Some motorcycle gear is more show than go, but not REV’IT!
The Ignition jacket is a great combination: the protection of leather and the breathability of mesh.
High-end ProLife CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor, usually found only in full race gear and a perforated Temperfoam back pad offer additional protection.
A removable Rev’it Hydratex waterproof liner and thermal vest add a great degree of versatility for riding during three seasons.
And it’s available in both a men’s and women’s version! The Ignition jacket is a perfect match for the Rev’it Marryl women’s leather pants reviewed as part of this series.
I wanted to get my hands on some REV’IT! gear for some time to see for myself if their products lived up to the reputation.
Because I’ve drooled over their gear for the last year, I had to make sure my anticipation did not taint my review. I can honestly say that it has not.
I do my best to always provide an unbiased, honest opinion. When I opened the box of REV’IT! gear my initial impression was “quality”. And after a thorough evaluation and inspection of the gear, my opinion remains unchanged.
As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for” and my thought is that the gear I reviewed is worth every penny. The REV’IT! Ignition woman’s jacket has LOTS of detail, so let’s get started.
Rev’it! Ignition Jacket – Sizing and Fit
REV’IT! is a European company and European sizing is generally narrower or slimmer than U.S. sizing. Rather than using the REV’IT! size equivalent charts (EU size to US size), I ordered using my body measurements based on their measurement charts and had success the first time.
The REV’IT! Ignition women’s jacket size 38 fits me perfectly. While there is a little more room in the shell with the liner and vest removed, the jacket still fits appropriately and the armor stays in the right place. The men’s version of the Ignition jacket is available in sizes ranging from 48 to 58 (U.S. sizing).
Pre-curved sleeves work with — rather than against — the rider. An accordion stretch panel above the elbow permits freedom of movement and the rider can cinch in the sides using Velcro straps at the hem.
The jacket has a regular or “tour” fit that looks right at home on cruisers, standards, and even sportbikes. This jacket is probably the most comfortable one I have reviewed; the armor is hardly noticeable and I think it fits my shoulders better than some other jackets I’ve tried, which felt like the armor was pressing down on my shoulders.
The Ignition women’s jacket is not just a smaller version of the men’s jacket; it is specifically designed and cut for women, like all of the REV’IT! women’s motorcycle clothing. For instance, the women’s version of the Ignition jacket has princess seams (rounded seams in women’s tops) that hug a woman’s curves and eliminate the boxy shape found in similar men’s jackets.
The REV’IT! Ignition jacket is constructed of leather, Dynax mesh, and the famous Rev’it “Hydratex” waterproof shell. High impact areas on the outside of the jacket, such as the shoulders, elbows, and sides, are leather.
The chest and back are mesh for good breathability. The jacket has stretch material incorporated behind the shoulders, under the arm, and inside the arm for comfort and flexibility.
By the way, this is not a loose-weave mesh; the tight weave appears almost like a regular woven fabric. What’s great about this mesh is it is more resistant to tearing than a looser weave but it still permits massive amounts of airflow.
The shoulders and elbows have removable ProLife CE approved armor and the jacket also has a removable Temperfoam back pad. The armor is pre-shaped so it conforms to the body without being uncomfortable.
Safety stitching strengthens high impact seams that can be prone to tearing open in an impact. This process involves sewing a strip of leather to those seams for reinforcement. The upper back of the Ignition jacket features a “REV’IT!” logo in reflective material, which not only looks good but increases night-time visibility.
Liners and Ventilation
The Ignition jacket has a removable liner and thermal vest which give this unique leather and mesh jacket versatility for three-season use. Directly under the shell, the first layer is a Rev’it Hydratex three-layer breathable membrane, claimed to be 100% waterproof.
This long-sleeved liner has micropores that keep water drops out while letting moisture escape. The seams on the Hydratex liner are also taped to prevent moisture from getting in through the seams. The Hydratex liner has elastic cuffs and a zippered closure with flaps that cover the zipper to block air flow and water when the rider wants to stay warm and dry.
