Adventure Spec Supershirt - is it any good?

[@adventurespec]

Thank you for this review guys, it's great hearing your thoughts! Brilliant review. Thanks again

[@lightweightadv]

😎👌🏻

[@tuftywhite9628]

Got mine in the first tranche of AS offer. I saw, in this shirt, all the advantages you've pointed out in the video. I also use a Knox Action Shirt, but the AS Supershirt is, as you say, a game changer. It opens up the world of wearing anything or nothing with it. I really hope they've protected the patents as much as they can, because soon, everyone is going to want one and other manufacturers will be on it. A great invention. I'll be using mine all the time.

[@paulo1787]

Your channels a game changer, brilliant reviews (Top Gear standard) 👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🙏

[@lightweightadv]

Cheers! What an ace comment 👊🏻😎

[@adventurespec]

Agreed!

[@Jazbot3]

First video of yours I’ve seen, and this was very well done. Clear, concise KZbin reviews are hard to come by, so I really appreciate your style. Liked and subscribed.

[@lightweightadv]

Wicked, good to hear. Glad you're along for the ride 👊🏻😎

[@weifeng5958]

It’s great to finally have a review from someone else besides AS. I do like their layering concept but have yet to purchase anything other that the original Magadan’s. My holdup has been the delayed purchase of the Tek Vest from the company Teckrider in Canada. The Supershirt seems to have the right idea but noticeably lacks any type of rib protection what so ever, just the same as everyone else. It’s amazing that after all these years and countless iterations of upper body armor, companies continually miss the mark or simply choose to ignore protecting the rib cage. The Tek Vest isn’t cheap by any stretch so I’ll have to wait until it arrives before I can take any meaningful chest measurements in order to correctly size any of the AS upper garments. ✌🏾

[@grandefromage4607]

It's stretchy and it looks a bit loose on you, so would you say the armour will move around if the wearer was sliding?

[@MotoSly]

Great review! i am going to get myself one for the holidays. have spend to much lately on other motorcycle related stuff, so i'm going to save some cash!

[@lightweightadv]

Ha, isn't that always the way. Yeah, a lot of cash, but you'll certainly get your moneys worth from it 😎👌🏻

[@brettsewell701]

I would like to know what the slide time is for it going through. Its not leather or Kevlar which I feel will be far superior. Does it zip to your trousers. If not this is another problem as it may just be peeled off if you slide.

[@chrisvodka2412]

Thats my biggest concern. Leather stiffness is another story to keep in mind.

[@SteveInskip]

Good review. Got mine last week and it is piggin expensive but solves a few issues and is great for hot climates. Throw my Mosco Moto thin top over it and you’re done!

[@lightweightadv]

Completey agree Steve, its an answer to a problem I've always ridden with when swapping from bike to bike 👍🏻

[@SteveInskip]

@@lightweightadv just as a comment, I’ve always found the motorbike specific layering systems to be a bit limited in choice. I get most of my layering stuff from the skiing/mountaineering shops and mountain bike websites as the choice seems to be a lot better. It’s piggin’ expensive again but you do ‘get what you pay for’.

[@lightweightadv]

Great point. I've started to do that too, but only for specific items to be honest, as I've never wanted to spoil it off road 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@randymcgiveron3268]

Thanks for the review. However, I'm still waiting for more reviews before I make my final decision. Right now using a well-worn or worn out Alpinestar Cape Town mesh 3/4 jacket. Trying to decide between the Knox urbane utility and a super shirt. I live in South Florida and it's frequently 90° Fahrenheit and 90 percent humidity. I need to go with coolest jacket available. But I also worry the tight fit of both the knox and adventure spec would not allow air to circulate around my body.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Randy, sorry for the slow reply. Yeah we have to be honest, the supershirt does get quite warm because of the material it’s made from, can’t comment on the Knox I’m afraid 👍

[@1990-t1j]

I like the look of this a lot more than the Knox equivalent. What is the jacket you popped over it at 6:00, please? I rather like it. Lineman, or something, you said. Good review style. I have subscribed.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, thanks for the comment. Yep, the supershirt is a great peice of kit, still my go to item today. That's the Adventure Spec linesman jacket I wore over it. I tend not to head out without that either!

