olympia

Favorite Black Friday Motorcycle Deals for Women

It’s Black Friday Weekend.

So here’s a few of my favorite deals to check out:

Dainese Women’s Closeouts

Suits and boots for your next track day, or extra safe street riding. My current Dainese Torque track boots that I wear everywhere are on closeout too.

Sale prices vary up to 35% Off Retail

Allllllll The Leather……

(Fit Profile: Slim/Straight)

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Revit Tornado 2 Jacket and Pants

Regularly $349.95 (jacket) $359.95 (pants), Now $249.95 (29-31% Off)

Since the Tornado also has a removable liner, it runs a bit looser than the next one. So remember that fit should work with and without liners, but think about how often you’ll wear the liner.

Sizing for Rev’it can also be a little wonky so message me if you need help sizing as Revit doesn’t provide a hip measurement on their size charts. Rev’it pants fit the most generous across almost all Euro brands (Rukka, Alpinestars, Dainese, Revit) that I’ve seen.

(Fit Profile: Hourglass and Pear)

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Revit Arc Air Mesh Jacket

Regularly $249.99 Now $229.99 (10% off)

This weekend only, Revit is up to 15% Off All Regular priced items for men and women.

I’m wearing a Euro 38 because this jacket runs tighter than it’s sister the Airwave (which is also on crazy sale)

The Arc Air is much sportier, tighter in the waist/bust/shoulders everywhere, so I had to size up from a Euro 36 which I normally wear in Rev’it.

This one doesn’t have a liner and has a lot of mesh for max airflow, so you really want to reserve it for hot, hot, hot weather riding.

I bought this one just to wear in the middle of summer, to and from work for my short commute or around town.

(Fit Profile: Hourglass, Lean)

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Olympia Airglide 5 Jacket

Reg. $289.95, Now $169.99 (41% Off)

The Airglide has been in Olympia’s lineup for years, hopefully we’ll see a 6th version come out with some nice updates to design and armor so it reduces the shoulder and elbow profiles for more comfort.

This jacket runs really, really generous so let me know if you need help sizing.

Diane (left) fits well in one with her apple shape.

(Fit Profile: Curvy, Apple)

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Arai DT-X Helmet

Regularly $589-$739, Now $399 (32% off)

This one isn’t for women only, but anyone looking for what I call a Unicorn Intermediate Oval.

For the intermediate oval folks out there who need a little more room from ear to ear than say Shoei, but aren’t necessarily looking for a round oval helmet. Arais are also the most comfortable when you need more room for your cheeks/face but need a tighter oval for the crown of your head.

If you’re not sure what any of this means, then check out the latest episode of my podcast which covers helmet fit tips.

Sidi Vertigo 2 Lei

Rukka Toughtrail GTX Jacket

Regularly $799.99 Now $599.99 (25% off)

Rukka is one of those funky brands that offer a niche product for women. The Toughtrail is an adventure style, multiseason jacket that offers a removable GoreTex rain jacket. So you will have to supply your own warmth. But if you’re looking for a lightweight coat that isn’t necessarily mesh and an optional waterproof/windproof liner for Spring/Summer/Fall riding, this jacket is perfect. As far as fitment, you’ll find a roomy shoulder/chest compared to the Italians (Dainese, Alpinestars, Spidi) and even Rev’it.

There’s also a matching pant to get you fully suited up, which is also 25% off!

(Fit Profile: Hourglass)

As always, I’m here for you if you need more personalized suggestions. Just drop me an email or chat me on social media (@gearchic everywhere) !

Heated Women's Motorcycle Gear, Updated

UPDATED: OCTOBER 2019

A few years ago I wrote this post about heated motorcycle gear options for women.

New Women’s FirstGear Heated Jacket Liner for 2019/2020

New Women’s FirstGear Heated Jacket Liner for 2019/2020

When I wrote that post, there was only 1 option for 12V gear for us; WarmnSafe.

But now we have a 3 Options for 12 Volt Riding Gear. Quick Refresher:

12V(olt) heat offers the most heating to anyone who rides a 50-75mph on a motorcycle.

7V(olt) heat is great to go to a football game, or slower city speeds (10-20mph)

You can find a ton of 7V products on the market because there are far more women doing everyday activities like going to games, bicycling, walking to work, etc.

This post is all about 12V Gear because you can find plenty of 7V options on the market. 12V products are far less common and will be the focus of this post.

When you want something that will provide the most heat possible and keep you warm all day riding at highway speeds, you need 12V gear.

Keep in mind that this means you need a rock solid outer jacket to wear over all of these options.

Something along the lines of this Rev’it Horizon tarted there, then we need to talk offline.

