Speed and Strength Chain Reaction Textile 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 it 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.

The Chain Reaction jacket by Speed and Strength takes a swing at the age old goal of making one jacket that will keep you comfortable most of the year, and this one does a pretty good job. Well… not ALL year for those with a substantial winter that is. The overall styling is nice. We photo’ed the black version, and I like it. It is not quite as sporty as the versions with color, and will appeal to a bit wider audience, but really, any of the color choices will work for a pretty wide range of riding interests. The climate control features are the standout on this jacket. The jacket, in its fully buttoned up state, is about like any other full textile style… you’ll get some wind block and good abrasion/crash protection. And if you layer underneath with your own thermals, this jacket would do well in colder weather as well. The “factory bullets” above talk about “water resistant” shell, but just disregard that… it’s a basic textile shell and will certainly allow water through all the various openings. But fear not, there is a backup plan… the jacket comes with a windproof and waterproof removable liner. This liner, albeit thin, should do the job at keeping your torso dry if you get caught out. I don’t think your intrepid world traveler will be impressed, but for the average guy getting caught in a shower, it will be welcome. But the standout feature on the jacket for climate control is the zip-off panels on the front and back that come off… and when removed will allow a LOT of air flow making this jacket usable in very hot weather. There are even a couple zip vents on each sleeve to shoot some air up over your arms too. With the zip-off scheme, this jacket will certainly work for three seasons out of the year remarkably well. One drawback to jackets that have things that zip off is the dilemma of where to put them… well, you’ve got a great storage space built in for this! There is a large fanny pack pocket in back that will store the zip off parts and/or the removable liner as well. Just fold the liner with a bit of care and it will store away compactly. Overall a very versatile jacket with better-than-most spring/summer/fall climate control capabilities. Check out the close-up pics and/or the video for a better look. :: Paul, 08-01-14