[@1990-t1j]

@@lightweightadv Yeah. I found a review for the Linesman. The Linesman pants seem good, too. I really fancy a Supershirt. I live in Thailand most of the year.

[@mfranquemont1884]

Great review. Expensive, but seems worth it. Any news on AS releasing matching ‘super pants’? That would complete the ‘game changer’ proposition…

[@lightweightadv]

Hey thanks, yeah it’s a bit to lay out initially but if it means you can wear any outer layer then worth it eh. Not heard anything about that, might be worth us asking though 👍

[@mfranquemont1884]

Per ASpec; In discussion, but don’t count on it.

[@davedavis3304]

Felt the need to chime in, I'm a pretty cheap kinda guy but went in for the £300 super shirt and feel for both the ACT trip over the Pyrenees on my 990 (in just this and a jersey) and my commuting needs this compliments my need for abrasion resistance that the knox gear didn't quite fit me right on - arm length and versatility (generally ride in and out of work with just a standard hoodie on now over the SS). Nearly went for the Astars vest only but really rate the abrasion resistance after spotting the vid, don't get me wrong, not perfect but close. Will still wear body armour only when trail riding on the 500 but for multi day and high speed rides the shirt gets my vote, wore just the SS in the heat wave round Snowdonia when friends were almost passing out in similarly rated Rukka gear at treble the price tag. Would appreciate a longer back protector in it though. The beauty is , clothing is evolving and I'm happy to invest in keeping myself intact to spend quality time with the kids when not riding.

[@lightweightadv]

100% this Dave. Its so versitile. My armour hasn't seen the light of day since I got mine

[@steveh100]

Great review, Im certainly interested in a new layering system. Is there anything to keep it in place when you're sliding down the tarmac though? My current jacket zips to my trousers which is nice, however it is also abound with air vent zips that do absolutely nothing to keep you cool on a hot day lol ... so a supershirt or other similar kit that would stay in place on a good slide would suit me... I used to think it's only on a few hot days you suffer but man it's been so hot for so long lately... had Greg Villalobos et al been in Unthank last weekend I would have bitten his arm off for 1 of these lol.. and should we expect any footage from last weekend..or have I missed it... Monday was such a come down after the weekend we had!

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Steve, not specifically to keep it in place. It tucks in nicely, but no zips etc. I hope to have the festival vid out this coming Sunday 😎

[@steveh100]

@@lightweightadv thanks Marc, looking forward to it, it was a fantastic weekend.

[@urosz.8455]

What about sizing? Which size do you wear in the video and what are your dimensions?

[@lightweightadv]

Good question, I should have mentioned it. I'm wearing a Large in the video. I have incredibly long arms though! I am 180cm/6ft tall. Jamie (the other fella on our channel) wears a medium, he's 172 cm 5'8 👍

[@TheIdlesurfer]

I pulled the trigger and bought one, and it is a very different jacket to the Icon Fieldsport. It is a much more substantial piece of kit. I've got the Fieldsport, which is good, super discreet and fits under anything. I've got an old and well used Urbane Pro. I think the abrasion resistance of the Adv Spec will be a lot more substantial. I pulled you up for calling this shirt a game changer, but I'd have to go with really useful and versatile.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey man, really pleased you got to try one out. All of the kit has pros and cons I suppose. This is the first thing I reach for regardless now though 👍🏻

[@rogerdayton]

How easy is it to walk around in the Alpinestars tech 3 boots?

[@lightweightadv]

Easy mate, they're nowhere near as stiff as regular MotoX boots. They need breaking in still, but they're very comfy after a short while.

