Female motorcyclists have unique needs: we want safety and protection, but we also don’t want to be mistaken for an NFL linebacker when we’re in our riding gear. Fortunately, jackets like iXS’s Finja offer comfortable protection—and look good doing it.
The Finja is what I consider a “temperate 3-season” jacket; it features a removable Cynix thermal liner, a non-removable water- and windproof soltoTEX membrane, and four ventilation openings (although the effectiveness of these is compromised by the waterproof membrane). The shell is constructed of 600D HD polyoxford fabric, with ballistic panels on the shoulders and elbows, zippered hip gussets and stretch panels in the sides. The cuffs cinch with hook-and-loop straps, and a zipper on the underside of the wrist allows easy on/off without having to redo the straps.
Pockets abound, some more useful than others; there are two handwarmer pockets at the hips, one small pocket on the left wrist, and one on the left side of the chest for flat, non-sharp items. All are zippered, and the one on the chest features a waterproof zipper. Inside there’s a cell phone pocket and a larger zippered pocket, and the thermal liner has two matching pockets of its own. Speaking of the thermal liner, the Cynix one that iXS uses is particularly thin and comfortable, with soft, stretchy cuffs, a pair of color-coded buttons on the cuffs for securing it in each sleeve and stretch panels on the sides.
The included shoulder, elbow and back armor is certified to CE Level 1. Using a construction technique I’ve never seen before, the back protector is attached via hook-and-loop to a strap that runs from neck to waist on the inside of the outer shell, allowing the wearer to move it up and down for optimum fit. It’s accessed via a large zipper at the bottom of the waterproof liner. A nearly full circumference waist zipper allows the jacket to be securely zipped to iXS pants.
The Finja has a tailored, feminine cut, and I received numerous compliments from men and women alike when I wore it on group rides or out to dinner. Ventilation is minimal due to the waterproof liner, so this isn’t really a hot weather jacket, but in temperatures up to about 80 F it’s quite comfortable. The fit is snug, so I would advise ordering a size larger than normal. The Finja comes in Red-Black (shown) or Black, in sizes XS-2XL, at the reasonable price of $289.
For more information, call (561) 571-1900 or visit ixsusa.com.
