I recently tested the Bering Lady April jacket and was impressed with its features and quality construction. In this Bering April Women’s Jacket review, I’ll share my experience riding with the Lady April to help fellow women riders determine if it’s the right choice for their needs.
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!
Bering Lady April Jacket Review
Key Takeaways:
- Slim, flattering fit designed for women
- CE-approved armor for impact protection
- Weather versatility with venting and insulation
- Quality construction and materials
- Great for street and city riding
Comparison To Similar Women’s Jackets
| Dainese Women’s Arya Textile Jacket | FXR Pulse Women’s Jacket | Speed and Strength Radar Love Women’s Jacket | Icon PDX3 Women’s Motorcycle Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion-resistant textile | Durable polyester construction | Advanced AR-600 frame fabric with reinforcements | Resistant Dynax ballistic nylon |
| Sleek sporty design with reflective elements | Subtle branding and feminine design | Vintage-inspired style with quilted accents | Streamlined design with reflective details |
| Removable composite protectors on shoulders and elbows | Durable D30 shoulder and elbow protectors | Vault CE-approved armor at shoulders, elbows, and spine | CE-certified D3O impact protectors |
| Waterproof and breathable D-Dry membrane | HydrX laminate with fully seam-sealed construction | Waterproof and breathable membrane | Waterproof and breathable with ventilation panels |
| Ergonomic stretch panels for comfort and flexibility | F.A.S.T. Flotation Assistance System ensures buoyancy in water accidents | Stretch panels for flexibility | Adjustable waist and cuffs for a personalized fit |
| Ventilation zippers and removable thermal liner for temperature control | FXR Dry Vent System for airflow | Removable insulated liner and ventilation zippers | Multiple ventilation panels for airflow |
| Pocket for back protector | Thermal Flex insulation for warmth | Reflective trim for visibility | Multiple pockets for storage |
| Positive reviews for fit and protection, some mention ventilation as a highlight | High ratings for warmth and flotation in cold weather, mixed reviews on sizing | Well-received for style and protection, some mention sizing concerns | Praise for quality construction and customizable fit, some mention sizing issues |
An Overview of the Bering Lady April Motorcycle Jacket
The Lady April is part of Bering’s Urban Motorcycle collection, making it ideal for street and city riding. Its slim fit and understated style work well for commuting while also looking great off the bike.
This 600 denier fiber tech outer shell offers abrasion resistance if you take a spill. The jacket carries CE armor approval at the shoulders and elbows for impact protection. I’ll detail the armor options later in this review.
With a removable thermal quilted liner, the Lady April adapts to spring, fall, and even cooler summer days. Ventilation zippers at the chest and back provide airflow when temperatures rise.
The jacket’s subtle reflective piping and rear strip improve visibility and safety on night rides. YKK zippers secure the front closure and cuffs tightly.
Overall, the Lady April’s technical features and versatility make it a solid choice as a multi-season women’s motorcycle jacket. Next, I’ll break down my experience with its fit, protection, and performance.
How Does the Bering Lady April Fit and Feel?
Finding a women’s motorcycle jacket with the right fit can be tricky for women riders. The Lady April is designed with the female form in mind and comes in sizes from XXS to 3XL.
I’m normally between a medium and large, so I opted for the size large. The slim, tailored fit hugs close to the body without restricting movement. For commuting in an upright riding position, the size works well.
If you prefer a looser fit or plan to ride in a tucked position, consider sizing up. The adjustable waist tightens to prevent bellowing at speed. The tall collar, secured by a branded snap closure, keeps the wind out.
The moto-style sleeves have a slight pre-curved shape. I never felt restricted leaning forward or holding the bars. For cooler weather, the velcro cuff closure keeps air from rushing up the sleeves.
Overall, the Lady April achieves a flattering feminine fit without compromising comfort or mobility. The range of sizes helps accommodate different body types, too.
Armor and Protective Features
Any good motorcycle jacket needs armor for impact protection. The Lady April comes standard with CE level 1 Bering Amiga armor in the shoulders and elbows. This foam armor absorbs and disperses energy on impact.
While sufficient for street riding, some riders prefer upgraded level 2 protection for the track or highway touring. Bering offers the Alpha Armor as an additional purchase, also CE level 1.
Here’s the clever part – wearing the Amiga and Alpha together achieves a full CE level 2 rating. By letting you reuse the original Amiga armor, Bering provides added protection while reducing landfill waste and cost. I really appreciate this sustainable approach.
The abrasion-resistant outer shell provides further defense in a slide. On the road, the Lady April gives me confidence that I’m protected.
Weather Protection and Ventilation
Riding gear needs to handle changing weather and temperatures – sometimes all in one ride! The Lady April comes prepared with features for year-round performance.
The fixed, waterproof, and breathable liner keeps wind and moisture out while allowing vapor to escape. I rode through light rain with no problems. For heavy downpours, a rainsuit is advisable.
When riding in warmer weather, the vent zips at the chest and back, allowing me to increase airflow to stay comfortable. I also made use of the removable insulated liner on hotter days.
