PRODUCT REVIEW
Choosing motorcycle touring gear can be damn difficult. There’re so, so many options available, but one brand that consistently delivers fine products is Spidi, such as the Armakore H2Out Jacket and 4Season Pants tested here.
H2Out is Spidi’s waterproof, windproof, breathable lining. That may sound like an impossible task to be all those things at once but the Spidi jacket and pants do a decent job of attempting it. The Armakore is a midpriced jacket at $599.90 and is constructed using high-tenacity triple-twisted Nylon 6.6, which is a mix of nylon with varying densities, with CE-certified protectors in the shoulders and elbows and room to insert the company’s Warrior chest protector and CE Level 1 back protector. You get the usual features like a removable comfort liner and a second waterproof liner, and there’re huge vents in the forearms, chest, and a huge window for the rider’s back.
Spidi likens the Armakore to a three-in-one thanks to the outer layer, H2Out membrane and quilted lining, and you get creature comforts like a waterproof outside pocket so your phone won’t get drenched when you do.
It’s a similar story with the 4Season Pants. They’re constructed using the same triple twisted nylon material, with CE-approved armor in the knees and hips. The pants are a two-in-one unit that feature a waterproof, windproof and breathable H2Out garment.
List Price:
Spidi Armakore H2Out Jacket: $599.90
Spidi 4Season Pants: $399.90
Rider Analysis
The first thing you notice about the jacket is it is exceptionally light. For a garment with CE armor in the shoulders and elbows, it doesn’t feel heavy at all.
The stitching is top quality, as is the overall fit. The vents are one of my favorite features in that the arm vents go from your wrist to just under your arm pit and flow a huge amount of air, and with the back vent open, you feel like you’re wearing a summer jacket.
It’s not the most stylish jacket in full black, but it is extremely functional. The vertical zips on the side of the chest are waterproof, and with six pockets you can stuff a huge amount of things in this jacket.
I love the way the jacket sits when I’m on the bike. Some jackets can’t seem to hold up their own weight, making my back uncomfortable over a long distance. The Spidi doesn’t suffer this problem, and as the vents are so effective, it makes for a great long distance companion.
I would like to see even a basic back protector in the Armakore. There’s nothing there at all, and for $600 I think it should have at least something there. I used my road race back protector as a replacement, but you can buy the Spidi back protector that was developed for the jacket as an accessory.
The 4Seasons pants are a little tight around the hips but great in terms of leg length. I do find they tend to bind a bit behind my knees and I don’t think I’d be using these to ride a sport bike, but overall the fit was quite good.
The 4Seasons pants don’t flow as much air as the jacket but they do keep a lot of water out. During one test, I would repeatedly ride through some deep puddles and while my feet got soaked, nothing came through the pants. So, top marks for that, Spidi.
Overall, for under $1000 this is a very good touring suit that will last years. Both garments are extremely well made; Spidi has a legacy of top quality units behind them—meaning you’ll be in good hands.
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