Icon Airform Battlescar Jacket Review: Worth The Hype?

With summer riding season approaching, it’s time to reevaluate my gear. I need a jacket that can protect me in warm weather without overheating.

The Icon Airform CE’s ventilation and water resistance combination caught my eye. But does it perform as promised?

I’ll share my impressions after extensively testing this jacket in this review. But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best motorcycle jacket for the summer for you? Let’s find out!

Detailed Review and Test Results

Fit and Comfort

Getting the right fit is crucial for any jacket to perform its job well. I typically take a size large for a comfortable, relaxed fit in most brands. However, Icon gear runs larger, and their size chart recommended I size down.

I ordered a medium, and the Airform CE offers a nice athletic fit without restricting movement. I’m 5’10” and 185 lbs with a 42″ chest. The medium conforms to my body without feeling tight.

There’s enough room to add layers underneath during colder weather, though as a standalone jacket, I’d prefer the large one for a bit more space.

One issue I noticed is that the sleeves are slightly long. This bunches some extra material around the forearms when riding. It doesn’t hinder functionality but affects the visual fit.

The collar lays flat nicely when fully zipped up. However, the neck area feels snug when turning my head from side to side. I want a bit more flex room around the collar.

When riding in a tucked position, the jacket pulls slightly across the shoulders as well. Adding some flex panels would help, though the expansion zippers along the chest and waist do allow me to loosen it up when necessary.

Overall, the Icon Airform CE provides a fitted look without restricting movement. I’d tweak the sleeve length and add some stretch panels for even better flexibility, but I can’t complain about the overall comfort.

SIZE	CHEST (IN)	ARM (IN)
SM	36 – 38	31
MD	38 – 40	32
LG	40 – 42	33
XL	42 – 44	34
2XL	46 – 48	35
3XL	48 – 50	36
4XL	52 – 54	37

Ventilation and Breathability

Being a mesh-lined jacket, I expected good airflow from the Icon Airform CE, but the ventilation exceeded my expectations.

Even just unzipping the chest vents allows a nice breeze to flow through. Fully opening the vents along with the expansion zipper really maximizes air circulation.

The mesh interior feels smooth and airy against the skin. It wicks moisture well, keeping me dry even during more intense rides. I never felt stuffy or overheated like with some other textile jackets.

My only gripe is that the external vents lack any waterproofing. So, you do sacrifice water protection for that cooling airflow.

But compromises have to be made, and I appreciate how effectively the Airform CE vents heat and sweat when needed.

Water Resistance

While obviously not comparable to a fully waterproof riding jacket, I’m impressed by how well the Icon Airform CE repels light rain and road spray. The coated polyester shell beads up and shrugs off moisture when riding in wet conditions.

Even riding for 30+ minutes in a steady drizzle, my core and arms stayed mostly dry. Some dampness did soak through across the shoulders and down the sleeves after a longer ride, but the DWR coating prevented full water penetration.

The waterproof zippers also remove the rain from the front opening and pockets. So your gear inside remains protected.

Just don’t expect a completely watertight seal in heavy downpours. The jacket will soak through eventually, but it provides decent water resistance for typical riding. Plus, the mesh liner helps limit your clammy feeling with soaked, non-breathable fabrics.

Protection

Any good motorcycle jacket needs to protect you from abrasion and impacts. That’s where the Icon Airform CE really excels.

It includes Level 1 elbows and shoulders armor and a foam back pad. The D3O armor feels flexible and molds comfortably to my joints. It doesn’t limit mobility at all.

The jacket performed well when I took a spill off my bike during testing. The shoulder and elbow guards prevented any bruising or road rash, though I did feel the impact through the foam.

The exterior holds up against abrasion, too. After hundreds of miles on the bike, it shows little signs of wear aside from some scuffing. The beefier material over high-impact zones adds even more durability.

So, while this isn’t a rugged adventure touring jacket, the Airform CE provides better protection than typical textile jackets in this price range. The armor takes the brunt of impacts while the abrasion panels slide instead of tear open.

Quality and Construction

Examining all the seams, stitching, and materials, the Icon Airform CE is well made for a sub-$300 jacket. The stitching feels tight throughout with no loose threads. Zippers operate smoothly, and the Velcro closures keep a solid grip.

I’m not thrilled about the hood attachment system, however. The bungee loop arrangement feels clunky compared to a simple zippered hood. It works fine but looks messy when not deployed properly.

Aside from that one complaint, the Airform CE appears durable and well-constructed to withstand typical motorcycle abuse. The materials resist piling or losing their color after repeated wearing.

I think the quality exceeds expectations for the price and matches more premium jackets. The Airform CE should last season after season before needing replacement.

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Key Takeaways: Who Should Buy the Icon Airform CE Jacket

To summarize my testing and impressions of the Icon Airform CE jacket:

Pros

• Excellent airflow from ample ventilation
• Lightweight and comfortable fit
• Surprisingly good water resistance
• Quality construction for the price
• Flexible CE-rated armor

Cons

• Non-waterproof vents sacrifice weather protection
• The hood attachment system is awkward
• Sleeves slightly long, causing bunching

Best For:

• Warm/humid weather riding
• Riders needing ventilation
• Short rides in light rain
• Sub-$300 budget but want good protection

Not Ideal For:

• Cold weather (limited insulation)
• Downpours (not fully waterproof)
• Taller riders (sleeves run long on some sizes)

So in conclusion, I recommend the Icon Airform CE jacket for riders prioritizing airflow and some water protection on a budget. It’s not meant for hardcore adventuring but handles commuting, urban, and recreational rides well.

Just don’t expect a 4-season touring jacket. Lean more towards 3-season use to take advantage of the ventilation. Then, switch to a fully waterproof shell and layered insulation when winter hits.

Within those parameters, the Airform CE provides an impressive combination of safety, comfort, and functionality. Hot weather riding keeps you cool and protected better than competitors in this price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Icon Airform CE work for cold-weather riding?

No, the jacket lacks insulation, so it won’t keep you warm in cold conditions by itself. However, you can layer appropriate base and mid layers underneath for some cold weather protection.

How is the sizing compared to other brands?

Icon gear fits larger than other brands in most cases. It’s recommended to size down, especially if you want a more tailored fit. Check their sizing chart and consider going down one full size.

Does the jacket include a back protector?

Yes, the Icon Airform CE comes with a basic foam back pad. It’s not high-end armor but provides impact cushioning. Riders can upgrade to a more protective insert if desired.

Is the jacket fully waterproof?

No, the jacket is considered water resistant, not fully waterproof. The shell fabric repels light rain but will eventually soak through in heavy rain. It’s ideal for short rides in drizzle but not heavy downpours.

How does the ventilation compare to mesh jackets?

While not as breezy as a full mesh jacket, the mesh lining and vents allow excellent airflow, keeping you cooler than most textile jackets. The water resistance does limit ventilation somewhat, but overall, it’s highly breathable.

Conclusion

I recommend strongly considering the Icon Airform CE jacket for riders looking for versatile warm weather protection. It provides an impressive balance of safety, comfort, and functionality at a reasonable price point.

This concludes my hands-on review and impressions after extensively testing the Airform CE. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! Ride safe out there.

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