Having sampled a host of
motorcycle jackets for Motorcycle USA, if there’s one thing this reviewer has learned to value above all it’s versatility. Give us a jacket that works in all climes and conditions for all applications. Oh and make sure it looks half decent and doesn’t cost too much… That’s reasonable isn’t it? One design that fits the bill for us this riding season has been the
Shift Trifecta Storm Series Jacket.
A jacket for all seasons. The Shift Trifecta Storm Series Jacket delivers versatility with its mesh exterior and durable interior waterproof/windproof liner.
While leather may be the classic motorcycle look, in terms of versatility we’re big fans of textile jackets like the Trifecta. The Shift design features a mesh exterior, with two liners underneath optimizing comfort depending on conditions. The breathable mesh panels make up most of the exterior jacket construction with the high-impact points made of “durable ballistic nylon and polyester.” CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor inserts deliver protection, with molded external back pads and an integrated pocket accommodating a back protector if desired.
Functionally the mesh exterior works well as a stand-alone warm weather jacket. At speed the ventilation keeps things relatively cool. And while we did break a sweat in higher temps, overall it does a decent job when the mercury is rising. The exception is at a stop when the black jacket cooks the rider, making summer time stop-and-go traffic even more aggravating than usual.
But as we said before the highlight of the Trifecta is its versatility and that comes from its two interior liners - with a breathable waterproof interior holding a removable quilted liner. By mixing and matching the liner combos the Trifecta can handle just about any conditions and we’ve utilized the jacket for a wide variety of applications, from short summer commutes to long-distance tours.
The windproof/waterproof liner zips in and out with ease, and when not needed can be rolled up and tucked away in a backpack without taking up much space. Riding in light precipitation it performed without any leaks. A single interior waterproof pocket can house those must-have gadgets that need protection from the elements (aka smart phones and MP3 players). Critically for a waterproof liner it blocks wetness but is also breathable, so riders don’t clam up underneath un-permeable layers.
The windproof nature of the liner is another boon. Blocking a chilling wind blast does wonders for upping the comfort factor on a cold-weather ride and we’ve done brisk jaunts sans the quilted interior liner in relative comfort. Add the aforementioned quilted liner and you’re ready for all but the most icy conditions. In fact, it works almost too well and we often leave the quilted layer behind unless anticipating particularly frigid weather.
The Shift Trifecta has a been a warm-weather staple for us this summer, wearing just the mesh exterior. For extended tours the easy to remove interior liners have served to make the Trifecta a suitable jacket in colder climes too.
One last positive to mention about the liner - it doubles quite well as a regular light jacket. On a motorcycle journey, traveling light is essential, so a liner that can function as a jacket for a night out on the town is a definite plus. We’ve been lucky enough to sample a couple jackets recently where this has been the case and it’s a luxury we’ve grown to expect.
The Trifecta isn’t without its quirks, as the zippers on Shift jackets remain a recurring source of complaint for us. In the past we’ve had zipper tangs break or the zipper seal itself fail. Thankfully neither of these specific complaints surfaced during our Trifecta testing, yet the zipper did become entangled with the bordering material causing frequent jams – yet another issue we’ve experienced in the past with the brand. It’s an irritating feature when trying to strip off gear after a long ride. Really though the zipper nuisance is the only gripe we have, aside from our usual whining about MSRP, as the Trifecta’s $299.95 asking price is higher than the majority of textile offerings.
The Trifecta fits quite well. The articulated design doesn’t produce any odd fit issues when crouched in a riding stance. We normally wear Large, but our X-Large test jacket was quite comfortable. With the liners included, the fit was snug but comfortable, so sizes may run a little small. Riders can dial in the fit with Velcro cinch adjusters at the waist on each side, along with adjusters at the forearm and bicep area of the sleeves.
Style-wise the simple lines of the Trifecta are a hit. The exterior’s black and grey schematics, with tasteful zigzag pin-striping pattern, looks fantastic even if visibility may not be optimal (reflective piping and taping improve night visibility). We even received multiple compliments from fellow journalists about the looks of the new digs. And remember these are contemptuous, bitter motojournalists… yet they liked it, and so did we.
All told the Shift Trifecta Storm Series jacket delivers versatility and comfort in a stylish package. It will stay in our gear lockers as one of our go-to jackets for this riding season and beyond.
Buy it now: Shift Trifecta Storm Series Jacket
MSRP: $299.95
www.shiftracing.com
