ricochetrider
Out There Somewhere
Over the years of riding, I've slowly been moving towards more protection in my riding apparel. Simultaneously, I have found that I want to simplify my "kit", that is, eliminate excess gak. One way to fill both needs, I found, was to go with GoreTex outerwear, thus eliminating the need for a rain suit. In the process of looking at high end, GoreTex MC wear, I discovered that the overall levels of protection step,up almost exponentially- more so, perhaps in some cases than others. But all the top end gear has levels of protection not formerly worn by myself.
Several of my European friends have worn Rukka for years. They swear by it, so I started looking seriously at making The Investment. At first glance I found the prices staggering. Was I really about to spend this kind of money on a coat? (Not to mention the pants & gloves!) However, upon a full inspection and perhaps a well delivered sales pitch by the knowledgeable folks at Revzilla's "Gear Boutique", I was pretty well sold.
I'll run down the pieces one by one, and discuss the various components, materials, etc.
The Cosmic Coat:
I call this a coat because it seems massive- too much here to put in the "jacket" class. It's made of Pro level GoreTex infused Nylon. The fabric is interwoven Armacor (Kevlar) and Cordura- so it's pretty tough. The GoreTex isn't separate, isn't a laminate. It's not in the liner. I'ts in the fabric, part of the coat itself. Rukka and GoreTex have partnered up to bring you a guaranteed waterproof product. indeed, my German buddy had a slight leak in his jacket after 9 or so years heavy use. He had it inspected by Rukka and they certified The Leak, and gave him a full-price voucher (no pro-rating or partial pay-out) for a new jacket. No questions asked, beyond the 7 year GTX guarantee.
The pockets are big and roomy- the chest pockets' flaps, tho, are fixed on the outsides, so they are a little tough to access.
All flaps snap shut magnetically.
Zippers are sealed to some degree but not bulletproof, so they could possibly leak- if water got up under the flap. But it'd have to really work to get inside the pockets, as the zipper is "up" on the flap, so any water would need to work its way up and over the fold int eh flap. There's a couple waterproof inner pockets if you need to absolutely keep something dry. Some new Rukka garments now use the Gore Seal instead of a zipper. IMO it's a PIA- for one thing they have to be "lubed" regularly- the models which feature this closure device also come with a special Lube Pencil. The Cosmic has an inner zipper, then a storm flap and an outer zipper, so clambering into this thing requires a bit of a commitment!
There are all manner of adjustments on the Cosmic- two on the sleeves, at the hips, and also the belt- which snaps together magnetically.
The Cosmic comes with D3O armor- not that I've tested it but I guess it is "smart" armor; that is when impacted, it goes from flexible to inflexible- apparently instantly. Then eventually relaxes again. May I, or you, ever get to test it out.
For the removable liner, Rukka uses space-age phase change material- temperature regulating Outlast. Apparently, this product was originally developed for use in space suits. In theory, it absorbs body heat and regulates its dispersal. I've worn the Cosmic coat on "naked" bikes in 45-50 degree F weather with a t-shirt and merino wool base layer with excellent result. Not sure how far below that I'll remain comfortable, but behind a fairing, I expect I could drop another 10 degrees, add another layer and be just fine. Hot weather, however, is too much for this jacket. There are no real vents- tho you can open the zippered compartments where you access the back and shoulder armor, this has just about zero effect. Above 75 degrees F or so, you're gonna swelter in this baby. Of course, nobody is saying its a warm or hot weather coat. I believe it's sold as a three season offering- those three being fall, winter, and spring.
Rukka jackets and coats feature neoprene cuffs, and a removable neoprene collar that zips on externally. I've been using the collar and just love it. I've gotten my lightweight merino wool neck gaiter on beneath the collar already this year. Big bonus here, especially in rain.
Speaking of which- I rode some distance in chilly, 50 degree F weather recently on the PA Turnpike in conditions ranging from light rain to heavy downpours. Not only was I completely 100% bone dry, but also warm and cozy the entire time. My Rukka Apollo gloves go up under the sleeves but OBER the neoprene cuffs to totally seal out water and air- even on my K1200RS, which doesn't have any real protection for the hands and forearms.
