Good riding jackets are a dime a dozen. Finding one that you like to wear after getting off your bike is an added bonus. Power-Trip’s Graphite ($299.99) is all that and more.

The Graphite is lightweight, and features a retro design with a slimmed-down, minimalist feel and look. I’m a less-is-more kind of guy, always have been. I don’t like flash, which is why the Graphite was so appealing: no flashy graphics, no flare, just a black leather jacket. Perfect. When the Graphite arrived, I was surprised at how supple the lambskin outer material was: extremely soft to the touch, very pliable. I wondered if the lambskin would hold up should I go down (which I hope not to do), especially since most leather riding jackets are tough as nails. The bitch about them is that they’re not comfortable and take a long time to break in. Of course, you don’t want a jacket that’s going to disintegrate while sliding down the pavement, but the Graphite is fitted with a removable spine cushion and optional CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor.

Power-Trip did a great job in the comfort department, the Graphite really keeps you warm. Included is a removable insulated vest liner for when the temps drop, and the lambskin does a great job in preventing cold wind penetration. When it starts to warm up, the Graphite features Power-Trip’s patent-pending BigAir Ventilation system with 80 square inches of free air mesh. The pre-curved sleeves are comfortable and the zippers at the wrists allow more air in when desired. As for storage, there are two exterior pockets that are large enough to hold the essentials, and an inside zippered pocket for an iPod, MP3 player, etc. The heavy-duty zippers keep gear where it belongs.

My only gripe is that the Graphite is cut a bit short. I don’t like the fact that it stops just off above my belt line. I like a longer jacket that hides my belly better. With that said, the Graphite is by far the best riding jacket I’ve ever owned.

Ratings: *******
**Quality of Product *****
Comfort *****
Durability *****
Overall *****

**Power-Trip **
(800) 635-6103 | power-trip.com