Joe Rocket Phoenix Dry Tech Liner
A couple years ago, Joe Rocket introduced a new type of jacket to the masses.
It was an open weave, fully perforated, fully armored nylon textile jacket called the "Phoenix". The Phoenix jacket was made to offer hot weather protection in case of a crash, with its built in armor and abrasion resistant "Poly Mesh" shell. The jacket is great for those hot summer days when most riders would opt to wear only a T-shirt and jeans. As we all know, in a crash T-shirts offer almost no protection whatsoever for the upper body.
The need for this type of hot weather riding apparel was readily apparent and it's amazing that it took so long for motorcycle clothing manufacturers to catch on. The Joe Rocket "Phoenix" jacket was a huge hit and soon, all the major manufacturers were offering similar units. By the end of last summer, the "free air" style of jacket seemed to be on everyone's back.
However, these jackets all have one glaring downfall. Simply riding in temperatures below 70° can get uncomfortable in a hurry, as the jacket's active airflow properties serve to "air-condition" your body weather you need it or not. This problem is grossly exaggerated, if you're ever caught in a shower or rainstorm. The combination of aggressive airflow and standing moisture can quickly cause your body temperature to plummet to dangerous levels (Sean Alexander was caught in a fall rainstorm, while riding an Aprilia Tuono in a Joe Rocket Phoenix. After little more than an hour of riding in the cool damp air, he had developed a life threatening case of pneumonia. - no kidding). Even if you don't get sick, the sudden temperature drop or occasional rain can make for a miserable riding experience.
The jacket liner has a waterproof Velcro flap that covers the zipper to insure the seam is waterproof. In addition, the liner has elasticized cuffs on each sleeve, with yet another snap near the wrist, to tie it into a Phoenix 2.0's sleeves. Yet another great feature is the fact that this jacket liner has almost no bulk to it. You can fold it up to the size of a pair of socks and simply stash it in your tank bag or under your seat, which I regularly do.
How good is this liner? It makes an already great product even better. I've unfurled the liner and worn it under my Phoenix, on several occasions, when the temperature has dropped on the way home from a summer ride. Now, I no longer have to decide which jacket to take based on the air temperature in the summer months. While the liner may ad a slight amount of bulk to your tank bag, it's well worth having just for peace of mind. That's not even the best thing about the liner. Ladies and gentlemen, this liner can be purchased in the neighborhood of $25-$29. All in all, it's well worth owning one. Especially, if you already own a free flow or perforated riding jacket.
My Phoenix jacket can now be worn into the mid fifties, as well as into or out of a rainstorm with little or compromise in comfort, all the while retaining lightweight armored protection for the rider.
This liner is a "Must Have" item for anyone who has a free-air type jacket, and is well worth its minimal cost and bulk. 5 stars!
More by Ralph Angelo Jr.
Comments
Join the conversation