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!

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 rain beaded up and rolled off the treated leather during my wet weather test rides. Only a damp spot or two penetrated after prolonged heavy rainfall.
• Wind resistance: The wind flap, snug cuffs, and collar closure blocked cold drafts at highway speeds. No billowing occurred.
• Breathability: Opening the ample mesh vents allowed sufficient airflow to prevent overheating on hot days. The jacket didn’t feel stifling even at temperatures above 80°F.
• Abrasion resistance: The leather showed minimal wear after hundreds of miles of riding. Only the most exposed areas displayed any scuffing.

Through a diverse range of ride testing in temperatures from 19°F to 92°F, as well as in rain, wind, and sun, the Matador proved itself to be a highly capable touring jacket. The weather protection, ventilation, and abrasion resistance exceeded my expectations.

Sizing & Fit

The Revit Matador comes in sizes 46 through 58. I typically wear a size 52 jacket and found the size to fit me just right with the included CE-approved armor inserted.

For reference, I’m 5’10” with a 39” chest. The size 52 Matador fit snugly but allowed full shoulder rotation and arm movement.

The sleeves seemed slightly long for my arms, so I recommend trying it on before purchase. Overall though, it has a tailored, athletic fit suitable for sport riding.

Pros & Cons

Based on my thorough testing, here are the key pros and cons I found for the Revit Matador motorcycle jacket:

Pros

• Excellent safety features and armor
• Abrasion-resistant leather construction
• Lightweight and flexible for comfort
• Versatile 3-season protection
• Mesh ventilation panels
• Removable thermal liner
• Pre-shaped sleeves
• Windproof and water-resistant

Cons

• No included back protector
• Optional chest protector sold separately
• Sleeves may run slightly long
• Not suitable for hardcore off-road riding

Final Thoughts About The Revit Matador

Overall, the Revit Matador proved itself to be an exceptional motorcycle touring jacket after extensive testing. It balances safety, versatility, and comfort in a high-quality leather package.

The blend of durable leather, ample armor, and 3-season weather protection provides peace of mind across thousands of miles. Stretch panels with pre-curved sleeves allow complete freedom of movement while riding.

While I wish chest/back armor came standard, the jacket still offers ample safety right out of the box. With the ability to add optional enhancement pads, it leaves little to be desired.

For motorcyclists seeking a premium leather jacket for on-road touring in varied conditions, the Revit Matador warrants strong consideration. I’m happy to make it my new go-to choice for long-distance rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Revit Matador work for all seasons?

Yes, the Matador is designed for 3-season riding versatility. The waterproofing and wind resistance work well for cold weather. The ventilated mesh panels and removable thermal liner help prevent overheating for warm riding.

How long does the break-in period take?

I found the leather became nicely broken in and relaxed to fit my shape after about 200 miles of riding. Using a leather conditioner can help soften it up faster as well.

Is this a good choice for off-road or motocross riding?

No, the Matador is optimized for on-road street riding and touring. It lacks the very extensive armor found on hardcore off-road jackets. I’d recommend a more rugged option for dirt biking.

Does it fit true to size?

Yes, it fits as expected for a European size. I wore my normal jacket size, and the fit was comfortably snug. The sleeves run a bit long, but the sizing is accurate.

Is the leather high quality?

Absolutely, the full-grain Monaco Performance Cowhide leather feels thick, durable, and abrasion-resistant. It should provide good protection in slides while holding up to miles of riding.

Conclusion

The Revit Matador motorcycle jacket excels as a premium touring option for street riders seeking versatile 3-season protection.

Constructed from durable abrasion-resistant leather and equipped with extensive CE-approved armor, this jacket provides ample impact and slide protection without compromising comfort and flexibility.

While back and chest inserts must be purchased separately, the jacket still offers robust safety right out of the box. Stretch panels and pre-curved sleeves allow a full range of motion, making it suitable for long days in the saddle.

After thorough testing in diverse conditions, I’m confident in recommending the Revit Matador as a high-quality motorcycle jacket suitable for mile after mile of adventurous on-road touring.

Riders seeking the ideal balance of safety, weather protection, and everyday comfort should consider adding this jacket to their riding gear arsenal.

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