Speed and Strength Rust And Redemption Textile Jacket

We tried the size Medium in this jacket on Huey and we put an XL jacket on Dewey. These are the sizes they normally wear and both fit great. The general style of this jacket is “relaxed” and generally is an easy fit for most people. My primary advice would be to wear the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. If you are between sizes I’d advise you to go down.

The chart provided by Speed and Strength shows chest sizes for each alpha size that are a bit larger than what you’d normally see for “standard” conversion from chest size to alpha size. Based on my observations (above), the chart seems just about right, and appropriate given the relaxed styling of the jacket.

If you have a bit of a belly, you might want to put a tape around it and make sure the size you are choosing will work for the belly as well. The max belly sizes for any jacket size will be about 4” smaller than the max chest listed. For example, the size XL will handle up to a max 48” chest and a max 44” belly.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

When Chris and I were shooting photos for you, he commented on the “feel” of the shell material used for this new Rust and Redemption. He had never heard of “waxed cotton” but that is what I thought it feels and looks somewhat like. For those of you who’ve never heard of gear made of waxed cotton, it had been in use for decades as a waterproof material in all sorts of applications from fishing to motorcycling. But more modern fabrics were developed that do a better job and for less money… (a familiar story, right?). Anyway, to the touch, this fabric does have a similar look and feel, but of course it isn’t real waxed cotton, but rather a nylon weave. And the jacket name has us intrigued too… Rust and Redemption…. I’m thinking “old things are redeemed”. That thought would seem to fit the use of the waxed-cotton-feel material and the overall retro styling. I’m a fan of retro… heck, I’m sort of retro now myself!

But back to the jacket at hand… Functionally, it is not unlike lots of other textile styles… armor is included for shoulders, elbows and back. There is a good selection of pockets in the usual places, though you do get a small key pocket on the left sleeve and a slanted upper chest pocket for style (and function if you can think of something to stash). The waist is slightly adjustable with some vintage brass buckles. A removable vest-type liner is included to add a bit of warmth for cooler weather riding. Another unique feature I’ve not ever seen are the micro perfs in the shell material of the jacket. It gives a high-tech touch to the retro style for sure. You have to look closely, but the micro perfs are on the insides and backs of the sleeves, in front below the shoulder padding and in two vertical strips on either side of the middle seam down the back. This will give some subtle air flow to wick out moisture in warmer weather.

Another style point worth mentioning is the tailoring inside the jacket. The liner in the darker color jacket we photo’d had a light brown silky look with contrasting dark orange thread. And there is a bit of artwork on the removable liner and also on the jacket’s nylon liner… just a couple extra steps that make the jacket more than just your average textile jacket.

Chris and I put together some nice closeup photos of these features. Just take the View larger images link above to see those and to get a better feel for the retro style. A jacket like this will server its purpose on the bike but it is also one you’d feel comfortable wearing just about anywhere. :: Paul, 08-01-14