We’re all seeking the same thing ultimately, which is a product that costs a fair price and returns a fair amount of value. If that’s your goal, then the Scorpion Strike motorcycle jacket should do nicely. It features a waterproof 600-denier ballistic nylon shell with taped seams, a removable, insulated liner for warmth and two sets of zippered vents for airflow during hot weather. There’s Exo-Tech energy-absorbing armor in the shoulders and elbows, and a foam back pad.
At first glance this black jacket (it’s also available in blue, khaki or red) seems to be a composite of nylon with leather accent strips, but in fact it’s all nylon in various embossings and finishes. My original opinion was that the rather shiny nylon shell gave the jacket a cheap look, but as I became familiar with it over the course of several months and more than 1,000 miles, it really grew on me. If one of your main requirements in a jacket is versatility, the Strike delivers. On really cold days zip up the inner zipper, then fold over the material behind it to form a wind barrier behind the main zipper. Everything seals well, and the collar comes right up under the chin. The zippered handwarmer pockets are placed just right, and have rubberized zipper closures with the intention of keeping out the rain. And there are two inner zippered wallet pockets.
When the weather warms, undo the snaps and zippers and remove the insulated, full-sleeve KwikWick thermal liner. Whether the liner is in or out, a pair of two-position snaps along the hips allow the rider to adjust shell size. Even with the liner out the shell zips up so well you won’t feel a breeze, and wind tightness is half the battle in keeping warm. When it becomes too warm, zip open the vents atop the shoulders (that seal with rubberized closures) and the inner arms (covered with a flap, but not rubberized closures). Don’t forget the back vents, as without them the inner mesh lining can “inflate” from the breeze entering the forward-facing vents and squeeze your torso uncomfortably. Even the sleeve gussets can be left open to scoop air. When you ride at night, dual rings of reflective material that encircle each upper arm announce your presence.
Scorpion claims that the shell material is waterproof, and though they make no claims for it having a breathable membrane it never felt clammy. To test its water-tightness I had my teenage son give me the standard five-minute hose-down, which revealed that the vents and pockets all allowed a little water through, and were damp on the inside afterward.
Sizes for the Strike range from XS-3XL, and Tall sizes are available, so there should be something to fit nearly everyone. Retail price is just $199.95-$224.95, depending upon size, and the jacket is made in Vietnam. Overall, the Strike is a very versatile and functional package–with the exception of taking in some water at the vents and pockets. Overall, for the price, it delivers impressive value.
For more information contact Scorpion Sports USA, 25921 Atlantic Ocean Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630; (888) 6SCORPION or (888) 672-6774, (949) 768-5517; www.scorpionusa.com
