The best 5 laminated textile motorcycle jackets for 2024 - Sportsbikeshop

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant concise, honest and unbiased. Nicely done!

[@benwilkins5619]

You were born for this Tony - RiDE was only a stepping stone!

[@mpimpaophoto2075]

I bought a Richa Infinity 2 Pro after I saw a few reviews, including yours, but returned it as I said in a comment in your original review. I stand by my comment: it was quite comfortably, though a bit tight,but at the first serious rain I caught it leaked horribly on my sleeves, chest and, oddly enough, on my shoulder. I ended up returning it and exchanging it for a Revit non-laminated gore-tex jacket that I use with a Scott ergonomic tennis ball colored cheap waterproof jacket that does wonders. I have seen different buyers complaining about the poor waterproofness of the Richa and yet it is still often recommended.

[@sportsbikeshop]

Thanks for getting in touch with feedback, which I always welcome. The Infinity 2 Pro made it to the list because it's been popular with customers. Only one customer reviewer on the site mentioned a waterproofing issue, and I tend to forgive the occasional poor review on things like that (I'll admit it's easier to do that when I'm not the one who's getting wet). The vast majority of customer-reviewers have been happy with the rain protection and I'm sorry yours didn't meet the standard. Thanks again for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@mpimpaophoto2075]

@@sportsbikeshop Hi Tony! Thank you for acknowledging my feedback. Even if I always watch store reviews with the cautious grain of salt, I tend to go back to them as long as I have no reasons to trust their good-faith. I keep coming back to your reviews as they come across as quite unbiased. Still, I had to provide my feedback because I fear that often less positive feedback is probably swept under the rug in many stores and reviews (I have had that experience with my own feedback elsewhere) and all the information is useful for prospective buyers, particularly the information that comes from real users, of the paying type, even if there is the possibility of being less relevant statistically. Again, thank you! Cheers.

[@vilmos_csehi]

Agree on the Richa infinity.. had one, sold it.. There are better options in the surrounding price ranges. (have a Mondial for a while, still happy with it) But to call the Scott waterproofs "cheap" is like calling Michael Phelps an average local bloke who occasionally likes jumping into the neighbour's pool. Misleading.... had a pair and they are great. But not that cheap. RST lightweight WP over jacket is cheap for £30, Revit Cyclone is kinda mid-range. Scotts are around £90 now, thats a premium price (for a premium product)

[@bambam3360]

Rode for 5 days in torrential rain around France in this jacket and didn’t let in a drop

[@petervautmans199]

Better title: best 5 laminated jackets for sale at sportsbikeshop. I ride 30k kms a year, year round in Belgium and I wear Stadler laminated gear. And it is perfect. IN november i had a lowside and the dealer sent my trousers in for repairs. Two weaks later I had a brand spanking new looking trouser. Don't know about Rukka, butt Stadler certainly outranks Richa and Revit. (I own gear of both ).

[@vinceeade6349]

I too wear stadler. Probably the safest riding gear you can buy. Gore tex pro and super fabric too make gives it a lifetime waterproofing warranty.

[@The-Splat]

Stadler is certainly above Rukka, particularly the AAA-rated Compañero Ultimate suit that Stadler makes for Touratech. Few others offer AAA-rated textiles. The Nivala might have excellent armour, but its A-rating reflects poor abrasion resistance. BKS 100SX and Hideout Hi-Pro textiles provide the ultimate protection, but they are only available from the UK.

[@RuiSimonetti]

Have a Rev’it Vertical Gore-Tex, already proved being waterproof, well ventilated and the fit is comfortable.

[@sereneturmoil]

I've been wearing a Rev'it Trench GTX since I started riding five years ago, at 36, and it's been great. Looks good, has useful features, is comfortable, has always kept me dry and provides a sense of safety with its CE2/AA ratings. As my first ever motorcycle jacket, it set a standard that's hard to beat. As for the list, I think the two suggestions in the Rev'it and Oxford are on point. As for the Rukka options specifically, I'm sort of at a loss as to why anyone would choose them. The Kalix is too expensive for the basic feature set and an unknown abrasion resistance and the Nivala is insanely overpriced. What's the point of staying dry if you get cheese grated by the road in any slide that happens outside of puttering about town. I will, however, give Rukka credit on the Nivala's armour set. The added coverage with CE2 protection should set a new benchmark that pursuades all manufacturers to follow suit.