[@Seqhael]

I went with a Leatt AirFlex Stealth a couple of years ago but I think I’ll stick with it, £340 for the supershirt is just insane… the Leatt was £120 and does similar, I guess with the abrasion resistance

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, It's all about the abrasion resistance. The supershirt can be worn alone up top and you're still fully protected. Definitely not cheap, but worth it. I wear this with just a jery off road and a thin black hoody when I'm on my Harley 👍🏻

[@iangriffiths9930]

Knox armoured shirts do the same job for less money and I think look better as they can by bought in different colours, oh yeah they are also AA rated. Competition is great and welcome but in general adventure spec although good are way too expensive in my opinion👍

[@lightweightadv]

Yep, always good to have a choice 😎👌🏻

[@leslieaustin151]

Well, I use a Knox armoured shirt, and I really enjoy it’s features, but I really don’t think it’s AA rated. The armour in it is AA, but the shirt material I wouldn’t trust to protect me from either impact or abrasion. I’m seriously thinking about the AS Supershirt, although it will make my Knox redundant. After watching the ‘stunt-man’ AS film, I’m prepared to believe that the AS Supershirt really is a game changer, and is therefore worth £300. Les

[@iangriffiths9930]

You are indeed correct the older version of the Knox shirt is A rated only but Knox released a new version I believe this year that is AA rated.

[@leslieaustin151]

@@iangriffiths9930 thanks Ian, I’ll take a look at Knox then, and compare the two. Les

[@owenfarmer4197]

Hi as always another candid video. Would you consider doing a toe to shoulders kit review. I’m using old police public order pads under my trousers and want to up the quality of my kit.

[@lightweightadv]

That sounds like a very good video idea Owen, we will put it on the list 👍🏻

[@dengised321]

This is a nice product. I disagree with your question, "Who in their right mind would wear a white protective shirt?" I definitely would, especially when riding long days baking in the sun on a BDR at 90 F (32.2 C). For that reason, if I were to get a Supershirt I would experiment with putting a thin light-colored jersey over it. This might mitigate the amount of heat the Supershirt retains from the sun. Has anyone that you know if tried this already?

[@lightweightadv]

It's designed to be worn with a jersey, that's how I ride with it, very pleasent and cool

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

No the Knox Urban pro was the game changer , but I don’t blame you getting onboard off the laying system.

[@lightweightadv]

Hmm, yeah I suppose you're right. This is slightly different idea though, with its layer-ability.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@lightweightadv , actually so is the urban pro ,but the more choices we have out their the better .I am not brand loyal ( even with my bikes on and off road) I’m ALL about buying what works .I’m from Australia and love the idea 💡 of a product that is abrasion resistant and impact resistant for both on and off road . I’m happy to put it through the paces for you through 👍

[@SileX406coup]

Different is that the super shirt comes directly with lvl2 armour throughout, inkl. a lvl 1 chest protector. The Knox looks like a really light mesh jacket, not like a long sleeve shirt and just comes with lvl 1 armour that need to be updated. The supershirt was also intended to meet AAA standards, but the test specs were changed just in the homologation process.

[@ilyavoldman6508]

@@SileX406coup I agree completely, I owned the knox shirt and now I own Pando Motos shirt that is quite similar to this one. The knoxs shirt is just a snug fitting mesh jacket, not extremely comfortable one also. This is totally different story this shirt.

[@inrptn]

@@SileX406coup the new version of the Knox has level 2 armor, and I prefer the mesh because I live in a very hot climate.

[@lordvader2060]

Just one question, does this change the game?

[@lightweightadv]

It really does. A base layer that makes any coat a motorcycle coat.

[@Ma0i]

What size did you get?

[@lightweightadv]

A large

[@TheIdlesurfer]

Icon Field Sport? See what Ryan F9 says. And change out of £200. I like Adv Spec gear, I love their support of the TET. Their kit is pricey but they don't have economy of scale. My go to trail gear is the Linesman jacket and Atacama trousers But I have the Knox Urban Pro in grey, which I've used comfortably on trails in 40 degrees. I also have the Icon Field Pro. Both do the same job. The Icon is not CE rated but Ryan explains why this isn't a problem. Game changer is a bit much. Good bit of kit, certainly.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey. I'm of the understanding that the icon isn't abrasion resistant throughout, only to where they have placed kevlar over the armour. Agreed, these are the most likely points to rub first, but the the supershirt is AA rated for abrasion all over...every inch of it. Its a second skin. I certainly can't deny its cost, but in my opinion, this is as good as armour gets. The knox urbane is its closest rival I feel.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@lightweightadv all true, but the Icon is so comfy I forget I'm wearing it. Like you said, you make choices.