One thing to note when it comes to ANY heated gear choices that have integrated controllers. Even though alll connections are the same with all these brands, you don’t want to mix and match integrated controller options with NON integrated controller options because you can’t control the heat of those options through the garments that don’t have integrated controllers.

Basically, you’ll never mix Gerbing and old FirstGear/WarmnSafe with new FirstGear or Olympia.

So here are all the options currently available for 12V Plug In Gear:

1/ FirstGear Heated Jacket, Pants and Gloves

Our newest option on the market is FirstGear. For Fall 2019/Winter 2020 (yikes, is it already the future), they’ve released 3 new items:

  • Heated Jacket Liner

  • Heated Pant Liner

  • Heated Gloves

You can still purchase their previous generation liners and gloves (for both genders). But this release will probably replace the old product lines eventually.

Both liners and the gloves offer all new integrated controllers. This means that you won’t need to purchase any separate controllers. The jackets, pants and gloves all have these controller buttons, so that also means you won’t want to mix and match brands that require them.

What I especially love is the added protection that FirstGear is offering on the new gloves. Double palm sliders! This is difficult to find on regular gloves, let alone heated. I can’t wait to upgrade my heated jacket liner now.

They are also using new micro alloy heated elements in the garments, so that means less wires! The heat also covers all zones: neck, sleeves, chest, back, front of thighs to knees.

(Photo of Jacket LIner is not a women’s specific liner)

The fitment seems to be just like the first generation liners, so check out my review of my older WarmnSafe Liner (which were sold as FirstGear Liners previously). I think they’re right in between Olympia (only slightly slimmer than FirstGear) and Gerbing (boxy).

Also, bonus features: the jacket liner folds into itself (like some rain jackets). And the pants include a small pouch that you can stuff them into for traveling.

FirstGear Kits v. Non Kits

So when you are shopping for FirstGear Liners, you’re going to see these awesome kits just for the Jackets. They will be priced ~$75 more than the options without a kit. These include a fancy portable battery! Yep, that means exactly what you think it means. You will be able to plug in your jacket to a small portable battery. Keep in mind however, that it will only be useful for short rides, I’d say less than an hour at most. I’d recommend this option if you have a very short commute and don’t have enough available power for your bike.

I also know what you’re thinking. ‘That’s Great! I can just order a battery if I need to”. Unfortunately not, you can’t buy their battery separately. You’ll have to invest in the Antigravity option or similar below for Gerbing.

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2/ North Bay Heated Jacket and Pants by Olympia.

When it comes to Women’s 12V Heated Gear, Olympia is the first company to offer an option with an integrated controller.

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The reason I love my Warmnsafe Jacket is because it fit me so well. It’s stretchy and fitted, and was always comfortable under my gear. I always loved the fact that it also heated my collar, sleeves AND neck.

One of the issues with Olympia is the lack of heat in the sleeves, in my opinion. As a coldblooded rider, I need heat everywhere, not just my core. I know that keeping my core warm helps with extremities but I simply prefer as much heat as possible. Unless you’re a small person, you just don’t get how cold we are, even when we are layered with the best base/midlayers in the world!

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Even with the best baselayers, and the warmest winter jackets to block as much as wind as well.

Just like FirstGear, the controllers are a single button on both garments! NO external controllers!

The button is raised so you can feel it through your main jacket. And it seems like an easy reach whether you’re right or left handed.

And I know what half (yes, that many of you) of you are thinking. Pink? Yep, even I can get past it because it’s such a great jacket.

I got my hands on one of the men’s ones today and if the woman’s jacket is the same material and stretch comfort, you are going to love it. Even with the hot pink, I do like the overall style of this jacket because you could easily wear it by itself with a battery like the Antigravity one below.

The fitment of this jacket is not as boxy as Olympia and not as forgiving as FirstGear.

I would recommend this option for the longest/slimmest fit of all 3 choices. It’s not a full European cut, but between all three I find that it’s narrower than the other two brands.

The other issue I have with Olympia is the lack of gloves. But it means that you will have to use the FirstGear Gloves above so that when you plug them into the sleeves, it will draw heat from the jacket to the gloves.

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3/ GERBING

Even though Gerbing doesn’t offer a 12V women’s product line, they’re worth mentioning because of the fitment.

They’re a great option for the curviest of women out there, I would say ~45”-55” chests and/or waists, especially if you’re shorter waisted with very broad shoulders.

For example, you’re 5’8” and your bust is 45” and your waist is 42”. this will have plenty of room around your waist and just enough room over your hips. Not quite a full woman’s fitment for hips but since the waist has a little give around the hem and the roomy fit, it’s a great option for many women out there.

