I recently posted about upgrading my summer jacket from the Airflow 3 to the Airflow 4. I did this to gain the advantage of the Coldblack technology (which actually works) and for the improved armor.
Well, on the third day of a week trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway the flimsy main zipper failed and will not stay closed. The jacket is now an expensive black and gray flag flapping in the breeze.
Is this important? Only if you believe the jacket is intended to provide a margin of safety.
As I looked closer at the jacket I realized this thing is mostly a styling exercise. The huge heavy zipper on the sleeves makes no sense, the oversize velcro flap on the sleeves just catches the wind and tries to lift off the velcro. The front zipper is as flimsy as something you would find on an evening gown. The cheap bunge cords on the interior meant to allow you to wear the jacket like a "backpack" wouldn't hold up under the lightest use. There is no method of cinching up the waist to insure the jacket doesn't roll up if you end up sliding down the highway's. Oh, the size 118 is about 2 sizes smaller than the older size 118.
IMHO BMW management needs to fire the "stylists" who design their clothing (while I'm thinking of it these are probably the same people who design the bike seats that are all about style rather than function) and hire people who actually ride and test this gear.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the bikes and think many of the dealerships are the best in the business.
I'm sending this thing back and going with the Klim Badlands jacket as it gets rave reviews from users.
Ride safe.
BMWMOA # 36913
Well, on the third day of a week trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway the flimsy main zipper failed and will not stay closed. The jacket is now an expensive black and gray flag flapping in the breeze.
Is this important? Only if you believe the jacket is intended to provide a margin of safety.
As I looked closer at the jacket I realized this thing is mostly a styling exercise. The huge heavy zipper on the sleeves makes no sense, the oversize velcro flap on the sleeves just catches the wind and tries to lift off the velcro. The front zipper is as flimsy as something you would find on an evening gown. The cheap bunge cords on the interior meant to allow you to wear the jacket like a "backpack" wouldn't hold up under the lightest use. There is no method of cinching up the waist to insure the jacket doesn't roll up if you end up sliding down the highway's. Oh, the size 118 is about 2 sizes smaller than the older size 118.
IMHO BMW management needs to fire the "stylists" who design their clothing (while I'm thinking of it these are probably the same people who design the bike seats that are all about style rather than function) and hire people who actually ride and test this gear.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the bikes and think many of the dealerships are the best in the business.
I'm sending this thing back and going with the Klim Badlands jacket as it gets rave reviews from users.
Ride safe.
BMWMOA # 36913