REVIEW OF THE REV'IT IGNITION 2 JACKET

• MSRP $499.99, Sizes Euro 34 (0-2)-46 (14-16). I'm wearing a Euro 38.
• Colors: black/black or black/anthracite
• Where to Buy: Revzilla.com or Scuderia West/San Francisco
• Monaco Performance cowhide, Dynax mesh, PWR|shell 500D stretch, PWR|wax 500D, suede leather 
• Detachable thermal vest (with access pockets)
• Detachable waterproof (hydratex®)/windproof, full sleeve liner (zips in)
• Outer shell: 59% leather, 40% polyamide, 1% elastane
• Lining: 100% polyester
• Armor: ProLife® ladies CE protection at shoulders and elbows, EVA foam at back
• Back protector pocket fits Knox or Forcefield TPro inserts
• Reflection at back and elbows
• Two way zippers on both sleeves which act as vents
• Adjustability at the hips with 2 button positions
• Two outer pockets
• Exterior access pocket along left side 
• 6 inch and full waist connection YKK zippers
• Sample provided by REV'IT for review

Overview

When REV'IT offered to let me review the Ignition 2 jacket and Gear 2 pants, I was thrilled. I have the first gen Ignition and was so excited to see what changes they had made to the newer version. I briefly tried one on back in October when I traveled to NYC to see a sneak peak of the 2012 collection but didn't get to spend too much time with it. I've put on almost 2,000 miles in this jacket and I've definitely enjoyed my time in it. 

Photo Courtesy of: Alfonse Palaima

I was a little torn in writing this review because it's been difficult to live up to it's predecessor, given the slight price increase.  However, they've kept two essential features that has made the Ignition so popular for REV'IT;

• the waterproof liner
• and the hybrid leather/textile construction.  

Since this jacket came out 4-5 years ago, it has been copied a few times by other manufacturers with very little success. These two features have made this the quintessential San Francisco jacket, given the fact that our winters are pretty mild and our summers fairly chilly.

What I love the most about the Ignition is the hybrid design. It's eye catching, unique and downright cool. When I wear this, I feel like a badass (excuse my French). There's something about this form that gives it both a sense of cool and sexy. Leather is placed carefully along the impact points; shoulders/arms/elbows. Textile along the chest, sides of the torso and along the back. Stretch along the inner arms, down the bicep to the forearms. Comfort and ventilation where you might need some, but not too much. I'd say that this isn't the best jacket for hot temperatures (80+), but it's doable with the right moisture wicking baselayer. I don't own any mesh gear, not because I'm against mesh but I just don't need it where I live. The few times I've gone on 80-90 degree rides, I've worn this jacket and the Gear 2 pants without any issues. 

I recently took my first solo weekend trip to South Lake Tahoe, going from 60 degrees to 95 degrees as I rode from the coast to the lake. I thought it might be too warm for the hot temps, but it was totally manageable. The temps were mostly 60s-70s in Lake Tahoe, so I really didn't feel the need to wear super ventilated summer gear that weekend. Check out my ride report here.

Photo Courtesy of: Alfonse Palaima

I also had the opportunity to take it for a spin in the rain during one of the short rain storms we had in April. I wore it for a couple of commutes across town and stayed dry the entire time and never had any issues with leaking or moisture. I haven't taken it for any long rides on the freeway, but did do a quick 15 mile trip and stayed dry for that one as well. 

One of my favorite improvements is the two way zipper on each sleeve. The previous generation had a really difficult cuff that you could never adjust tight enough to wear comfortably under a gauntlet. In this one, they added two buttons that allow you to snap it really tight or loose, depending on your preference. They also opened up the cuff completely so that you can fully open the zipper, put on your gloves and then pull the sleeve down securely over the gloves if you want to. Just be careful that when you open the zipper to allow for ventilation that you pull it down, and not up, otherwise you'll expose your wrists. With this new design, I can wear any of my gloves under or over the gauntlet. This is especially useful if you have several pairs of gloves sitting on your shelf with various gauntlets :-D .

