Product Review: Macna Event Jacket

The Macna Event jacket is a lightweight mesh summer jacket with facility for fitting a CE approved back protectors, featuring a light build to allow air to flow through the jacket and as such, is much slimmer in styling and lower in weight than an all-purpose textile jacket.

It is squarely aimed at those sweltering summer days when so many motorcyclists ride without protection, with the asking price of $199.95 making it an easy addition. The Event Jacket is a great alternative to forgoing proper gear, featuring Durylon and Nylon mesh, with SafeTech CE protection at the elbows and shoulders and fitted for the addition of a CE back protector.

Testing out Macna’s Event Jacket – a mesh full airflow summer option

Of course as a vented summer jacket, protection is light compared to an all-purpose jacket and very light compared to a touring or leather jacket. However, they don’t have the ventilation of this jacket, so this is acceptable trade-off in my mind. With this said, the level of protection is more suited to a day of cruising rather than sports riding out in the country.

So far I’ve used the Macna Event jacket on seven rides totalling some 1900km, in temperatures ranging from cooler mornings to baking 38 degree early afternoon heat. This was both on naked bikes and a bike with a small fairing. Rides were out in the country moving quickly and getting into and out of Sydney in what passes for ‘moving’ traffic, plus a couple of early morning and late evening cruises along the northern beaches and a day run down into the southern highlands.

Airflow for the Macna Event Jacket is exceptional, and effective even standing still in a slight breeze

In all of these scenarios the jacket worked very well with air moving through the jacket, even at walking pace off the bike, which was unexpected. In fact even standing in a breezy place you can feel the ventilation mesh working in the arms.

On the cooler morning I could feel the breeze moving through the jacket, but was still comfortable with just a light fleece on underneath. As the day got hotter, the fleece came off and the jacket kept me refreshingly cool, even in traffic.

Protection takes second place to airflow, but CE armour is still included

On longer half day and full day runs the ventilation worked without you being aware it was there. Only when stopping did you realise you were not sweating. Being lightweight, you can feel the sun on your arms) when stopped in traffic, but it is not uncomfortable.

When moving I found the jacket very comfortable, both in fit and temperature. The armor at the shoulders is not intrusive and the elbow armour stays right where it should which is a nice surprise.

The jacket has long arms and a reasonably long body (down past your kidneys) with a dipped back, both reminiscent of Italian jackets, and the number of pockets provided is ample for a day use jacket, with two pockets on the front of the jacket lower down on the outside which have vertical zips, while behind the front closure zip a large zip closed pocket is located in front left hand side chest area.

High visibility reflectors assist in dark and night conditions

As a long armed person, the long arms and dipped back suit my build and the front zip closure and press stud fastener closure on the neck both work well. The long Velcro closure on the cuffs allow gloves inside or outside the jacket which is very welcome. The neck area lining is soft and plush, and there is no bunching in the elbows when riding. Comfort for me is excellent.

The only drawbacks are the waist level adjustment could have more adjustment, and the jackets only comes in muted colour schemes.

Overall fit is good, however sizing seems a few up on normal Australian sizing

As a lover and owner of bright coloured jackets for nearly 50 years, the jacket is a bit muted colour-wise being black and grey with white reflective strips. Muted colouring seems common to most jackets imported into Australia, however it is nicely cut and the panels provide a stylish look.

The XXL size fits me nicely, though I am surprised at the XXL sizing when I normally take a Large. Plus at less than $200 this jacket is very well priced for its features, comfort and build quality. Time will see how it wears, but so far so good.

For more information on the Macna range available in Australia see the Link International website.

The Macna Event Jacket is a great value option for $199.95 and perfect for those otherwise considering no jacket at all

Macna Event Jacket Features:

• Super Tough Durylon and Nylon mesh construction.
• Safe-Tech CE Approved shoulder and elbow armour.
• Men’s Sizes S – 3XL.
• Available from selected stockists.
• http://www.linkint.com.au/macna.html
• RRP $199.95