The vintage leather Parallax motorcycle jacket is the odd duck. It links a classic appearance to modern, sporty functions. It is something like riding into the future while the past is chasing you in black and white, while yelling ‘retro’!
Apart from that surprising energy, this is a very decent and good quality motorcycle jacket. There’s no AA certification because you’re stuck in time half a century ago. The clear link with the past – even the leather looks weathered – is a conscious decision which has nothing to do with its modern-day qualities. Compare the Parallax motorcycle jacket to any other brightly-coloured motorcycle jacket that isn’t part of the top-half of a motorcycle racing suit and you’ll mostly notice similarities.
The style automatically pushes you towards street use, which is perfectly justified. The lack of hard sliders and a hump are clear indicators in that same direction. It is too ‘classic’ and not enough ‘bling’ to look at this as though it is a razor-sharp racing motorcycle jacket – which is also perfectly justified.
Wear and tear-resistant cowhide makes up the main part of the Parallax motorcycle jacket’s exterior. You can see stretch material underneath the arm pits, on the arms and in the sides. That composition delivers a tight unit that might make you feel a little anatomically modelled but with enough freedom of movement as to keep it all cozy and comfortable.
The cowhide is perforated on the chest and back, enhancing ventilation substantially. The downside is that facing an ambitious rainstorm requires the assistance of a proper motorcycle raincoat. Before you think this is a simple one-season motorcycle jacket, you discover the removable bodywarmer that arms you against temperature fluctuations. Another element that protects you from unexpected weather conditions is the ‘wind catcher’ right behind the central zipper. All this doesn’t mean the Parallax is a world traveller that can withstand every season but it does mean that with a little luck and providence this leather motorcycle jacket will take you far.
The TPU protector on the shoulder underlines the sporty link and is just as aesthetic as it is functional. The (double) SEESOFT™ chest and back protectors can be fitted in optionally. Excellent SEEFLEX™ CE-level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors come standard. Everything is held together tightly with safety seams that REV’IT! also uses in tightly-priced motorcycle racing suits.
Two slash pockets with zip on the outside provide more than enough storage space, combined with the inner pockets (including in the bodywarmer). You don’t need an endless amount of adjustment options when the fit is right. With a Velcro strip in the waist and the used stretch material, the fit should be right.
For anyone who’s been asking themselves this question for the past 7 paragraphs: yes, this is the spiritual successor to the Glide, another ‘vintage-retro-modern motorcycle race or black-and-white movie’ product by REV’IT!. This new missing link between future and past is easily combined with any REV’IT! motorcycle trousers. We ourselves would opt for a decent pair of motorcycle jeans.
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. Invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer. We added the best tips & tricks to this maintenance page.
