New Revit Women's Gear for Spring

 

If we're lucky, Spring will come early to us in the Northeast. It's definitely been a warm winter, with only one real snowstorm having come through a couple weeks ago. So let's get a jumpstart on Spring with all New Gear from Revit and Dainese! 

Let's start with my favorite brand Revit and a few new Jacket and Pant Combos as well as some great gloves:

Airwave 2

$229.99 Jacket, $209.99 Pants

The popular 2 piece Airwave suit is back in its second revision. Above is one of the colors, which I really like. You will also find black and 3 other silver combinations for the jacket and finally a silver option for the pants! The last version was only offered in black and all white (why??).  I'm loving all the new color options as well. In addition to the 2 silver combos above, you can also find black, white/black and silver/fuschia. And the best part, Short and Tall Sizing is now available in the pants! The previous version did not have these options. Thank you Revit for making more available to us. Take note, if you're trying to sell women's motorcycle gear to the Masses, then you better step up your game and make everything fit women as well as Revit does.

One major change that I'm not too happy with is that they've removed the full inner zipper from the crotch to the ankle. I think this was a huge mistake but I'm anxious to see how well they fit. They probably have a slimmer fitment since they're not designed as overpants anymore, whereas the previous version fit much looser.

And yes, the price has gone up a little on the jacket and pant, but the pants now include Seesoft Hip Protectors (which are thinner than the Tryonic Hip Protectors offered in their other pants)  along with the Knox protectors at the knees!

Tornado 2

$339.99 Jacket, $359.99 Pants

Don't worry, you can also get the almighty color black in this outfit as well. Again, Revit has provided us more options by adding short and tall sizes for the pants! Woo hoo. In the pants you're getting better armor than the Airwaves with Seeflex level 2 CE protection at knees and Seesmart CE-level 1 protection at hip. There also appears to be seat grippers on your butt. The overall functionality of the outfit remains the same, with a 2-in-1 thermal and waterproof liner (so one liner that comes out, not two). This makes the outfit much better suited for non humid, wet summer riding. You'll need to wear rain gear over the top so you're not sweltering inside.

I'm hoping they adjusted the fitment along the forearms and made them a bit slimmer in the smaller sizes.

Outback 2 Jacket and Enterprise 2 Pants

Jacket $349.99, Pants $199.99

The Outback and Enterprise has been in Revit's Mens Lineup for a few seasons now, but hasn't been entered into the women's lineup until this season. The Enterprise 2 Pants feature an integrated waterproof membrane, and a functional cargo style pocket on the right thigh. They were smart this time around and added thinner Seeflex Hip Protectors again so as to not increase volume which then adds almost an extra size around the hips. These pants are also offered in black and short and tall sizes!

The Outback 2 jacket has 2 removable liners to give you 3 full seasons, maybe 4 depending how mild your summer and winter seasons are.  I've always felt that Revit does the best job when it comes to pants, they know how we need riding pants to fit. They know exactly how to articulate them so when we put our feet up on the pegs, they don't rise up as much as other pants can. They know how to make them so comfortable when you're riding for 8-10 hours a day you have no idea you're wearing them.

GLOVES

Revit has 5 new women's gloves for Spring. Unfortunately I think they got rid of one glove that was really one of the best gloves in their lineup, the Bomber. It was a fantastic short cuffed summer glove, and offered a lot of protection at that level. That's the only thing that disappoints me slightly about the glove offerings, but there's definitely an alternative in the lineup.

And they're finally offered in XS! Let's start with street and then go to the lighter options.

Summit 2 H2O

$139.99. The Summit 2's are a follow up to the popular Summit gloves. I thought these were the best street gloves for women, given how versatile they were being waterproof. They were great for fairly year round riding (except extreme heat and cold). The newest version still has the same features that I think made the last versions great; palm sliders, hard knuckle protection and even a pinky protector. They aren't a winter glove (think 50s-60-70s before windchill) and aren't a summer glove (80s-90s+) but work well for those in between temperatures.

