Cool-Tech Jackets
COOL-TECH JACKETS
CW EVALUATION
Looking hot, staying cool
ALTHOUGH TAKING A RIDE ON A HOT summer’s day can be quite refreshing, there is a harsh reality related to warm-weather motorcycling: Riders tend to throw caution to the wind by leaving their protective leather jackets at home.
There is, however, an alternative to this dilemma: Cool-Tech’s ventilated Traveler and Excalibur leather jackets. The Traveler is designed for touring and standard-bike riders; the Excalibur is for sportbike riders.
Both models let huge amounts of air into, and out of, the jackets via a patented flow-through system consisting of nylon mesh panels that wrap from the chest, under the arms to the jacket’s back. Additionally, there are small mesh panels in the middle of each sleeve and a small air scoop on the top of each shoulder. Air circulation is further enhanced by a perforated-nylon lining.
This air-flow system is very effective at keeping a rider comfortable while on the highway. And even when stopped at a traffic light, the Cool-Tech jackets are cooler than a conventional leather jacket, or one with zippered air vents.
If the going gets too cool, less than a minute is required to install a snapin, long-sleeved thermal liner supplied with each jacket. This high-tech liner is a composite of urethane-coated nylon to block air penetration, polyester insulation for warmth, and aluminized mylar that reflects body heat.
Most of CW's test riders were pleased with the liner-installed CoolTech’s comfort in mid 40-degree temperatures, but some staffers required additional underlayers of warm clothing when wearing the Traveler. This is largely due to a loose fit around the neck which allows air to enter. Wearing the snapdown collar in an upright position doesn’t help the air-leaking problem either, because there are no provisions for securing the collar’s front when it’s up. Air intrusion at the neck is no problem when wearing the Excalibur-a stand-up collar and velcro closure can be snugged up tightly around the rider's neck.
Additional complaints about fit were more rider-specific: One tester complained about looseness at the zippered cuffs and around the Traveler’s stretch-leather waistband, while these areas fit perfectly for others. Additionally, a couple of riders would have liked longer sleeves and tails for each model, while the lengths were perfect for others.
Full agreement was recorded however, concerning the Cool-Tech’s flawless construction, use of superb materials and the jackets’ ability to keep a rider comfortable in hot weather.
An unanswered question, despite several Cool-Tech jackets having been used by our staff for several months, is one of crash protection. It’s obvious that the mesh panels don’t offer the same degree of protection as leather, but the panels are located in areas of low crash-damage probability. Areas of the jackets that are considered prime impact and sliding points-shoulders, elbows and most of the back-are padded and covered by 3-ounce leather on the Traveler, and by 3.5-ounce leather on the Excalibur. And two layers of leather are used on the elbows on the
Traveler, and on the elbows and forearms on the Excalibur.
Additionally, both jackets feature double, triple and quadruple, five-ply nylon stitching, and high-stress points are further secured by metal rivets. Top-quality zippers-nylon at the sleeves and pockets, brass for the front closure-proved reliable, as did the snaps for the liner.
In fact, we recorded absolutely no problems with any of the CoolTech’s components-stitching, snaps, zippers, lining, mesh vents or leather. And that’s the way it should be when wearing a $450 jacket. Pricey? Maybe a little. But we think these jackets are worth the cost. They are made of supple, premium leather, beautifully constructed and appear to be long-lasting and colorfast. The Cool-Tech jackets quickly became our favorite summer wear, and they appear to be nearly as proficient for cold-weather use.
Both jackets are available in S-XL sizes, the Traveler in black or gray, the Excalibur in a red/black/gray combination, direct from Creative RiderWear, Inc., 1232 N. Padua Ave., Suite 3, Upland, CA 91786; 800/4264704; or from your local motorcycle dealer.
