|
 The GG2, Girl Gear's newly redesigned jacket, is strong on function and a top performer for cruiser, causal sport and tour riding. In Nebraska, I had the opportunity to test this jacket in both cool (alright, cold) and warm conditions and it makes the transition easily. The wind blocking capability carries this jacket down into 40-ish temperatures comfortably, even without the zip out liner, and the venting allows for quick changes when the weather warms.
I was particularly impressed with the fit across the chest. I wear a 2X and have breasts large enough that swinging a golf club is challenging, but with the newly expanded front, it zipped easily and fit comfortably. I spoke with Shelly Reiner, founder of Girl Gear Apparel, who explained they had worked with their manufacturer to allow additional breadth in the chest area and it definitely pays off for voluptuous riders. The liner did make for a tighter fit, but I got it all in there and that’s saying something!
Because I like a bit of color (reference my ’09 Triumph Sprint ST, recently enhanced by GraphXPaint in Iowa), I am jazzed about the color options available in this jacket. One of the things I like best about women riders is their style – how we each have our own and we aren’t afraid to show it. Available with lavender, pink and khaki compliments to the black, as well as a nautical yellow and blue, there’s plenty of opportunity to make this jacket an addition to your stylista riding gear.
There are some misses on this jacket, but primarily in the fashion over function category. In the 2X version I tested, the shoulders were as broad as a man’s jacket, which wasn’t flattering, even with the side cinching capabilities so I removed the armor (which was very easy) and liked the look a lot better. The sleeves are ample, allowing for layering and room for the armor without being intrusive, but the downside of this roominess is the extremely large openings at the wrist. Again, functionally this is great, but if you’re not clamping the Velcro over a set of thick gloves, it not only leaves a lot of extra material to manage, but the Velcro just seems inadequate and – frankly – looks goofy. I would have preferred a half-elastic, half-Velcro option to close the gap. Finally, the front side pockets seemed small. Not in capacity (again, function!), but the opening was tight and all the extra flap around the wrist compounded the squeeze.
I do really like this jacket and think the functionality offered, including great reflective piping, outweighs the fashion faux pas. That said, if there’s a chance for redesign, Girl Gear, give me a call.
www.girlgearapparel.com
|
Reviews