There is only one remotely negative thing I can possibly say about the Cosmic. The Outlast liner is A: only from the waist up- so if you're only wearing jeans or something in cooler weather, you feel it below the waist. BUT B: the liner is only affixed to the outer coat body at so many points- so it tends to "ride up" your back as you scrabble your way into the coat. I've put a temporary, easy fix on by clipping the liner to the zipper for attaching pants to coat. A more industrious sort of person could install snaps, Velcro tabs, or probably darn near anything for a more permanent "fix". Of course, if you were inclined to zip the coat and pants together.... Nah, forget it, the liner would still need to be affixed to the coat all the way across.
Here's a link to the Cosmic at Revzilla- the only real retailer in the USA for Rukka.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rukka-cosmic-jacket
SIZING:
Rukka gear is made in Finland. Therefore, their sizes are EU sizes, NOT US or UK OR BMW sizing- all of which are different from one another. For my own part, I am fortunate enough to live within a couple hours' drive from Philly. So I drove down to Revzilla to try on some Rukka stuff, in order to nail the sizing. MY Rukka Cosmic coat is EU size 50. I am about 5'- 8" tall, weighing in around 155 lbs. admittedly, it is a LITTLE bit big- the Revzilla salesperson wanted me in a size 48, but I felt it was pretty snug, and wouldn't allow for anything beyond a light or medium base layer (plus no room for *growth*!! Ha ha). I suppose the idea is that the Outlast PCM liner should suffice for any riding in any weather, but IMO it is not too much to ask, to fit a sweater or extra layer in for a long day of cold weather travel.
THE COST
is of course, one possible stop for some. The Cosmic coat retails in the USA for just over 1000 smackeroonies. Definitely not chump change. This is an investment- in safety, in comfort, and in top-shelf quality with zero compromise. I would rate the Rukka Cosmic coat at 99.99% amazing, in spite of minor shortcomings with the liner. With all the technology that went into this, it's definitely a 21st century marvel. Worth the money? To me it is. I wholeheartedly recommend Rukka in general, and the Cosmic specifically, without hesitation.
Several of my European friends have worn Rukka for years. They swear by it, so I started looking seriously at making The Investment. At first glance I found the prices staggering. Was I really about to spend this kind of money on a coat? (Not to mention the pants & gloves!) However, upon a full inspection and perhaps a well delivered sales pitch by the knowledgeable folks at Revzilla's "Gear Boutique", I was pretty well sold.
I'll run down the pieces one by one, and discuss the various components, materials, etc.
The Cosmic Coat:
I call this a coat because it seems massive- too much here to put in the "jacket" class. It's made of Pro level GoreTex infused Nylon. The fabric is interwoven Armacor (Kevlar) and Cordura- so it's pretty tough. The GoreTex isn't separate, isn't a laminate. It's not in the liner. I'ts in the fabric, part of the coat itself. Rukka and GoreTex have partnered up to bring you a guaranteed waterproof product. indeed, my German buddy had a slight leak in his jacket after 9 or so years heavy use. He had it inspected by Rukka and they certified The Leak, and gave him a full-price voucher (no pro-rating or partial pay-out) for a new jacket. No questions asked, beyond the 7 year GTX guarantee.
The pockets are big and roomy- the chest pockets' flaps, tho, are fixed on the outsides, so they are a little tough to access.
All flaps snap shut magnetically.
Zippers are sealed to some degree but not bulletproof, so they could possibly leak- if water got up under the flap. But it'd have to really work to get inside the pockets, as the zipper is "up" on the flap, so any water would need to work its way up and over the fold int eh flap. There's a couple waterproof inner pockets if you need to absolutely keep something dry. Some new Rukka garments now use the Gore Seal instead of a zipper. IMO it's a PIA- for one thing they have to be "lubed" regularly- the models which feature this closure device also come with a special Lube Pencil. The Cosmic has an inner zipper, then a storm flap and an outer zipper, so clambering into this thing requires a bit of a commitment!
