Jackets are an integral part of every motorbike ride, however, not every jacket is made to go well with every kind of motorbike, which can be a bit of a problem as motorbike jackets aren’t exactly affordable for many. RST’s Sabre textile jacket has been specifically designed to end such woes and to provide riders with a reliable, affordable & well-protected jacket that can go well with a vast majority of motorbikes. Not only is this jacket incredibly versatile, but it also has several other features to offer which makes it a great motorbike jacket. Shared below is my detailed experience with RST’s textile jacket and some of its highlights that have made it my partner for daily rides.
Being an old user of leather jackets, I was a bit skeptical to try a textile jacket but suffice to say RST’s Sabre textile jacket exceeded my expectations in more than one way. The jacket provides additional advantages in addition to the ones provided by a leather jacket which is one of its standout features. To begin with, the jacket is made from an abrasion-resistant fabric that not only looks rugged from afar but is practically quite durable. The main fabric is further protected by its water-repellent texture that provides the first line of defense against water & mist, while the main SinAqua waterproof lining does the rest of the work in keeping you safe from unfriendly weather wherever you go.
The Sabre textile jacket is an all-weather jacket since it is made from a perforated fabric that works well in conjunction with the front & back air vents to provide good ventilation on hot & humid days. The light texture of the jacket combined with the vents provided has proven to be a great feature in the scorching heat without which it would’ve been unable for me to ride my motorbike in this weather. For the winters, a removable thermal lining is provided that looks thick enough to last through the chilly weather.
One of the main focuses of any rider when looking for a jacket is its active & passive protection system. Thankfully, the Sabre textile jacket is well equipped in this regard as it is equipped with Level 1 certified shoulder and elbow protection that looks and feels solid enough to withstand a harsh impact. Secondary protection is provided by reflective logos that are embossed throughout the front & the back of the jacket.
Overall, RST’s Sabre textile jacket is a great alternative to traditional leather jackets that not only is affordable but is also supremely comfortable. The jacket is also available in an airbag version in case you’re looking for maximum protection. The availability of a wide range of sizes and that too in various color combinations makes the RST Sabre Textile jacket a great part of the routine as well as long motorbike rides.
I got the chance to try RST’s Brixton textile jacket a whilst testing the Triumph Trident recently below is my review of the Brixton jacket.
Textile jackets may not have a rich history as their leather counterparts, but they do offer some additional advantages. The RST Brixton jacket, as a whole, looks cool even (old school look) from afar almost has a leather look to it from a distance. The fit & finish has been tailored as such to comfortably accommodate your arms and the torso. For an affordable jacket, the quilted stitching is remarkably well detailed and there’s no sign of shoddy craftsmanship. The adjustable waist & cuff comes in real handy for a person like me who often faces difficulty whilst fitting his arms through non-adjustable cuffs.
The jacket, though, made entirely from a mixture of HD Wax & Kevlar, boasts a rather retro theme that one expects only from a traditional leather jacket. However, the greatest advantage of the Brixton jacket stems from its durable cotton & Kevlar construction that not only provides protection at par with a traditional leather jacket but also keeps me relatively cooler on hot summer days. The non-leather material is further complemented by ventilation points at the chest and the rear that do a great job at dissipating the humidity. Moreover, the jacket can instantly be turned into a cold-weather jacket by attaching the quilted thermal lining that comes as standard with the overall package.
No motorbike jacket is complete without solid armor protection and fortunately, the RST Brixton jacket has got an CE level protection as standard thanks to the use of protectors in all critical areas. The key protected areas include the back*, shoulder & elbow that are generally the most vulnerable areas in case of an impact. All the zips are also muscular enough to withstand the wear & tear that occurs during a crash, ultimately, providing you the confidence to push the boundaries.
*This jacket doesn’t have a back protector as standard I luckily had one from another jacket however your can purchase it from rst-moto.com from the princely sum of £17.99
RST’s Brixton textile jacket is available only in black color at the moment, but the availability of a vast number of sizes means you’ll have no problem finding the right size for yourself or your fellow riders.
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Summer riding made comfortable! Finally, the weather has turned up the heat and I was delighted to have had the opportunity to wear my new mesh jacket on the motorcycle. I’ve had quite enough of the layering up and the cold rides. I love summer and I love the sunshine.
