The Cortech Versa-Flo Jacket is a mesh jacket that is designed for warm weather riding while giving off a bomber style look. Overall construction of the jacket is abrasion resistant 450 denier nylon and 450 denier poly mesh(if you are wondering what the difference between it and the Cortech Hyper-Tec 2.0 jacket is, it’s that the Hyper-Tec has upgraded shoulders and elbows that feature 1000 denier in those specific areas and overall construction is a 600 denier polyester, otherwise the jackets are basically identical in construction). This construction allows the Versa-Air Jacket to achieve a CE Level A abrasion resistance rating. Other materials included are a Aqua-Barrier® waterproof/breathable, thermal insulated, zip out full sleeve liner. This jacket is basically the same as Cortech’s Versa-Tec Jacket but rather than being a textile jacket it is the mesh version.
Looking at comfort and convenience this jacket does feature a performance fit with rolled shoulders and pre-curved sleeves, as well as 4-way stretch at the shoulders and elbows to increase mobility. For convenience you do get two front pockets that have zippers, (one thing to note on the Flo version vs the Tec version is that you don’t get the one long pocket in the back that can be accessed on either side via zipper), a waterproof internal cell phone pocket both inside the jacket itself and in the liner and one additional internal pocket in the liner and in the jacket. Different from the Aero and Hyper lines, the Versa line jackets also have a left side chest pocket. Additional comfort features include adjustable hook and loop straps at both the waist and wrists to help with fit as well as adjustment tabs at the biceps. There are also reflective inserts on the front of the jacket, on the back of the jacket and on the arms, so a good amount of reflectivity. Another feature that I found interesting is that the zipper is magnetic at its base and therefore comes together and stays together easier (while asking multiple people their thoughts on this setup the opinions were mixed, some found it a bit annoying to separate while others thought it was cool). Another notable feature is the inclusion of slightly longer sleeves that allow you to utilize the included thumb loops that are added at the wrist.
From a protection standpoint, outside of the abrasion resistance you do get full level 1 armor included including the back protector, which is really nice for the price. Included in the set are Armanox® shoulder armor, Armanox® elbow armor and a Armanox® back protector. The Versa-Air Jacket also features shoulder armor/sliders on the outside of the shoulders (in my opinion these are better looking and more subtle than the ones on the Hyper line).
Overall for the price point this jacket is solid, yes you are only getting Level A abrasion resistance and level 1 armor, but for the price of $189.99 getting a CE rated jacket with full armor is hard to beat. If you are looking to get AA and Level 2 you will have to jump up in price, but if you are on a tight budget this jacket is really good value for the money since you have everything included (if your budget allows it I always recommend getting more protection and higher level gear, but if it doesn’t this really isn’t a bad place to start). Another positive for this jacket is that styling is pretty minimal so it will match, or blend with most bikes and riding styles really making the jacket versatile. If you prefer a textile version rather than a mesh version check out the Cortech Versa-Tec jacket priced at the same $189.99 and sharing the same features and benefits.
Cortech’s new line of jackets feature the Versa, Hyper and Aero lines all coming in Tec (textile) and Flo (mesh) variants, overall the price range is from $169 to $189 and personally I think the changes are minimal as all three lines are CE Level A rated with Level 1 armor included that your primary decision really is going to be which style you prefer or which of the minimal changes between the different lines that you prefer. Overall I think regardless of which line you go with or which variant (Tec or Flo) that you are getting solid value for the money and a great entry level jacket. :: Damir 6/26/24