There are all manner of adjustments on the Cosmic- two on the sleeves, at the hips, and also the belt- which snaps together magnetically.
The Cosmic comes with D3O armor- not that I've tested it but I guess it is "smart" armor; that is when impacted, it goes from flexible to inflexible- apparently instantly. Then eventually relaxes again. May I, or you, ever get to test it out.
For the removable liner, Rukka uses space-age phase change material- temperature regulating Outlast. Apparently, this product was originally developed for use in space suits. In theory, it absorbs body heat and regulates its dispersal. I've worn the Cosmic coat on "naked" bikes in 45-50 degree F weather with a t-shirt and merino wool base layer with excellent result. Not sure how far below that I'll remain comfortable, but behind a fairing, I expect I could drop another 10 degrees, add another layer and be just fine. Hot weather, however, is too much for this jacket. There are no real vents- tho you can open the zippered compartments where you access the back and shoulder armor, this has just about zero effect. Above 75 degrees F or so, you're gonna swelter in this baby. Of course, nobody is saying its a warm or hot weather coat. I believe it's sold as a three season offering- those three being fall, winter, and spring.
Rukka jackets and coats feature neoprene cuffs, and a removable neoprene collar that zips on externally. I've been using the collar and just love it. I've gotten my lightweight merino wool neck gaiter on beneath the collar already this year. Big bonus here, especially in rain.
Speaking of which- I rode some distance in chilly, 50 degree F weather recently on the PA Turnpike in conditions ranging from light rain to heavy downpours. Not only was I completely 100% bone dry, but also warm and cozy the entire time. My Rukka Apollo gloves go up under the sleeves but OBER the neoprene cuffs to totally seal out water and air- even on my K1200RS, which doesn't have any real protection for the hands and forearms.
There is only one remotely negative thing I can possibly say about the Cosmic. The Outlast liner is A: only from the waist up- so if you're only wearing jeans or something in cooler weather, you feel it below the waist. BUT B: the liner is only affixed to the outer coat body at so many points- so it tends to "ride up" your back as you scrabble your way into the coat. I've put a temporary, easy fix on by clipping the liner to the zipper for attaching pants to coat. A more industrious sort of person could install snaps, Velcro tabs, or probably darn near anything for a more permanent "fix". Of course, if you were inclined to zip the coat and pants together.... Nah, forget it, the liner would still need to be affixed to the coat all the way across.
Here's a link to the Cosmic at Revzilla- the only real retailer in the USA for Rukka.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rukka-cosmic-jacket
SIZING:
Rukka gear is made in Finland. Therefore, their sizes are EU sizes, NOT US or UK OR BMW sizing- all of which are different from one another. For my own part, I am fortunate enough to live within a couple hours' drive from Philly. So I drove down to Revzilla to try on some Rukka stuff, in order to nail the sizing. MY Rukka Cosmic coat is EU size 50. I am about 5'- 8" tall, weighing in around 155 lbs. admittedly, it is a LITTLE bit big- the Revzilla salesperson wanted me in a size 48, but I felt it was pretty snug, and wouldn't allow for anything beyond a light or medium base layer (plus no room for *growth*!! Ha ha). I suppose the idea is that the Outlast PCM liner should suffice for any riding in any weather, but IMO it is not too much to ask, to fit a sweater or extra layer in for a long day of cold weather travel.
THE COST
is of course, one possible stop for some. The Cosmic coat retails in the USA for just over 1000 smackeroonies. Definitely not chump change. This is an investment- in safety, in comfort, and in top-shelf quality with zero compromise. I would rate the Rukka Cosmic coat at 99.99% amazing, in spite of minor shortcomings with the liner. With all the technology that went into this, it's definitely a 21st century marvel. Worth the money? To me it is. I wholeheartedly recommend Rukka in general, and the Cosmic specifically, without hesitation.
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