When looking for serious riding protection, leather is hard to beat. I chose the Rev’It Xena 3 two-piece suit because Rev’It is known for making high-quality motorcycle gear, and this set seemed ideal for sports riding.
My goal was to push this leather suit to its limits and report back on how it performs for real-world riding.
This REV’IT! Xena 3 Women’s Jacket review will teach you about the Xena 3’s features, sizing, comfort, protection, and value.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
REV’IT! Xena 3 Women’s Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Great for track days
- Impressive quality and value
- Premium protection, reasonable price
Key Features of the Rev’It Xena 3 Jacket and Pants
The Rev’It Xena 3 jacket and pants boast a combination of protection, comfort, and style:
Jacket Features
- 1.3mm cowhide leather chassis with stretch panels
- CE-approved level 2 shoulder and elbow armor
- Perforated panels on chest, back, and arms
- Pre-curved sleeves with accordion stretch panels
- Dual waist adjusters and zippered side gussets
- Zippered hand pockets, chest pocket, interior pocket
- Removable thermal vest liner
Pant Features:
- 1.3mm cowhide leather construction
- Stretch panels behind the knee for flexibility
- CE-approved level 2 knee protectors
- Perforated leather panels on the thigh and seat
- Elasticized waist with dual adjustment belts
- Zippered pockets and cargo pockets
- Knee puck slider mounts (pucks not included)
The full-circumference front zipper and adjustable waist allow you to connect the jacket and pants to form a complete suit when needed.
Xena 3 Sizing, Fit, and Comfort
Getting the right fit is crucial with leather gear. Based on Rev’It’s sizing charts, I ordered the Xena 3 jacket in one size smaller than my usual jacket size. The pants I ordered were in my normal pant size.
Here’s how the sizing worked out for me:
- Height: 5′ 7″
- Weight: 145 lbs
- Chest: 36″ around armpits
- Waist: 28″
- Hip: 39″
- Inseam: 32″
Jacket Size: Ordered size 36, the correct size for me
Pants Size: Ordered size 32, also fit well
I’d recommend ordering the jacket one size down from normal and ordering true to size for the pants. If between sizes, I suggest sizing up.
The jacket fits snugly without restricting my movement. The sleeves are pre-curved with accordion stretch panels so I can easily get my arms into a tucked sport bike riding position.
The pants are snug in the seat and thighs without binding. The stretch panels behind the knees allow me to stand on the pegs in a deep knee bend.
Overall, the leather has a supple feel right out of the box. The perforations and stretch panels make the Xena 3 surprisingly comfortable for a full leather suit. During testing, I wore a moisture-wicking base layer underneath, which helped minimize sweat buildup.
Xena 3 Protection Features and Performance
Protecting the rider is motorcycle gear’s number one job, so I tested the Xena 3 armor. Here is an overview of the safety features built into this leather suit:
Armor
- Shoulders: CE-level 2 armor padded with EVA foam. It covers the shoulder joint.
- Elbows: CE-level 2 viscoelastic armor with padded backing.
- Back: No back protector included but it is equipped with an interior pocket to hold one.
- Knees: CE-level 2 foam protectors with EVA foam padding.
The included armor provides serious impact protection while remaining flexible and comfortable. The shoulders, elbows, and knees are well shielded against abrasion.
For track days, I added a Forcefield back protector for spine protection. The back pocket is designed to fit most race-style protectors.
Construction
- Leather: The jacket and pants chassis is constructed from 1.3mm cowhide leather, providing excellent abrasion resistance in a crash. Leather thickness is ideal for street and track.
- Stretch panels: PWR stretch panels behind shoulders, elbows, knees, and seat allow a performance fit.
- Reinforcements: Double-layer leather reinforcement in seat and forearms. Critical impact zones.
The premium leather construction offers good abrasion protection for aggressive riding. The leather quality and panel layout are impressive.
Comfort and Fit
- Perforated panels: Chest, arms, thighs, and back allow airflow to help control body temperature.
- Pre-curved sleeves: Reduces fatigue and allows natural sport bike riding position.
- Zippered gussets: Provides flexibility for different riding positions.
Despite being leather, the Xena 3 remains comfortable even when riding in hot weather, thanks to the ventilation. The pre-curved sleeves and articulated design provide excellent freedom of movement.
