Shift M1 Fire Leather Jacket? (Now reviewed)

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avoidalliteration
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Shift M1 Fire Leather Jacket? (Now reviewed)

#1 Unread post by avoidalliteration »

Has anyone heard anything or seen reviews about this leather jacket? It's on sale at Motorcycle Superstore and I was looking into a leather jacket. Other than the customer reviews on that site, I haven't been able to find anything else out on it, Google or otherwise. Thanks!
Last edited by avoidalliteration on Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
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#2 Unread post by kabob983 »

I've not seen anything specifically about that jacket but I have seen a few reviews of Shift gear most of which have been positive. Of course, more than 1/2 the reviews I saw were from companies that also sell shift gear, so it's no wonder.

What's the retail/sale price?
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#3 Unread post by avoidalliteration »

kabob983 wrote:I've not seen anything specifically about that jacket but I have seen a few reviews of Shift gear most of which have been positive. Of course, more than 1/2 the reviews I saw were from companies that also sell shift gear, so it's no wonder.

What's the retail/sale price?
Yeah, that's been my impression too. I did finally find out that Shift has been around since 1997, making dirt bike gear... they started moving into street gear in 2004. The retail price on the jacket is $380, sale price is $130 (looks like they're clearing them out for next year's model, maybe?). I'm a little worried about "getting what I paid for," but it may be worth eating $12 return shipping to possibly get a nice leather jacket for less than $150.

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#4 Unread post by kabob983 »

It's probably a decent jacket, I just don't have or know anyone with any experience with the products which would lead me away from it, but all in all it's probably safe bet. What size jacket do you wear anyways? If you wore a 42/52 they've got a grey/black A*'s Stunt jacket for $199 at the same site.
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#5 Unread post by avoidalliteration »

I saw that one too, unfortunately I'm a size 40 =P I'll continue looking around, as I'm no hurry to get another jacket yet. Thanks for your input!
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#6 Unread post by kabob983 »

The best place to find a good jacket in your size...
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An informal review

#7 Unread post by avoidalliteration »

So I received this jacket about a week ago. My first impression: eww.

APPEARANCE:
I have no idea what the other customer reviews were raving about, but this is by far the ugliest jacket (in person) that I have ever seen. The " fire camouflage" that looks decent in the marketing pictures is hideous in real life. The texture of the jacket is very smooth, almost a vinyl-like feeling. The gray is very bright, but there doesn't seem to be any reflective material (i.e. 3M phoslite) on it. The logo is not embossed like it looks like in the pictures. It's perfectly flat, almost like it was painted on. I tried my hardest to like it, but after an hour (and repeating the mantra 'it's only $129') I gave up. I'm not a vain person, but I would not go out in public with that jacket.

FIT:
The cut is very athletic, so those with beer bellies need not apply. It fit tight on me, but I only went one size up instead of two. The collar is pretty tight and the buckle chafes. Leaving it open is an option, so that's not as big a deal. The armor fits pretty well, but there is no back armor (not even foam). There are no non-leather areas around the arm to improve flexibility, but the arms seem molded to a sport bike position. Pockets are fine, I believe there was one inner pocket. No venting whatsoever either, so definitely a cooler weather jacket.

So, final thoughts... I returned it and bought the Alpinestars Spinner Jacket I liked. And glad I did.
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#8 Unread post by kabob983 »

Sorry to hear of your woes but glad you ended up with something you liked! Alpinestars makes some of the best gear you can buy (I've got 2 pairs of their boots, 1 jacket, and 1 set of gloves...you can tell I like 'em!)

Hope it serves ya well!
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Re: An informal review

#9 Unread post by VermilionX »

avoidalliteration wrote: FIT:
The cut is very athletic, so those with beer bellies need not apply.

So, final thoughts... I returned it and bought the Alpinestars Spinner Jacket I liked. And glad I did.
glad to hear you got the other one you wanted.

but LOL!

that's the only thing i didn't like about my teknic 1pc suit. length is fine but there's just too much space on the waist area. i look like a fatty on sideview. LOL!
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#10 Unread post by kabob983 »

Same with mine. I went and tried on an Alpinestars 1 piece suit size 44 (my teknic suit is size 46) and it fit perfectly...wish I could swap!
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