CW Evaluation: Olympia Airglide 4 Mesh Tech Jacket

An all-weather ensemble for the torso.

Deciding which jacket to slip into for a ride often forces you to become a weather forecaster. Cold? Hot? Wet? Some or all of the above?

Not a problem with Olympia Moto Sports’ Airglide 4 Mesh Tech Jacket, thanks to its three-piece design. The waist-length outer shell is 500-denier Cordura with removable CE-approved Motion Flex armor at the elbows, shoulders and back protector. Large ballistic nylon mesh panels in the chest, arms and back, along with nylon mesh lining, permit easy air entrance and exit. Of the jacket’s six pockets, five (four on the front, one on the inside left zipper flap) also use nylon mesh that won’t impede airflow; the interior cell-phone pocket is water-resistant nylon. Velcro secures the wrist closures and soft microfiber collar.

In addition, there are two removable inner liners. One is a nylon “outer” that’s wind- and waterproof; the other is a Thermolite-insulated “inner” that keeps the torso toasty.

In searing heat, wearing just the outer shell is almost as effective—and much safer—than riding in a T-shirt. In temperatures down into the 40s, the inner liners do a good job of keeping the upper body warm—and, in moderate rain, dry. The liners aren’t bulky, so they fold up snugly enough to easily pack or bungee on if you start off wearing all three but get too hot along the way—or vice versa.

The Airglide 4 Mesh Tech is available in three colors—Neon Yellow/Black, Pewter/Silver or Black—in men’s sizes S to 4XL and women’s XS to 3XL. The jacket has a zippered connection at the rear that will attach to Olympia’s Airglide 3 Mesh Tech Overpants ($229.99), available in complementary colors for men and women.

UPS DOWNS
Olympia Moto Sports www.olympiamotosports.com PRICE: $289.99 * Neon Yellow/Black, Pewter/Silver or Black in men's sizes S-4XL * Attaches to Airglide 3 overpants * Can't regulate outer shell's airflow * Cuff tabs a bit bulky