once we've got more miles on the jackets (and trousers by the way).

M

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Not to rain on anyones party, but this may be a cheaper alternative?

If my calculations are right the Rev it, costs about US$394.00 and the jacket below resales for $149.00 and seems very similar to the Rev it but with less style maybe.




Intake Jacket by Tourmaster/Cortec


• Armor-Link Mesh material and 600 Denier Carbolex® combine with 1680 Denier Ballistic Polyester in the impact areas creating a well-ventilated garment that provides exceptional protection.
• Comfortable, mandarin-style collar.
• 360° Phoslite® reflective piping and Tour Master´s signature reflective rear triangle help increase nighttime visibility.
• The Microfiber lined collar and cuffs are soft yet durable.
• Adjustable, elastic and snap sleeve take-up straps at the forearm and bicep help secure elbow armor and material.
• Removable, CE Approved armor at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated Triple Density back protector
• Includes Tour Master´s removable, Two-Stage Aqua-Therm® liner. The first stage is a waterproof/windproof liner and the insulated second stage can be added for increased warmth.
• Zippered chest map pocket, hand warmer pockets, internal pouch pocket and mobile media pocket.
• Adjustable waist belts, with TPR pulls help fine tune the fit.
• Includes a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant side included.
• Available Mens colors: Black, Silver/Dk Silver, White/Dk Silver, Red/Silver, Blue/Silver
• Available Mens Tall colors: Black, Silver/Dk Silver
• Available Ladies colors: Black, Silver/Dk Silver, White/Dk Silver, Lt Blue/Silver
• Available Mens sizes:XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
• Available Mens Tall sizes: MT, LT, XLT, XXLT, XXXLT
• Available Ladies sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Tour Master :: Textile Jackets :: Intake Jacket

CruiserCustomizing Staff Pick: from: Tourmaster Intake Jacket (Mens Sizes)

Overall Rating: (5).
Reviewed on 10/21/06 by CruiserCustomizing Staff: BIG UWE (uwe999) from Livermore, CA for a 2004 Black/Silver Other Make/Model:

this is a phenomenal jacket, basically a 3-into-1 jacket that you can wear in a huge temperature range. Right now (October) in California it's 46 degrees when I ride to work. I have both liners zipped into the jacket and I stay nice a warm with just wearing a T-shirt underneath (on my Goldwing 1800). At lunch time it's 86 degrees and with both liners removed it's a great mesh jacket letting all the air go through. On the ride home at night it's 65 degrees and I have just the windproof liner zipped in, perfect. It has a lot of armor included and provides a snug fit. I have the white one. Very affordable, especially considering all the features. update Summer 2007: I wore my jacket during a ride in Switzerland. We got into heavy rain and I stayed dry and warm. 3 other employees wear this jacket as well: Kyle (red one), Eric (silver/black), Jerry (all black). If I had to settle for a single jacket that I had to wear year round, this would be it!


Then there is the Transition jacket by Tourmaster $169.00



• The Three Quarter Length 600 Denier Carbolex® and 600 Denier Ballistic Polyester shell incorporates reflective Phoslite® material panels for strength and increased nighttime visibility.
• A waterproof and breathable Rainguard® barrier allows dryness without perspiration buildup.
• Collar anchor snap eliminates flapping while collar is open.
• Waterproof zippered 3-position shoulder vents combine with chest vents, sleeve vents, rear exit vents and the Pipeline Ventilation System to provide flow-through ventilation.
• Durable 2-way main zipper closure with
dual wind flap seals out the elements.
• Wide reflective strip across the back and chest, reflective sleeve piping, Phoslite® material panels and Tour Master’s signature reflective rear triangle increase nighttime visibility.
• The Microfiber lined collar and cuffs are soft, yet durable.
• Adjustable sleeve take-up straps at the forearm and bicep help to secure elbow armor and material.
• Removable, CE Approved armor at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated triple density back protector.
• Tour Master’s Z.O.Q. (Zip-Out Quilted) Liner features warming 100 gm Polyfill insulation.
• Vertical zippered chest map pockets, zippered hand pockets with flap closure, internal media pocket, dual zippered fanny pack and sleeve key pocket.
• Adjustable waist belts with TPR pulls help to fine tune the fit.
• Includes a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant side included.