[@sportsbikeshop]

I probably should have mentioned the Trench as a very close relative of the Vertical. Thanks for getting in touch, and for the feedback. I think everyone has different motivations when choosing bike kit, and I respect that. I consider my job to be presenting the information as best I can then I hope riders can decide based on what's important to them. Cheers, Tony

[@The-Splat]

Indeed, the Nivala’s abrasion resistance 👎 is crap. Similar dosh buys a Touratech Compañero Ultimate or Klim Badlands Pro A3: both are AAA-rated, use Gore-Tex Pro, etc. Plus, the Compañero Ultimate has a 10-year warranty as it’s made by Stadler. Also, for around Nivala money, you can buy Hideout Hi-Pro textiles for the ultimate protection and made-to-measure comfort. Is Rukka producing little more than expensive waterproofs while living off its name? ⁉

[@xnight_trap539]

I personally ride in The Alpinestars Monteira XF and I’m very happy with it. It’s perfectly waterproof and well ventilated. Only the Color options are very small.

[@peterjohnson4006]

great video, surprised you didn't mention the kingsley for the double A option from Rukka ,,,,,Love mine

[@ttmadness34]

I bought the Oxford mondial set last year and they are great and not too expensive. Paid less than £400 for the jacket and trousers.

[@sportsbikeshop]

The Mondial has been a massive success, especially since it's been on end-of-line discount. It would have made this list if it had been carrying on through 2024. Cheers, Tony

[@MarkShackel]

Check out the Scott Voyager laminated jacket for good price has AA plus L2 D30 - back and chest plates extra £45 back L2 and about £30 chest bought one of these for £435 added the extras - matching trousers as well - Class bit of kit love it .

[@paul8161]

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out , clothing has gotten even more expensive over the years some of it anyway.

[@ConciergeMed]

Love my Rukka Nivala. Cheers Tony.

[@neilanderson2374]

Good review, will you be doing a Waxed jacket review ? I've used Gortex for years for Mountainineering and Skiing, but recently started using waxed Polycotton; I find them more comfortable especially when windchill is high. Im new to Motorcycling, but i think the same principles apply

[@RahulGupta056]

Stuck between the Alpinestar Andes V3 drystar, the T-Jaws WP and the Bogota Pro drystar and the Richa infinity Pro. Any experiences?

[@sportsbikeshop]

I've reviewed the Andes and the Infinity Pro. Both would be good all-weather jackets. The laminated membrane of the Richa would make it more flexible in terms of conditions (more direct venting in summer, more weather protection against rain). T-Jaws would be a decent option for sporty riding if you're mostly riding in the dry but want protection in case you're caught out in the rain. Bogota Pro has a removable membrane, so the best option if you are riding in high temperatures as you can get the membrane out of the way completely. Less protective in case of persistent heavy rain, unless you put the waterproof liner over the outer jacket when it rains (a great solution if you can). I hope that helps. Cheers, Tony

[@1FromTheTree]

Great video, I’m new the textile jackets having spent twenty years in leather’s, my textile jacket sometimes catches the air & inflates, is there anything I can do to help stop it? Maybe if I open the vents on the back (the front vents are closed) the waist adjustment is as tight as it can go

[@sportsbikeshop]

Thanks! Yes, opening the vents at the back may well help. Sounds like you have the waist sealed well, so make sure it's the same at cuffs and neck, where air can also flow in and puff you up. I hope you find the solution. Cheers, Tony

[@chriswhitehead1173]

Defiantly going laminated next, most probably the Oxford Mondail 2. Been wearing the Alpinestars andes 1,2 and 3 the past 10 years or so and while they do keep you dry they absolutely get soaked to the membrane ,way a ton and take an age to dry. Not great when riding every day in rainy Ireland !

[@garrywilson8982]

Iv got the Mondial 1 and the trousers leak in heavy rain

[@chriswhitehead1173]

@@garrywilson8982 got the 2 jacket, so far so good . Torrential rain and no drop through and doesn't soak up the water like the Alpinestars leaving it weighing a soaking ton.

