Speed and Strength Speed Strong Armored Soft Shell 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 jackets are roomy. 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.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

I’ve had some sports gear made of the same material the shell of this jacket is made of… it is very much like a heavier weight neoprene (the inside tag says 100% polyester). It is somewhat thick and has some stretch to it. I’ve seen other motorcycle-specific gear made of a similar feeling material (Aramid maybe?) which was a bit stretchy like this, but it was of a highly abrasive resistant material and I’m pretty sure this jacket is not. It is very comfortable and there would be virtually no fit problems given its stretchy behavior. There are a couple panels of a more abrasion resistant material on the elbows and shoulders to beef up the protection a bit. I do like the armor used very much. It feels very high quality and it’s thin and flexible too. In a more loosely constructed jacket like this it is good to have armor that is not too heavy, which would tend to “flop around”, and the armor does feel “right” in this jacket. The overall look is very sport… maybe a bit futuristic and casual. The contrasting trim makes it interesting and some of that trim is nighttime reflective which we photographed in action for you. Just take the “View Larger Images” link above to see those night shots (along with all the other feature shots). The jacket has some venting in front and in the back. The thickness of the shell will make this jacket most comfortable in mild weather and even cool/cold weather if you layer underneath (there is no removable thermal liner included). There are a good number of pockets outside… I count four in front and one large rear fanny pocket (good for storage of the removable hood?). Speaking of the hood. I know you ALL will be wearing helmets so in that case, the hood will just ride along with you and then you can pull it up over your noggin when off the bike. It really isn’t thin enough to go under a helmet and isn’t large enough to go over. But if you decide you don’t like it just “hanging around”, you can unzip it and stow it away. Overall, I give this jacket an “A” for innovation, looks and comfort. I’d give it less than an A for protection. And overall the price is very reasonable. :: Paul, 09-04-13

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