No I am not a Tourmaster representative, these are just the jackets that I found so far that I like and that fits my budget. I am still looking and researching. It can be complicated with all the terminology.

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Every where is walking distance if you have the time!

I like the look of that Transition Jacket! I wonder if they sell to UK?

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

It does look nice, so far that is number one on my list with the Pivot 2 and Intake in 2nd. So many decisions, I can't make up my mind! Oh, well I have five months to decide. I am going to the states then and will pick it up there.

I don't know if they sell in or to the UK but here is their web site:

Tour Master / Cortech

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Every where is walking distance if you have the time!

To quote Mollydog;

Indeed, the Rev' It jackets look and feel good. I believe, like nearly all other jackets, these garments are Chinese made. In the USA its law to tag the country of origin in the jacket. What does your tag say... if there is one?

They may be made in Korea, Taiwan or Pakistan, but I doubt they are made in Holland.


From a Patriotic/local union point of view it's very valid to look for something manufactured in your country, From a quality perspective not so much.....

To put a blanket over everything manufactured in China and say it's not as good as an item manufactured in the E.U. UK, USA, Aussie or NZ would be a bit strong.


(Mollydog I'm not saying that you said that all Asian made stuff is rubbish, just, That IMHO it shouldn't matter where it's made.. as long as it's good....)

There certainly is some rubbish that comes out of China, but there's some really good stuff as well. Just the same as the countries mentioned above produce some complete rubbish, and of course some A1 kit.

China has a bad rep from the earlier days when everything was questionable.
All f the manufacturers in Asia will try to produce something for as cheap as possible, just the same as a manufacturer anywhere else in the world. The difference is that some of these factories will disregard quality for cost to the extreme. My experience with the outdoor equipment industry is, as long as the EXACT quality standards and specifications are confirmed, they can ofcourse make something as good as any E.U. UK, USA, Aussie or NZ manufacturer. In fact because of the much lower costs of labour their Quality control will be far more thorough than the western manf. Guess were your $2000 plasma screen was made...... New York?..no, London?..no chance, Sydney?... sorry. Asia that's where...

Expensive and top-end goods have long been made in Asia. We've all heard of the cost of manf. of a pair of Nike's... USD$2 a pair Oakley sunglasses...USD$2.40...etc I had a mate managed to score a shipment of 100 North Face Down vests that had been made extra but NF didn't want. $15 USD each! (we made a killing )
Asian manf. will be able to put more detail into a jacket or electronics and keep it to a price that is resonable to the consumer than any "western manf. fact. As long as you aren't being amazed and blinded by the bull...t features to hide the low quality

It really comes down to being an educated buyer; Do a bit of research, ask friends, look around on the net/ HUBB, look in motorcycle magazines; They often do reviews about gear. take a copy of the magazine with you to the shop have look at the jacket/ boots etc. Ask lots of questions. If you suspect the sales guy is feeding you rubbish find someone else. Have a look at the likes of Rukka even though it may be lightyears out of your price range. It will give you a better idea what great jacket will have for design and fit and then compare it with something you can afford. and go from there.

To think worse of something because it wasn't made in XXX, YYY or ZZZ would remove 905 of the things we buy........

If it's good kit; it's good kit.

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'99 R1100GS - In a suitable shade of black

It's not that life is so short, It's just that we're dead for so long....
"The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustin

On one occassion the guys from the major mags simply left the gear in their Hotel rooms. What does that tell you?

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Have you tested the Pivot (they now have a pivot 2) jacket that they sale? I heard that one is their best seller.

Are you also saying that I can not get a decent Jacket for $125.00 - $175.00? What is the best low to mid priced jacket IYO?

Of course I do not plan on doing RTW, just 100 km up to 3,000 km trips. I do plan on doing a 12k in a year or two.

Thanks for any advice that you can give. All those jackets look the same to me. :confused1: My current jacket is leather(no pads) and breaks the wind well but is not water proof and is very hot when it is hot.

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Every where is walking distance if you have the time!

Once they make a bad jacket, I can only assume all the jackets are made basically to this same standard. So for now, Tourmaster are on my Sh#t list.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Well, the fact that Tourmaster is making #2 of almost everything tells you something. They have discontinued much of their first line.

I will probably end up getting the one that has the best armor that I can find for 150 - 180 bucks! Protection is the most important thing.

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Every where is walking distance if you have the time!