Cortech Apex Jackets

We checked the sizing of this style with our Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey. The mannequins are wearing size Medium and XL jackets respectively which are their “usual” sizes. The fit of the jackets is snug. We also measured a selection of jackets and confirmed they run “true but snug” which we think is appropriate for a sport/race jacket like this. Most people will find a by buying the same size they normally would wear in men’s clothing.

I’ve put together a chart below to help you choose a size based upon your chest and belly measurements. Hopefully the chart will lead you to the same size you normally wear which will provide confirmation of your size choice. Choosing a size by measurements can also be of help for those with thicker builds and those who may be between sizes. These jackets taper moderately from chest to waist… about 3”. If you have a bit of a belly, just make sure the size you choose is big enough for your belly as well as your chest. For example, we list the size XL as a 45 max chest and so the max belly for that jacket would be about 42. If your belly/waist is smaller than this, it shouldn’t be a problem because the jackets have a lot of adjustability in the waist.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Apex jacket by Cortech is new for 2020. This is a full leather sport/race jacket with a sport fit and a set of shoulder and elbow armor included. This jacket zips to the Apex sport/race pant (see link below) to make a sport/race suit. This jacket and pant are also offered in women’s sizes and colors.

Review for both the jacket and pants:

Cortech’s Apex jacket and pants (see the link below for the matching pants) is a leather sport/race jacket and pant combo that zips together with an all-around zipper at the waist to make a 2pc suit. While the Apex can’t be called “professional” gear, it is a nice, good looking combo for street and some amateur track use. Both the jacket and pants are fitted with CE-1 rubberized protectors for the shoulders, elbows, and knees. Standard foam protectors are included for the back and hips. An optional back protector is available to fit the pocket in the jacket if you want to upgrade, or for your track events, you might want to wear a separate on-the-body style back protector. If you want to upgrade the standard foam back protector in the jacket, take the link below for the Knox unit made to fit. You’ll see external armor pieces on the jacket’s shoulders and elbows. These are softer plastic units sewn on top of the leather. They are more styling than serious armor though.

The leather shell of both the pants and the jacket is part solid leather and part perforated leather (check the close-up pictures to see the perfs), so you’ll enjoy some moderate airflow to help handle warmer months. For cooler weather use, the jacket comes with a removable vest-type liner. So with the liner helping out in cooler weather, I’d say you could be comfortable easily in spring and fall months, but hot summer days will be warm, and likewise, very cold days will be challenging too. But for most, you’d be OK for three seasons of the year.

Cortech’s gear is very “value oriented”, but even though the prices are very reasonable, this is good quality gear. With an MSRP under $300, the pricing is very competitive and the brand is trusted and has a warranty which puts this gear way above cheaper lesser known leather gear you see elsewhere (like eBay). Another advantage to this gear is the slightly more relaxed fit as compared to higher end European brands. Those with a more sturdy build will have a much easier time being comfortable in this gear (see my sizing advice for specifics).

Speaking of comfort, the design of the Apex jacket and pants is “pre-curved” for a sport riding position and there are several panels of stretch fabric used to make the jacket and pants flex for you. Those panels can be seen in the underarms, on the sides of the torso, in the crotch area, and down the backs of the legs. The pants have a wide stretch waist with Velcro side adjusters, so they’ll be comfortable in the waist. And they’ll be held up by the pant-to-jacket zipper.

The pants have the standard short leg-length design made to be worn with sport or race boots (tucked in). The pants have zips behind the calf so that if you have larger calves, you can leave those zips open to get a bit more room. “Loop” Velcro is fitted on the pants so you can add knee sliders of your choice. :: Paul, 05-28-20