Scorpion Exowear has updated its Fall2010 Collection with a number of bitchin’ new products. They are so bitchin’ that we hadto put one of them through the Bikernet test, so hang on!
We picked the new Tornadolightweight textile jacket for our test, because Scorpion says it’s anideal piece of all-weather apparel. Anyone who still rides in the fall knowsthat you have to be ready for some pretty radical changes in the weather at thedrop of a hat, so I said, “let’s give this one a go”.
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Constructed with a 600-denier outer shell, thehighly-visible Tornado is what you would call a “sport” jacket. It looks very sporty for sure and features a complete set of removable, CE-approved armor that’s tucked insidethe shoulder and elbow pockets. This way you look like Ricky Racer. So go a head and wring thatthrottle, Buckwheat! That’s exactly what I did. I think that the jacket’s fitted cut gives you plenty of support and certainly won’t flap like a flag at higher speeds. This being said, keep in mind that the Tornado’s fit is purposely tight, so take this into account if you happen to be wide in the mid-section and order one size larger…
Other notable features of the Tornado include adjustablesleeve tension straps. These offer a custom fit and are intended for use atspeeds exceeding triple digits. How about that? High-speed safety is providedby a full-length back protector pocket (complete with a P.E. foam insert) andall seams are sealed with Scorpion’s exclusive ExoStitch seams.
If the Tornado is a fall garment, you still maywant some ventilation. Increasing the utility of the jacket,the AirVent ventilation system allows the air to flow when temperaturesincrease. This simple yet effective ventilation system has two zippered high-flow air intake panels inthe front and two rear vents. This effectively maximizes airflowover the body’s core when the panels are unzipped. Close the vents if you no longer want cold air whistling in. I live up in the mountains, whereriders are subjected to a variety of temperature changes, and can testify thatthe AirVent system is a very welcome feature. Finding the front zipper is abreeze, but you will have to remove the jacket to open the rear vents,or ask your ol’ lady to handle that chore.
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There are large zippered hand-warmer pockets andNightViz reflective panels front and rear on the Scorpion Tornado textilejacket. I rode at night and the reflective panel are highly visible whenany source of light hits them; this is something commuters will certainlyappreciate.
In closing I will say that the Tornado is growingon me fast, thanks to its versatility and feather weight. Heavy leather jacketsare a timeless standard and I love them, but the Tornado offers a great, modernalternative for the mid season. Now if you don’t mind, I have some ridin’ to do. Catch you later.
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The Tornado jacket is a available in black, red,and blue, with men’s sizes S-XXL. The MSRP of the jacket is $190 for size S-XL,and it bumps up to $205 for the XXL version. Click on the banner below to check out the Scorpion website; they have a wide assortment of riding jackets and pants, along with cool helmets too.
