With so many riding jackets to choose from, it can take time to decide which one is right for you and your needs.
I recently had the chance to thoroughly test out the Speed and Strength Off The Chain 2.0 motorcycle jacket in real-world conditions.
After hundreds of miles on the road and plenty of hours off the bike, I want to share my hands-on experience with this jacket.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best textile motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Speed and Strength off the Chain 2.0 Textile Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Comfortable, flexible outer shell
- A removable hoodie adds versatility
- Balances protection and breathability
Construction and Comfort
One of the things that stood out to me immediately was the soft, flexible fabric used on the exterior. It has a suede-like feel that’s smooth to the touch. This makes it really comfortable against your skin when riding.
The collar, cuffs, and waist are lined with a microfiber material, adding another layer of comfort without compromising airflow. I appreciated this attention to detail in the areas that make direct contact with your body.
The jacket also features gusseted shoulders and elbows that flex with your natural movements. This mobility prevented any tightness or restrictions during active riding.
Overall, the Off The Chain 2.0 strikes a nice balance between abrasion resistance and comfort. It’s sturdy enough to hold up on a slide but doesn’t feel stiff or constraining.
Armor Protection
This jacket comes equipped with CE Level 1 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. The elbow and shoulder armor is made of a soft shell material that molds to your body shape.
I liked that it flexed naturally and didn’t inhibit my range of motion.
The back protector feels sturdy while maintaining flexibility. It provides some extra cushioning without making the jacket feel rigid or bulky.
I wore the armor on rides ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour and barely noticed it was there. The slim, contoured shape prevented uncomfortable pressure points while offering valuable impact protection.
Weather Protection
The outer shell repels light rain, making this a great option for weatherproof riding. I rode through mist and light showers without any moisture soaking through.
However, the outer fabric is not fully waterproof, so you’ll want to seek shelter in heavy downpours.
Four zippered vents—two on the chest and two at the back—allow you to optimize airflow when temperatures rise.
I found these vents made a noticeable difference in cooling me down on hot rides. The bicep vents also helped circulate air when I opened the front vents.
Between the hoodie liner and vents, the Off The Chain 2.0 jacket can be adapted for riding in a wide range of temperatures from the 50s all the way into the 90s.
Versatility and Storage
One of my favorite things about this jacket is its versatility for both on-bike and off-bike use. The full removable hoodie liner turns it into a stylish standalone piece. It has a comfortable cotton-poly blend interior and a roomy hood with drawcords.
I got a lot of use out of the hoodie layer for running errands and wearing it casually around town. Having this added value makes the jacket feel like two pieces in one.
There are two zippered hand pockets and a left breast pocket for storage. The hand pockets are large enough to hold a phone, wallet, and other essentials. Inside the jacket, there’s a concealed carry pocket as well.
These various pockets come in handy for securing valuables while riding. The waist adjustment straps also help seal out wind when riding at speed.
Sizing and Fit
I’m 6 feet tall with an athletic build and typically wear a size large in motorcycle jackets. The size large Off The Chain 2.0 fit me comfortably in the shoulders, chest, and sleeves straight out of the box.
However, the waist was a little loose before I tightened the adjustable velcro straps. This allowed me to customize the fit. Once dialed in, the jacket had minimal flutter at speed and stayed securely in place.
Based on my experience, I’d recommend ordering your normal motorcycle jacket size. There’s plenty of room to fine-tune the waistband if needed. The sleeves are pre-curved and roomy enough to fit over gloves.
Pros
- Flexible, comfortable outer shell
- CE-rated armor for impact protection
- Good water resistance in light rain
- Breathable liner and ventilation
- Removable hoodie adds value and versatility
- Useful storage pockets
- Adjustable waist straps and velcro cuffs
Cons
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
- Slightly loose-fitting until the waist is adjusted
- Armor limits are CE Level 1 only
The Verdict
Is this the best textile motorcycle jacket? After extensive testing, I was very impressed with the overall quality and value of the Speed and Strength Off The Chain 2.0 jacket.
It offers an excellent balance of protection, comfort, and versatility at a reasonable price point.
The armor provides peace of mind in the event of an accident, while the weather-resistant shell and ventilation system allows you to ride comfortably across changing conditions.
I also got a lot of use out of the removable hoodie liner both on and off the bike.
While not a heavy-duty winter or fully waterproof jacket, the Off The Chain 2.0 covers a wide range of weather and riding scenarios with its flexible design.
For temperate climates or multi-season use, it’s a great choice for riders seeking a highly functional all-around riding jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this jacket run true to size?
Yes, the Off The Chain 2.0 runs true to size. Order your normal jacket size for a good fit. The waist straps and velcro cuffs allow you to fine-tune the fit.
Is the hoodie liner fully removable?
Yes, the hoodie liner can be completely removed and worn on its own as a separate piece. It has good-quality construction and detailing.
How is the sizing for tall or short riders?
The jacket comes in sizes from small to 3XL, so there should be a good fit for riders of varying heights. The sleeves are long enough to fit tall riders. Shorter riders may need to tighten the velcro cuffs.
Does it have a waterproof liner?
No, there is no additional waterproof liner. The outer shell repels light rain but is not fully waterproof in heavy