Z1R Gust jacket is perfect for summer rides
Here's a great jacket for two or three seasons. It is a mesh jacket for use in the warmest weather, but it also has a zip-in, full-sleeve quilted insert for those chilly mornings in spring and fall, before the temps rise.
Without the liner, the jacket has a comfortable, moisture-wicking polyester mesh liner, and there is plenty of airflow through the jacket. It has two zippered hand pockets and an inside zip pocket for phone or wallet.
It is also a protective jacket with removable safety shoulder and elbow pads. There is a pocket in the back to insert a back protector, but that doesn't come with the jacket.
The low profile Mandarin collar is comfortable, but I wish it had a soft band around it. The sleeves are rolled to fit properly when riding. Hook-and-loop closures at the cuffs ensure a tight fit.
Most riders don't realize that riding in hot weather is so much more comfortable with a mesh jacket on, as opposed to a T-shirt or other bare-sleeve gear. The jacket keeps perspiration close to the skin, so as the air flows into the jacket, it cools the skin. Also, you don't get sunburned, which can add to dehydration. And if you should be in an accident, the nylon shell and armor can prevent some road rash and other injuries.
The Z1R Gust jacket is good value for the money. It sells for $125 and you can visit the website at www.z1r.com to find you nearest dealer, or to buy online.
Z1R Solaris modular helmet
Modular helmets have been around for a long time. The benefits are simple - you can quickly raise the chin bar to talk to a riding buddy at a stop light, or to cool off, and they are much easier to put on, especially if you wear glasses.
I have owned, and still own, several modular helmets and wear them often. Those helmets cost $400 to $500. What makes this Z1R Solaris different is the price. It retails for only $129.95, and pretty much has all the features of some that are three times more expensive.
The helmet is made from an injection molded polycarbonate shell, and is both DOT and ECE approved. The size L fit my round melon well and it was easy to put on. The moisture wicking, removable-for-washing cheek pads and top liner are very soft and skin friendly, especially the D-ring strap pads. The neck-roll at the back is also well padded and comfortable.
A button on the bottom of the chin bar raises the front easily until you feel and hear a solid click when fully opened. A slide tab on the left side lowers a jet fighter sunshield to any height you want, and raising the helmet shield has three distinct positions.
The venting is very good, with a large chin air intake, and another on top of the helmet. The air flows nicely through the helmet, and vents via two outlets at the back. Operating any of the features can easily be done with gloved hands. Changing the scratch-resistant shield takes only seconds.
I like everything about this helmet - comfort, quality, upscale features, and it's easy to operate. That this helmet retails for only $129.95 is amazing. This Solaris modular must be on your list when looking for a modular lid, regardless of what you may be willing to spend. And at this price, you can afford to have your local air brush artist make it special to you.
It comes in five solid colors - flat black, gloss black, white, silver, and dark silver - in sizes XS to XXL. Find out where to buy one at www.Z1R.com.