Chevron 2

At $119.99, the Chevron 2s are the ideal summer weight, short cuffed glove. I'm personally not a fan of short cuff gloves as I much prefer more wrist protection. However, if you're looking for a shortie, this offers a palm slider (which wasn't offered on the last version) and hard knuckle protection. Two things that are nice to have while riding on the street. Don't worry, it's also offered in black.

Monster 2

$129.99.  The Monster 2's are like a Bomber, but lacking a palm slider and wrist strap. I think Revit is trying to appeal to the hipster / urban / city / fashion crowd by adding quilting and a brown option (black too). Other brands have tried to make stylish gloves that offers some protection but the one thing they lack is the fact that they're not Revit, and Revit knows how to make gloves. I just wish they had a palm slider, given the price point. But if you need that protection then that's what Chevron 2's are for.

Fly 2

$89.99. The Fly 2's are your more affordable summer glove, at a lower price point. Not a lot going on, just a simple leather glove with some hard knuckle protection. No surprises here.

Striker 2

$89.99. The Striker 2's are also new in the women's lineup, for the dual sport / adventure enthusiasts. These lack a hard palm slider for pavement so be careful if you're trying to wear these on the street. Otherwise I like what they have to offer, leather palms and light textile mesh on top with some hard knuckles and a secure wrist strap.

Neutron 2

$79.99. For $10 less than the Striker 2 you'll get softer knuckle armor but otherwise not much different. Leather palms and a light textile mesh on top for summer dual sport / adventure riding.

Cool Reflective Accessories for Your Motorcycle

Woo hoo! Reflective stuff! Ok, maybe I'm the only nerd that gets excited about bright objects. But I like wearing black when it comes to my motorcycle gear. I look good in it too, what can I say? :P But I know that I need to somehow make up for all the darkness with some bright reflectives to stay visible and safe as possible. So here's a few accessories I like that can help you too.

Wearing Hi-Viz Yellow or Orange is certainly a great way to be seen by more people. There's no guarantee that you'll be seen by every person, but certainly reduces the risks in my opinion. However, for me, the bright color isn't enough for riding at night.

It doesn't matter how bright your clothes are if they aren't reflective, I really believe in lots of reflective pieces so when light hits you it reflects.

So here are 3 reflective accessories that I wanted to share that I really think are cool to use.

1/ Reflective Decals, RydeSafe

"RydeSafe Reflective Decals are cut from an engineering-grade “conspicuity film” which contains microscopic glass spheres that reflect light back to its source. So no matter what direction the light is coming from, our stickers reflect it back. In the case of a pair of headlights, RydeSafe Reflective Decals reflect it right back to the driver’s eyes resulting in a more visible and thus safer user." - rydesafe.com

They have a few different shape / pattern options. I opted for the chain links (white) and the modular kit (purple). I found mine on Amazon but you can buy them directly on their website as well. (Unfortunately they're still running an old promo code from October on the main page, so they're not on sale).

Even if you don't like these, just hop on eBay or Google and you'll find your favorite sports teams, animals, shapes, motorcycle manufacturers and more in the form of reflective decals. You're sure to find something you want to wear!

2/ Reflective Vests

There are a lot of vest options on the market. I still love my Spectrum vests, although they did close their business this past year.  The previous owner told me that it should be back next year under new management. They used a really really bright reflective tape that was Coast Guard worthy. If I do have to ride at night, I always wear my vest!

 

You'll find a lot of different vests to choose from, including options from the bicycling world. But as a motorcyclist I would try to find a vest that uses CE / EN Certified Fabrics (less likely to fade) and 3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape (even more visible, durable). These materials make a much brighter difference at highway speeds.

3/ Reflective Paracord

I just found these on Amazon from Paracord Planet. These photos show how reflective this rope really is. I love the idea of making a dog leash out of it. I shared it with my fabulous dogsitter so she could use it too :)

I bought neon yellow and purple. My plan is to weave them together somehow and then run them through the loops on the top of my Kriega R20 Backpack since the logos are the only reflective pieces. Sometimes I ride home at night with my backpack on so I want to add as much reflective as I can!

