Elvidge tried to look like a man in this photo, but it didn't work. The jacket, however, looks great on a man. In fact, the armor enhances the male physique.
We're finally seeing cruiser motorcycles on the market with performance-oriented features -- good brakes, serious suspension and more power. The Airmada jacket from Pilot follows suit, offering high performance at a reasonable price (only $320). It looks like a cruiser jacket -- clean lines, a rugged cut and, oh yeah, it's black -- but it's about as functional as motorcycle apparel gets.
The Airmada features full-frontal perforation and two zippered rear exhaust vents, making it a wonderful choice for summer riding. A removable Thermolite liner adds three-season versatility. The articulated arms feature a heavy, stretchy fabric (Schoeller Keprotec) which makes the jacket immediately comfortable and allows such flexibility you can do jumping jacks at every gas stop. Cuffs are zippered and secured with snaps and a Cordura wind flap backs the main zipper. Best of all, the Airmada offers superior protection over typical cruiser jackets by incorporating formed composition shoulder and elbow armor and a removable 10mm dual-density back pad. The milled 1.3mm leather offers strength and durability while remaining seductively supple.
This jacket is highly coveted around the office, and when I wore it to The Hoot I was inundated with compliments.
Like the Honda's VTX and Harley's V-Rod, the Airmada raises the bar. Shouldn't you expect this much from your motorcycle jacket?
RESOURCE
PILOT U.S.A.
(800) 299-9651
www.pilotusa.com
Contact Editor Elvidge at Jamie.Elvidge@primedia.com.
For additional evaluations of, comparisons of, and shopping advice for motorcycle gear and accessories, see the Accessories and Gear section of MotorcycleCruiser.com.