Rev’It! Matador Jacket Review: Worth the High Price Tag?

I recently tested and reviewed the Revit Matador motorcycle jacket. In this review, I will share my experiences with this jacket’s materials, protection, comfort, and overall performance to help riders decide whether it’s the right choice for their needs.

By wearing it on long rides in different temperatures and weather, I wanted to see how it stacks up for features like water resistance, breathability, impact protection, comfort, and more.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Rev’It! Matador Jacket

Rev’It! Matador Jacket Review

Key Takeaways

  • Versatile for all seasons
  • Leather jacket, ample protection
  • Recommended for touring riders

Materials

The Revit Matador utilizes a mix of high-end materials to achieve the ideal blend of protection, comfort, and flexibility. Here are the key materials used in its construction:

  • Monaco Performance Cowhide leather: Comprises the majority of the jacket. This abrasion-resistant leather is sanded for smoothness and reinforced for durability. Revit states it provides “maximum protective performance for life on the street”.
  • Synthetic leather: Used for logos and accents. Animal-friendly alternative that’s easy to clean.
  • PWR Shell Stretch: Highly stretchable material at the back and thighs for added flexibility. Wear-resistant with excellent recovery.
  • Stretch polyester: Interior of sleeves features expandable polyester to prevent restriction of movement.
  • 3D Air Mesh: Open-cell mesh panels at the chest, arms, and back offer enhanced breathability.
  • Neoprene: Rubberized fabric at sleeve cuffs for abrasion resistance and water protection.
  • Reflective trim: Reflective piping on the back and shoulders improves nighttime visibility.

This optimal blend of leather, stretch fabrics, and ventilation mesh allows the Matador to be both durable and flexible for comfortable wear in varied riding conditions.

Protection

One of the most crucial factors I assessed during testing was how well the Revit Matador protects riders in the event of a crash or slide. Here are the safety features it offers:

  • SEEFLEX CE Level 2 elbow & shoulder armor: Provides excellent impact absorption through a hard shell exterior and foam interior. Reduces risk of injury in collisions.
  • TPU shoulder cups: MotoGP-derived thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforcement on top of armored shoulders.
  • Chest & back SEESOFT insert pockets: Space to add optional CE Level 1 chest & back protectors (sold separately). Allows customization of protection levels.
  • Safety seams: Critical seams feature reinforced stitching to prevent tearing in slides.

The combination of rugged leather, extensive armoring, and safety stitching provides confidence that this jacket offers crucial impact and abrasion protection for motorcycling’s inherent risks.

The armor felt sturdy during my testing and stayed in place even during aggressive riding. The jacket instilled a reassuring sense of safety.

For riders wanting maximum protection, I recommend adding the optional CE Level 1 back & chest inserts to supplement the already formidable safety features.

Comfort & Convenience

In addition to materials and armor, I assessed elements affecting comfort and convenience during everyday wear. Key features improving the Revit Matador’s comfort include:

  • Removable Thermal Liner: The full-sleeve quilted inner jacket can be easily removed to adapt to weather conditions. This increases versatility, allowing the Matador to be worn year-round.
  • Windproof Zipper Garage: An internal wind flap behind the zipper blocks airflow through the front opening. Prevents wind chill during colder rides.
  • Pre-Curved Sleeves: The sleeves are pre-shaped to match riding postures, preventing binding and discomfort during use.
  • Waist Adjusters: Adjustment straps at the waist customize the fit for maximum comfort.
  • 3D Air Mesh Panels: Strategic ventilation improves air circulation and cooling.
  • Water-resistant: The treated leather and waterproof Neoprene sleeve cuffs enable the jacket to withstand light rain during rides.

Through extensive testing, I found the Matador has excellent ergonomic comfort features tailored specifically for motorcycle riding.

The stretch panels and pre-curved sleeves allowed full freedom of movement. I appreciated the ability to remove the thermal liner and open mesh vents to adapt to changing conditions during rides.

Performance & Versatility

I wore it for numerous long-distance rides in varying weather to fully evaluate the Revit Matador’s real-world performance. Here are my experiences:

  • All-weather capability: The jacket provides protection across seasons. The removable thermal liner and ventilated mesh make it suitable for temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F.
  • Water-resistance: Light