4/ 3M Reflective Tape

I bought a roll of this on Amazon so I could make my own patterns for my last helmets. I found a ton of rolls in various colors and widths there too.

I've also started a Pinterest board to collect these ideas; check them out here.

If you have any cool reflective accessories that you like using, please share!

Reader Question: Is Gore-Tex the Best Summer Waterproof Option?

Reader Amara needs help figuring out which summer waterproof textile jacket she should get. To Gore-Tex or Not To Gore-Tex, that is the question!

Hi there, I would love some advice on gear.

I am also looking at a new textile jacket and I am choosing between the dainese tempest d dry and the gore tex zima jacket. Do you think the goretex is worth the extra cash? Are these jackets going to work with a sportsbike riding position? What pants would you recommend? I am looking for some textile pants that are well waterproofed but also have enough ventilation for hot days. 

I am 5'7, small build but have largish hips. I wear a 40 in dainese jackets and need a 44 in dainese pants to get the over my butt.

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated! I am riding an Aprilia Tuono.

Many thanks, Amara.

Hi Amara!

So when it comes to waterproof Gore-Tex gear with Great ventilation, the best option is really the Altitude jacket in Small. The reason is because they laminate the Cordura Shell with the Gore-Tex so it becomes one layer. Then the vents provide direct ventilation. In a perfect world, I'd recommend this as well. But unfortunately it’ll be too big on you, given the size you need in Dainese, they just don’t make their jackets that small yet. And the overall fitment isn't quite perfect for your bike riding style, since it's designed for dual sport / adventure style riding.

The fit is also wonderful, tailored and perfect when you're petite on top. It won't bunch up and it's super comfortable. I tried on one a few years ago and I LOVED it. Here's a terrible pic of me wearing one in 40. It was really tight on me back then, I probably would've ridden in a 42 not 40. Since it has a removable thermal liner, it runs a tad loose. I love how the material is forgiving and stretchy. I've always thought Dainese was the best when it comes to sport touring gear, simply because of the way they tailor their gear.

As far as Gore-Tex, I think it’s absolutely worth the extra money. It’s such a versatile membrane. I only trust my older Revit Legacy suit, where the Gore-Tex membrane is attached permanently and I can’t remove it. When I open the vents I can only feel it a little bit. So the Dainese Zima jacket you mentioned is going to be very similar. This is the only downside to this suit.

I’ve worn my Legacy in 95-100F with humidity, and I can honestly say I’d gladly take that over a non GoreTex membrane. It has so much versatility in terms of temperature. You can go from 100F and drop down to the 40s. My last trip was to Deals Gap in September and it was HOT. I wrote a brief review in my ride report.

I have worn other waterproof membranes as well, but the one thing they haven’t been able to provide is the Windstopping that Gore-Tex does. I noticed a big difference when I wear my heated jacket liner with both types of jackets as far as how well the outer shell does with wind. The other thing you are getting for the extra money is a lifetime guarantee from Gore-Tex that the membrane will not fail and keep you dry! So in 3-5 years (well after the 1 year warranty from Dainese) you can call Gore-Tex and tell them your jacket is leaking, and they will work with you to figure out what’s wrong and warranty it if necessary. At some point, the membrane might fail so it’s great to have this to fall back on. With other membranes you are stuck with a leaking jacket after that first year without any recourse. The membrane also breathes so well, it literally pulls the sweat away from your body. I highly recommend reading this description of how it all works, I can’t give you a better explanation than they can!

It also means you need killer baselayers, so whether its 40F or 100F make sure you’ve also invested in proper layers like Icebreakers or Dainese  for the Summer and Schampa for the Winter. And of course, baselayers are important under all motorcycle gear to maximize comfort as well!

I think the Dainese Zima is an amazing option for your beautiful Tuono in terms of fitment. It has a fantastic sporty cut, and if I absolutely needed another Gore-Tex suit it would be high on my list, simply because it’s more fitted and I like my gear really snug and tailored. Actually I recommend Dainese for sporty rides since the pants are tapered at the bottoms (unlike other brands which have touring / bootcut leg fitments). I also think the Tempest isn’t going to be small enough for you, even in 40. The cut on that jacket is a bit looser from what I’ve seen of it in person.