Like I said, they run VERY boxy. Even for the men, the Gerbing lines run big and almost everyone sizes down.

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Another bonus that I discovered recently is this AMAZINGGGG PORTABLE BATTERY with a Coaxial Input! (e.g. you can plug your heated jacket liner into it!)

Antigravity Micro-Start XP-1

Aside from this bonus feature, it also acts a fully portable jump starter for your motorcycle, car or truck! We have the smaller one just for our bikes, the Sport Power Supply. It totally works and fits easily under most reasonable seats.

4/ WARMNSAFE / OLD FIRSTGEAR

If you read my first post about heated gear, you’ll read all about WarmnSafe Options.

I know this is confusing. But basically the older FirstGear Heated Liners that you see online (with wires hanging from them) are all branded by WarmnSafe because that’s who technically manufactured these liners. I believe that’s no longer the case with the new FirstGear Lines.

If I upgrade my heated gear, I’ll definitely be upgrading to new First Gear. I like the protection of the gloves and the integrated controllers. I’m done with external controllers.

So for all the hardcore women riders out there that need heated gear for your next trip to Alaska, NovaScotia or Canada I hope this is works out for you. Please, report back!

3 Awesome Jackets for less than $200

Rev’it Tornado Women’s Jacket (v1); Slim Fit

Rev’it Tornado Women’s Jacket (v1); Slim Fit

These women’s motorcycle jackets are on crazy sale at RevZilla right now. I’ve added a few notes for you to see if they’ll fit you the woman rider in your life. If they do, then you’ve just scored a really great deal!

As always, drop me a line if you have questions about sizing or fitment.

1/ Rev’it Tornado Jacket, Euro 40 and 42, now $197.

This jacket is a great 3 season (spring, summer, warm) coat for your sportyish bike, your adv/touring bike and even your cruiser.

My Recommended sizing:

Euro 40 - Chest 42-43”, Waist 41-42”, Hips 43-44

Euro 42 - Chest 44-45”, Waist 42-43”, Hips 44-45

Keep in mind that these numbers are based on measuring your real waist. If you’re not sure how to do this, please watch this video. I know what you’re thinking, the Rev’it Size Chart says otherwise. Let’s just say it’s not perfect. But then again, what is? (okay, Cheesecake. Cheesecake is always perfect).

The Tornado is ideal for slimmer body types and those of you looking for a longer waist and sleeve length. Keep in mind that the liner is removable so always try your linered jackets on with and without the liners to see all the different combos and fitments you might be riding in.

If you’re not sure what to order, think about how snug you like your gear. If you want a very fitted fit and your Chest is 43.75, then order a Euro 42. If you have questions, just let me know!

My friend Sarah in a size small with a 43” Chest, 37.5” Waist, 43” hips. She’s also ~5’2”. Perfect Apple Fit.

My friend Sarah in a size small with a 43” Chest, 37.5” Waist, 43” hips. She’s also ~5’2”. Perfect Apple Fit.

2/ OLYMPIA SWITCHBACK 2 now $149

This is another great 2-3 season jacket, but without a thermal liner I’d say that it’s best as a Spring/Summer jacket. Keep in mind that with Olympia your rain liner can be worn outside or over the jacket when it’s raining.

Photo: wikihow.com

The fitment is very, very very generous and I would say that the alpha sizing is oversized. If you generally buy a small, you’ll find it to be a looser small. Especially in the bust, shoulders and hips.

The Switchback is ideal for a very short waist, and generous hips. Think Apple Shape.

For reference, a small fits a woman with a 38” Chest, 34” Waist and 43” Hip. It flares so much at the hips that anyone who needs a very large hip space will fit this jacket (assuming you don’t need a smaller waist as well).

Another great deal right now for the same body type: Cortech for $109. But upgrade the armor with D3O, please!

3/ REV’IT LEVANTE 42 $199.99

My gorgeous friend Alisa (~5’10”) in her Levante (46) Taller Fit.

My gorgeous friend Alisa (~5’10”) in her Levante (46) Taller Fit.

Another 3 season favorite, like the Tornado above. This one has a slightly different fit in that it has extra long sleeves and torso. Also more cinching and adjustments at the waist, forearms and bicep to make it fit tighter without the liner.

Since only 42 is available, you’ll need at least a 41” chest up to 44”. I’d recommend anywhere from a 42” - 45” waist given the adjustability that it has on each side.

The liner is thermal and waterproof so keep in mind that when it’s out the jacket will fit a half size larger. Given how long the sleeves run, this is ideal for someone who is taller and needs as much length as possible in the torso and sleeves.

I hope these help. If you need specific recommendations, please let me know!

Plus Size Jackets for Women

How do you find jackets that fit you when you don’t know where to begin?