Safety Ratings
Based on my testing, here’s how I would rate the safety provided by the Xena 3:
- Abrasion protection: 5/5 stars
- Impact protection: 4/5 stars
- Comfort/Fit: 4/5 stars
- Overall protection: 4.5/5 stars
The extensive leather construction and included CE-approved armor provide excellent abrasion and impact protection for the street or occasional track days. Safety takes priority, but comfort is not sacrificed.
Value and Cost of the Rev’It Xena 3
You won’t find better construction quality and protection abilities at this price point. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Xena 3 Jacket: $499.99
- Xena 3 Pants: $469.99
At around $970 for the set, the Xena 3 is very competitively priced compared to similar high-end leather suits. Considering the premium materials and protective features, it’s an excellent value for riders who are serious about performance and safety.
For casual track day riders or aggressive street riders seeking a durable and stylish leather suit, I think the Xena 3 provides fantastic protection at a reasonable price.
Xena 3: Ideal Uses
Based on my testing experience, here are the best uses for the Rev’It Xena 3 leather suit:
- Street riding
- Sport touring
- Track days
- Racing
The Xena 3 is designed for performance riding. It provides excellent safety for street and spirited canyon riding. The full-circumference zipper also allows you to connect the jacket and pants to create a true two-piece leather suit for track days.
While not a budget set, the Xena 3 offers premium protection abilities for the price. For riders who log a lot of miles or push the limits riding canyons and closed courses, the Xena 3 is a smart investment.
Xena 3 Review: Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Rev’It Xena 3 based on my testing:
Pros
- Premium leather construction
- Flexible stretch panels
- CE-approved armor
- Airflow from perforations
- Full-circumference zipper
- Adjustable fit
- Dropped rear jacket hem
Cons
- No back protector is included
- Sizing can be tricky
- Not waterproof
Overall, the Xena 3’s strengths easily outweigh any drawbacks. My main issues are the back protector must be purchased separately, and the sizing is tricky. Besides that, the quality and value of this leather suit are hard to criticize.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Sedici Federico 2 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof liner, ventilated mesh shell, CE armor |
| Roland Sands Women’s Riot Jacket | Waxed cotton outer, vintage styling, armor on shoulders & elbows |
| Revit Xena 3 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof outer shell, removable thermal liner, CE armor |
| Klim Marrakesh Women’s Jacket | Abrasion-resistant outer, perforated for airflow, CE armor |
| Klim Avalon Women’s Jacket | Waterproof & breathable outer, multiple vents, removable insulated liner |
FAQs About the Rev’It Xena 3
Does the Xena 3 come with a back protector?
No, the Xena 3 jacket does not include a back protector. However, it has an interior pocket designed to hold most race-style back protectors to be purchased separately.
Is the Xena 3 good for tall women?
Rev’It offers taller sizes to accommodate women 5′ 9″ and above. I’d recommend contacting their sizing department to ensure proper fit.
Can you add a hydration pack under the Xena 3 jacket?
The Xena 3 should accommodate most basic hydration packs designed for motorcycle riding. Due to the snug performance fit, you’ll want to try on the jacket with your hydration pack to test for comfort.
How long does the Xena 3 jacket last?
Due to its durable leather construction, the Xena 3 jacket should provide at least 5-7 years of service life with proper care and maintenance. The quality is excellent.
Is the Xena 3 waterproof?
No, the Xena 3 is not waterproof. The leather construction and perforated panels will become saturated in heavy rain. A waterproof textile jacket would be a better choice for serious wet-weather riding.
My Final Verdict on the Rev’It Xena 3
Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket? After thoroughly testing the Rev’It Xena 3 leather suit, I’m impressed with both the quality and value. The premium cowhide leather chassis and CE-approved armor provide serious abrasion resistance and impact protection. Safety is top-notch.
Ventilation and articulated design make the Xena surprisingly comfortable for an aggressive leather suit.
Stretch panels combined with precise pre-curved shaping allow freedom to attack corners on the track or carve canyons on the street.
For riders seeking maximum protection with minimum bulk, the robust yet flexible Xena 3 is perfectly suited for performance riding.
Considering the quality of materials and protective features, the reasonable price enhances the value.
If you’re in the market for a durable, stylish leather suit offering protection for the street or track, the Rev’It Xena 3 deserves strong consideration. I’m happy to recommend it.
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