[@alrightdave6135]

Wow! Someone that takes advice of Ryan? Too much bad information coming from that guy.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@alrightdave6135 Go on. Why?

[@mfranquemont1884]

ASpec has just raised the price from high $349 to stratospheric, $385.

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, inflation means some of their kit is going up unfortunately 😔

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Knox Urbane Pro is what I use along with Pando Moto leggings - the ultimate versatile setup.

[@lightweightadv]

The Urbane Pro is also a great shirt 😎👌🏻. We've not heard of the Pando Moto before today!

[@snox7320]

300 notes , yeah I reckon that's expensive to a lot of people , including myself . I am not sure any kind of protection is gonna keep you super cool in the summer .... And we all know green Laning is way more fun in the winter when you pop your armour on and sling a cheap waterproof over the top 😉

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, definitely not cheap. Dunno, I always felt a bit exposed on the road in just my armour 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@snox7320]

Yeah I hear ya . There's only so much we can do regards protection but we know the dangers and simply carry on ridin ✊

[@Galvoflysoz]

I'm new to Motorbike but in my shoppingbI hated the ADV jackets with zip inmli ers that are on offer here in Australia. So heavy and bulky and a pain in the arse to change out layers. And ugly or useless at campsites. So have been looking at layering and I've come across only really two options with abrasion resistance. Knox and Adventure Spec but can't try any on here In Western Australia. Both are AA rated but the Knox is 30% cheaper. The Adventure Spec is 700$ aud which is bloody expensive for what it is. But it does look good.

[@guille_snapshooter]

i hope more companies get into this trend, now we can choose between knox, richa and AS. Spidi tried but failed with this type of armor companies could design better 3 layer jackets, like a proper waterproof outer layer that doesn't look like a trash bag. also redirect the price that we should pay for armour, over and over again, and put it on the jacket itself. brilliant ! i own the richa one, but is just single A rated.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, yep, it's a great trend that we are seeing. It's really changed the way I layer in each bike I own and has made it more affordable in the long run.

[@ilyavoldman6508]

Absolutely, I also like this layering system idea. By the way Pando Moto also have a shirt of this type, I own one. I think ASs shirt will be better though. I plan to buy one.

[@berislavpavisic3121]

I have no doubts that this is a quality product, but that price tag is way overestimated, because, for example, you have Pando Moto shirt that comes at 150£, although with class A protection and no chest protector.

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, there is no avoiding that price tag, but it's also a premium item. Not heard of the Pando Moto shirt before to be honest 🤔

[@biscuitsalive]

“Who in their right mind would wear white body armour?” (Stormtrooper awkward noises.)

[@lightweightadv]

Uh oh, I'll be the drone they're looking for with statements like that 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@isleman8308]

When you charge for a sticker it say’s it all!!

[@MotoSly]

you didn't get it... did you? it's not the brand you are paying for. it's the versatility of the jacket you pay for... oh and the quality offcourse ! and to be fair... 300pound really isn't that much for a quality jacket....

[@rickt.223]

Nice piece of kit. It does look one size too big for you.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, no, it's just the fit, it's first perfectly when on the bike. 👌🏻

[@ownyourworld]

It’s great , it’s also £300

[@lightweightadv]

Yep, not cheap. I personally think it's worth it, but again...its not cheap!

[@nobodyshero200]

That's a crazy price.

[@alrightdave6135]

@@nobodyshero200 why?

[@garamborobles4733]

Bought one, the fit around the neck is not good, looks two sizes up, whilst the rest is ok. Felt quite awkward in fact, got my wife to do some sewing, better now, but this should not have been necessary..

[@tommeyer6033]

Why wouldn’t I wear white body armor? I’d love to wear white body armor.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Tom. Fair enough mate, it's just not for me. If it was warm enough to trail rode in just the shirt it would be super dusty on the trails, this would get filthy, fast. I guess AS have to make the more commonly desired colour.

[@tommeyer6033]

@@lightweightadv warm where I am isn’t always dry. Plus, street riding! Great review, even tho I was already sold in the shirt, you’ve reenforced my decision.