Well, I’m here to give you some shortcuts. I wish this was easy. It’s impossible to know what’s going to fit me if I have a 45” chest, a 43” waist and a 48” hip?

I’ve been doing some research where I work lately, and fortunately I have the luxury of doing this for a living at RevZilla. We have a wonderful store in Philadelphia and if you’re a woman who needs help getting geared up I hope you’ll reach out and drop me a line so I can help.

Tourmaster Sonora Air - 3 Season Versatility!

Tourmaster Sonora Air - 3 Season Versatility!

Recently I’ve been looking at a series of plus size, larger jackets. Because I know that the majority of American women out there are larger. So I’ve made a list for you and I can tell you that these all have fitments and sizing that mean those of you looking for jackets to fit anywhere from a 40” to 55” chest have options.

There are European Brands that I know can fit larger women as well but I haven’t had a chance to research the sizing yet. For now, this is my list of recommendations but I promise to add and update it when I have enough information to add them to this list.

Olympia Airglide 5

multiseason, waterproof, mesh, summer, spring, fall, 3 season warm, mild winter

The Airglide is a 3 season (Spring, Summer, Fall and California/Florida winters) mesh jackt with 2 removable liners; one thermal and one waterproof. The waterproof liner is actually a standalone jacket which can be worn on the OUTSIDE of the jacket. Yes, OVER the jacket itself to keep you dry. Remember to deliner this one completely when you try it on so you can try it in hot weather and cold weather arrangements.

Wearing a size MEDIUM, Chest 46 / Waist 43.5 / Hips 48. She’s wearing it with ALL the liners zipped in. This is what I call Proper Fit.

Wearing a size MEDIUM, Chest 46 / Waist 43.5 / Hips 48. She’s wearing it with ALL the liners zipped in. This is what I call Proper Fit.

I’ve personally fit hundreds of women in Olympia. I love the quality, fit and versatility that they offer. In a size Small, I can fit someone with up to a 43” hip because it has a perfect cutout over the hips. It’s also slightly shorter waisted so it allows the jacket to sit higher on the hips.

In a 3X, I’ve fit someone with a 53” Bust, 48” Waist and 58” Hip. This is with ALL liners inside the jacket.

Now imagine taking the liners out and how much more room you will have! Please keep in mind that since it’s not a Winter specific jacket, you will not likely wear all the liners inside. Since the rain jacket can be worn inside or out, you will likely wear one liner but not the other.

I also want to share this photo of how you might need to zip the jacket up because riding jackets are sewn and designed for you to wear them in the riding position.

My friend and coworker Chrissy is zipping up two different jackets below, one is the older Olympia Airglide 4 Jacket (as opposed to the 5th version above) and the Rev’it Ladies Ignition 2 Jacket. See? It just takes a little bend forward. :)

Granted, the Ignition is a much more relaxed fit across the chest, so depending on your personal comfort (and riding position) you may prefer the Olympia fit over the Rev’it and that’s totally up to you!

Rev’it Ignition 3 Jacket

leather, mesh, hybrid, sport, sport touring, summer, waterproof

In the 3 photos above, next to the Silver Airglide, she’s wearing a Rev’it Ignition 2 Jacket. The fitment has not changed from 2 to 3, and sizing is the same. I will say that the shoulders run tighter so this is ideal if you have a REALLY generous bust in relation to your shoulders. This also runs closer to the sport/sport touring fit too. Keep in mind the torso can run long so if you are really short waisted AND busty, then this may not work well for you because the sleeves and torso might run too long. When that happens, the collar tends to ride up towards the bottom of your helmet.

Here are a few more on the list that I want to recommend for the bustier gals out there:

Tourmaster Sonora Air Jacket

mesh, waterproof, 3season warm, spring, summer

This is a photo of my friend and coworker, Stephanie. She’s wearing a size MD Plus, and her measurements are: 50 Chest, 45 Waist, 45 Hips. The Sonora has a shorter waist and sleeve overall compared to Rev’it, but it tends to be slightly longer in both areas than the Olympia Airglide above.

Klim Artemis Jacket

goretex, waterproof, multiseason, adventure, dual sport, spring, summer, fall, winter

The same person wearing the Sonora above also fits this jacket in a 2XL. The Sonora runs even longer than the others in the sleeves and waist because it’s a true Adventure Jacket; meant for a woman riding dirtbikes or dual sports. So that when you’re standing on the pegs, getting through a water crossing you’ll have plenty of coverage.

I know there are more options than this, but I wanted to give you a sense of what might fit you depending on your riding lifestyle.

As always, I’m here to help if you need personalized help finding something that fits you regardless of your size.