Joe Rocket Atomic Ion Jacket

The overall fit of this jacket is very “standard”. We checked some sizes against Joe Rocket’s size chart and found the estimated chest sizes to be accurate. We also tried on a Medium and XL on our Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey and they look great (view those shots by taking the View Larger Images link above). Therefore, I recommend you choose the size jacket you normally wear in men’s clothing. You can use the chart to choose if you know your chest size.

This jacket has a wide range of adjustment through the mid-section. There are two side adjusters that work well. In their wide-open position, they will allow for a roomy belly, but they can also be snugged up by several inches for flat bellies.

Joe Rocket’s jackets tend to be very consistent from one model to the next, so if you’ve owned or have tried on another model and found a fit, you’ll have a great shot at finding the same fit in the same size here.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Joe Rocket offers this new “Ion” version of the Atomic series jacket. The Atomic 5.0 or this new Atomic Ion are variants of Joe Rocket’s “go to” sport textile jacket. What’s new about the Ion? This jacket has much improved nighttime visibility. The reinforcement material used over the shoulders and elbows is their “Innolite” fabric that has MANY little dots of reflective material woven in to the fabric. It looks sharp during the day, but lights up at night when car headlights shine on it.

Otherwise, the Ion version shares the same protective and comfort features with the newest non-Ion jacket version, the Atomic 5.0. The shell of this jacket is waterproof… the material doesn’t allow water through and the seams are “taped” on the back side to prevent leaks. This type of construction should be about a 95% solution for most wet weather conditions. The various zippered vents are waterproof styles and there is a LARGE double closure flap in front to prevent water entrance through the main zipper. I note that the short sleeve end zippers are not waterproof, so you’ll want to wear gauntlet gloves over the sleeve ends if possible.

The advantage to a waterproof shell with zippered vents like this is that you do get full flow of air through the shell all the way to your skin with the zip vents open. And you don’t have to fuss with putting in or taking out a liner for wet weather. Other setups require the installation of a waterproof liner OR they have a permanent “mid liner” which won’t allow the same air flow through. So even though you may have some minor leaks, you’ll appreciate the convenience and the comfort in warmer weather that this setup gives. For cold weather use, the jacket includes a full sleeve thermal liner which feels like it will work well.

A couple features are added that you don’t see often… this jacket has a built in fanny pack in back over the kidney padding, and for ease of movement, there are large flex panels built in behind each shoulder.

Venting is a big deal in this new version too. Take a look at our close-up pictures of this model and you’ll see how the two large front torso vents can be buttoned together to create two large intake scoops. Joe Rocket calls this the “Cross Linked Ventilation” setup. It is really a good idea… works well and is without complication or fuss. In addition to the two front zips, there are smaller bicep vents and two large rear exhaust vents.

Armor of course is included, and there are two types of connections to pants… a short rear zipper for connection to Joe Rocket pants and loops to engage your belt if you are wearing other pants. Consider this jacket to be an upgraded version of the Atomic 5.0 with the extensive night reflectives. We are a fan of the 5.0 and it’s nice to be able to offer something else for those who want the best nighttime visibility. :: Paul, 11-11-16