2018 time for new Jacket

[Kenack]

I'm ready for a new jacket for my long distance rides that cover leaving Florida in 90/90 degree/humidity and going to places that range from 25 degrees to 110 degrees on a trip. In the past I had Motoport Ultra II that I did the CDR and the Labrador loop on 13 years ago and have been riding since with Olympia gear, currently a mesh jacket for summer and the AST for rest of year. The problem I find with any of the jackets that have liners inside is that the shell gets soaked and very heavy. I typically layer with heated liner for the cold but want something that works all season, especially on trips. I was contemplating a KLIM Latitude or a Darien but really feel that my comfort will suffer significantly in the hot humid riding I must do to escape Florida and most of east coast in the summer. The Olympia Moto X 2 is a consideration because the shell has good venting with the mesh panels and the rain liner can be put on the outside eliminating a soaked shell. When looking at all the new stuff it's almost overwhelming so that's why I'm looking for feedback!

Thanks,

Ken

 

[limey]

I’m with Klim because of the guarantee not to leak as they will eventually.

 

[Kenack]

After looking at the different options for Florida to wherever riding, I'm going the Olympia X Moto 2 route. Exterior rain shell, mesh vent panels and CE armor including back armor and a price point below $500 is what lead me to this decision.

 

[eemsreno]

I got a Darien for Christmas
It looks great but with 8" of snow out there it will be a while before I get to use it.

 

[Cycledude]

After looking at the different options for Florida to wherever riding, I'm going the Olympia X Moto 2 route. Exterior rain shell, mesh vent panels and CE armor including back armor and a price point below $500 is what lead me to this decision.

Congratulations Kenack, looks like you made a very good choice, I just might have to get one . To bad it comes with the hydration bladder included it’s very unlikely I would ever use that thing.
https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US/products/men/jackets/x-moto-2-s-neon-yellow

Ive been using an Olympia Airglide 5 for over a year, it also has the wind-rainproof liner that can be worn over or under the jacket, wow this is the first motorcycle jacket that I’ve owned that’s truly waterproof ! Over the jacket is my preferred method, I’ve ridden in 400 miles of steady rain using the rain cover and never got wet.

 

[DamMechanic]

Well as a guy that has a Olympia Motoquest and a Aerostitch Darin jacket, the Darin is hands down a cooler riding jacket when moving. Open the cuffs, zip up front, and unzip the back vent and the jacket balloons up and breaths great while providing protection. Unzipping the front vents on the MotoQuest results on a jacket stuck to my body. 95 degrees and moving in the Darin is not bad.

 

[Madhatter]

I love my darian jacket for the same reasons DamMechanic previously stated... may buy a second one soon just to have a different color....

 

[eemsreno]

While the roads were clear a couple weeks ago I did go for a short ride in the Darien. I had just gotten off the bike with my Triumph Navigator coat when I switched to the Darien. I know the Darien is not lined so I was layered up but the Darien is not even in the same class for warmth as the Navigator. I knew that before purchasing and did not expect it to be a full on winter coat like the Navigator. I was after a versatile WATERPROOF 3 season jacket and it looks like it is going to be just what I wanted. The Navigator was waterproof for the first two years but not anymore. That seems to be normal when it isn't Goretex.

 

[Kenack]

Now I've decided to try a different route since I have two Olympia jackets already and the main concern with the AST was getting it wet and soggy in the rain, I'm going to buy the Olympia New Horizon rain jacket to go over top and see how that does this year. I also have the precursor to the Airglide jacket that mesh panels that I'll use with the rain jacket and it's liners for a summer ride to New Foundland. $90 now and I'll at the end of the year will revisit jackets. Maybe I can try out an Darien from a friend of mine that has one. Thanks for all the input!

 

[ratty123]

G'day All..all of the above are good options BUT I have had the Hellite adventure airbag jacket for about seven months and it's terrific and last month I got the Hellite Vented summer Jacket ..Its The Best vented Jacket I Have Ever Had (Have A Dainese and an alpinestar one in the Cupboard.)It works off a tether and we triggered one at our xmas shindig ..gets your neck and torso and deflates in 30 secs.. impressive!!!. Worth a look and the price of a good adventure jacket..Cheers. .Jn

 

[Cycledude]

Now I've decided to try a different route since I have two Olympia jackets already and the main concern with the AST was getting it wet and soggy in the rain, I'm going to buy the Olympia New Horizon rain jacket to go over top and see how that does this year. I also have the precursor to the Airglide jacket that mesh panels that I'll use with the rain jacket and it's liners for a summer ride to New Foundland. $90 now and I'll at the end of the year will revisit jackets. Maybe I can try out an Darien from a friend of mine that has one. Thanks for all the input!

https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US/products/men/jackets/new-horizon-rain-xss-black-1