The Voltaic 2 is the successor to the original Voltaic jacket, with several updates and improvements. After taking it out on the road, I found the Voltaic 2 to be a solid 3-season motorcycle jacket choice for riding cool to cold weather.
It provides good waterproofing and insulation while looking stylish and packing in ample reflective bits for visibility.
In this REV’IT! Voltaic 3 H2O Jacket review, I’ll cover the fit and sizing, construction and materials, ventilation, storage, protection, and other key features that riders need to know about.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best motorcycle jacket for all seasons for you? Let’s find out!
REV’IT! Voltiac 3 H2O Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Solid 3-season touring jacket.
- Limited ventilation for hot climates.
- Excellent visibility with reflective elements.
Fit and Sizing
I’m 6’0″ and 185 lbs with an athletic build, and the size large Voltaic 2 fits me nicely. It has a comfortable touring cut with sufficient room to layer underneath. For reference, here are the detailed sizing specs:
- Chest: 42-44 inches
- Waist: 35-37 inches
- Sleeve: 25.5 inches
The sleeves are pre-curved, and the waist can be adjusted using the Velcro side cinches. Overall, it’s a nice standard fit suitable for most riders. Consult Rev’it’s sizing chart if you are between sizes.
REV’IT! Men’s Textile Jacket Sizing
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | WAIST (IN) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 33.5-35.4 | 28.3-30.3 |
| SM | 35.8-37.8 | 30.7-32.7 |
| MD | 38.2-40.2 | 33.1-35 |
| LG | 40.6-42.5 | 35.4-37.4 |
| XL | 42.9-44.9 | 37.8-40.2 |
| 2XL | 45.3-47.2 | 40.6-42.9 |
| 3XL | 47.6-49.6 | 43.3-45.7 |
| 4XL | 50-52 | 46.1-48.4 |
Construction and Materials
The Voltaic 2 is constructed from 600D polyester with TPU coating for water resistance. This sturdy fabric feels durable and is beefy enough for a sub-$300 jacket. The outer shell repelled light rain during my testing without letting any moisture seep through.
For insulation, a removable 140g thermal quilted liner attaches with a zipper and snap. I could really feel the difference when riding with the liner on colder days. It’s also handy being able to take the liner out when temperatures rise.
The jacket gets its waterproofing from the fixed Hydratex membrane lining. It’s not removable like on higher-end motorcycle jackets but provides good water resistance at this price point.
Ventilation
Venting is handled by direct vents that go through the waterproof inner lining. There are two vents on the chest and one exhaust vent on the back. I found the airflow to be decent, but the vents could be a little larger.
Riders in very warm climates might find ventilation limited since the jacket has a waterproof liner. But for 50°F+ temps, the Voltaic 2 vented well enough when I opened up the vents.
Storage and Pockets
For storing essentials, the Voltaic 2 has two external hand pockets, a Napoleon chest pocket, and a large inner pocket:
- Two zippered outer hand pockets
- One zippered Napoleon chest pocket
- One interior pocket
The Napoleon pocket is a handy waterproof spot for my phone. But I would have liked to see an interior chest pocket behind the exterior left breast pocket for warming my hands.
In total, though, there are enough pockets to carry small items without feeling cluttered.
Protection and Safety
Protective features include CE-rated armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back. The elbow armor is Rev’it’s SEESOFT CE Level 1, which is flexible and absorbs impacts well.
Upgrading the back protector to something like Rev’it’s Seesoft RV insert would be a wise idea for extra back protection. But the foam pad included offers basic coverage for commuting usage.
Now, let’s talk visibility! The Voltaic 2 has an extremely impressive reflective scheme for nighttime riding:
- Reflective stripes on each sleeve
- Reflective chest and back logos
- Reflective stripes on the back
This adds up to a total of 10 large reflective bits surrounding you. The strips really shine bright when illuminated at night.
I felt very visible riding after sunset, and commuters or tourers will appreciate the high visibility. However, the reflective elements are overkill for off-road or adventure riding.
Waterproofing and Weather Protection
The Hydratex waterproof and breathable liner works well to keep rain out. I rode in light rain for 30 minutes and remained perfectly dry underneath. For heavy downpours, a rainsuit would be better.
The collar comes up to about 3 inches when fully zipped to block wind and water. It’s great coverage for winter, but I’d prefer a way to snap it down on warmer rides. The collar flaps annoyingly at speed when unzipped.
Lastly, the fixed liner means the Voltaic 2 is best suited for cooler weather where you want constant insulation and water resistance.
If you need maximum versatility across many temperatures, a jacket with a removable liner like the REV’IT! Levante may be a better choice.
Other Features
- YKK zippers throughout
- Pre-curved sleeves
- Hook and loop wrist adjusters
- Reflective ripstop reinforcement on elbows
- Softshell fabric panels for style
Pros
- Very affordable sub-$300 pricing
- Excellent reflective bits enhance visibility
- Good wind and water resistance
- Removable thermal liner for colder weather
- Pre-shaped sleeves and lots of adjustments
Cons
- Limited ventilation compared to mesh/textile jackets
- Snaps to secure the collar when open would be useful
- Could use larger vents and intake pockets
- It is not ideal for hot climates due to the fixed-liner
Who is the Voltaic 2 Best For?
The Voltaic 2 hits a nice sweet spot between price and features. It’s a great option for riders seeking a waterproof commuting and touring jacket that excels in cool-to-cold weather.
The stylish looks and stellar visibility also make it fantastic for urban use.
However, I’d go for something with better airflow if you ride in warmer climates year-round or need maximum 4-season versatility.
Check out the REV’IT Levante jacket for a fully equipped touring alternative. At the end of the day, the Voltaic 2 provides tremendous value for riders that fit its strengths.
| Product | Voltaic 2 |
|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 |
| Best for | Cool/Cold Weather Street & Touring |
| Waterproofing | Fixed Hydratex liner |
| Armor | CE-rated elbow & shoulder |
FAQ
Does the Rev’it Voltaic 2 come with a back protector?
No, the Voltaic 2 does not come with a CE-rated back protector. It includes a basic foam pad for some protection, but I recommend upgrading to a Seesoft back insert for improved safety.
Is the Voltaic 2 good for hot weather?
Not really; since it has a fixed waterproof liner, the vents provide some airflow, but overall, it’s better suited for cool-to-cold riding conditions. For hot climates, look at the Rev’it Eclipse or Airwave jackets.
How is the sizing on the Voltaic 2 jacket?
It fits true to size but has a relaxed touring cut. I recommend ordering your normal jacket size unless you need a trimmer sport fit. There are several adjustments to fine-tune the waist, sleeves, and cuffs.
Can I remove the thermal liner on the Voltaic 2?
Yes, the quilted thermal liner can be fully removed by unzipping it from the inside and unsnapping the top. This lets you customize the insulation.
Is the Voltaic 2 waterproof?
It is water resistant thanks to the Hydratex liner membrane. I stayed dry riding in light rain, but it won’t keep you 100% dry in downpours like a rainsuit. It handles moisture well for commuting and touring use.
Conclusion
Is this the best textile motorcycle jacket? After thoroughly testing the Rev’it Voltaic 2 jacket, I’m impressed with its quality and performance for the price. It’s a very well-rounded touring and commuting jacket choice with excellent visibility.
The Voltaic 2 also handles moisture and cold conditions well, thanks to the fixed waterproof liner and removable thermal layer.
While ventilation is just adequate, and I’d like more intake pockets, those are minor complaints given the sub-$300 pricing.
The Voltaic 2 is a fantastic cool/cold weather street riding jacket. It also looks good off the bike and provides great value for commuters and tourers.
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