As much as the ideal picture of a summer riding on a motorcycle seems a dream (and it is), it is also the time of suffering in your motorcycle clothing whenever you come to a stop. The hot weather doesn’t go well with protective clothing. Luckily, there are alternatives. A mesh riding jacket is perfect for those scorchio days that we sometimes get in the UK. Believe me, they are worth the investment!
The RST F-lite jacket is lightweight and breathable. Of course, it is constructed with mesh fabric (K540) which allows for excellent ventilation and you can feel the cooling effect of it whilst riding. And when you stop, there is no sudden rush of heat you normally experience with heavier jackets.
The jacket comes with internal windproof and shower resistant liner that zips into the jacket. This is great for those warm days that still have a little bit of a chill in the air and of course, it protects you from light rain if you get caught out whilst out riding.
There are two settings for the poppers on the sleeves to allow the adjustment for your arms and the two waist zips on each side of the jacket allow for a better fit to adjust to your body shape. The cuffs have a velcro closing strap to fit around your wrists.
The two side pockets are of good size. The pocket liner is perforated fabric which means it doesn’t stop the air flow but it does seem to bunch up inside the pocket making it, at times, difficult to fish out small items such as ear plugs. Perhaps stitching the pocket liners in a couple of places would improve that.
The front of the jacket is shorter than the back. I think I understand the thinking behind it. Some jackets can be a bit bulky when you sit on the bike and the fabric bunches up. However, I never found that a big problem on any of my jackets and I find the cut somewhat strange as this means that my t-shirt sticks out of the jacket and makes for a somewhat odd look when not on the bike.
When the internal liner is removed you will find two internal chest pockets, one with a zip, as well as a pocket for the back protector. The jacket comes with elbow and shoulder armour. There is also a zip connector at the back to join the jacket with a compatible jean.
It comes in all black colour with subtle design panels on the front to break up the texture. I would have like to have seen a pop of colour (not pink!) as my preference for summer riding but that doesn’t deter me from the jacket. A couple of reflective strips just below the shoulders on the arms and a subtle RST logo finish off the design tastefully. I am very much a fan of subtle branding on any of my clothing.
Overall the jacket is very comfortable, and well tailored for most body shapes with the available adjustments. It looks great with a pair of denim riding jeans for urban riding and even short touring trips.
The Ventilator-X glove is designed to generate maximum airflow over the hand while riding. Made from soft yet protective Amara with K300 mesh on the finger which allows air to flow through the glove.
CE certified to Level 1 KP, the glove also features Amara covered TPU knuckle protectors and double layer reinforcement in the palm for extra durability.
It’s a great bike glove offering superb levels of ventilation for a comfortable ride.
The Ventilator-X glove is best paired with the Ventilator-X motorcycle jacket and jean for the coolest possible ride!
SRP: £39.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
With its futuristic style, the S-1 textile jacket is a bold and vibrant take on protective motorcycling apparel, built to perform.
Made from robust MaxTex fabric, the jacket also features fixed mesh and SinAqua waterproof linings, a removable thermal lining and multiple intake and exhaust vents to protect you from all the elements.
Added to this are the motion panels on the back of the elbow and arm, along with cuff, sleeve and waist adjusters which offer a tailored fit.
Rated CE Level AA, the jacket comes with a pocket for a back protector and CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour along with contrast shoulder cups and reflective panels that enhance the contemporary style and offer added visibility and protection.
Available in Black/Black/Black, Black/Black/White, Black/Grey/Red, Black/Grey/Neon Green, Black/Grey/Neon Orange, Black/Red/ White, Black/White/Blue
SRP: £129.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Taking inspiration from the heritage of the Isle of Man TT, the RST IOM TT Hillberry leather jacket offers a vintage look for fans of the iconic road race.
From the premium feel fixed satin lining, YKK antique brass zips, quilted detailing on the shoulders and neck as well as the reverse stitch leather on the arms, these details all support this retro style jacket.
The jacket is made from a super soft and supple waxed Cowhide leather which enhances the vintage feel and comes with CE certification to the shoulder and elbow armour (CE Level 1) as standard.
The Hillberry is a jacket that truly befits the history of the Mountain Course.
Available in: Black, Green
SRP: £299.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Made from a lightweight yet protective VX fabric, the Isle of Man TT Crosby jacket provides a Café racer look, with a SinAqua waterproof lining, removable thermal lining, and mesh comfort lining for year-round comfort.
It also features CE protection, with Level 1 elbow and shoulder armour as well as a pocket for a back protector. Ideal for riding in cities with unpredictable weather conditions, the Crosby also looks right at home at the Isle of Man TT.
