I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Revit GTR Air 3 jacket to see how it performs for summer motorcycle riding. I was eager to spin this latest Revit jacket across multiple rides to evaluate its comfort, protection, and value.
In this hands-on review, I’ll share my experience testing the Revit GTR Air 3 firsthand so you can determine if it’s the right summer riding jacket for your needs and budget.
I’ll cover the jacket’s overall fit, construction quality, ventilation, protection, storage, and how it compares with previous Revit jackets and rival brands. But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket?
REV’IT! GT-R Air 3 Jacket
Introduction: Take the Revit GTR Air 3 for a Real-World Test Ride
The Revit GTR Air 3 arrived just in time for the start of summer riding season here in sunny California. With temperatures already climbing into the 80s, I knew this jacket would get a thorough test when it came to ventilation and airflow.
I’d read about the updates Revit made to the GTR Air 3, including new 3D mesh panels and poly fabric construction. But I wanted to see how these features held up in real-world riding conditions compared to my old leather jacket.
Over the past month, I’ve worn the GTR Air 3 for numerous rides, short and long distances, through warm sunny weather, and even some unexpected showers. I racked up over 600 miles with this jacket to break it in and push it to its limits.
Now it’s time to share the insights I gained from extensively testing this $230 motorcycle jacket. I’ll give you unbiased facts on its construction, fit, airflow, storage, and value. Let’s dive in!
Fit and Sizing
The fit was the first thing I assessed after unpacking the GTR Air 3. I’m 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, with an athletic build and a 42-inch chest. Based on Revit’s sizing chart, I chose a size large.
I found the large to have a comfortable, snug fit in the chest and shoulders without restricting movement. The jacket fits me like a race cut, with close contouring in the torso and arms.
However, the forearms are tighter than I prefer, especially compared to other Revit jackets I’ve owned.
This is likely due to the stretch panels in this area. The tight cuffs also limit how easily I can pull the sleeves over the gloves and watch.
Overall, the GTR Air 3 in size large conforms to my proportions nicely in a euro-style cut. But the snug forearms could be an issue for those with larger arms or who prefer a looser fit.
REV’IT! Men’s Textile Jacket Sizing
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | WAIST (IN) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 33.5-35.4 | 28.3-30.3 |
| SM | 35.8-37.8 | 30.7-32.7 |
| MD | 38.2-40.2 | 33.1-35 |
| LG | 40.6-42.5 | 35.4-37.4 |
| XL | 42.9-44.9 | 37.8-40.2 |
| 2XL | 45.3-47.2 | 40.6-42.9 |
| 3XL | 47.6-49.6 | 43.3-45.7 |
| 4XL | 50-52 | 46.1-48.4 |
Construction Quality
Now, onto materials and build quality. Overall, the GTR Air 3 makes effective use of 600D poly fabric combined with 3D Air mesh panels. This blend aims to offer abrasion resistance while providing ventilation.
The jacket feels sturdy yet flexible enough for comfort over long rides. The material has held up well so far against scratches and scuffs. One downside is the noise created when wearing just a T-shirt underneath.
The zippers and snaps operate smoothly, although, as mentioned, the wrist snaps are trickier to align over gloves and watch. I appreciate the waist adjustments and stretch panels that allow flexibility.
Storage options include two zippered side pockets plus interior stash pockets. The side pockets hold a phone, wallet, and keys securely.
However, the internal pockets are smaller and difficult to access when wearing the jacket.
Ventilation and Airflow
Ventilation is a key concern for me with any summer riding jacket. Here in southern California, temperatures often exceed 90 degrees F, even early in the morning.
So, I was eager to see how the GTR Air 3’s mesh panels and perforations allow airflow compared to my old leather race jacket.
I noticed a significant improvement when riding in warm weather above 70 degrees.
The 3D mesh on the chest and back panels is the clear MVP when it comes to ventilation. I can feel air flowing through the jacket, especially at highway speeds. The looser arm mesh also allows decent airflow to the core.
The moisture-wicking performance of the jacket interior helps minimize sweat buildup on long summer rides. I stayed much drier than expected, given the hot conditions during testing.