The matching pants would be the Travelguards, and you’ll be the same size as your other Dainese. Unfortunately they’re just not very hip friendly :)  I don't know what Dainese pants you currently own, but the Travelguards will be a little looser in the legs than say the New Drake Airs or Sherman D-Drys. The only downsides to all these Dainese pants is the venting is not direct, to your body like I mentioned above with the Klim Altitude.

However, another option would be the Revit Neptune, if you want a cooler option. You would wear a size 36 in the jacket (if you have broad shoulders) or 34 if you are narrower and don't need extra room in the bust. The thing about this jacket is that the Gore-Tex liner is removable, so you have to put it in to stay dry. That means when you take the liner(s) out, it's a much cooler, vented jacket! Far more versatile, in my opinion. The matching pants would be great as well, and you would probably wear a 38 or 40 since it's a different cut. I think this suit would fit well on the Tuono too. I love Revit fitments, but they aren't as sporty cut as Dainese. If you really want a tighter, more fitted outfit then you'll love them. But this Revit suit is definitely worth checking out as well.

Now, if you aren't convinced that Gore-Tex is worth it then I would recommend the Revit Sand Suit:

This is a MUCH lighter suit for Summer / Spring riding. If your main riding season is going to be summer and warmer weather, you'll love this option. The fitment on the jacket is similar to the Zima, very fitted and narrow in the shoulders/arms. I would also recommend a 36 for the top and 40 for the bottoms. These will definitely work well on the Tuono too! They both have 2 removable liners, one is waterproof and one is thermal so you can really change the layers to your liking. The material is really lightweight, perfect for ultra hot riding weather. If you'd rather be more comfortable in hotter weather then you'll really enjoy this suit.

Between all of these options however, I would personally choose the Dainese Combo Suit because I prefer having my waterproof membrane permanently attached so I don't have to take it on and off. And because I'm so devoted to the Gore-Tex membrane and how it performs. I'd also rather be too warm than too cold, I feel like smaller folks like us are able to take hotter temperatures a bit easier since we're *always* cold!

Hope this helps, Ride Safe.

Heated Women's Motorcycle Gear

After a chilly ride the other day, I thought about what I'm going to do to keep my fingers from freezing to death while out riding. Because at 50F + windchill it feels like 40F; it's COLD! 

So what is the best option for staying warm while riding your motorcycle? Two Words: Heated Gear.

In 2011, when I was first introduced to the world of Heated Jacket Liners. TOASTY!

You might be debating whether or not to go this route. If you've decided you're going to take the plunge, it's important to know what the best options are for us as women riders. Before I dive into some recommendations, let's review some basics.

How Should My Liners Be Worn?

When it comes to wearing heated gear, keep in mind that heated liners are meant to be worn Underneath. You need to block the wind so that you can actually feel the heat. These also do not offer any type of protection when it comes to abrasion resistance or impact protection. Also, it’s crucial that it fits CLOSE to your body, as fitted as your riding gear. How else are you going to feel all that delicious heat?

However, keep in mind that you must also wear a baselayer because the heating elements are hot so you need to wear a long sleeve shirt of some kind as a barrier between your skin and the gear. Not a heavy sweater or thick fleece jacket, but a breathable winter weight baselayer.  Otherwise you will get burns as you turn up the intensity!

So the order of layers is:

1. Thermal, winter weight baselayer
2. Heated Jacket Liner or Pants
3. Armored Riding Jacket or Pants

7Volt vs. 12Volt

As you start shopping, you will see these terms thrown around on various types of gear. It’s important to know the difference, especially when riding motorcycles. One will work very well for us, the other will not.

7Volt or 7V, refers to Battery Powered Heated Gear. That means there's a little battery in your pocket that allows you to adjust the heat while you're out and about. It lasts anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on how much heat you're using during any given time. I actually have a 7V vest that I bought just for working at the time (3 years ago) because the store I worked at was So cold inside. I tried using it just riding across San Francisco, but it didn't have enough heat no matter what jacket I wore over it. You cannot plug this into your motorcycle's battery to power the vest. And you only have heat squares that cover the upper chest and back. Another reason why this doesn't provide enough heat to your body while riding.

