It’s hot out, traffic is not looking good…this is why we love Rev’It gear, and in this specific case, the Airwave 2 Ladies mesh jacket. There are a handful of companies out there making a serious effort to design and build women’s gear that’s up to our demanding standards, and Dutch manufacturer Rev’It is one of them.
The Airwave 2 is a high-quality mesh jacket that seems to do a good job of balancing comfort, safety and style. Unlike its “sister” jacket, the Tornado 2 (which we also love), the Airwave 2 uses small-pore mesh that flows nearly as much air while looking and feeling more like standard textile.
The outer shell is a combination of 600D high-density polyester at abrasion or burst zones and what Rev’It calls a PWR | shell mesh that covers the chest and central torso, inner arms and back. It’s double-stitched throughout and includes Knox Lite CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows. (A SeeSoft CE level 2 back protector is optional.) Hook-and-loop adjustment straps at the hips, snap straps at the upper arm and a two-position snap strap on the collar help dial in fit.
Pockets are the standard zippered outer hand warmers and inner zippered/hook-and-loop cell phone/document holders. Like most basic mesh jackets, the Airwave 2 follows the minimalist approach. It doesn’t include any insulation or waterproof layers (although it will accept Rev’It’s cooling vest) and as a result is very lightweight.
Like all Rev’It gear we’ve tested, the Airwave 2 is flattering and stylish in a sporty, European way. It’s tailored to fit properly, i.e. snug enough to keep the armor in place in the event you take a short trip off the bike. We also like the large-tooth front zipper that won’t get jammed by a little dust (common here in dry, often windy SoCal).
If you’re looking for even more cooling, plus the flexibility of an included zip-in waterproof thermal full-sleeve jacket liner (and you don’t mind spending the extra money), the Tornado 2 is an excellent option. But for the price- and style-conscious rider looking for a basic mesh jacket that is built well and looks sportier than a lot of what’s out there, the Airwave 2 should be at the top of your list.
Price: $229.99
Sizing: Go down a size on Rev’It’s size chart; I am 5’9” and about 140 lbs and the size 38 fits me comfortably
Best use: HOT weather; sport-touring fit
Website: revitsport.com
I love the Revit Airwave pants however, I’ve yet to find any woman that has a curvy ir busty figure that looks good in a ‘box cut’ jacket.
Unfortunately I’ve found that Revit & most other higher end brands ‘Klim’ etc all make the Ladies jackets in the same boxy style.
Completely unflattering when paired with riding pants with hip protectors, and a curvy fugure.
Take a cue from Triumph who has a few ladies jackets that are slightly longer, shaped at the waist and flared at the hips.
We ride, and ride hard yet still want to feel and look feminine, pretty colours alone wont suffice.
I have the Airwave 2 black torso with white shoulders, no color. I love the look, the fit, and the comfort. I also live in SoCal, and just put this jacket through a 2148 mile tour to Colorado and back. We hit rain, hail, winds and gusts, and the capper was riding for over 5-6 hours in 100 degree plus heat.
First, I am 5’8″, 130, the fit is great for my shoulders and arm length. I bought the size 40 because anything smaller doesn’t have enough shoulder or arm. The torso length is very good, too. Long enough to cover well my Madison pants, the jacket does not have a short waist as other styles and manufacturers. I have tried others, and Rev’its fit me best.
Now to use, be intelligent about what you wear UNDER your jacket too. We wore synthetic shirts for hunting, every day we rode, and this was the best choice. They breathed, wicked away the sweat, and helped keep us cool. Cotton shirts underneath would have made us miserable, holding the sweat and heat.
We spent several hours in 114 degree heat on I-15 at the top of day in the California desert, and I was very impressed with my comfort while on the road. The jacket breathed well, the slight roominess helped with air flow around my body, but it never was loose or flapping, it is very neat and tidy. I unzipped it a bit if I needed more air movement, because at 114 it is just plain HOT, no matter what you do or how fast you go. I didn’t notice heat buildup under the back armor as may have been expected, so I also credit my choice of shirt as part of the reason I was comfortable.
The armor is placed well for my shoulders, back, and elbows, and it doesn’t move around. It stays put, making for a comfortable jacket anytime.
Even when we got caught at the edge of a storm front before we donned our rain gear, I was surprised that I wasn’t as wet as I expected to be as the jacket is not waterproof. But it has enough coverage to protect from the steady sprinkle until we got under cover. I was very pleased.
As with anything, your mileage may vary. Everyone has their own needs and expectations, and so far Rev’it has filled mine. I am thoroughly pleased with my Airwave 2.