Rev'It Lab Jacket and Ultimate Pants Review.

[Lost Rider]

Here's some info on some Rev'It products I recently purchased. This is just my opinion and I hold no responsibility if you decide to buy some Rev'It gear and you don't like it, or it doesn't fit, or whatever. I also have no affiliation with any business associated with selling anything, let alone bike gear.
With all that said, I'm posting this because there isn't much info or reviews about this particular Rev'It line of gear, and well it's winter, snowing like hell, and I have nothing better to do.

Before I bought this stuff, I sold my BMW Ralleye II Pro suit, it was a gift and the jacket I had was too big. My used BMW gear sold for about the same as this suit brand new. The Ralleye was ok when I had on layers for cold weather, but in warmer temps I was swimming in it. Very high quality, no doubt, it just wasn't right for me.

I was in the market looking for a minimal type styled, tight-fitting, all weather touring jacket and pant, preferably with a 3 layer system, because I was looking to replace the thermal liner with my Gerbing's jacket liner, keeping protection, waterproofing, and warmth with minimal bulk for cold weather riding. Just like everyone else I want an all-in-one perfect for any occasion 10º to 100º riding suit that fits my budget. Not that such a product exists, but here's what I bought hoping to fit the bill the best I can.

After much research I decided to go with Rev'It because of my great experience with the Celcius H2O PCM Winter Glove I have used last year. The gloves are great, they do all they say they will.
Warm, dry, comfortable in various temps, quality, etc.
I decided to go with the Lab Jacket verses the Cayenne Jacket. Both have the features I was looking for, but I was trying to get away from having so many pocket, ya know? Plus the Lab is $100 cheaper, and that's the real reason.
I am 5'11" 170 pounds, with a 32 inch waist. I decided to take a chance and go with the sizing Rev'It recommended and went with a Medium size jacket and pant. Fit's perfect, nice and snug, but not too tight. If I was to gain 10 - 15 pounds or so it might become to tight, but for now it's great, even with a Gerbings liner on.

"The LAB is a touring style jacket that offers the
functionalities required for use in all sorts of unexpected
weather conditions. This fully waterproof jacket contains
a detachable thermal lining for the best defense against
cold wind and a detachable and breathable membrane for
optimum ventilation. The stylish design gives the LAB
a distinguished look and makes it easy to combine the
jacket with any pants from the REV’IT! collection."


Since I just received it, and have only worn it once while riding because well, it's snowing like hell now, so I can't tell you how this gear works in a desert, or a monsoon, or heaven forbid, in a spill.
What I can give you is various pics with a few comments, so here it is:











Rear Vents



Front Waterproof Pockets




Front Vents/Pockets




Adjustable Collar




A neat little hook for the collar, I'm sure this will be nice in warm weather




Nice and soft, stretchy material sewn into the collar of the waterproof liner




Right Side Cell Phone stretchy foam pocket, sewn into the thermal liner




Left side pocket in thermal liner




Here you can see all 3 layers







Here you can see the outline of the back protection pad




Shoulder pad, there's the removable pad, and there's a stiffer one that seems to be sewn in, you can kind of see the outline




Elbow Pad



More Elbow Pad




Proof that the pads are flexible, all of the armor is quite unobtrusive, and seems to stay in place well




"The ULTIMATE is an extremely functional pair of pants,
specially designed for those who challenge all sorts of
weather conditions. The detachable thermal lining acts
as an optimal barrier against cold and wind. The 3 layer
removable membrane contains a moisture management
function and is fully waterproof and breathable. Reflective
waterproof zippers on the upper legs enhance ventilation.
The use of abrasion resistant materials and hip padding
guarantee these pants to offer a high level of protection."


Here is the Rev'It Ultimate Pants. Same type of system as the jacket, 3 layers, 2 vents, 2 waterproof pockets, 2 other pockets. The side zippers run from the boot almost to the knee.




Vent and waterproof pockets

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Knee Armor



More Armor



Did I mention that I'm now a Rev'It junkie, and have the Ergo Boots also?
Again, my previous experience, along with the style, price, and functionality are all the things I want for what seems to me as a good price for high quality boots.

"The ERGO is the top of the range boot in he REV’IT! collection designed for active sports and touring use. Made from durable high grain leather with safety and protective features incorporated in the design, these boots cleverly combine style, function and safety. A waterproof and breathable membrane guarantees the ERGO to perform in all sorts of weather conditions. The ERGO boot features a side zipper entry and Velcro calf closure for optimum comfort and adjustability."









More attention to detail found throughout all the Rev'It gear, or just more branding, depends how you look at it



Ankle Armor








I'm currently on tour for 5 months, and only get to come home occasionally, so I haven't been ablt to ride in almost 2 months, and after going to the Chicago Motorcycle Show, seeing all the bikes and stuff, and receiving this suit I had to try it out and go for a ride this weekend. There's a little snow around, but the streets were mostly clear, so I went for a little 1.5 hour ride Downtown, and up Lake Shore Drive. It was about 17º when I went, and I was just fine, nice and toasty with the Rev'It suit, and Gerbings jacket liner.