Available in: Brown, Charcoal, Sage
SRP: £169.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
The IOM TT Brandish Jacket takes its name from the winding corner at the 35th milestone of the world-renowned Isle of Man TT Circuit.
The quilted shoulders and two-tone leather with the TT logo are just some of the details on this stunning vintage jacket, although the inclusion of CE armour means that this jacket meets RST’s high safety standards.
The Brandish is the ideal jacket for fans of the Mountain Course.
Available in: Black, Oxblood
SRP: £299.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Whether it’s a formal jacket for the morning commute or into town or a stylish shirt for a fresh look, there’s something from RST for all kind of urban riding, designed to look casual with zero compromise on protection.
Jackets such as the Chelsea or Shoreditch are designed to compliment a formal style, layering on top of a suit to provide a smart look in the office or around town, while the RST x Kevlar® Brixton and RST x Kevlar® District are lightweight and complete a more casual look.
All these garments are CE approved with robust triple stitching and CE armour, just like the garments that get pushed to the limit around the world.
This sneaker style boot has a flatter sole which is easier to walk around in. Made from heavy-duty microfibre and reinforced with a Ballistic fabric, the boot has integrated heel and ankle protection and a rubberised shift pad for enhanced comfort.
For added security, the lace and hook & loop closure system also features a lace garage which tidily secures the lace ends away, preventing the lace getting trapped around the bike. Designed to be lightweight and breathable, the Frontier makes for a great summer boot!
With its futuristic style, the S-1 textile jacket is a bold and vibrant take on protective motorcycling apparel, built to perform. Made from robust MaxTex fabric, the jacket also features fixed mesh and SinAqua waterproof linings, a removable thermal lining and multiple intake and exhaust vents to protect you from all the elements. Motion panels on the back of the elbow and arm, along with cuff, sleeve and waist adjusters create a tailored fit.
Certified to CE Level AA, the jacket comes with a pocket for a back protector and CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour along with contrast shoulder cups and reflective panels that enhance the contemporary style and offer added visibility and protection.
This sports leather mesh hybrid jacket is all about ventilation. Made from premium cowhide leather, the jacket also features K540 Mesh which has four times the volume of air pockets compared to the TracTech Evo 4 jacket and is knitted in a way to offer maximum ventilation.
It meets the AA CE safety standard and features stretch leather motion panels for maximum comfort and movement when worn.
A removable SinAqua waterproof and breathable membrane and the fixed mesh lining aid comfort, while sleeve and waist adjusters offer a tailored fit.
The jacket comes with a pocket for a back protector and CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour along with TPU shoulder cups and reflective panels for added visibility and protection.
Available in: Black/Black – SRP £199.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
The F-Lite is the perfect companion for summer riding: lightweight, well ventilated and CE certified.
With a lightweight yet robust construction K540 mesh and HTC fabric, the jacket provides huge airflow without compromising abrasion resistance which has been knitted to enhance comfort, ventilation, and movement. Inside, a shower resistant windproof liner provides protection in light rain, while sleeve and waist adjusters offer a tailored fit.
The Amara covered sports collar and cuffs enhance comfort.
The jacket comes with a pocket for a back protector and CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour along with shoulder cups and reflective panels and logos for added visibility and protection.
Also available in a ladies version.
Available in: Black – SRP £129.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
The newest addition to the TracTech Evo 4 Range is a new ladies one piece suit.
Everything we aimed for with the TracTech Evo 4 Range – a high performance yet super comfortable leather suit that works well on the road or the track, available at an affordable price – is captured in this suit, which has been redesigned from the ground up to offer the best possible fit for women.
CE Certified to Level AAA, with CE Certified armour and tough yet comfortable leather construction, the TracTech Evo 4 is a versatile suit for a range of riding styles.
Available in: Black/Black/White, Black/Grey/Sky Blue, Black/Pink/ Grey – SRP £499.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Our lightest sports touring jacket and jean, the Ventilator-X has been redesigned to offer superior levels of ventilation.
Constructed with a hardwearing MaxTex outer overlaid with a Ballistic textile in key impact area, and large K300 Mesh panels, the RST Ventilator-X jacket is a robust yet lightweight textile motorcycle jacket with a single ambition in mind – to keep you cool!
Featuring the innovative X-Liner – a singular lightweight lining which combines the quilted thermal liner and the SinAqua waterproof membrane and packed with protective features, the Ventilator-X is ideal for summer riding.
