Swiss apparel manufacturer iXS has become one of my favorite brands, since its offerings manage to look fantastic without skimping on protection or features, and at reasonable prices to boot. And my red Finja jacket has become my go-to daily favorite, regardless of what I’m riding.

The Finja is what I consider a “temperate 3-season” jacket; it features a removable Cynix thermal liner, a non-removable water- and windproof soltoTEX membrane, and four ventilation openings (although the effectiveness of these is compromised by the waterproof membrane). The shell is constructed of 600D HD polyoxford fabric, with zippered hip gussets and slightly stretchy panels that run from the backs of both shoulders to the underarm area and down each side. The cuffs cinch with a hook-and-loop strap, and a zipper on the underside of the wrist allows easy on/off without having to re-size the straps.

The iXS Finja in action on a Zero DSR electric bike. Note the large black stretch panels on the sides. Photo by Kevin Wing.
The iXS Finja in action on a Zero DSR electric bike. Note the large black stretch panels on the sides. Photo by Kevin Wing.

Pockets abound, some more useful than others; there are two hand-warmer pockets at the hips, one small pocket on the left wrist and one on the left side of the chest, although the only items I’d want to carry in that particular area are of the flat and non-sharp variety. All are zippered (the one on the chest features a waterproof zipper). Inside the jacket are a cell phone pocket and a larger zippered pocket, plus the thermal liner has two matching pockets of its own. Speaking of the thermal liner, it’s particularly thin and comfortable, with soft, stretchy cuffs, color-coded buttons for securing it inside the sleeves and stretch panels on the sides.

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The included shoulder, elbow and back armor is certified to CE Level 1. Using a construction technique I’ve never seen before, the back protector is attached via hook-and-loop to a large strap that runs from neck to waist on the inside of the outer shell, allowing the wearer to move it up and down for optimum fit. It’s accessed via a large zipper at the bottom of the waterproof liner.

The Finja has a tailored, feminine cut to it, and I receive lots of compliments from men and women alike when I wear it on group rides or out to dinner. Ventilation is minimal thanks to the waterproof liner, so this isn’t really a hot weather jacket, but in temperatures up to about 80 it’s quite comfortable. The fit is European, so I would advise ordering a size larger than you normally would. The Finja comes in Red-Black (shown) or Black, in Euro sizes XS-5XL.

 

Fit: Sport

Sizing: Runs small, recommend ordering one size up

Armor: CE Level 1 in shoulders, elbows and back

Price: $289

For more information, call (561) 571-1900 or visit ixsusa.com.

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