When considering a new leather motorcycle jacket, we must evaluate several factors to determine if it meets our needs. Does it offer sufficient armor against impacts?
How does it stand up to sliding across the pavement? Does the construction optimize airflow and weather protection?
But the main question you should ask is, Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you?
I aim to provide an in-depth exploration of how the Sand 4 layers address these key areas. Let’s start by examining some background on Revit’s popular middle-ground offering.
Joe Rocket Classic ’92 Jacket
A Trusted Name Updates Its Mid-Range Gear
As an established European company dedicated exclusively to motorcycle gear, Revit has cultivated a reputation for high-performance equipment designed for real-world riding.
The Sand Jacket (1) series represents their mid-priced jack-of-all-trades option targeting adventure-focused riders.
Now in its 4th generation, the Sand aims to deliver maximum versatility through modular components and weather protection without the premium price tag.
Revit retains the same circa $500 sticker for the jacket while packing in several useful upgrades. This appeals to value-focused riders reluctant to shell out $900+ for top-tier alternatives like the Defender Pro Gore-Tex.
They’ve listened to rider feedback by enhancing ventilation and aerodynamics using innovative designs derived from industry experience. Let’s explore what these changes mean for abrasion resistance and armored impact damping.
Armor That Meets Safety Standards
Right off the bat, the CE-rated armor remained unchanged from the previous Sand leather motorcycle jacket. Both the elbow and shoulder guards consist of Revit’s SEESOFT CE Level 2 protectors, which combine shock-absorbing viscoelastic polymer with a rigid polypropylene shell.
For the back, I strongly recommend inserting an aftermarket Level 2 foam insert to shield your spine.
The hips utilize Revit’s thin, flexible CSMART CE Level 1 foam to enable freedom of movement. And below each knee resides additional Level 2 armor backed by anti-burst aramid fiber composite. This tried-and-true blend of impact foam disperses force over a wide area to reduce injury risk.
So despite moving upmarket with construction upgrades, Revit smartly retained the same proven armor package. This choice provides a familiar safety net to help deflect blows while sliding across the tarmac.
Reinforced Shell Fabric For Enhanced Abrasion Protection
Where the Sand 4 jacket truly shines lies in its shell fabric. Revit ditched the previous 500D and polyester panels in favor of a full polyester ripstop.
This tightly woven material gains its name from the interlocking reinforced squares, which prevent minor tears from spreading.
As our apparel takes the brunt of friction against the pavement, these ripstop grids preserve the jacket’s structural integrity to resist disintegrating.
The pants also receive similar ripstop enhancements for bolstered slide abrasion protection compared to preceding versions.
Additionally, the majority of seams utilize durable triple-line stitching rather than single for superior strength to avoid bursting open.
These thoughtful fabric upgrades reveal Revit’s commitment to optimizing rider safety by boosting tear and puncture resistance.
During my testing, the