[@charltheron2769]

Just a note/reminder for all, the "NIVALA 2.0" -- is there ever a "2.1" or "3.5" iteration of any jacket on the market? -- is called the "Rapto-R" on mainland Europe, and the Rest of the World. ;-)

[@blitzer109]

I have the Kallix 2 Jacket and when I bought it I was told the safety rating was AA. Very happy with it, takes a little while to "break in" but once it does it is very comfortable and extremely waterproof.

[@paulvarnsverry11]

@blitzer109 : Seems like you may have been mis-sold your jacket. Sportsbikeshop is to be commended for doing its best to provide clarity on the performance classifications of the motorcycle clothing it stocks, both on its web site and in the videos made by Tony Hoare, which cannot be easy when even a number of brands own web sites don’t reveal this information. Frankly, I consider A classification unsuitable and insufficient for any garment that is intended to be worn on the open road, as the classification is only intended to specify low speed/low protection worn by commuters in the urban environment. AA is the absolute minimum that warrants consideration, in my view, and my kit includes an AA jacket (Klim Badlands Pro; purchased from Sportsbikeshop) although the rest of my gear is AAA and above: with two complete textile suits certified to EN 13595 Level 2.

[@blitzer109]

@@paulvarnsverry11 to be fair I didn't buy it from SBS and FWIW I agree with you on 'AA' being the minimum I would consider. I also have a Halvarssons suit that is AA rated.

[@paulvarnsverry11]

@@blitzer109 : I did not infer that Sportsbikeshop was the supplier. In my various dealings with them since 2017, I have always found them to be trustworthy.

[@The-Splat]

@@paulvarnsverry11 Presumably, the two textile suits certified to EN 13595 Level 2 are from Hideout and BKS. How do the two compare in use (e.g. ventilation, waterproofness, etc.)? Comparing Hideout and BKS is rather like asking how Ferrari and Lamborghini compare. But I’m curious how the two textile titans differ when worn and used.

[@paulvarnsverry11]

@@The-Splat : Hideout offers two products: garments made from woven fabrics that are also waterproof and garments made from knitted mesh fabrics that are air permeable (for hot weather use). BKS uses waterproof fabrics. Zip-closed ventilation points can be specified for the BKS suit and presumably also the first type of Hideout suit. I'd have to refer you to consumer reviews for anecdotal evidence of their relative merits.

[@ScotsmanDougal]

Is there any chance you could do a real world test of the Richa Atlantic 2 and the Rev'it Poseidon 3? Both of those jackets are in my shortlist but I'm having real difficulty picking one. I might just head down to SBS and try them both on, might be the best bet.

[@sportsbikeshop]

I'll have a look at both jackets and see if we can fit in reviews of those. Cheers, Tony

[@thewoodster8607]

I have a Richa Atlantic 2. Firstly, It's proven to be completely waterproof in terrible weather for hours on end. It's very comfortable, including the placement of the armour. I like the fit and look of the jacket ( I have it in silver grey) but the waist adjusters don't have a good range of adjustment. I like the side zips at the bottom as they prevent the bottom of the jacket rucking up when sitting on the bike. The venting is OK at the front at the top but there is nothing on the arms. The front vents exhaust into a single horizontal vent at the back, which if you wear a small rucksack or camel pack, prevents the flow of air. It's OK up to about 25 degrees but gets very warm thereon. I found the front vents faffy to open but easier to close on the move. I don't like the collar fastening. It does not sit naturally and unless I set it correctly in a mirror, it folds down inside the left side of the jacket where it velcros itself to the zip lining. Perhaps it's worse fault is that the cuffs are not wide enough to accommodate winter gloves being worn inside, even when the zip is used. I also bought larger back armour. Knowing what I know now, I would not buy one again. It was too expensive to just stop wearing so I just crack on with it. You may not care about the issues I find irritating. A very good friend of mine has the same suit in black and agrees with the majority of my positive and negative comments but cares less!! If you do go to SBK Shop and try it on, bear in mind my comments and see what you think. Wear a helmet when trying to open and close the front vents with gloves on (You have to use feel instead of looking down) . I hope this helps. It's a good jacket but IMHO, not a great jacket.

[@ScotsmanDougal]

@@thewoodster8607 Is the main zip vent any good?

[@thewoodster8607]

@@ScotsmanDougal There is no vent in the main zip. There are two fold back panels at the top of the chest.

[@ScotsmanDougal]

@@thewoodster8607 Damn, I was led to believe there was a zip under the main zipper like on the Held Carese. Balls

[@johngittins6244]

Lacking Klim jackets and personally I love my Carlsbad.