You will see a ton of 7V(olt) options on the market from many brands including Gyde (formerly Gerbing), VentureHeat and MobileWarming, but these 7V options do NOT provide enough heat to keep you warm at riding speeds. Maybe if you're riding a bicycle, but bump that speed up to 45-55-65-75mph and now that 7V vest can't keep up. And, you don't have heat down your sleeves, back, arms and neck like you do on a 12V jacket.

12Volt or 12V, refers to heated gear that you can plug directly into your bike's battery to provide continuous, intense heat. YES! Now you have more options to stay warm.

The reason I would recommend the women’s specific lines is because the fitment can be much better in the shoulders, sleeves, waist and bust. You also don’t have to size up to accommodate your chest/bust fit as you will with mens lines. 

Now, let's go over what the options are for 12V gear and the various combinations you can put together to stay warm. I'm going to list the options on WarmnSafe.com's website. Remember that all the women's heated gear offered through FirstGear is a WarmnSafe product. When you buy any of the women's specific heated accessories, you will find both logos on the garments.

12V Options:

1/ Generation 4 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner. $199.99-$239.99 This version uses a new heated material that sounds less bulky and softer overall. I’m very tempted to upgrade to this one because I’m hoping it heats better than the wires do. The wires are large and you can definitely feel them in the Gen 3 Liner. It also has a newer collar and reflective piping on the back, which I’m not sure how you would see since you should be wearing this Underneath your riding jacket. These liners are NOT meant to be worn alone.   The 90Watt generates more heat, and I believe it draws very similar power to the 65Watt. 

• 65watt; XS-XL $199.99 This version is probably being discontinued as Large is no longer available. You do save $40, however.
• 90watt; XS-2XL; TALL SIZES available! $239.99. This is such a great option for those of you who need longer sleeves and torsos.

 

2/  Generation 3 Women’s Heated Jacket Liner $199.99, XS-2XL I'm wearing this one in the picture above, and it's also the one that's sold through the brand FirstGear. No difference from the one sold on WarmnSafe's website, just comes with a FirstGear logo. If you're already considering spending $200 on a heated jacket, you may as well spend a few dollars more and get the Generation 4 model above. This one is still offered in 65W and 90W options, however Tall sizes are not available. Read my full review here.

3/ FirstGear Heated Pant Liners. There are two options for the pant liners as well!

• Gen4 Heated Pants Liner: XS-XL, $199.99; I’ve seen this one in person and it fits like a legging. Not as thin of course, but thin enough to wear under your riding pants. I was impressed by how well they fit. They seem true to fit.  “Heated zones cover thigh and knee and upper butt“

• Generation Windblock Heated Pant Liners: XS-XL; $239.99 Looks like the Windblock version has a couple key differences:
  • NEW WindBlock Pants Liner! Front Panel Made From Stretch Gelanots™ to Block the Wind.
  • NEW Run the Pants and Socks together or on Separate Heat-trollers
  • I can't tell any differences aesthetically, they look the same on the outside and the fit appears to be the same as well.

4/ Warmnsafe Women's Heated Gloves.  $129.99, S-L I’m pretty sure these gloves run loose. If you need XS, I would recommend the Heated Glove Liners instead. I personally prefer riding gloves that offer more protection such as palm sliders and hard knuckles, so for me, these don’t work. But if you’re searching for a toasty glove to ride in, you’ll probably love these.

5/ Firstgear Heated Glove Liners, Unisex XS-2XL; $79.95. These are the ones I want! These liners should be thin enough to wear under your gloves. If you have the jacket, then all you have to do is plug each glove into the cable on each wrist. Atomic Skin also offers liners, but you cannot plug them into another brand's heated jacket.  

So there you have it, all the heated stuff, all the time. Stay warm, everyone.

Time to go ride!