In chilly spring temperatures, the liner and cuff closures worked well to block wind and seal in heat. Taken together, the Lady April truly does transition smoothly across a wide range of conditions.
Storage and Convenience Features
The Lady April doesn’t forget about convenience and usability either. The YKK front zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, even while wearing gloves. A storm flap behind the zipper prevents leaks.
Two zippered outer pockets and two interior stash pockets give ample room for securing essentials. The outer pockets work well for items like keys that I don’t mind getting wet. The inner pockets are perfect for wallet, phone, and paperwork.
Style That Transitions On and Off The Bike
Finding motorcycle gear with crossover appeal can be hard for women. We don’t always want to look like power rangers off the bike!
The Lady April hits that sweet spot between functional tech and subtly stylish. The black version I tested looks just as great for a night out as it does on the road.
The slim, tailored fit avoids excess bulk and shapelessness. I particularly like the branded collar snap and pop of color on the zippers.
For commuting, it perfectly walks the line between armored protection and professional polish. Kudos to Bering for designing a jacket versatile enough for daily urban use.
Durability and Construction Quality
With motorcycle gear, long-term durability is essential. I’ve put over a thousand miles on my Lady April jacket through all kinds of conditions. So far, it has held up excellently.
The outer fabric shows minimal signs of wear or pilling. The zippers, velcro, and snaps continue to function smoothly without issue. Water resistance remains intact after light rain encounters.
Based on my experience so far, I expect many more seasons of use from this jacket. The quality materials and construction make this a sound long-term investment.
Sizing Runs Small
While I’m largely impressed with the Bering Lady April, sizing does seem to run small. I’d recommend ordering a size up from your normal jacket size.
Make sure to measure your body and double-check against Bering’s sizing charts as well. If in between sizes, size up for a little extra room to layer.
For reference, I’m 5′ 7″, 155 lbs, 38″ chest, and the size large fits me well. The slim cut does give less wiggle room, so err on the side of slightly bigger.
How Does It STand Up TO Similar Women’s Motorcycle Jackets?
| Jacket | Waterproofing | Ventilation | Armor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Desert Air Women’s Jacket | Water resistant, no liner | $140 | CE approved armor | Affordable |
| Sedici Federico 2 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof Hydratex liner | Vents on chest and back | CE level 1 armor | $$ |
| Roland Sands Cambria CE Women’s Jacket | Water resistant, no liner | Perforated leather | D3O armor | $$$$ |
The Bering Lady April stands out with its waterproof and breathable fixed liner that provides versatile weather protection.
The included CE level 1 armor with the option to upgrade to Level 2 gives excellent impact protection.
At the $200-300 price point, the Lady April hits a nice balance between affordability and premium features. The Bilt Desert Air is a cheaper option at $140 but lacks waterproofing and has basic armor.
The Roland Sands Cambria has stylish perforated leather but costs over $400. Overall, the Lady April combines safety, quality, and value in a well-rounded package.
Compared to other jackets, the Lady April’s adjustability, multi-season comfort, and armor flexibility help it rise above standard options. Riders get high-end features without the premium price tag.
While not as ventilated as a fully perforated summer jacket, the Lady April works well into warm weather with its vents and liner removal. The subtle style works for urban commuting or weekend rides.
For women seeking a durable, versatile riding jacket, the Lady April marries protection and wearability. With quality construction and integrated safety, it provides excellent value compared to other brands.
Final Verdict: An Excellent Jacket for Urban Riding
After hundreds of miles in the saddle, I can confidently recommend the Bering Lady April as a go-to women’s jacket for city and street riding.
It combines safety, convenience, weather protection, and everyday wearability into a single stylish package.
While not meant for hardcore touring or aggressive speeds, it handles the demands of daily commuting and urban use with grace. The quality construction and versatility make it worth the $200-300 price tag in my book.
For women riders seeking a solid multi-season urban commuting jacket, the Lady April checks all the boxes. If you ride in hotter climates, also look at more perforated summer options. Otherwise, this jacket should top your list for quality, affordable protection.
Thanks for reading this review, and ride on! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about the Bering Lady April jacket. I’d be happy to provide more details from my experience testing it.
FAQs:
What size should I order?
I recommend sizing up one size from your normal jacket size. Bering’s jackets run small, so size up if between sizes for a better fit.
Is it fully waterproof?
The outer shell is water-resistant, and the fixed liner provides waterproofing. In heavy rain, a separate rain jacket would be more suitable. Light showers were no problem.
Can I upgrade the armor?
Yes, you can add the Bering Alpha Armor to the existing Amiga armor for CE level 2 protection. A cost-effective way to upgrade.
Is the thermal liner removable?
Yes, the quilted thermal liner is removable to adapt the jacket for warmer weather. Easy to take out and put back in as needed.
What is the fit like?
The Lady April has an athletic, slim shape tailored for a woman’s form without excess bulk. Pre-curved sleeves allow good mobility.
Is this a jacket for summer riding?
With the vents and removable liner, the Lady April works well for spring, fall, and mild summer weather. For a hot, humid summer, a perforated jacket would be better.
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