[@sportsbikeshop]

It's a good jacket and Klim is always on the list of candidates. I'm sure they'll be in the running next time we update this video. Cheers, Tony

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

No mention of the Klim Badlands Pro A3 possibly the safest textile jacket on the market.

[@sportsbikeshop]

No, that jacket didn't make our list this time. Big respect to Klim for making it, though - and I'll keep an eye on its popularity with customers ready for when we update this video in future. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@mikleman996]

because we live in the UK and its always bloody raining :D

[@Nox-06]

You even don't speak about Klim (Badlands Pro A3) which is one of the best ... why???

[@sportsbikeshop]

I felt there was room for one top-end jacket on price and the Rukka Nivala was the most popular with customers. I wanted the list to have a good spread of prices to suit riders on different budgets. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@BillyHey72]

"if you can see past the single A CE rating..." You're a mug if you pay £1400 for something thats only rated for urban riding at 30mph, shame on you Rukka.

[@Howard1776]

You may just be click bating people desperate to justify the money they have spent ( I haven’t got one or intend to) but you may have missed the point of the jacket. There should be no shame on Rukka as they produce a range of higher rated jackets. The thing with this jacket is that it is more comfortable than standard laminated jackets (see comment above re the Kalix which needs breaking in) and this affects the safety rating. Ratings are based on abrasion tests in a lab to get consistency but we don’t crash in a lab. In the real world we have armour which provides an additional abrasion layer to the fabric and in this jacket, there is considerable more and larger armour than most AA rated jackets. Therefore, practically, it may be ‘safer’ than its rating suggests. I understand it is used a lot by semi professional and long distance riders as well as the ‘ must have the best and most expensive’ brigade. When choosing gear we usually consider cost, safety and comfort and it’s up to the individual to choose where their priorities are.

[@boeos]

I agree £1400 quid for a single jacket, bloody disgusting, you can get a full GP Alpinestars leather suit for that. I'm sorry but i'm never paying anything like that for a single garment. I own various branded gear from RST, Oxford, Alpinestars, Draggin, HJC, Roof, Weise, Held, Spada, Richa, O Neal. Always thought Rukka is stupidly overpriced. Never mind the armour ratings. at £1400 you can cherry pick, pretty much any number of items against it. whether its an Airbag jacket, a full leather suit, or a way cheaper jacket for same quality. Joke.

[@roadwarrior8560]

RST's first laminate kit the Pathfinder series were excellent and very affordable, never seen any reviews on it though. Laminate is the best for touring and if your in a real downpour either get off the road or wear a good raincoat over the top of it!!

[@sportsbikeshop]

That was an interesting one as I wore it, but it was discontinued before I got a chance to post the review. The latest RST laminate is the Pro Series Commander, which has made a good start with customers and I'm hoping to try it soon. Agree with your comments on touring - it's the best balance for all weathers. If you're taking a raincoat, though, then wouldn't a jacket with a removable liner give you something more comfortable for red-hot days too? The whole thing is enough to give me kit anxiety before a big trip! Cheers, Tony

[@jacobhalliday625]

Rukka number 1 and 2 . Richa not goooood enough 🤣😂

[@Secularworld60]

There’s a glaring absence of klim products !

[@martinehulme8743]

Please include us ladies in your reviews . The fit, the options.. 😅

[@sereneturmoil]

Even as a male rider I completely support your sentiment. I've been trying to get my partner to go double up - she's not too keen on the idea at the moment - and I feel like the reassurance of high quality, professionally recommended gear, that also looks good - my partner is quite fashion minded - would go a long way to helping me enjoy something I love with someone I love. Thank you for voicing an underrepresented request.

[@sportsbikeshop]

Reviews of women's kit has been on my agenda since we started making them, and I was expecting this perfectly justified comment a long time ago. You're the first to mention it, however. You've given me the nudge I needed to revisit this and work out a way to credibly review women's clothing. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@martinehulme8743]

I suggest Oxford coated jeans, their about £140 but look great on.. take her steady and listen to her comments and hopefully she'll be hooked very soon 🙂

[@roadwarrior8560]

As much as I like and appreciate Tony's videos I think Sportsbikeshop might need a woman to review the women's kit? it's a minefield trying to get kit to keep your lady happy on a bike.