Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket Review: 7 Years Later

Over the last seven years of extensive use, I’ve experienced first-hand how this iconic Roland Sands jacket holds up.

Below, I cover the positives and negatives of my ownership to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your riding needs.

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!

Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket

Key Takeaways

• Stylish cafe racer jacket
• Develops custom fit over time
• Lacks included armor protection

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What I Love After 7 Years of the Roland Sands Ronin Jacket

Even after seven years of heavy use, my Roland Sands Ronin jacket has lived up to expectations in these areas:

1. Styling That Stands the Test of Time

The retro design of the Ronin jacket remains just as stylish today as when I bought it. The vintage cafe racer looks with curved sleeves and mandarin collar always earns compliments.

It pairs well with jeans or textile riding pants to pull off a classic Moto aesthetic. And with leather, you look cool by default.

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2. Develop a Custom Fit and Patina

As expected, the soft leather has conformed nicely to my body over the years. It molds to your shape with a custom fit.

The cowhide has also patinaed beautifully with some character scuffs and marks. Like a baseball glove, it forms to the owner.

3. Provides Adequate Protection Overall

For a fashion-oriented jacket, the Ronin still offers decent abrasion protection. The 0.9-1.0mm leather held up through a few low-speed slides.

With the addition of CE armor it provides adequate impact protection for most riding scenarios. Safety is never sacrificed for looks.

4. Remains Water Resistant

The wax treatment on the leather makes the Ronin fairly water-resistant. Light rain beads up and doesn’t soak through immediately.

I stayed dry for commuting in light precipitation without needing dedicated rain gear.

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5. Useful Exterior Pockets

The exterior pockets come in handy daily. The vertical zipper side pockets are easy to access on the bike. And the wrist pocket provides quick storage.

I keep essentials like keys, cash, and cards secured in the exterior pockets for tolls, gas stations, and cafes.

6. Adequate Ventilation

The perforated underarm panels allow decent airflow in hot weather. As long as I wear a moisture-wicking base layer, it’s comfortable up to 90°F.

The quilted liner provides warmth for colder weather, though not as insulating as a winter-specific jacket.

7. Value Holds Over Time

While originally expensive at around $700, the longevity has made it worth the investment. Cost per use has been low over 7+ years.

Considering I wear it almost daily in any season, the Ronin was money well spent. A cheap jacket would have worn out years ago.

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The Bad: Areas for Improvement

No product is perfect, and my Ronin jacket has a couple of weak points to note:

1. Developed Small Holes in Sleeves

The perforated underarm panels have worn thin in areas, creating small holes along the inner sleeves.

Likely caused by repetitive abrasion in that spot while riding. Easy to patch, but an area prone to wear.

2. Random Tear on Back

One strange tear developed on the back panel early on. No crash caused it – the leather just split along the seam for no apparent reason.

Again, it’s an easy fix with some adhesive leather patches. But it makes me wonder about the construction quality.

3. No Armor Included

My biggest gripe is that armor must be purchased separately, adding to the cost. For $700, I wish impact protection was built-in.

The back protector alone is another $100. Jackets half the price include basic CE armor.

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Key Features and Specifications

To help summarize the key details, here are the main features and specifications of the Roland Sands Design Ronin leather jacket:

• Materials: 0.9-1.0mm wax cowhide leather exterior; polyester satin lining
• Colors: Black, Tobacco, Oxblood
• Sizes: S-2XL
• Safety: Armor-ready pockets but no included protectors
• Water Resistant: Waxed leather resists light precipitation
• Ventilation: Perforated underarm panels
• Pockets: 4 exterior (2 side, 1 breast, 1 wrist), 5 interior
• Collar: Mandarin collar with snap closure
• Sleeves: Pre-curved sleeves
• Zippers: Antique brass zippers
• Made in Pakistan
• Price: $725 MSRP (armor extra)

Buying Advice: Who Should Consider the Roland Sands Ronin Jacket?

The Roland Sands Ronin leather jacket is best suited for these types of riders:

• Cafe racer enthusiasts – Its retro styling is perfect for the cafe racer look.
• Fashion-conscious riders – Makes a stylish statement for those wanting a premium leather moto jacket.
• All-season riders – Perforations add summer ventilation while liners maintain winter warmth.
• Commuters – Practical storage and water resistance make it a good urban jacket.
• Weekend warriors – Lightweight and comfortable for short rides or joy rides.

The Ronin is perhaps not ideal for:

• Hardcore touring – Lacks insulation and storage of heavy-duty touring jackets.
• Downpour conditions – Not fully waterproof in heavy rain.
• Track days – Serious protection requires racing suits with armor.

Ronin vs Ronin CE: What’s Changed on the New Model?

In 2023, Roland Sands updated the Ronin jacket to the Ronin CE edition with these enhancements:

• Added armor – Now includes shoulder and elbow armor from the factory.
• Double AA rating – Safety rating increased with integrated armor.
• Improved collar – A larger mandarin collar provides better coverage.
• Zipper garage at neck – Protects skin from abrasion.
• Reflective accents – Adds visibility for night riding.

So the upgraded Ronin CE addresses my main complaint about lacking armor. It’s a superior jacket but comes at an increased price of $725.

The Verdict: Still Worth Buying the Roland Sands Ronin in 2023?

Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket? After relying on my Ronin leather jacket for 7+ years of regular use, I wholeheartedly recommend it in 2023. Yes, it has a couple of durability issues and lacks armor when new.

But the iconic styling continues turning heads years later. The Ronin delivers on aesthetics and function for riders seeking a fashionable, cafe-racer-inspired jacket. I reach for it almost every ride, but it was worth the steep initial investment.

That said, for only $25 more, the improved Roland Sands Ronin CE fixes the armor complaint and adds several upgrades. If buying new in 2023, I’d recommend paying a little extra for the CE. But you can’t go wrong with the standard Ronin, either. Both remain leaders in premium leather motorcycle jackets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the Roland Sands Ronin leather jacket:

Does the Ronin jacket fit true to size?

Yes, the Ronin fits very well. I ordered my normal size small, and the fit was spot on. The sleeves are pre-curved to accommodate the riding position.

How long does the Ronin jacket take to break in?

Expect at least a couple of weeks of regular wear for the leather to soften up and conform to your body. The break-in period gets the fit dialed in.

Is the Ronin jacket better for summer or winter riding?

The Ronin works well for three-season riding. Perforations add ventilation for summer, while the liner maintains warmth for spring and fall. You’ll need to layer under it or use a thermal liner in winter.

What kind of armor does the Ronin jacket use?

The upgraded Ronin CE includes Level 1 CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor. Back armor must be purchased separately. Soft armor inserts offer more comfort than hard shields.

Can you ride in the rain with the Ronin jacket?

Thanks to the waxed leather, light rain will bead up and not soak through immediately. But it’s not waterproof like a textile jacket, so you’ll get wet in heavy rain.

Conclusion

After logging thousands of miles on my bike wearing the Roland Sands Ronin leather jacket, this review sums up my real-world experience with its blend of retro style and real-world functionality.

For riders seeking that classic cafe racer look with adequate protection, I firmly stand by my recommendation of the Ronin. It continues serving me well years later as a stylish, versatile riding companion.

Considering leather jackets easily last a decade or more, investing in a premium one like the Ronin pays dividends down the road.

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