Customer Reviews

Works well, however...

Review by Big Rich on 12/15/09

I'm 6'6" and 300lb with a proportionate build. I ordered a 54. It is slightly short in the torso, so it rides up ever so slightly when standing and when seated on the bike is barely long enough. Would like another 1" or so of fabric along the bottom. Also the sleeves are barely long enough, just short of the cuffs of my jacket. That's it for Con's, slightly shorter people should not have any problems.

Now for the Pro's; It WORKS! Supplies a nice level of heat. On a big cruiser behind a windshield I'm able to ride to work comfortably at 35 degrees with my mesh jacket, the KEL, a long sleeve t-shirt and regular thermals under my riding pants or double front dungarees.

Also, because of the heat and the breathable fabric, the inside of the KEL isn't wet and clammy, like my original liner. The original liner trapped moisture like a garbage bag and when cold air hit the outside, the warm air inside condensed, leaving the liner positively dripping.

The KEL has replaced my original liner, my micro fleece and under armor compression layer, so while it is thicker than the stock liner, it is now less bulky overall. Plus it slips over street clothes without extra layers; perfect for commuting.

While the collar isn't micro fleece lined and gapes a bit, it does have a loop of heating wire inside that you really feel without it being uncomfortable. There are armpit vents which also help disperse moisture without letting in excessive cold air. The stitching and detail around the plethora of pockets is good. It looks like it will hold up well. There are glove pockets inside the bottom of the liner, then above them zippered pockets. There is a large back pocket that doubles as the storage pouch if you roll the jacket up. It could also hold a spare shirt or other soft items like dry socks or glove liners.

The jackets SAE plug is heavy-duty zip tied to a rubber diamond-shaped strap grommet, like the kind used on backpacks to spread the weight of the strap across the fabric. It is a little clunky and feels like there is something in my pocket at all times, but its a solid anchor and you won't be ripping the electrics out of the jacket if you forget to disconnect before you walk away.

Overall I'm pleased down to 35F. (Haven't tried it below that and not sure I want to ride when it's that cold.) All day riding at that temp or below and you might want to get the AirStopper.

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