Previously, the inner left access pocket wasn't accessible unless you fully unzipped the front of the jacket, and if you were wearing the liner, you had to unsnap that to access it. It was also fairly deep so I really had to reach in to retrieve my phone out of it. Now it's a much easier reach with the zippered pocket accessible as soon as you unzip. I usually keep my phone in there for easy access. I can even feel the small zipper pull with my gloves on. As you can see, they've also added a pretty turquoise accent for a soft splash of color.  

You'll also notice that the front pockets are curved a little bit inward. This makes getting your hands in and out of the pockets SO much easier than before. It also zips open and shut a little easier too, especially with your gloves on. Zipper pulls have been added to make unzipping and zipping much easier with your gloves on. 

So what's 'The Bad'? Mainly fit (depending on your body type), which I'll cover in my next section, but I must mention the collar and break in. Even after fully breaking this jacket in, the collar is a little harsh if I don't have another layer on my neck, whether it's a neck warmer, turtleneck or my favorite windbreaker (which actually offers more warmth than the waterproof liner). I don't know if they're using a different kind of treated leather along the neck or what, but sometimes I find that it rubs against my chin and can bother me while I ride for more than 20-30 minutes.

Fit

They actually made some really great fit changes which will definitely fit a larger group of women riders. And that's a good thing, to expand the size offerings to more body shapes and sizes. Unfortunately it does change the options for someone with a really slender figure all the way around (narrow torso, long arms, narrow waist). The new fit shape doesn't fit that woman as well anymore, unfortunately. It's still long, but has more room all the way around the waist. It's been given a true hourglass shape, flaring out at the hips and waist to accommodate a curvier body shape. The arms are also wider, especially at the elbows. 

I now need to go down to a 36, especially since I lost 17 lbs since I first got it a few months ago. Even when it first came, I thought it was a touch on the roomy side and tried on a 36 when Scuderia first got them in. Unfortunately it was way too tight with the liners in, especially without being fully broken in. 

Here's a before photo, from when I was 17lbs heavier:

I filled out every inch of this jacket. I weighed ~145lbs in this pic and it fit like a glove. I was very very happy with the fit. Now that I've lost weight in the middle, it's a very loose, baggy fit. All of the photos before this one are from when I still weighed over 140, and the fit was still perfect. 

And after, 17lbs lighter (whoops, closed my eyes): 

The side view says it all. It's simply too big (even with the liners) and I need a smaller size. Here's another photo of my friend Saskia wearing the jacket in a size 42 (she's normally an 8):

With my short waist, the previous version was a little too long for me, but I loved it so much I didn't care. They've chopped off 1.5-2 inches of leather trim at the waist, to accommodate the torso and hips so it flares out just enough. There's also more room across the front, from armpit to armpit. But the most significant difference for me is in the waist, even with both liners in. There is much more space for your tummy and waist/hips.

It still has a very fitted profile, but they've made a little more room for a semi curvy woman that just needs a little more space than the previous version would allow (none for even a remotely curvy girl). That means more space in the bust as well as the waist, and more room in the arms and elbows.

I think if you're body type is hourglass or pear shaped (narrow shoulders, arms but wider waist/torso/hips), you'll be surprised at how well this accommodates your curves. The bad news is for the very slender woman who has a narrower torso and smaller hips. The fit has changed so much that even a 34 will be a roomy in the waist.  

One thing you may notice when you first put it on, is how high the armpits feel. That scared me in the beginning, but it relaxed down after it broke in. It was rather uncomfortable all over until I broke it in, which took about 500 miles or so. I've now ridden over 3000 miles with it and it feels fantastic. Don't be scared by this feeling, remember that leather needs to break in, and it will definitely get softer and more relaxed as you break it in.  

Since this one doesn't fit me as well as it used to, I've gone back to the previous version since it's a little narrower all the way around. 

With its unique features and design, lightweight construction, and versatility in a wide range of temperatures, I'd definitely recommend this to any female rider looking for a great all around jacket, especially if you weren't able to fit the into the previous version.