Cortech The Skipper Bomber Jacket

We checked the fit on these jackets with our size mannequins and we also spot checked a few different size jackets with a tape. We feel this model runs true to size. The jackets are sold in ordinary “alpha” sizes, so you can choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing.

For those that want to check the size based upon their chest measurement, I put together the chart below. Check both your chest and belly and make sure the size you choose is big enough for both. The overall cut of this jacket is ideal for street riding since the cut is relaxed. Sleeve lengths are average if not a bit shorter than average. The sleeve itself seems to be a normal length, but with the shoulder armor installed, it has the effect of making the sleeve length feel a bit shorter. If you normally have trouble with sleeves being too short, this probably isn’t the jacket for you, but if you are average or short in the sleeve length department, you’ll probably like this one.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Skipper Bomber jacket another stylish alternative to the conventional riding jacket. This one looks like a military flight jacket with “bomber” jacket features such as a knitted waist band, cuffs, and collar. The shell material of the jacket is a more shiny nylon.

The Skipper jacket is a lot like the similar Denny Canvas jacket. But the Skipper has a completely different style. Rather than “farm and ranch” with the Denny, this one looks like a military flight jacket (to me). The other difference is that this Skipper is fitted with an internal waterproof liner to keep water out in case of rain. Like the Bender, it uses a new approach to give the abrasion resistance component to a shirt or jacket. It is reinforced by a heavy duty nylon liner on the inside. Most shirts/jackets like this will have a layer of Kevlar fabric (or similar) in the shoulder and elbows are, or even throughout the whole unit. This jacket does the Kevlar fabric in the shoulders and elbows and then they’ve included an extra layer between the outer shell and the inner liner which is an abrasion resistant mesh layer. The liner feels like the shell material used in a typical mesh jacket. A silky nylon material is used as the inside liner of the jacket which is very comfortable and includes the pockets for the armor inserts. The liner in this style is a shocking orange color. If you get stuck on the side of the road, you can turn it inside out and EVERYBODY will be able to see you.

I’d recommend this jacket for cooler to warmer weather… basically, fall spring weather. It’s a lighter weight material and should have pretty good wind block capability due to the waterproof liner. So if you wear this one in cooler/cold weather, you could make it comfortable by adding your own thermal layers. This is not a vented jacket so I wouldn’t suggest it for hot weather. As I mentioned, it does have the integral waterproof layer which I think may do a moderately good job in case of rain but keep in mind the knitted cuffs and collar aren’t going to keep out the rain at all, so I’d consider this jacket for “light” rain and for short durations.

CE rubberized armor inserts are included for the shoulders and elbows. There is a pocket for the addition of a back protector. As of this writing, Cortech hasn’t offered their own back protector option so I’m suggesting the D3O unit in CE Level 1 for the back, so take the link below to order.

One area I’d have to complain a bit about is the fit of the jacket with the stock shoulder and elbows armor inserts. That type of armor is fairly thick and makes the shoulders feel a bit snug to me, and it also has the effect of make the sleeves fit a bit shorter. Other brands with similar products have been using thinner armor such as REVIT Seesmart and Dainese Pro-Shape types which is much thinner and doesn’t affect fit. If you have average to slim shoulders this probably won’t make much difference but those with wider shoulders and/or longer arms may run into this. If that sounds like you, consider another shirt and/or consider buying thinner armor to replace the stock units. :: Paul, 09-30-19

Cortech says: To describe “The Skipper” traditional bomber jacket as cool would be an understatement. More than a stylized fashion piece, “The Skipper” is layered with enough protection to withstand the harshest of attacks. Defend and protect yourself, all while looking good.