The new Rev’It Control jacket builds on the same philosophy of sleek, high-performance protection as the Glide jacket it replaces, adding additional comfort features.
The use of laser-cut perforations on the front and back of the Rev’It Control jacket adds ventilation to the torso to augment the cooling effect of the stretch textile material on the sides and sleeves. The elastane polyester textile stretch material at the back of the shoulder on the Glide has been upgraded to leather accordion panels and added to the elbows on the Control.
A hook-and-loop closure tab has been added at the top of the main front zipper. These changes and contouring design work together to provide a snug, body-hugging fit that is an improvement over the earlier Glide jacket.
Despite the race-suit-like feel of the fit, the locations and compliance of the stretch panels allow even greater flexibility and full range of motion. Hook-and-loop adjusters at the waist allow customization of the body fit.
Regarding safety performance, the Control jacket is inspired by the Control one-piece racing suit. The Control jacket has sleeves equipped with hard external TPU armor at the shoulders, internal SeeFlex CE Level 2 shoulder protectors, internal SeeFlex CE Level 2 elbow armor, and zipper cuff closures on the sleeves. The jacket is also prepared for optional SeeSoft CE Level 1 divided chest protectors ($50) and a Seesoft CE Level 2 back protector ($70). Rev’It cites Class AAA certification for the Control jacket, which has the highest standards of protection for impact and abrasion.
Installing the optional Seesoft divided chest protectors is easy. Just slide the slightly folded protector up into the prepared pocket with the widest layer of the triple-layer impact protector facing the jacket’s interior. Finish by closing the hook-and-loop opening.
The installation process of the Seesoft back protector is similar, though more challenging to complete. Folding the armor down the middle helps fit it into the bottom half of the pocket—that part is reasonably easy. Getting the top half of the protector into the upper part of the pocket takes more folding and pushing to gain insertion. Once installed, the back and chest protectors are comfortable in use.
With shoulder and elbow armor installed, the 6.3-pound Rev’It Control jacket is 0.3 pounds lighter than the Glide. The optional back protector and the divided chest protectors combined add just over a pound to the overall weight of the jacket—well worth it.
The outer shell materials are a mix of man-made and natural materials chosen for the specific qualities required to create a tough yet flexible jacket. For abrasion resistance, there is Monaco performance cowhide, some of which is perforated. Other materials include artificial leather and neoprene. The elastane stretch polyester allows some air inflow and a snug contoured fit. Interior climate control for cool weather is handled by a zip-out vest liner and storm flaps behind the main front zipper and sleeve zippers.
Part of the Rev’It Control jacket’s abrasion protection cred lies in something you can’t even see. Safety seams are used in areas that are most likely to bear the brunt of heavy shearing forces. Safety seams involve visible external stitching backed up with an additional hidden line of stitching. The internal stitch is designed to keep the seam from separating, even if the outer stitching tears.
The Rev’It Control jacket includes short and long waist connection zippers for attachment to compatible riding pants, plus snap closure elastic belt loops to attach to the rider’s jeans’ belt.
The mandarin-style collar has a soft textile top edge. There are zippered exterior slash pockets, a zipper-closure Napoleon pocket, and two other internal pockets with hook-and-loop closure. The zip-out vest liner also has a large pocket. Directly above the internal pockets are hook-and-loop closures for the pockets extending up for the insertion of the chest protectors.
High-viz and retroreflective elements enhance conspicuity to other drivers. The color for this example is called Neon Red. To my eye, it has the brilliance of fluorescent orange—a color I favor for its ability to be seen in low-light or foggy conditions. The contrast in colors and sharp graphic elements are visually striking.
My first ride with the Rev’It Control jacket was on a sunny but chilly day on a motorcycle with no windshield. Temps started in the upper 40s and gradually warmed to just over 60 degrees. The zip-out polyester vest liner proved up to the task, and the storm flaps at the wrist and main front zippers sealed the deal—literally.
Other materials include artificial leather and neoprene. The elastane stretch polyester allows some air inflow and a snug contoured fit. Interior climate control for cool weather is handled by a zip-out vest liner and storm flaps behind the main front zipper and sleeve zippers. A light cooling effect was noticed at the sides of the body and under the arms through the stretch textile, which was not uncomfortable with a light, long-sleeved base layer.
On warmer days, with the zip-out liner removed and divided chest protectors and back protectors in place, ventilation and the excellent fit make for comfortable riding for extended periods.
The fit of the Rev’It Control jacket is aerodynamically smooth, with excellent freedom of movement. Pressure points in some jackets with impact protectors at shoulder and elbow joints were absent on day-long rides. The short Mandarin collar stays clear of the helmet’s bottom edge and cheek pads, so head rotation is unimpeded.
The Control jacket is prepared for use with the Alpinestars-based Avertum Tech-Air airbag system ($790 MSRP). However, special sizing instructions apply if the airbag is integrated into the jacket.
The new Rev’It Control jacket is designed for high-performance protection and comfort, using advanced materials and design features to get there. The $700 MSRP ($820, as tested) reflects that. Given the results, it is worth the investment.
Rev’It Control Jacket Fast Facts
- Sizes: 46 – 56
- Weight: 6.3 pounds in standard configuration
- Weight, as tested: 7.4 pounds w/ optional CE-rated chest and back protection
- Armor: Shoulders and elbows (CE Level 2)
- Optional armor: Back (CE Level 2) and check (CE Level 1)
- Optional airbag: Avertum Tech-Air
- Certification: CE AAA
- Colors: Black/Neon Red; Black/Neon Yellow; Black/white
Rev’It Control Jacket Price: $700 MSRP ($820, as tested)
