The Edale II Cotec D3O® jacket from Merlin is a part of their Heritage collection that aims to blend classic styles with modern motorcycle safety. The Edale II’s overall construction is a combination of Exclusive 8oz Halley Stevensons® Cotec Waxed Cotton, a Texland™ Humax® 15k/10k Waterproof/Breathable Membrane, an Outlast® Temperature Regulating Removable Thermal Liner, British, Marton Mills® Tartan Liner Trim, Leather Piped Collar, Cuffs and Pocket Edges, Corduroy Inside Facing, Inside Collar and Inside Cuffs as well as YKK® Zippers. Impact protection comes from the included level 1 D3O® elbow and shoulder armor as well as the included D3O® Viper Level 1 back protector. This combination or armor and materials yields a CE Level AA rating.
Moving on to features, comfort and convenience, there are two chest pockets with expansion pleats, two lower waterproof pockets with expansion pleats, large rear cargo pocket, an inside facing jet pocket, a couple of internal pockets (1 zippered Napoleon, 1 Zippered internal and 1 hook and loop closer on the removable liner), a coin or toll stash pocket on the forearm as well as side entry hand warmer pockets with magnetic closures. Other features include a NightGloss® reflective turn up on the collar, a fold back collar strap, Merlin branded Antique Brass finish hardware, diamond quilted arms, chest and elbows, as well as pinch closure center front snap studs. Adjustments are available at the cuff, forearm, biceps as well as the waist and there are ventilation points in both the front and rear of the jacket. Lastly you also get a short jacket to jean connection zipper as well as a euro hoop jacket to jean connecting strap. Fair warning on Merlin’s connections, the short connection zipper is a good amount shorter than the ones I have seen on for example REV’IT! Jackets, and the jean loop hook is a single strap versus the two strap design that I have seen both Alpinestars and REV’IT! utilize, not necessarily a bad thing, but something to note.
At the time of this review the Edale II jacket retails for $499.55 and is in many ways similar to the Perton II and the Drifter, but personally I think out of the three this one easily looks the best, fits the best and feels the best, yes that is purely subjective but I would highly recommend trying it on if you are considering the other two. This is one of my favorite Merlin jackets to date, I especially like the use of quilted diamond pattern across the top and the front. I suggest checking it out if this is the look and style of jacket that you are going for. :: Damir 8/9/24