The Pro Series Adventure-X jacket and jean is a must have for all adventure riding.
Made from MaxTex, with a Ballistic textile in key impact areas for abrasion resistance and featuring the new innovative and removable X-Liner – a singular lightweight lining which combines the quilted thermal liner and the SinAqua waterproof membrane.
This can be removed easily and stored in the rear jacket map pocket, ideal for longer tours in a variety of environments.
CE Certified to Level AA thanks to its ultra-tough construction and CE armour throughout, it is easy to see why Mick Extance specifically chose this jacket to tackle the Dakar in 2020.
Lightweight, tough and incredibly durable, Kevlar® fibre adds value, anywhere a physical challenge needs to be met.
RST is therefore proud to partner with Kevlar® to curate a collection of better, stronger, and safer protective apparel that confronts the physical demands of motorcycling. At RST, our obsession with protection is relentless. Ultimately, our job is to do everything we can to ensure our riders are comfortable and protected. Our garments need to perform – working in synergy with the rider and the bike.
The RST Built with Kevlar™ Range may look casual but is anything but. The collection features a range of textile jackets & shirts, hoodies and jeans that have been designed with safety and comfort in mind. They offer enhanced abrasion resistance and tear strength even on your toughest rides.
With the spring teasing us with the first of the warmer days the dreams of summer motorcycling are very much awake. With the change in seasons, the motorcycle clothing gets a once over, too in anticipation of swapping the winter textiles for lighter summer gear.
It is nearly time to retire my winter quilt-like gloves that have served me so well and look for something lighter to stop my hands from sweating in the heat of the summer.
Enter the RST Urban Air 3 glove.
Due to a mix up in the delivery, I originally received the men’s glove size medium. The fit wasn’t great, too big overall and especially the ring and the little finger were lost inside the glove. When I received the ladies’ medium size the difference was noticeable. These fit ‘like a glove’! A great tight fit that isn’t too difficult to get on and off your hands.
In previous seasons I have always opted for a full leather short summer glove and was curious how the leather/textile mix will feel and perform. One thing I can tell you straight away – the air circulation in the RST glove is incredible. You can feel the air going in through the fingers and cooling your hands. Perhaps a little too much in April and thankfully the heated grips did their job whilst I was testing them, but I can see how this will make a huge difference in the summer months.
The mesh sections are fitted on the upper side of the fingers allowing for ventilation and preventing your hands from sweating too much. This means the glove stays dry in hot weather and should be easy to put back on after a pit stop for coffee and cake.
Because they fit so well you feel every control as if you weren’t wearing gloves which makes for a much more enjoyable ride especially after taking the winter ‘quilted’ gloves off. The control of the clutch increases, the throttle responds better and the breaking becomes smoother.
These gloves don’t only look smart and help you ride smoother, they are also Level 1 KP CE certified so they will keep you safe in case of a slide. The protection comes from TPU on the knuckles and TPR on the fingers as well as a memory foam thumb. The palm of the glove is full-grain double layer leather. The index finger also has a smart touch leather for handling your phone/sat nav (never whilst riding!). There is also a large hook on the inside of the glove to help you pull it on the hand if they feel tight or your hands have swollen. The gloves fasted with a hook and loop velcro strap at the wrist.
The glove comes in a few colour variants – full black, black/blue, black/red, black/fluo yellow and my chosen colour combination in black/white to match my Supersport.
I may be a latecomer to the RST brand, having been fairly unfamiliar with it until recently but I see it slowly becoming a regular in my motorcycling wardrobe. The quality, the design and the attention to detail is evident and very impressive.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
We get to try and wear RST Maverick Textile Jean (Jacket see here) with many thanks to RST Moto head to the official RST website rst-moto.com for more info.
Trousers form a crucial component of any apparel and are used to protect the lower body parts. The market is flooded with trousers of various specifications; however, you only want the best stuff when you are investing a considerable amount of money and also to protect your limbs.
This is where the Maverick textile jean steps in, the trousers are made out of the finest grade materials out there and utilize some of the most innovative technologies to provide added comfort to the rider in a variety of situations. Starting with the looks of the trousers, one can confidently say that they look cool and their colour schemes also add to their appeal. The quality feel and looks are complemented by several features which we will discuss here one by one.