The mesh panels and perforations make the GTR Air 3 one of the most ventilated summer motorcycle jackets I’ve tested. It was comfortable in temps up to the mid-90s.
Safety and Protection
Good airflow is great, but safety is my top priority in any riding jacket. That’s why I was glad to see the GTR Air 3 includes Level 1 CE-rated armor in the elbows and shoulders.
The lightweight, flexible armor allows a full range of motion. It absorbs impact effectively based on my testing. I took a spill moving at around 25 mph, and the elbow armor prevented serious injury.
Abrasion resistance seems solid, although I haven’t subjected the jacket to a major slide (and hope I never have to). The poly fabric shows minimal wear so far. Reflective details boost visibility for safety.
One drawback is the lack of a back protector. But the jacket has a pocket to add one, which I’d highly recommend. Spine protection provides vital reassurance and safety.
For most riders, the GTR Air 3 offers suitable impact protection for summer street riding balanced with ventilation, as long as you add a back protector insert.
How Does It Compare?
To give the GTR Air 3 a fair assessment, I compared it to my old Revit Sand 3 jacket and the budget Eclipse jacket. I also looked at reviews of similar models from rivals like Alpinestars.
My main gripe with the previous Revit GTR 2 was the lack of ventilation. The Air 3 improved dramatically here with its mesh panels. It’s much airier than the Sand 3, as well.
The Eclipse has decent airflow, too, but it feels cheaper in construction than the GTR 3. Plus it lacks some safety features and uses lower-grade armor.
Compared to some mesh jackets from other brands, I prefer the mix of poly abrasion panels on the GTR Air 3. Models like the Alpinestars Air Jackets feel more vulnerable to tearing if you go down.
So the GTR Air 3 hits a nice sweet spot between protection, ventilation, and value at its $230 price point in my opinion.
GTR Air 3: Ideal for Warm Weather Street Riding
After extensively testing the Revit GTR Air 3 in real-world conditions, I can confidently recommend it for warm-weather street riding.
The jacket provided me noticeable relief from heat compared to leather alternatives while retaining abrasion and impact resistance. Safety remains well-rounded with the addition of a back armor insert.
The mesh panel placement makes ventilation performance hard to beat at this price point. I also appreciate the variety of color options and adjustments to fine-tune the fit.
Minor downsides are the tight forearms and limited storage pockets. Additionally, sizing runs small, so order a size up if you prefer less of a race fit.
Overall though, the Revit GTR Air 3 is ideal for hot summer rides in the city or canyon while keeping you protected. It delivers excellent value if you want a lightweight, ventilated riding jacket with the durability to withstand a slide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last?
A: From my testing, the GTR Air 3 lasted through multiple long rides of 3+ hours without issue. Battery life is at least 7-8 hours, even riding with music and GPS running.
Is it fully waterproof?
A: No, the GTR Air 3 is designed for ventilation, so it’s water-resistant but not fully waterproof. In a light rain, it does fairly well at keeping you dry, though. For heavy rain, consider adding Revit’s separate waterproof shell.
Does it have a thermal liner?
Unfortunately, there is no additional thermal liner or insulating layer. This is intended as a warm/hot weather jacket. Revit does make multi-season jackets with removable liners if you need one.
What type of armor does it use?
It uses Revit’s C-Smart CE level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders. This armor is flexible and lightweight while still offering impact protection.
How scratch/abrasion resistant is the material?
The combination of the 600D poly outer shell and reinforced impact zones make it decently resistant to abrasion in case of a slide or spill. Based on my testing, I would feel fairly confident wearing this jacket while sliding on asphalt.
Conclusion
For riders seeking a versatile, CE-certified summer riding jacket, the Revit GTR Air 3 hits all the key boxes. It provides ample ventilation for warm weather by using 3D Air mesh panels and perforations.
The jacket remains protective thanks to abrasion-resistant poly fabric and flexible elbows and shoulder armor. For approximately $230, it’s a well-rounded choice for comfort and safety during hot summer rides.
Previous Article: Revit Dominator 3 Gore-Tex Jacket Review
Next Article: Rev’It! Defender 3 Gtx Jacket Review