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Joe Rocket was the first company to release a hot weather mesh motorcycle jacket. It was called the Phoenix Jacket and it changed the industry. Shortly after the release of the Phoenix, just about every other company started to add ballistic mesh jackets to their product line ups. The Phoenix jacket has continued to evolve and now it is in it’s 5th generation and we think it is still one of the best choices available. Simply put, the Phoenix 5.0 takes all the features of the previous models and continues to make improvements.
First off, the Phoenix 5.0 jacket features a Free-air poly/mesh shell which allows the air to freely move thru the jacket helping keep the rider cool. It does a great job in keeping you cool and protected at the same time. We have tested the Phoenix 5.0 in temperatures in excess of 115 degrees. Surprisingly the jacket keeps the extreme heat to a minimum.
Most people who have never worn a mesh jacket are convinced that wearing a jacket in the summer heat must make it feel hotter than no jacket at all. Just the opposite. A mesh jacket keeps you cooler and also provides a way to surround the rider in protective armor for the unexpected.
Speaking of armor, the Phoenix 5.0 comes equipped with dual density CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows. The jacket comes with a dual density back pad, but it is not CE rated. It can be removed by opening the pocket and inserting an alternative back pad. The armor fits in the jacket securely and you hardly even notice it is there.
Although the armor is CE approved, we would like to see them upgrade the armor to a plastic-coated version similar to the armor they include in their race apparel. Several other companies like Cortech, Tourmaster and Fieldsheer offer the hard plastic coated armor already and we think Joe Rocket would really benefit from a change. Regardless, both are CE rated to the same standard, we just feel better with the hard coated armor.
The Phoenix 5.0 also comes equipped with a rain liner that comes in handy in ever changing weather conditions. It can be removed by unzipping and a few key snap points. The liner can be removed or installed in just a few seconds which is great.
There are waist take-up straps as well as take-ups in the arm area. These are intended to give the rider a better fit and eliminate wind flap. The jacket has plenty of reflective piping that makes you more visible for night riding. And the jacket also has an 8” zipper in the back making pant attachment a breeze. Add the matching Phoenix 2.0 pants or other Joe Rocket pant and you have a 2pc. riding suit.
There are two features that are just phenomenal and must be pointed out.
When we first saw the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 jacket, we actually said to ourselves, “Finally, someone who actually rides was involved in the design process of this jacket”.
Overall, the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 is a great jacket. The quality is great and the features are plenty. We think some of the features are actually useful and well thought out. If we had to change one thing, it would be to upgrade the armor. Other than that, that Phoenix 5.0 is a great choice.
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