Acerbis Impact

Acerbis Impact

CW EVALUATION

Bulletproof endurowear

FINDING AN ENDURO JACKET WITH ALL the “right” features can be a real chore, especially since most folks won’t discover what’s lacking until they’ve taken their first ride. Well, if there’s ever been an upper-body coverall with nearly every conceivable off-road-oriented attribute built into it, Acerbis’ new Impact is it.

The Impact starts out as a basic enduro-style jacket. It’s constructed from heavy-duty cordura-nylon, and has a rear pouch to hold the reinforced zip-off sleeves or a water bladder. Then, things get interesting. Chest pockets double as intake vents, and there’s a large zippered exhaust vent across the back. Handwarmer pockets are bellowed for extra capacity. The collar is padded, and has both velcro and snap-down closures for extra security. Options, such as a quilted zip-in liner ($30) and elbow and shoulder armor ($34), add versatility.

A generous cut makes the Impact comfortable and easy to move around

in while on the bike. The jacket is off-road-rallyinspired, so it should come as no surprise that the venting really works.

DETAILS Acerbis USA 13200 Gregg St. Poway, CA 92064 800/659-1440 www.acerbis.com Price..........$150 Ups A Comfort and protection A Venting and insulation A M-XXXL sizing Downs Not waterproof Filling chest pockets/vents minimizes their ability to flow air

And with the liner in place, the wearer can tough out even super-cold street rides. Off-road, however, it’s overkill-unless you like to sweat, that is! Other novel additions? Try a waist-level drawstring to help keep the breeze out, and a sleevemounted see-through pouch for stashing your identification or a few bucks. The jacket isn’t advertised as being waterproof, but it nonetheless does a pretty good job of keeping the wearer dry in a sprinkle.

For the money, off-roaders will be hard pressed to find a jacket that offers similar comfort and features, or that is as easily upgraded and available in such a rainbow of colors. Thumbs up! □