OK, OK, I'm not much of the model type, but you get the idea...







The quality and attention to detail is obvious to me with this Rev'It gear, and I hope that the long term performance is as good as my first impressions, and companies reputation leads me to believe.
I also think that the branding is done tastefully, and not over the top. I mean, I wouldn't mind if there were no logo's on any of it, but I don't feel like a walking billboard as it is.

I paid $399 for the jacket, $349 for the pants, and $199 for the boots.
Hope this helps any of you looking for some new riding gear, and are considering Rev'It.
Seems to me that this is premium quality stuff without the premium price.
As I get some more saddle time in , I'll post some more comments here.

-Joe



Lab Jacket
sku: FJT055

PROTECTION LEVEL

Outer shell: Schoeller Dynatec®, Cordura, Gigatex stretch
Insulation: Detachable 3oz thermal lining
Protection: ProLife® CE- Protection, Temperfoam back
padding, Engineered skin design method, foam padding on
shoulders
Waterproofing: Fastly detachable Hydratex® 2 layer
(5.000mm H2O) Z-liner
Breathability: Hydratex® (5.000g/m2/24hrs)
Visibility: Reflective logo’s and piping

ERGONOMIC FEATURES

Fit: Close fitting, pre- shape fit
Adjustability: Adjustable collar, waistbands (2), injected
Velcro tabs at the cuff with micro teeth, drawstraps on
sleeves (2) , drawstraps on back
Ventilation: Adjustable ventilation panels on chest (2) and
back (2)
Features: asymmetrical cu

[KMACR]

Great review and IMHO great gear. I've been a fan of REV-IT for some time as the REV-IT folks seem to really "get it".

Sizing is something I think a person needs to get up close and personal with if at all possible. Not just with REV-IT but with all brands. Seems to me that one person's Medium is another person's Large. Case in point: I'm 5'8", 173 but still with the fashionable 32" waist---sometimes can creep up to 33". I tried the REV-IT Lab in medium and just felt too constrained. Maybe it's a difference in specific individuals' fit and comfort level though. For me, I opted for the REV-IT Lab in Large and it fits me nice and snug. I may not cut as quite a dashing figure as ChiTown but it feels right for me. VERY comfortable and it has a really nice, contoured aesthetic quality. The photo is me with the REV-IT Lab and REV-IT Mission overpant. The overpants are great even in cold weather (with appropriate nylon undergarments---no, not lacey stuff--- or Gerbing liners)...but ChiTown's recommendation of the REV-IT Ultimate pants will get you farther down the road in various conditions. The Missions don't have the removable liners or venting qualities like the Ultimates.



REV-IT gear is pretty nice. The multi-layer options are a good thing to have though it does take a little doing to remove and replace the various elements. It's not because it's hard to figure out, more because the attachments are plentiful to work through---which can be a good thing. Well-secured apparel/equipment and options are great to have on the road.

I've ridden some in cold weather, 40 degrees with a wind chill of Brrrrrrrrrr. Coupled with a Gerbing heated jacket liner everything was great. I tend to always use an NoJ Gore-Tex/Fleece lined triangular bandana as a windbreak for the throat area which is another great piece of equipment--one of my wiser investments. The bandana does create a challenge when it comes to closing the neck on the Lab jacket. Sometimes I get it closed and others not. Without the addition of the bandana the collar isn't too difficult though a slimmer neck is always a great advantage---I don't have that.

I haven't yet ridden with it in warmer weather but by removing the thermal and waterproof layers and opening up the front and back vents it should fare well. The armor feels secure and comforting as ChiTown attests to.

All in all, the Lab is an excellent choice. Just be sure to get a test fit if you can.

[wncbmw]

Nice review! Will be interested to see how it holds up and some rain tests!

[mad1150]

Thx for the review ChiTown!

I looked at the RevIt gear last time I was up at TagSport BMW in Geneva. Looked like really nice stuff, very high quality, you have confirmed that.

KMACR: What is that 4-Wheel silver thing to left of you in that pic?, And, by the way, your R looks an awful lot like mine, but don't worry, I don't have a tool chest like that!....Yet!

[dwayne]

Excellent review. Both my mom and I are looking for new riding gear. I think you just saved us a ton of money. We were thinking of perhaps the BMW City jacket and pants, but these are just slightly cheaper in price, but look more functional.

[dwayne]

Thx for the review ChiTown!

I looked at the RevIt gear last time I was up at TagSport BMW in Geneva. Looked like really nice stuff, very high quality, you have confirmed that.

KMACR: What is that 4-Wheel silver thing to left of you in that pic?, And, by the way, your R looks an awful lot like mine, but don't worry, I don't have a tool chest like that!....Yet!

That looks like a 1980 ~ 1982 Corvette Stingray...or perhaps the infamous '83 'vette LOL!!!! (that's an inside Vette joke, no such thing as a 1983 Corvette). Looking at the mirrors I would say its a late C3 ('80 ~'82). I Have a '76 Stingray.