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| Archives - Product Reviews | Product Review: Axio & Mossi And Shift Mesh Jackets - From RoadBike September 2006
Too Cool For School Super Cool You may be thinking, “Where have I seen that jacket before?” On the cover of RoadBike’s November 2005 issue, that’s where. The Mossi Super Cool jacket got a workout on my trip from LA to Sturgis last year (in “Steve’s Excellent AdVenture”). I knew it would be hot out there, and that I’d need a lightweight, ventilated jacket. Leather would have been too much. But I also wanted a liner for cool mornings. The Mossi Super Cool was a perfect fit. It was comfortable and light enough for hot-weather riding, while the easy-to-remove zip-out liner kept me warm when the temperatures dipped. The jacket has an abrasion-resistant nylon outer shell with three zippered outside pockets (none on the inside, sorry). There’s soft armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. The cuffs secure with Velcro, and the waist has a Velcro cinch belt. While the Super Cool comes in a broad range of sizes from small to triple XL, the body and sleeves are adjustable for fine tuning. For extra safety, I chose the brighter silver and black version, but the jacket also comes in all black, blue/black, red/black, or yellow/black. All are trimmed with reflective piping. The fit was right on; the large size was perfect for my 6', 200-pound frame. When really hot weather sets in, I put the leather away and reach for the Super Cool. — SL Airborne “Designed and developed specifically for a woman’s body.” Music to a girl’s ears. For women who choose to ride with protective gear, it’s nice to have options that fit comfortably and flatter your figure. I don’t wear men’s clothing, so why would I wear men’s riding gear? Shift Racing has been working on some new jackets for women, designed specifically to fit the female body. The company currently offers two models: the leather M1 and the mesh Airborne (shown here), both of which I’ve tested. Both have a comfortable fit and nice lines, though they tend to be short at the waist. The Airborne is my daily choice for summer riding. It’s made of a lightweight poly/mesh fabric that really lets the wind through. Ballistic nylon reinforcements offer protection in various places and also give the jacket a high-tech look. Other protection comes in the form of removable CE-certified armor in the shoulders and elbows. There’s extra padding along the spine, and on the inside there’s a pocket for a back protector. More and more jackets are cropping up with a Mandarin collar, and I’m glad — it’s small, simple, and doesn’t require any fumbling to open or close when you’re wearing gloves. The Airborne’s cuffs are short and simple, too, with Velcro closures. Unlike Steve’s Super Cool, this jacket doesn’t have a liner for cool weather. And it comes in only one color: black. But it does offer an inner pocket and an adjustable waist. Overall, the Airborne is incredibly comfortable, and it doesn’t hurt that it makes me look good. — JP RB SOURCES Mossi Super Cool Jacket $109.95 Women’s Airborne Jacket $99.95 |
