PRODUCT REVIEW - HARLEY DAVIDSON FXRG TEXTILE JACKET

Harley Davidson has recently released the next generation of products in the FXRG MotorClothes line. I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate in a product review, and I chose the woman's FXRG Textile Jacket. Let me begin by saying... I am VERY impressed! I received the jacket, back in the beginning of May, which allowed me the opportunity to wear it on numerous occasions before the sizzling summer heat set in.

When it arrived, I took it out of the box and started looking it over, and my initial impression was very favorable! It felt extremely lightweight while at the same time, sturdy and durable. I kept finding little surprises that made the jacket even more appealing than I had first realized.

The inside pocket system has all the usual compartments for your iPods, cell phones and glasses, but it also has an attached lens wiping cloth, which is very important to someone like me. I'm constantly cleaning my glasses and sometimes I forget to have one of these handy cloths with me. But with it attached to the jacket, I won't have to worry about scratching my glasses on my t-shirts and such.

Upon further exploration of this fine garment, I discovered the removable liner was finished in a way that you could wear it alone, as another light jacket. It has it's own set of pockets, nice finished gathered sleeves, and also sports the H-D FXRG logo, so your liner doesn't look like a liner. It's like getting two jackets in one! The only thing that may give it away are the 10 little elastic loops that help hold your liner in place when nestled inside the Textile jacket. But those 10 little loops are also another reason why the quality of this jacket is quite superior.

Most other jacket liners attach with a zipper and have one loop at the end of each sleeve and one or two across the back area. This liner is secured with a zipper, and 10 strategically located loops and snaps to keep the liner as one with the jacket, eliminating any gathering or pulling of liner material that tends to occur in other less detailed designs. This feels very comfortable.

The material that's lining the small stand up collars of both, liner and jacket, feels like a soft suede, thus making the jacket feel very comfortable against your skin. Mmmm, this appeals to the girly side of me. LOL!

The multiple zipper system eliminates any seeping in of cold air or rain, which I think is an excellent feature. The liner obviously has it's own zipper to close off from cold, but the jacket also has a second inner zipper with a nylon flap to help with wind penetration. So far, it's not been cold enough, so I've worn the jacket without the liner. I closed the inner zipper once, when it was a bit more chilly, and left it unzipped as the temps warmed up and I wanted to stay cooler. With all the zippers this jacket has, you could have a variety of air flow or warmth protection. I guess it would be safe to say... the temperatures would dictate the zipperage. LOL!

When I put the jacket on, my hubby noticed instantly that it seemed less bulky on me than my other riding jacket. Even though there's a lot more substance to this garment than my other one, it just looked like a better fit. The body armor located in the back area, kidney belt and elbows, gave me the sense that I had the protection, but without feeling like I was wearing a set of football pads. It is very comfortable, and the curvature of the sleeves are more natural feeling and less binding.

Adjustable snaps at the waist of the garment allows the wearer to customize the fit. The jacket allows plenty of room in my hip area while allowing me to cinch up the waist a bit to tighten the garment around me. These adjustable snaps would allow women to make the jacket more form fitting for their individual shape and size. Thanks for keeping us "healthier" girls in mind on this one, H-D!

I rode to work several times when the temp would be around 65 degrees in the AM, but climbed up to 72 or 75 degrees by lunch. This jacket was perfect for the chilly morning, while at the same time, it was not too hot in the afternoon when it warmed up. On one Saturday ride, even though we were experiencing a nice 72 degree day, I was pleasantly surprised that I did not get too hot in this jacket. 75 degrees would probably be my limit though. It gets too hot for even the "coolest" of jackets around here when the true summer temps move in on us.

I really, really like this jacket. I can keep on and on about the different reasons why, but the bottom line is... this H-D FXRG Textile Jacket is of superior quality and is most definitely worth the dollar. It might take you a little while to save up for it, as it comes with a pretty price tag. A $500 dollar one to be exact, but If your looking for a good quality jacket that will last, this one is worth considering. They warranty this garment for 5 years, and unless you pack on the pounds and outgrow your clothes, you wouldn't ever have to buy another one.

Some of you may think the hot summer sun has sizzled my brain (and it may have!). I still love to bargain shop, and I will remain responsible with my spending, but my MIL taught me some valuable shopping advice over the years. Her philosophy was... "if you'll spend a little more money for a quality product, your saving in the fact that, your having to buy it fewer times." There's so much truth to that. Besides, look how good it looks!

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. Maybe a little elf near you could drop Santa the hint. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Lady R