When it’s hot, it’s hot. No point in quibbling over heat vs. humidity or the effects of global warming. All that matters is getting some relief. That’s where Olympia Moto Sports’ Mesh Tech line of apparel comes in, which includes updated versions of its popular Airglide two-piece and Avenger (formerly Stealth) one-piece suits, the Moab and Switchback jackets, and the all-new Renegade jacket and pants.
To maximize airflow, the Renegade suit has large ballistic mesh panels on the chest, arms, back, thighs and back of the legs, and is lined with athletic mesh. Likely areas of impact—shoulders, elbows, rump and knees—are covered in 500-denier Cordura, and they’re backed up by CE-approved Motion Flex armor, including a reticulated back protector (the pants also have EVA foam hip pads). Hook-and-loop tabs on the wrists, forearms, sides and waist adjust the jacket’s fit, and the knee armor is height adjustable. There are eight pockets in all—two inner and two outer jacket pockets and four pockets in the pants. The jacket and pants are tailored for a comfortable fit, with enough roominess to be worn over street clothes. High-quality touches include a soft neoprene jacket collar, reflective piping, an 8-inch zipper to connect the jacket to the pants, and belt loops, full-length side zippers and EZ Hem bottoms on the pants.
The Renegade suit is designed to be worn in warm, dry weather, period. Unlike other garments in Olympia’s lineup, it doesn’t include a waterproof liner or a thermal liner, which helps keep the price down. On cool mornings, I wear the suit over the Mobile Warming Softshell Jacket (page 116) and jeans. When the forecast calls for rain, I carry an external rainsuit (such as Olympia’s Horizon rain jacket and pants). And when it’s hot, I stay almost as cool as I would be in a T-shirt and jeans, but I am well protected from impacts and abrasion.
Like other Olympia Moto Sports apparel I’ve worn and tested, the Renegade has served me well in terms of style, comfort and protection. It benefits from the same high-quality design, construction and materials as other Olympia gear, but omits the rain and thermal liners that some riders may not want or need. The jacket ($189.99) is available in men’s sizes S-4XL and five color combinations (black/pewter/red, black/pewter/silver, black/pewter/blue, black/pewter/neon yellow, silver/pewter/black). The pants ($179.99) are available in men’s sizes 30-44 and two color combinations (black/pewter, silver/pewter).
For more information: See your dealer or visit olympiamotosports.com
(This Gear Lab review was published in the July 2013 issue of Rider magazine.)
