Olympia Switchback Jacket
4.7
5
73
73
American quality, built to last.
The moment you don an article of clothing your senses quickly begin advising you whether you’re satisfied or not. This durable yet surprisingly lightweight jacket ultimately sends all the right messages without overdoing it. And I'm proud that it's Made In America!
Did I say ultimately? I’m 5’11”, 253lbs with a traditional American beer belly. I normally wear a size 40/32 jeans and XL+ shirts. I ordered a size 3xl thinking this is where I should be… parachute. Dropped down to 2xl and even though it's a little large on me we now have a great size to adjustability ratio.
You can really clinch this garment down or leave it loose depending on your needs. They made this jacket with a large range of adjustability. I found that if you cinch down the elbow adjuster it can get tender and restrict your movements.
The style is not over the top and I like how Olympia didn't go overboard on the Hi-Vis. The front of the jacket remains relatively black save for the top stripes which reduces reflectivity off of your dash or what have you.
At first I was not that impressed with this gear. I felt as though the Mandarin collar was strangling me at the neck line, the fit was awkward, the way it hung on me was foreign (but in this case I should say American Cut; my first), and the lack of length in the back were not winning me over. I don't care for garments riding up my back especially if it could potentially expose my strong side carry.
I have two “The more I ride” statements to offer…
I've started becoming comfortable in this jacket the more I ride with it. You can settle in and start to appreciate the amount of air that it flows, the attention to detail, and the durability is evident both visibly and tactilely.
I feel secure in this gear and the more I ride the Mandarin collar has loosened up nicely. You can appreciate it’s coverage from airborne insects and debris as well as cool mornings and nights.
In closing, I reiterate, but I wish the Switchback was a bit longer in the back. The more I ride; this is becoming a sore spot for me. And the lack of thermal cost one point on the features rating.
Bottom line; I like this jacket and I would recommend it.
May 18, 2013
I love this jacket. High visibility and function.
This Jacket has great air flow, and keeps me cool on the hottest of days. I particulalry like the velcro fasteners on the wrists neck and waistlines. The waterproof lining can be used as a stand alone windbreaker as well... I definitely would recommend this jacket.
May 13, 2013
Awesome Jacket
This is a great jacket. It fits really well, love the protection and how it feels on the bike. The removable liner is easy to zip in and take out. It also rolls up small so that you can carry it with you incase the weather changes. Venting is great.
May 4, 2013
I'm very pleased with this jacket.
Pros: The size was right on and fits me perfectly. I used the sizing chart provided. The style is very eye catching ( not only because it's hi viz ). I have had compliments even from non- riders. Being able to use the liner as a separate jacket is a nice touch. The adjustments on the jacket at the waist and middle as well as on the sleeves do an excellent job of customizing the fit. Zippers work smoothly and pockets are conveniently placed. I ride a sport bike and it's very comfortable wearing it in a more forward riding position.
Cons: The velcro used on some of the adjustments seems a bit weak. I think the manufacturer should use a denser and stronger velcro. The lining has elastic on the sleeve ends and while this helps seal the sleeves in case of rain, it also makes it difficult to remove your jacket, especially if you are wearing something on your wrist.
May 2, 2013
Complete Protection
I'm 61 and rode almost daily for 27 years, but I haven't ridden in 17 years since I trashed my back and both knees riding cafe. They're all feeling better now, and I thought it was time to trash them again, so I bought a new bike and decided to be a little safer this time :-) Like many people, I watched Anthony's videos, visited the Philadelphia showroom and searched many web sites trying to decide what to buy. I settled on the Olympia Switchback coat in Hi-Vis and I'm VERY happy with it.
I'm 6', weigh 240 and have a 49" chest and 48" waist/stomach (wear 42" jeans below the 'waist'). I selected the 3XL jacket and it fits perfect. I can actually tell that people see me in this coat due to the Hi-Vis color and I'm amazed at the other safety features (armor) built into the coat. I only wore a leather flight jacket when I was younger and, by comparison, I actually feel kind of safe in the Olympia coat. I typically ride alone, but I joked with the Wife that I was going to start a 'gang,' make them all wear this coat (colors), and call it the Safety Patrol MC.
I've ridden with this jacket (liner in) down to about 50 degrees and have been perfectly comfortable. Yesterday the temperature was around 70 and I took the liner out. It flowed plenty of air and I can tell that I will continue to wear it through the summer heat and humidity to take advantage of the Hi-Vis and especially the armor.
The only reason I didn't give it a 'five' on Features is that it really needs more pockets. I have 'zero' storage on the Triumph America that I bought and I need to be able to stash things in pockets. Outside of that issue, which I can live with, the coat is actually an amazing piece of technology and I thought the price was incredibly reasonable for what I got.
April 29, 2013
The delivery is quick and clean and the product is same as what I watch on website. Good service.
Reference on sizing is quite difficult for oriental people to make their judgement on buying the right size of outfits. This size I pick was right becuase I have the similar size of body to the model in video.
April 18, 2013
Good subtle style and great fit.
Pros: With the liner I have had this jacket down into the mid 40's and without was comfortable up to about 80. Love the way it looks and fits. I wear a size up and use the straps to tighten it if there is no liner or let it out if I have layers on under it. Plenty of pockets in the liner and in the outer shell.
Cons: The zipper to attach pants is sewn to a stretchy part of the jacket and because I am tall it likes to ride up if I don't cinch up the waist straps super tight. If they offered a tall size or attached the zipper to a part that didn't give would solve this.
April 14, 2013
Lightweight and safe
This jacket keeps me cool in the south! Hard to find something so lightweight and durable that I feel safe AND cool in. Highly recommended!
April 8, 2013
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