Finding riding gear designed specifically for a woman’s proportions can be challenging as a female motorcyclist.
Most motorcycle jackets cater more towards men. So, I was intrigued when Roland Sands announced they were releasing a women’s version of their popular Ronin jacket.
I’ve admired Roland Sands jackets’ vintage styling and premium materials for years but could never find a good fit as a woman.
As a rider who logs thousands of miles yearly, having gear performing well through all conditions is critical.
In this review, I’ll share everything I learned through extensive first-hand testing so other female riders can make an informed decision about the Maven jacket.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket?
Roland Sands Maven Women’s Leather Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Premium style, protection, and comfort.
- Tailored, comfortable, and flattering.
- Quality, style, and functional versatility.
Our Verdict on the Roland Sands Maven Jacket
After hundreds of miles of testing the Roland Sands Maven leather motorcycle jacket, I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance and pleased with my buying decision.
The premium materials and construction live up to Roland Sand’s reputation for quality. Attention to detail is evident throughout.
Comfort is excellent thanks to the tailored, female-specific fit. The jacket contours the body beautifully while allowing a full range of motion on the bike. Protection can be tailored with optional Forcefield armor.
The Maven also nails the biker style I love with vintage-inspired aesthetics, hand-finished leather, and subtle feminine accents. It’s stylish enough to wear off the bike, too.
For women looking for a premium leather riding jacket that provides protection without sacrificing comfort or style, the Maven is an outstanding choice. I highly recommend it for riders who appreciate quality materials and a women’s specific fit.
It carries a premium price tag but delivers equivalent quality. Consider it an investment in both protection and timeless biker style. I’m glad I chose it as my new go-to leather jacket.
An Overview of the Roland Sands Maven Jacket
The Maven is Roland Sands’ first women’s-specific leather motorcycle jacket. It takes design cues from their popular men’s Ronin jacket but is tailored to accommodate a woman’s proportions.
Here are a few quick facts about the Maven:
- Constructed from premium hand-dyed leather
- Vintage-inspired styling with modern protection
- Designed specifically for a woman’s body shape
- Available in tobacco brown or black color options
- Retails for $595
Some key features that set the Maven apart are the flexible elasticized panels, zippered waist gussets, and snap-back collar. These all help create a customized, comfortable fit for female riders.
How the Maven Jacket Performed During Testing
Over the past few months, I’ve worn the Maven jacket in a wide range of conditions, from daily commuting to long weekend rides. Here’s an overview of how it performed in key categories:
Fit and Comfort
One of the most impressive qualities of the Maven is the tailored, female-specific fit. The princess seams, elasticized panels, and zippered gussets all combine to create a jacket that contours the female form without limiting mobility.
I tested a size medium, and the fit was perfect for my 5’10” athletic frame. The jacket felt comfortable whether I was sitting upright or tucked into an aggressive sport-riding position. The sleeves were long enough to prevent any gapping at the wrists as well.
The collar can be snapped back to lay flat against the neck, preventing irritation from contact with the helmet. This was a welcome feature I used often.
The specialized women’s fit and flexible, elasticized panels made the Maven one of the most comfortable leather jackets I’ve ever worn. It exceeded my expectations in this category.
Protection and Safety
In addition to comfort, protection is a top priority for me when choosing motorcycle gear. The Maven jacket doesn’t include armor but has pockets to accommodate optional Forcefield protectors in the shoulders, elbows, and back.
I added CE-rated Forcefield limbs and back inserts to maximize protection. With armor inserted, the jacket provided solid impact protection without limiting mobility or comfort. The armor never felt bulky or restrictive during testing.
The jacket’s premium 1.1-1.3mm thick leather construction also provides good abrasion resistance in a slide. Leather thickness varies throughout to balance protection and flexibility.
For colder weather riding, the Maven has lined pockets and a quilted full-sleeve zip-out liner to retain warmth while blocking wind. The collar seals tightly and keeps the wind out.
Style and Design
As expected from Roland Sands, the styling and design details of the Maven are superb. The hand-finished premium leather looks and feels fantastic.
