Gear Review: RJAYS Radar winter jacket, $299.95 RRP

The RJAYS Radar jacket is the first mid priced dual purpose, non-leather jacket I’ve used for a full winter. I was always a little sceptical in terms of the level of protection, warmth and ventilation I’d be able to get out of a mid range textile jacket. But far out, I was wrong.

The RJAYS Radar jacket was faultless over winter. Nick has pulled the lining out now, ready for some summer riding hopefully more like this! Like any textile jacket though, there is a protection compromise when scratching in the twisties.

To start with, the RJAYS Radar looks very, very good. The subtle grey and red highlights blend in well with your regular daily clothes and can be worn across campus/work/shops without a second glance.

In terms of performance, I have never been more appreciative. The freezing cold mornings used to see me in three layers for my 120km ride. I’d still be freezing my ass off as the wind always managed to sneak in somewhere. With the Radar, literally just a T-shirt underneath. The 100g thermal layer makes short work of whatever cold breeze you’ve got to deal with. If you really wanted to be comfortable, a second layer wouldn’t be an issue.

RJAYS Radar Jacket

RJAYS Radar Jacket

The zipper and collar extend right up underneath the helmet, sealing you off completely from those cold winds. The hood hasn’t got any use yet. I’m not entirely sure when it would be used? Maybe if it’s pouring and you don’t want your hair to get wet on the run from the car park into the shops?

The amount of pockets essentially removed the need for my tank bag. I found myself fitting everything I’d normally pack into the small bag simply into the jacket. Three external pockets and four internal sealed pockets means whatever delicate electronics or valuables you’ve got remain safe and secure on your person at all times. It’s pretty much an Inspector Gadget jacket!

Nick found no use or need for the hood at all, the rest of the jacket he found fantastic, particularly the amount of pockets.

The inner liner itself doesn’t look half-bad, to save some space in the backpack I’ve been unzipping it from the jacket and stowing that away in the rear storage bags. The leather embossed RJAYS emblem looks nice, plus I’ve got a tidy, warm jacket for the rest of the day.

Durability doesn’t seem to be an issue so far. The zippers are heavy duty, the stitching seems solid and the pockets are secure. There’s nothing more annoying than a torn pocket. I’ve had this thing on five days a week and have noticed zero issues. I should probably wash it having said that!

RJAYS Radar Jacket

RJAYS Radar Jacket

In terms of the protective capabilities, I really do feel safe, even out on the freeway. I mean you wouldn’t rip it out for a track day, or scratching, but I’d wear in on the way there and back! The shoulders and elbows are both protected, while the locations of the pads is adjustable, allowing for tailored fit and protection.

Even in freezing cold or pouring rain, nothing got in over all of the winter testing Nick did in the Radar.

Overall, RJAYS have really provided the goods with the Radar. I’ve stayed warm, stayed dry even in the worst rains and essentially saved a lot of space in the backpack. Which, we all know, is one of the most crucial things! I’ve recommended this jacket to a couple of mates now in the market for something warmer and I guarantee they won’t be disappointed. For $299.95 RRP you simply can’t go wrong.

On the ride up north today I noticed I might actually be a bit too warm ha! Time to rip out the inner lining and see how it goes as a summer jacket….