The Echelon GTX is a very pristine, tight, laminated, all-seasons, adventurous, premium, high-end motorcycle jacket that really tries to look nothing like that. A motorcycle jacket, that is.
Not a lot of frills, hence, even more functional properties, that’s probably the best way to describe the GORE-TEX laminated Echelon. ‘Goal-oriented’ is quite fitting as well. With a little sense for optimism you could even take a mountain hike in this. Not a single Alpine marmot would suspect you to have stepped right of your motorcycle at the foot of the mountain. That unremarkability, however, is in shrill contrast to its many assets.
The impact protection is on par. A SEESOFT™ Air back protector is standard and the chest protectors (also SEESOFT™) can be integrated easily. Elbows and shoulders were given the thinner and comfortable SEEFLEX™ protection. Add the sturdy, wear-resistant exterior in 2L Nylon GORE-TEX and the only conclusion can be that the Echelon GTX comes with a lot of protective material. Overkill for that hike; ease of mind on your motorcycle.
Technically, it’s on par as well. The GORE-TEX technology has been tried and tested. The Echelon GTX ‘breathes’ in one direction and keeps water out in the other. In order to fully succeed doing that, the zips are waterproof. At the same time, those zippers (namely those on the upper arms) allow for sufficient direct ventilation. There is no thermal lining, opening up the option of a Solar 3 thermal jacket. This gives you the opportunity to partially decide for yourself how far you go. Literally and figuratively, by providing the necessary layers yourself.
Even though at first glance you wouldn’t suspect it but there’s a lot more to discover. The sleeve ends, the neoprene collar and the waist are adjustable, just like the width of the lower arms. The wide storage space in the back, then again is easily overlooked. It’s there, though, just like the slash pockets, inner pockets and an additional storage compartment on the left sleeve. We could talk a little more about those sleeves too, but you might want to discover those things yourself. Pay close attention to the way the shoulder is connected to the motorcycle jacket and experience the comfort and freedom of movement it provides.
The Echelon GTX is a lot of motorcycle jacket, concentrated in a low amount of bells and whistles. Like they say, ‘no frills, ready for the thrills’.
The Echelon GTX can be perfectly combined with the eponymous motorcycle trousers.
There is maintenance clothing, and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
