As a rider who values protection and versatility, I was intrigued when I first learned about the Aerial 2 Pro jacket. The original Aerial jacket was a popular style for Belstaff a few years ago before being discontinued.
With the return of the Aerial line and updates like a waterproof membrane and CE armor approval, I knew this was a motorcycle jacket I had to try out.
The specs of the Aerial 2 Pro check these key boxes, making it a prime candidate for testing. In this review, I share how it measured up across these criteria after extensive first-hand use.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best waterproof motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Casual yet protective styling
- CE-approved armor protection
- Waterproof and breathable membrane
Initial Impressions of the Aerial 2 Pro
My initial impressions upon unboxing the Aerial 2 Pro were very positive. Right away, I noticed the sharp styling, with sporty lines but subtle branding elements.
The wax cotton outer shell felt thick and protective while still maintaining flexibility. The texture and feel were distinctive, while the red colorway looked great. It struck a nice balance between a casual motorcycle jacket and motorcycle-specific armoring.
Moving the jacket around, I could hear the rustling of the waterproof membrane inside. The presence of this membrane, along with the coated zippers and storm flap, showed the weather protection built into the jacket.
Finally, the PDF armored inserts in the elbows and shoulders were clearly substantial. I was eager to see how they would perform in protecting these key impact zones.
My first impressions revealed a thoughtfully designed jacket with the materials and construction needed for motorcycle riding. Next, it was time to put it to the test!
CE Protection Rating
One of my key criteria for the Aerial 2 Pro was strong impact protection. The inclusion of CE-approved armor was a must, and the Aerial 2 Pro delivered.
This jacket comes equipped with CE Level 1 shoulder and elbows armor. The exact rating (Level 1 or Level 2) was still pending final certification at the time I tested the jacket.
But Belstaff confirmed it would achieve at least Level 1, which indicates strong protective capabilities.
The armor inserts are sizable, with thick foam padding. In my testing, they provided reassuring impact protection without limiting mobility. The elbow inserts can be precisely positioned while the shoulder armor stays fixed in place.
I found the Level 1+ (or potentially Level 2) CE pads provided a great balance of protection and comfort for street riding.
Riders looking for the highest level of protection may opt to upgrade to CE Level 2 pads, but the included armor is highly capable for most needs.
Design and Materials of the Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro Jacket
I like how the Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro jacket is made from a combination of cotton and tech wax, giving it a unique and durable design.
The wax cotton provides a classic and stylish look, while the tech wax adds strength and water resistance. This jacket is designed to withstand the elements and protect the rider.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Combination of wax cotton and tech wax |
| Design | Classic and stylish |
| Durability | Zip pocket on the chest, two side zip pockets, and a Napoleon pocket |
| Protection | Provides proper protection for motorcycle riders |
| Lightweight | Easy to wear and move in |
| Lining | Traditional check lining with corduroy in the collar and sleeve ends |
| Pockets | The collar, waist, and sleeves have poppers for adjustability |
| Adjustability | Pocket available but not included |
| Armor | D3O armor in the shoulders and elbows |
| Back Protector | Pocket available, but not included |
| Alternative Options | Lisfig jacket from Hal Vassens offers similar features at a lower price |
The combination of materials and the attention to detail in the design make the Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro jacket a great choice for motorcycle riders.
It offers style and functionality, ensuring riders are protected and comfortable on their journeys.
Waterproof and Breathable Performance
One of the major upgrades of the Aerial 2 Pro is the inclusion of a waterproof and breathable membrane. I was extremely impressed by the wet weather performance.
Even in heavy rain, the jacket kept me completely dry. The fully taped seams and coated zippers seal out moisture.
Rain beads up and rolls off the wax cotton outer shell thanks to a durable water-repellant (DWR) treatment.
Despite the water protection, the jacket remains highly breathable. The interior membrane escapes sweat vapor and heat, preventing an uncomfortable buildup underneath.
I stayed dry without overheating, even when riding in the warm sun after a rainstorm.
The waterproofing even extends to the internal pocket, providing safe storage for electronics and essentials. I recommend sealing the velcro wrist closures snugly over gloves for optimal weather protection.
Abrasion Resistant Construction
In addition to armor and waterproofing, I also needed the Aerial 2 Pro to provide abrasion resistance in a slide. The materials and construction deliver reassurance here as well.
The wax cotton outer shell features a unique nylon thread infusion, boosting abrasion resistance. This elevated durability contributed to the jacket’s CE approval and should allow it to hold up better during crashes.
Underneath the outer shell, the waterproof membrane acts as an additional abrasion-resistant barrier. So, despite the somewhat vulnerable wax cotton exterior, the jacket offers multi-layer slide protection.
The solid triple stitching throughout adds further reinforcement. Areas like the elbows and shoulders are reinforced for impact resistance and abrasion protection.
