REV'IT! Rebel Leather Jacket
4.4
5
5
5
Good but had to return for 2 sizes smaller
I purchased a 56 at the recommendation of the size chart (45 inch chest, 6'0", 195 pounds). Obviously from the other reviews and videos, that didn't work. Revzilla was completely cool about the exchange and the phone rep recommended I try a 52. He didn't see any in the computer so he went to the warehouse team and had them track one down for me (kudos!).
A week and a half later I'm wearing my 52 and it fits just about right (with the waist snaps all the way tightened and with the Knox add-on back protector). I find the sleeves snug but not too tight. Interestingly, the sleeves on the 52 are not tighter than the sleeves on the 56.
I'm amazed at the wind protection on this (I have used a cheapo fashion leather and an Icon Overlord tex jacket). I took it on the freeway in Montana in March (temps in the 30s/40s with wind up to 25 mph) and I get slight airflow through the collar but it's totally comfortable. I'd recommend it for rides in the 40-70 degree temp range. I'll probably push it ten degrees either way with liner removal for hot days and base layers/heated gloves for cold ones.
Compared to my Icon textile, this thing seems like you could slide 100 yards on the pavement with no adverse effects. It's tough as nails and the armor stays way better positioned than the Icon.
If I could make any suggestion, it would be to include a zip vent. But for the price I think it's the way to go for temperate climate riding protection.
March 15, 2013
The best all around jacket for the price
I searched high and low for a jacket of this quality. Many jackets costing $500 or more are not as good. I love the fit and finish. I wouldn't say the style is retro but very european and sleek. The jacket is has a lot of functioning features and not to hot on those 75 degree days.
The only thing I don't like about the jacket is the cuffs. The air gap is way to big and a lot of air gets in. I have to buy a set of gauntlet gloves to fix the problem. I don't know if it's my jacket with this problem or they are just designed this way. Poor flaw for a performance jacket. Overall this jacket is worth the money.
December 17, 2012
Excellent high-quality jacket
I ordered this jacket after trying on a variety of leather jackets, including several Dainese, and the Rev'it CR--the Rebel's older brother. At the time, there was about a $100 price point difference between the two, though now the CR is on closeout. I was actually ready to order the CR when I discovered the Rebel.
I wanted an armored leather jacket with a classic look. Something that wasn't covered in logos and ten different colors. So just based on appearances, the Rebel was already a winner for me. It's understated and simple. Constructed from thick, high-quality leather.
This is a jacket you could wear over a dress shirt, or over a v-neck. The shoulder and elbow padding is solid, but is not easily noticeable if you're not looking for it. At a glance, the Rebel looks like an expensive non-armored leather jacket.
I've put about 2,000 miles on the Rebel, and I'm in love with it. I've ridden it in temperatures down to the 50's without ever using the thermal lining, and I've ridden in temps of up to 90 degrees. My only complaint is that the jacket is not perforated for ventilation, where the CR is. If you're looking for a hot weather jacket, I would recommend something with venting (or a mesh jacket). However, the Rebel is comfortable in weather up to about 80 degrees. I've yet to ride in very cold weather, but I expect the jacket to be very comfortable with the thermal lining, and layers underneath if necessary.
July 5, 2012
Amazing leather at a great value!
I bought this jacket for protection, and bang for the buck. It satisfied those two requirements completely! It does get a little hot sometimes, but then again, I was expecting that.
The leather is very nice and thick, stitching is solid, and the styling is amazing.
great jacket overall!
June 26, 2012
So good I bought it twice!
A year ago I found the Revit Union jacket, which is the previous iteration of the same design. I bought it, and loved it. You can read my review for the Union here:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-union-leather-jacket.
Everything I said about the Union is still true and equally applicable to the Rebel. Unfortunately after having the Union for 6 months my bike, with the jacket in the panier, was stolen. After getting a new bike I needed a new jacket. I looked around for about 5 seconds before realizing there wasn't any other jacket on the market I wanted more than the one I already had. I tried to get it in brown, but apparently Revit decided not to make the brown after all. Oh well.
Do I wish I hadn't lost the first one? Obviously, yes, though the Rebel seems to fit slightly better than the Union, mostly in the way the neck is no longer uncomfortably tight when snapped. Do I wish the majority of the "upgrades" between the Union and Rebel were something other than an increase in price? Again, yes, but it comes down to this: when you compare the style, quality of materials, and finish in this jacket relative to its price, it is simply in a class by itself. Heaven forbid I lose it again, but if I do I'll probably come back and buy it a 3rd time.
June 7, 2012