I chose the tobacco color option and love the vintage vibe of the burnished brown hue. The leather has a luxurious feel, and the wax finish gives it a subtle sheen without being overly glossy.
The tailored panels, pieced leather construction, and perforated accents create a flattering, feminine silhouette. I receive compliments every time I wear it.
Signature Roland Sands details like the embossed snaps and branded zipper pulls elevate the quality and custom feel. YKK zippers, durable stitching, and fleeced liner panels demonstrate thoughtful construction throughout.
The Maven strikes that perfect balance of fashion and function I search for in my motorcycle gear. The rugged protection doesn’t come at the expense of style.
Weather Protection
I tested the Maven jacket through a wide range of conditions, from 100+ degree summer heat to mountain rides in the 30s and 40s.
The perforated panels under the arms, on the inner arms, and lining helped ventilation during hot weather. Airflow was decent, but leather will never breathe as well as textile. I stayed relatively comfortable up to about 90 degrees.
In colder weather, the full-sleeve thermal liner kept me warm and blocked wind very effectively. It allowed me to comfortably ride in temperatures down to the mid-30s before needing additional cold-weather layers.
The jacket’s leather construction also does a good job of resisting light rain and moisture. I stayed dry during light showers and storms. For heavy rain, a waterproof outer layer would be recommended.
Overall, the Maven provides solid comfort across a wide range of riding conditions. With the zip-out liner, it transitions well from summer to winter.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Dainese Sevilla Air Tex Women’s Jacket | Mesh panels for airflow, removable thermal liner, adjustable waist |
| Street Steel Madison Women’s Jacket | Leather construction with perforated panels, CE armor, multiple color options |
| Revit Xena 3 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof outer shell, removable thermal liner, CE armor |
| Roland Sands Maven Women’s Leather Jacket | 100% leather construction, classic styling, zippered vents |
| Klim Marrakesh Women’s Jacket | Abrasion-resistant outer, perforated for airflow, CE armor |
The Maven hits a nice middle ground by blending protective features, everyday wearability, and stylish design at a competitive price point.
Riders prioritizing protection may prefer Icon, while those wanting ultra-lightweight performance could consider the Curve Evo. For pure fashion, the Vika is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Roland Sands Maven
How does the sizing of the Maven jacket compare to Roland Sand’s men’s sizes?
The Maven jacket is about a half size smaller than the Roland Sands men’s jackets sizing. I typically wear a women’s medium but tested a men’s small in the Ronin jacket. For the Maven, the women’s medium was perfect.
What type of weather is the Maven jacket best suited for?
With the zip-out thermal liner, the Maven can be comfortably worn year-round in most conditions. It provides good airflow in warm weather and keeps you cozy down to the 30s or 40s when layered. For colder or wet weather, additional layers would be recommended.
What armor does the Maven jacket accommodate?
The Maven has pockets to add Forcefield CE-level 1 or 2 protectors in the elbows, shoulders, and back. This armor can be purchased separately to customize your protection level.
Is the leather waterproof?
The leather itself is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. You’ll want to layer the Maven with a waterproof outer shell for heavy rain or storms. Light rain will bead and run off the jacket.
How long is the typical break-in period?
Like all leather jackets, the Maven will break in and form to your body over time. Most riders start to feel it has broken in and softened up after about 5-10 wears. The wax finish prevents over-softening and sagging.
Conclusion
The Roland Sands Maven leather motorcycle jacket provides an excellent blend of safety, comfort, and timeless style for female riders. I was very impressed by the premium materials, customized feminine fit, and vintage design details.
While not inexpensive, the Maven delivers equivalent quality and protection to justify the investment for dedicated motorcyclists. The jacket is versatile enough to bring confidence and comfort in all riding conditions.
I’m thrilled to have the Maven as my new go-to leather riding jacket. Its blend of fashion and function is difficult to find in women’s riding gear.
I believe most female motorcyclists will find the fit, protection, and styling perfectly suited to their needs.
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