I am confident in the jacket’s slide protection after inspecting seams, thread, armor pockets, and materials. It should perform reliably to reduce injury in a crash while still looking great afterward.
| Jacket | Shoulder Protection | Elbow Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro | D3O armor | D3O armor |
| Lisfig Jacket | CE level 1 armor | CE level 1 armor |
| Other Jackets | Varies | Varies |
As you can see, the Belstaff Ariel 2 Pro jacket stands out with its high-quality D3O armor in both the shoulders and elbows. This ensures that you are well-protected during your rides.
Versatile Styling On and Off the Bike
An important factor for me was finding a jacket that transitions seamlessly on and off the bike. The Aerial 2 Pro fits that bill with its sporty but understated design.
Branding elements like the embroidered Belstaff patch and engraved zippers are very subtle—the straightforward styling blends in for everyday wear with no flashy colors or patterns.
The shorter cut provides good coverage when riding but also looks appropriate away from the bike. And the wax cotton fabric gives it a distinctive look and feel for casual use.
With no thermal liner, this is a 3-season jacket best suited for Spring through Fall. The lack of insulation allows easy layering to adapt it for cooler weather.
Overall, the muted styling and versatile materials make the Aerial 2 Pro the perfect year-round companion both on and off the motorcycle.
Sizing and Comfort
In terms of sizing and comfort, the Aerial 2 Pro runs true to size but is slightly slimmer fitting compared to other Belstaff jackets.
I typically take a men’s size large, and the size large Aerial 2 Pro fits me very well, with just enough room to add layers underneath. For reference, I have an approximately 41.5-inch chest.
The sleeve lengths on the size large were perfect, hitting right at my wrist bone. The sleeves are pre-curved to allow good arm extension while riding as well.
The jacket provides a tailored fit without feeling overly tight or restrictive. There is still room to flex and move freely, which is important on a motorcycle.
The collar has both snaps and zipper adjustments, allowing you to customize coverage. I left it fully unzipped for maximum comfort.
Key Features and Benefits
To summarize my testing, here are the key features and benefits that impressed me most about the Aerial 2 Pro:
- CE-approved armor – Level 1 (or 2) protection in shoulders and elbows
- Waterproof and breathable membrane – Keeps you dry without overheating
- Wax cotton abrasion resistance – Nylon-infused shell provides durability
- 3-season versatility – Lack of insulation allows easy layering
- Sporty, understated styling – Looks subtle but functions well
- True-to-size tailored fit – Allows flexibility and motion
For riders seeking a highly capable 3-season riding jacket, the Aerial 2 Pro checks all the boxes. I was very satisfied with both its performance and versatility.
Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
While overwhelmingly positive, I did note a few minor drawbacks during testing that could be improved in future versions:
- The collar flap can flap around at speed when open
- Velcro wrist closures take some effort to seal securely
- Slightly prone to wrinkling in the elbows when riding
- Wax cotton shows dirt over time
However, none of these minor nitpicks reduced my overall satisfaction with the jacket. They should be noticed, given the jacket’s strengths in other areas.
The Verdict: An Excellent All-Around Riding Jacket
Is this the best motorcycle jacket? After thoroughly testing the Belstaff Aerial 2 Pro, I can confidently recommend it to fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. This jacket excels across all of my protection, versatility, and performance criteria.
The CE armor provides impact protection you can count on. Waterproof and abrasion-resistant construction adds all-weather reliability. And the styling transitions perfectly on or off the bike.
While not flashy in any way, the Aerial 2 Pro impresses where it counts. For riders who value substance over style, this jacket will quickly become a trusted partner both for everyday riding and occasional commuting or touring.
I’m thrilled to see the return of the Aerial line and believe this updated version establishes a new benchmark for 3-season riding jackets. The Aerial 2 Pro will become a staple in my gear rotation for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of the Aerial 2 Pro jacket?
The Aerial 2 Pro provides a complete package of protection, waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and versatile styling, making it one of the best all-around 3-season riding jackets available.
How does the sizing compare to other Belstaff jackets?
The Aerial 2 Pro fits true to size but has a slimmer, more tailored cut than other Belstaff jackets. Order your normal size unless you prefer a looser fit.
Is the Aerial 2 Pro fully waterproof?
The wax cotton outer shell and interior membrane make the Aerial 2 Pro completely waterproof. All seams are taped and zippers coated to seal out moisture.
What armor rating does the jacket achieve?
The Aerial 2 Pro comes with CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, with the potential for Level 2 certification pending final testing. The included armor provides excellent impact protection.
Can you wear the Aerial 2 Pro in the winter months?
The jacket is designed for Spring through Fall use. For winter riding, you would need to layer a thermal liner or heated gear underneath for sufficient insulation.
Conclusion
After thorough testing, the Aerial 2 Pro stands out as one of the top 3-season riding jackets currently available.
It provides a rare combination of protection, weatherproofing, durability, and everyday wearability.
For riders seeking a jacket that can tackle commuting, touring, and everything in between, the Aerial 2 Pro is an excellent choice.
I recommend taking it for a test ride yourself to experience the quality and value first-hand.
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