As mentioned earlier, safety is the primary job of any motorcycle trouser, and thankfully, the RST Maverick Textile jean checks all such boxes. To begin with, the jean holds an overall CE certification to level A and a knee protection certification of CE Level 1. All of these certifications in simpler words mean that these trousers provide a high level of protection in case of impact, especially when sliding over a tarmac. Its hardwearing MexTex ballistic outer construction is not only flexible but also prevents heat energy from reaching the body parts when skidding over a rough surface.
In addition to the safety features, the Maverick textile jean offers great versatility too. Thanks to the inclusion of a dedicated pocket, the hip armor can be included and taken out whenever there is a need to. Both the SinAqua waterproof membrane and the thermal liners are detachable, hence providing you the freedom and flexibility to include or exclude them according to the weather conditions. The waterproof membrane allows sweat and vapor from the body to leave but at the same time provides an excellent barrier against external vapors.
The list of versatile features does not end here. A 360° zipper provided around the top of the trousers makes it compatible with any RST garment. Furthermore, the trousers are tailored to provide excellent ventilation in the summer season, for which separate vents have been provided on the upper thigh portion that can be opened and closed depending upon the outside conditions. This makes the RST Maverick textile jean an ideal choice for the summer season too. Lastly, the stretch panels/ pads located at the knee allow for easy adaptability to a proper riding posture without making the rider uncomfortable.
Verdict:
This is my first time wearing RST textiles they fit nicely and the build quality is excellent.
The RST Maverick textile jean stays true to its name and offers a wide array of features that make the experience of riding a motorbike more relaxing and enjoyable.
Whether it is safety or user-friendliness, the trouser excels in every category and successfully delivers on its promise of providing riders of every age with an exciting experience.
So, if you are looking for waterproof and warm textiles then look no further than the RST Maverick Textile Jacket and and jeans.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
We get to try and wear the RST Maverick Textile Jacket and Jean (jeans see here) with many thanks to RST Moto head to the official RST website rst-moto.com for more info.
Motorbike jackets form the core of any rider’s journey on a bike and riders are ready to go to great lengths to ensure that they are buying the right jacket that fits their needs most adequately. The availability of a large number of motorcycle jackets nowadays has caused a problem for buyers and they are now having a difficult time selecting the jacket that fits their needs perfectly. However, you don’t need to worry about that because here we are going to talk about a textile jacket that can fill the needs of nearly every rider out there.
We are talking about the Maverick textile jacket made by RST that offers exceptional versatility due to the integration of numerous features. Before starting its review, it is important to mention here that the jacket has been designed to go together with the Maverick textile jean, which is why a 360° zipper has been provided around the top of the jean and the bottom of the jacket. In addition to the compatibility, the Maverick textile jacket also shares many similarities with the Maverick textile jean. So, without further ado let’s dive into the specifications and details of this textile jacket.
The RST Maverick jacket utilizes the signature MaxTex ballistic outer construction that enables it to be flexible and rigid at the same time. This property allows it to bear a considerable amount of wear and tear that occurs during a crash while sliding on a tarmac. The ballistic outer construction has earned the jacket a CE certification to Level A, this certification is further complimented by CE certified Level 1 back protector, shoulder, and elbow armor. These body-specific armor parts safeguard critical body parts from the severe impact created as a result of the body hitting a roadblock or the road itself.
The jacket offers great versatility which allows you to wear it in different weather conditions. Both the waterproof membrane and the thermal liner are detachable and both of them can be attached to the jacket at the same time. This combination makes the Maverick textile jacket an all-weather motorbike jacket that in addition to safety, provides several other benefits too.
All of the above-mentioned features would be useless if the jacket would be uncomfortable to wear while riding. Therefore, RST has cleverly utilized even the smallest of spaces to provide pockets so you can store essentials such as mobile phones, wallets, and keys. Furthermore, the stretch panels are located conveniently at the elbows and the lower back to deliver enhanced maneuverability while changing positions on a bike. Hot summer conditions were also taken into consideration while designing the Maverick textile jacket, hence vents are provided with an open and close mechanism to route air throughout the jacket.
Verdict:
This is my first time wearing RST textiles they fit nicely and the build quality is excellent. My first impression is this product is quality, a great fit and is nice and warm etc
Overall, the RST Maverick textile jacket is a great motorbike jacket that provides exceptional versatility which enables a rider to use it in a variety of situations.
CE certifications mean that it can withstand a considerable amount of abrasion which will ultimately protect the rider.
All of the features combined make it at par with some of its much expensive rivals.
So, if you are looking for waterproof and warm textiles then look no further than the RST Maverick Textile Jacket and and jeans.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
