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Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0 Jacket

Joe Rocket have been around for a good long while, however they are not probably the best known brand in the UK, and I would guess that their kit is neither ‘High End’ or ‘Budget’ stuff, so they are firmly placed in the mid range of the market, which means they would compete against brands such as Berik, Rev it and some of the higher Spec Richa jackets. The official blurb on the ‘selling points’ on this jacket is below.

• Heavy duty 630 Hitena® twill nylon outer.
• 100% WATERPROOF.
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows.
• Variable Flow ventilation system .
• Removable insulated full sleeve liner.
• Sure Fit adjustable waistband.
• 8" zipper for pant attachment.
• Reflective stripe.

I bought this jacket some 18 months ago now (whilst on one of my shopathons in US clothing stores!), and have used it for everything from Scratching on my local roads, commuting and Touring. I hold this jacket in very high regard, as it has never let me down, I’ll try remain as impartial as I can with my opinions, but I managed to get this jacket during an off season sale, and it stacks up as the best $200.00 I’ve spent on any jacket. I should add that I have previously paid much more for jackets, which didn’t stand up to the rigours of the British weather as well as this.

Construction

All the seams on this jacket look to be at least double stitched, and the outer shell material is very heavy duty, yet soft, which is an achievement in itself. The material is easily cleaned, and the weave seems quite close, meaning the light grey areas don’t seem to get that in ground road dirt stuck in the material (which you seem to pick on, on wet winter roads). All External zips have a waterproof rubber rand, which runs the full length of the closures and helps keep any moisture out. The press studs are firmly located in the storm flaps with enough material trapped, so it’s a nice solid closure, with a re-assuring click as the studs locate. The Velcro waist adjustment (often where weaknesses show) is solid with heavy duty Velcro, rather than cheaper stuff I’ve seen used, and the strip is nice and wide so there is plenty to grip! The Velcro used on the wrist closures seems different, and also of a lesser quality, it fuzzed up quite quickly, but still grips.

Features

This jacket has been well thought out, and has some features you’d expect to find on High end clothing. I have already made reference to the rubber rand on the zips, but it’s worth mentioning again.....traditionally even the best textile jackets have had a weakness at the zips....here it has been addressed, it is not bombproof, but in the real world, offers great protection from the elements. The Jacket also has an internal wind skirt, which is an elasticated piece of material stitched inside the jacket, you pull it tight round your waist, and attach the poppers and it stops the wind from blowing ‘up’ inside your jacket. The back has been scooped (much lower than the front of the jacket) which allows for the ‘seated’ position, making sure even if the jacket rides up a bit, then your bum & back doesn’t get exposed. The ventilation system is impressive, the chest pockets double up as vents, as they have another set of internal zips that open up through the main carcass of the jacket, and little clips to hook back the pockets, leaving a clear path for the air to get right at your torso!!...aahh just where you need it...venting is also provided on the back of the garment and on the upper arms, meaning you can create a good through draft, if it’s required. There is a zip in Thermal liner which fits neatly into the jacket, and seems pretty effective at wicking moisture away from the base layers, but to be honest doesn’t do very well at temperatures less than 5 degrees centigrade, so if you’re travelling in colder climes this may not be the jacket for you. Personally I am very happy with it, but I have to ensure I carry a thermal mid layer...especially in spring and autumn when it gets cold at the top and tail of the day. I have been caught in some torrential downpours and it has never let a drop of water through....really outstanding...it has the obligatory double storm flap over the main zip, and a waterproof map pocket, but I wouldn’t trust the front pockets to keep out moisture...there again I don’t think it’s a problem specific to this jacket, as I have never owned a jacket where the front pocket didn’t manage to catch some wetness during heavy downpours. The reflective strip on the back of the jacket is adequate, however these kinds of things can always be better.....the more visibility the better I think.

Sizing

I am at least a XXXL, and have struggled in the past to get good fitting bike garments, and have always found that I am at the upper level of the sizing chart. The Joe Rocket 3XL fits brilliantly and is nice and roomy, I am very very happy with the fit. In general all Joe Rocket garments cover a wider sizing range than most European manufacturers, and all bigger riders should give their gear a look in.

Niggles

I have a few little niggles, but nothing that really puts me off the Jacket, but below is what I’d like to improve

• A slightly warmer, zip in Thermal liner
• Wrist closures not really big enough to accommodate gloves underneath the sleeves, and could do with a longer Velcro strap
• The high neck closure is a bit tight, now I know they’re supposed to be snug to keep the wind out, but they should allow a bit of extra space in the bigger sized jackets
• Main zip catches at the bottom and can be fiddly...there is a definite knack to this.....and I am not the gentle type

That’s it really, everything else is spot on.

Final Thoughts

All in all, a well thought out, well made practical Jacket which punches above its weight. I am happy with my purchase and would not hesitate to buy this jacket again. Joe Rocket isn’t as easy to find in UK as some other Marques, however Google them and I am sure you can find stockists...personally I’m lucky, I live near to a George Whites Outlet store, which sells Joe Rocket kit amongst other things, and normally at a cut down price too!!

Fatharry (April 2010)