twowheels
10-17-2009, 12:37 PM
I bought this in July to replace an old jacket and I have to say this is the best, and most versatile jacket I've owned. I originally bought the Joe Rocket Ballistic 7 jacket after reading the review of it on www.webbikeworld.com. While it was not bad, the shoulder armor was a bit loose on me and the next size down was too small. I ended up exchanging it for the Olympia AST after checking out the Scorpion Commander, Tourmaster Epic and FirstGear Kilimanjaro. The Olympia jacket seemed to be of a better overall quality and design than the others and had a more precise fit (i'm 6ft/170lb). The Olympia had the best abrasion protection by a large margin. It uses 2000D Cordura on the wear spots and 500D Cordura in rest of the body, so it should be as protective as leather. Has CE armor in the back, shoulders and elbows which doesn't move around. The jacket has a built in breathable waterproof membrane on the underside of the shell and 6 vents with waterproof zippers. I've ridden in heavy rain for several hours with it with no leaks although the top of the sleeve vent zippers seem to be damp to the touch after a half hour in the heavy rain, you don't notice it with the insulation liner in, not really an issue to me. In some reviews of this jacket I've read about complaints with the adjustably of the neoprene collar but I've not had any issues, it keeps out the rain and can be adjusted for a neck wind blocker.
In summer, the ventilation on this jacket is so good I can be comfortable up to 80-90F - as long as I'm moving to generate the necessary airflow through the vents. Mesh is still more comfortable for hot weather stop and go riding in traffic, albeit with a lot less protection than the AST. There are two vertical exhaust vents in the back, two chest vents with straps, and two full length sleeve vents. Lately I've been comfortable, with the insulated liner, with just a T shirt down to 40F and with a sweater underneath down to 28F. The extra length of a 3/4 length jacket is handy in the rain and cold to eliminate drafts up the back and water down the waist of pants. Highly recommend this jacket for anyone looking for a touring, commuting or all around jacket.
In summer, the ventilation on this jacket is so good I can be comfortable up to 80-90F - as long as I'm moving to generate the necessary airflow through the vents. Mesh is still more comfortable for hot weather stop and go riding in traffic, albeit with a lot less protection than the AST. There are two vertical exhaust vents in the back, two chest vents with straps, and two full length sleeve vents. Lately I've been comfortable, with the insulated liner, with just a T shirt down to 40F and with a sweater underneath down to 28F. The extra length of a 3/4 length jacket is handy in the rain and cold to eliminate drafts up the back and water down the waist of pants. Highly recommend this jacket for anyone looking for a touring, commuting or all around jacket.