Product Review: Macna Aerocon Summer Jacket

I had been looking for a new summer jacket for some time now and as the name suggests, Macna’s Aerocon jacket is designed for safe non-leather adventure riding in warmer temperatures, it’s just unfortunate I received it to test during Australia’s cold months!

Link International sent Simon some all new gear to test, including this Macna Areocon Jacket!

COVID has caused chaos in global shipping so everything is running behind, meaning bike gear too. I got the Aerocon in March and it was just starting to cool off a little but it will be very handy this summer. The Aercon jacket is not ideal for cooler weather as the ventilation is there in spades. Large areas of the jacket that are not designated as zones requiring armour or reinforcement are pretty much perforated, this includes the frontal area, either side of the torso and upper arm areas. Using this jacket in autumn / winter, as I have done so far for the purpose of testing, is not ideal. The removable waterproof inner lining does help, however, being nylon it can become a bit sweaty.

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That said, I am looking forward to using it more in warmer months. The fit is ideal for me in terms of sleeve length and skirt, however, in some areas it can be a little snug. I am not a big person (168cm / 68kg) and in no way a body-building type but I feel that there is little room in the forearm area and cuff. It’s a bit tight up in the chest area as well and this can affect your choices of what to wear underneath or perhaps riding comfort if you have a sports-style bike.

Simon reported that the fit was pretty tight on him.

The jacket being perforated where there is no protection plates.

Full back protection.

Adjustable straps.

I have never been a size large in anything before, but feel that this might possibly be better in some ways. However, moving to a large will certainly affect other dimensions, such as sleeve length and shoulder width. Before getting carried away, I must remember that this jacket is designed for summer use, where you would likely choose just a T-shirt underneath.

The Night Eye colour has an RRP of $349.95

In terms of safety, the outer textile is tough 600 denier Ripstop polyester nylon, with double layering in protection zones. Underneath is RISC Level 1 ventilated CE shoulder and elbow armour. There is an in-built 12mm EVA foam back pad and pockets ready to accept a CE back protector and chest guard.

Hidden waist adjuster.

Tail pocket to ensure you have the waterproof liner at all times.

The armour is quite unobtrusive and does not impede the available movement at all. Another safety option is the Night-Eye version that features high-visibility reflective panelling. The jacket construction certainly feels sturdy, despite its light weight, and looks very well assembled and finished. On the inside is a soft mesh fabric that is not skin irritating at all.

Checking out the jacket features is almost an exploratory quest.

There are various adjustments for fit in the arms and around the stomach region, which is a super-easy to use sliding buckle system that doesn’t require gloves off. There is a hidden drawstring that you can access from the front of the jacket if you need to tighten up the skirt.

The black version has an RRP of $329.95

There are two front external pockets, which I filled them to the brim with a payload consisting of phone, wallet and a couple of items from the chemist. They are also a tad high up, causing me to often take a couple of attempts to find the opening flap.

Added shoulder protection.

Finding all the pockets was a quest for Simon.

The jacket is covered in zippers.

Perfect for summer riding.

Behind the pockets are secondary cavities that are “hand warming pockets”, which is a nice touch. Out the back is a bum-bag pocket that is zippered and is big enough to fit the rain liner. Internal pockets include a curtain style twin-pocket and a zippered, enclosed pocket. A zip is also provided for connecting to your pants and making the setup that little bit safer.

The Macna Areocon jacket is on sale now on their website for an RRP of $329.95 / $349.95 (Night-Eye/Fluoro)

The jacket does not sit on the cheap side of the riding gear spectrum, but looks to be well made, with good levels of safety and smart features and a pleasing appearance. If you are out to treat yourself or loved one to a new textile riding jacket for the upcoming summer, do give the Aerocon a look. However, note that it might be a bit tight in areas for some body shapes – definitely test it out for size with the typical clothing you wear under a jacket and do sit on a bike. See your local stockist for more information, or visit Macna Australia at macnaridinggear.com.au.