[@nobodyshero200]

Crazy price from AS as usual. Definitely for middle aged men with big pockets. Shame. Let's hope someone copies it for the rest of us. Its 10% of the cost of my 250L.

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, yep, it's definitely pricy, I can't deny that, but probably only the cost of any other decent motorcycle jacket. If I add up the cost of my different motorcycle jackets for different bikes (which this product solves for me) it's a considerable ammout, so it's all relative in my opinion.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I’m not sure I 100% agree as you still need an outer layer or under layer most of the time as the adventure shirt is not warm or waterproof? Plus it doesn’t have any pockets? I probably only wear my Knox shirt on it’s own a few times a year as the British weather is so unpredictable (and mostly rubbish). I think having an abrasion and impact shirt is a very good idea but it’s a mistake thinking it replaces a jacket imo

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, I'm not saying that it replaces a jacket, but it makes any thin waterproof/windproof/Jersey/a viable and safe layer and can be worn solo if you really wanted to 😎👍🏻

[@grandefromage4607]

With that way of thinking you just need to buy a new fully farkled GS then this jacket will be small beer ;)

[@lightweightadv]

Haha, no way. If any thing, I see this as thrifty. If I bought another bike that wanted a different style, before I would have had to buy a whole other motorcycle jacket. Now, I just need a jacket...from anywhere that I like, at any price that I like, because I don't have to pay for protection in a new coat.

[@martinfoster5163]

I like the general tailoring design of the Supershirt but it misses the mark for me in several areas. I'm almost a 100% off-road rider. I live and ride on grassy mountain sides and coniferous forests .... in Mongolia... yet I'm British. I'd suggest some improvements for the Supershirt before I'd consider it. Knit, high tenacity, stretch fabrics are great for the main chassis but they are a really bad idea in impact zones because they tend to grab on impact. Also, the lack of slip liner is a bad design. UHMWPE (or any Polyethylenes) have a really low melting point amongst textiles. Any sliding will cause the PE to melt and/or lose tensile strength. So I'd add leather overlays at the elbows and shoulders. It could be a thick perforated cowhide. MOTOCAP has shown these overlays to substantially increase impact abrasion performance in the high risk zones, far beyond any textile. Companies like Klim and Rev'it often put leather overlays in these high risk zones and it performs better than any textile. Otherwise, I'd wear hard armour over the top of the Supershirt because this is much more penetration resistant to sharp objects than soft armour and will deflect rocks and tree branches. These could be sewn onto a Supershirt chassis or added as Chest, back and shoulder protector such as Alpinestars A10 V2. So, sorry, it's not a game changer. I haven't seen a highly abrasion resistant shirt with hard armour yet, in a single garment. That's why we have layering. On the road, the Supershirt would best be worn with an outer jacket, probably leather. Or part leather.

[@lightweightadv]

Given your particular set of circumstances, pergaps this isn't the most perfect, but with a 50/50 mix of on road, off road and everything in between on multiple bikes, it really is a game changer for me.

[@Galvoflysoz]

The video of it sliding along the gravel was pretty impressive, never melted and held up well.

[@martinfoster5163]

The video didn’t impress me. I watched it frame by frame and the shirt took none of the impact and just a little of the slide. Yet the area where it did slide, there were friction burns on the stunt rider. The jeans were damaged before the crash in the video. By watching frame by frame, you can see the jeans were showing the Kevlar layer before. Whether this was by design or because there were multiple takes, I’ve no idea. I don’t give any credibility to staged crash demonstrations by manufacturers. The inherent bias makes it too tempting to not game the result.

[@guillaume05ch]

I find the movement limited in this supershirt. Mostly because of the front chest protection, which comes knocking on your chin when you raise your arms. Also lacks small pockets for a phone. Otherwise great product if you take the price out of the equation

[@lightweightadv]

Got to admit, I don't use the chest plate. I put my phone in my trousers 👍🏻

[@dnx789]

Armoured shirts been around a while, adventure spec overpriced on everything

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, they have. But I do feel like this is slightly different from the rest too. There is no denying that AS kit is expensive, having said that, it's taken everything I've thrown at it for the last 2 years and still looks in great condition. It's great to have so many options on the market 😎👌🏻