“Back in Black.” AC/DC may have made the phrase popular with its ’80s rock-’n’-roll song, but Arlen Ness takes it a step further. The Mercer is a lightweight, ventilated summer jacket that bridges the gap between motorcycle toughness and on-the-town good looks. The body of the Mercer is constructed of tough Dupont Cordura and Teflon-finished for abrasion resistance, with flow-through mesh panels in the chest, neck, torso, back, and sleeves. I like the soft mesh fabric’s design; it’s not just perforated cloth with plain round holes, rather each small opening is patterned cloth that provides air circulation. Added to those panels are four areas of stretchy, elasticized fabric under the arms and in the forearms for comfort throughout my body’s range of movement. There’s a slight curve built into the arms, but it doesn’t hold your arms in that position off the bike. Again, the flexible materials used in the Mercer make for form-fitting comfort.

There are four logos on this jacket but they’re subtle. One rubberized “A” badge on each sleeve, the name of The Man on the back reading down in vertical lettering, and an embroidered “A” crest in the lumbar. All tastefully sized and positioned, and I doubt anyone will think it’s your name.

The neck is lined with soft, comfortable corduroy and features a cushioned neck roll. The jacket itself has one zippered inside pocket, one Velcro-closure pocket, and one cellphone pouch. The zip-up cuffs are easy to manipulate and have snaps at the wrist openings. You can cinch up the waist with the adjustable side buckles that snap into place. There’s CE-approved soft armor in the shoulders and elbows, and I found it never interfered with my off-the-bike movement. With only one strip of reflective piping across the upperback, you’re pretty much going stealth during night riding. I wouldn’t suggest the Mercer for cool weather riding; chilly mornings require another layer. But when the sun beats down, the Mercer begins to shine. It kept me cool in all-day summer riding. RB

The zip-out liner is thin, lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

Sources

Arlen Ness Mercer
$229.95 (M-XXL)
$249.95 (XXXL-XXXXL)
www.ArlenNessApparel.com