Viking Cycle – Ironside Jacket Review, A great first jacket!

Viking Cycle – Ironside Jacket Review, A great first jacket!
Final say
Though there were a few faults, as an everyday, nonaggressive riding jacket you just can’t beat it for the price.
Pros
Inexpensive and a great choice for a first jacket
Non aggressive look is good for all types of bikes
Good quality zippers
Cons
Liner isn't very thick and it contains most of the inner pockets
Synthetic material in the cuffs
Velcro is used instead of button clasps
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Where to buy

Viking Cycle Ironside Jacket Review, A great first jacket!

There are a few pieces of gear that every rider should include in their standard riding kit, even if they don’t use them every time.

Those pieces include a helmet, gloves, boots, pants, and the focus of this particular review, a jacket.  There are several factors that a rider will consider when choosing each of these items.  Price, protection, reputation, reviews, and even style all play a large role in the selection of the jacket that will fit your needs.

In most cases, you will end up owning several jackets that are tailored for specific circumstances, such as weather, comfort, or what type of bike you ride.  This review will focus on a warm weather jacket by VikingCycle, called the Ironside.

Can you find an inexpensive jacket and still retain the quality we require.

Notice: Viking Cycle sent this motorcycle jacket at no-cost for the purpose of this review. See all Viking Cycle Motorcycle Jackets here.

Love the Look of the Viking Cycle Ironside Jacket

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Viking Cycle Ironside Mesh Motorcycle Jacket For Men (X-Large, Black)
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Let’s face it, part of the reason we love motorcycle gear, is because it looks cool.  Style plays a big part in our choice of riding gear, and unlike helmets or gloves, the jacket doesn’t always come off when we step off the bike.

The Ironside looks great.  It isn’t splashed with brand names, the armor doesn’t draw attention (with the exception of the spine, which is removable), and it isn’t riddled with zippers and studs.  It’s a jacket that would look at home on any style of bike, yet doesn’t necessarily scream “biker” if wearing it when not riding.

The construction was sturdy, and the zippers had large enough tabs for me to use while wearing gloves. This is crucial because nothing is as frustrating as trying to operate zippers that are too small while you have on a thick pair of motorcycle gloves!Fit and Adjustable Is Solid on the Viking Cycle Ironside Jacket

The fit was good, with several ways to adjust it, including 2 straps on each sleeve secured by snaps, side straps, cuff straps, and a neck strap.  Unfortunately, velcro is rampant in this jacket, and the side and neck straps felt weak as a result.  After a few weeks of use I already noticed the Velcro losing stability because of its attraction to lint and general wearI’ve never liked velcro on my motorcycle jackets, but I find even the high end expensive jackets are now including velcro in their designs.

One interesting feature about this jacket are the inner cuffs that are inside each sleeve. The cuffs are made of an elastic synthetic material.  While they definitely helped keep the fit secure, I noticed on some of my longer rides that I developed some irritation due to sweat on my wrists. I’m not sure if this is just my own personal reaction, or if other riders would experience this as well.

Viking Cycle Ironside Motorcycle Jacket for MenThe general feel of the jacket was great.  It was light, it didn’t feel bulky or overbearing, and the mesh did a wonderful job of ventilation on some of the warmer days, even with the liner attached.  Conversely, I found the liner to be next to useless on cooler days.

While it provided a more solid break against wind, adding a paper thin slice of material to an already thin jacket isn’t going to provide much protection against the elements. Just because something is “quilted” doesn’t make it any warmer.

I was also disappointed to find the majority of the interior pockets were incorporated with the liner, so when it was removed it also took away three very functional storage spaces.  When attached, however, these pockets were easily accessible and quite useful.

The armor passes all of the standard governmental requirements, and is present in all of the right spots, and even removable in some areas.

I felt confident that this jacket would offer a decent amount of protection in the event of a crash.  It didn’t interfere with my gloves or helmet, and has a zipper attachment for connecting riding pants, and overall mobility was fantastic, on and off the bike.

Viking Cycle Ironside Jacket Conclusion:

Finding a decent quality jacket that won’t break your wallet is tough, and there are plenty to choose from, especially if you are new to riding. The time I spent reviewing the Ironside jacket was fantastic.  Though there were a few faults, as an everyday, nonaggressive riding jacket you just can’t beat it for the price.

For a first riding jacket you can’t go wrong picking up the Ironside. It looks great, feels good and because of the price won’t make you second guess your purchase.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive and a great choice for a first jacket
  • Non aggressive look is good for all types of bikes
  • Good quality zippers

Cons:

  • Liner isn’t very thick and it contains most of the inner pockets
  • Synthetic material in the cuffs
  • Velcro is used instead of button clasps

Where to Buy Viking Cycle Ironside Jacket

Buy on Amazon