The liner is thin but does a great job blocking wind without adding bulk to the jacket. The Hydratex liner is easily removed and installed using snaps along the zipper and cuffs and it can be worn in the Ignition jacket with or without the detachable thermal vest.
The second removable layer — a thermal vest — can be worn in the jacket with or without the Hydratex liner installed. The vest attaches to either the Hydratex liner or directly to the jacket with zippers and snaps. This is similar to the system used in the Rev’it men’s jackets reviewed on webBikeWorld and it provides versatility.
Wear either layer, or both, depending on the temperature and your needs. On hot days, wear just the shell for maximum air flow through the mesh panels and unzip the vents over the biceps for even more air flow. Incidentally, the jacket has a permanent 100% polyester mesh lining which finishes the inside of the jacket nicely.
I was able to evaluate the versatility of the Ignition jacket this fall on multiple rides which started in cool temperatures and warmed up during the day. Wearing just a T-shirt underneath, I was comfortable in 62 degree weather (16 Celsius) with both the Hydratex liner and thermal vest installed.
As the weather became warmer, I removed the thermal vest and later the Hydratex liner. At temps of 85 degrees (29 Celsius), the mesh and stretch panels and vents kept me cool.
I have also worn the jacket down to 54 degree weather (12 Celsius) with two long sleeved T-shirts underneath. It was a bit chilly for me, but I get cold easily and others might be warm enough in those circumstances. My belief is the REV’IT! Ignition women’s jacket would still be comfortable into the 90s (32 Celsius).
This is definitely the most versatile jacket I’ve tried; I like the combination of leather and mesh. The mesh keeps me cool on hot days and I have peace of mind that the leather and the ProLife armor will protect me if needed.
Details and More Details…
The collar is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall at the center front, and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall in the back and the top edge of the collar has padding for comfort. Two snaps on the collar also provide adjustability.
Spandex in the cuff under the snap closure expands for ease in getting in and out of the jacket. No worry about your hands getting stuck! The inside circumference of the cuff is 8 inches (20.3 cm).
The tapered sleeves should fit under most gauntlet gloves and are just large enough to fit over the short cuffs on the REV’IT! Airvolution women’s Gloves (review).
The Ignition jacket is longer in the back than the front and has both long and short connection zippers and the short zipper easily attaches to the REV’IT! Marryl Pant (review)
Speaking of zippers, they are all made by YKK.
Pockets
The removable thermal vest has two inner pockets on the left — a zippered pocket 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide and 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) deep and a slit pocket 5 inches wide and 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) deep.
On the right is a cell phone pocket with a Velcro closure. The shell has one inner zipped pocket that is 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide by 7 inches (17.8 cm) deep and two outer pockets, which measure 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide and 5.5 inches deep.
Note that there are no pockets in the removable Hydratex liner. REV’IT! offers an extensive line of gear designed specifically for women so there are plenty of choices of jackets, gloves, and riding pants to mix and match for most riding conditions — hot, cold, or that glorious 75 degree weather (23 Celsius) smack in the middle.
Conclusion
If you love the look and protection of leather, but want the comfort and flexibility of textile, REV’IT! has done a great job designing the perfect combination. The Ignition jacket easily adapts for use during three seasons thanks to mesh panels and a removable waterproof liner and removable thermal vest.
Throw the ProLife shoulder and elbow armor and a back pad into the mix and you end up with great protection and versatility. For those ladies who want a feminine cut but nothing too “girly” looking…the styling of the Ignition jacket fits the bill!
| wBW Review: REV’IT! Ignition Jacket | |
|---|---|
| Available From: REV’IT! | List Price: $429.99 |
| Colors: Black, Black/Silver (shown in photos) | Made In: China |
| Sizes: 34-44 Women’s. 48-58 Men. | |
| Review Date: October 2010 | |
|
Note: Item was provided by a retailer, distributor or manufacturer with these Terms and Conditions.
|
|
Owner Comments and Feedback
See details on submitting comments.