Speed and Strength Rust And Redemption Leather Jacket

We tried the size Medium in this jacket on Huey and we put an XL jacket on Dewey. These are the sizes they normally wear and both fit great. The general style of this jacket is “relaxed” and generally is an easy fit for most people. My primary advice would be to wear the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. If you are between sizes I’d advise you to go down.

The chart provided by Speed and Strength shows chest sizes for each alpha size that are a bit larger than what you’d normally see for “standard” conversion from chest size to alpha size. Based on my observations (above), the chart seems just about right, and appropriate given the relaxed styling of the jacket.

If you have a bit of a belly, you might want to put a tape around it and make sure the size you are choosing will work for the belly as well. The max belly sizes for any jacket size will be about 4” smaller than the max chest listed. For example, the size XL will handle up to a max 48” chest and a max 44” belly.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Last week, I reviewed the textile version of the Rust and Redemption product line and really liked it (take the link below). And wow, I really like this leather version of the same jacket. The Rust and Redemption line is decidedly “retro” in style and nothing works better for retro than leather. This jacket gets major style points from me. I like the same things on this jacket as I did on the textile one… the quilted shoulders, the contrast stitching, waist adjustment buckles… even the stylish insulated liner and interior lining. The perforations in the leather below the shoulders in front and the two vertical strips down the back are even more noticeable and sharp on the leather as compared to the textile and I really like that also. There aren’t a lot of technical protective features here other than the fact that leather is protective in case of a fall. You can add armor for the shoulders, elbows and back but they aren’t included with the base jacket. Lots of cruiser riders don’t like armor and so Speed and Strength made those items optional to keep costs down I’m sure. The jacket is not inexpensive even without the armor, but is fairly priced in my view given the styling and the overall quality and finish of the leather. I’ve seen many other more expensive brands produce a leather jacket with similar styling for a lot more money that I didn’t like as well (I’m thinking REV’IT! and Roland Sands). Note on color: the color is very dark… close to black, but I think “very dark chocolate” would be a better descriptor, which incidentally goes much better with the antique colors of the liner than a pure black jacket would. Overall, I give this jacket a great recommendation. I think you will like it! It will work as a casual jacket off the bike just as well as your jacket for riding. :: Paul, 08-04-14