Rennie Scaysbrook | June 24, 2020
Part of the Roland Sands Signature Collection, the Clash RS Signature jacket is a Rocker-style jacket that wouldn’t look out of place at the Ace Café in London half a century ago.
The RSD Clash RS Signature leather jacket feels almost completely broken-in the first time you wear it.
It’s created using a 1.1-1.3mm premium top grain cowhide leather called GT Racer—a hand-washed, hand-waxed and hand-finished leather that gives it a pre-worn look and feel and requires very little break-in.
It’s an aggressive slim fit, with the liner designed to wick away moisture. Zips are chunky YKK numbers, with the main zip angled off center with a snap button at the top. The Clash comes with premium Knox Microlock-molded armor and has perforated cut outs in the pre-curved sleeve and back.
RSD Clash RS Signature Leather Jacket Lowdown
Standout Feature: Feels like a jacket I’ve had for 20 years
MSRP: $750
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Super cool, old-school design |
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Chunky zips are easy to use with gloves |
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Only a modest “Roland Sands Design” logo on the left forearm |
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Definitely getting up there in terms of price |
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Could use more vents for air flow |
RSD Clash RS Signature Leather Jacket Rider Analysis
I am super, super picky about leather jackets. If you look at any of my tests from the past five years, chances are I’m wearing a textile jacket and jeans, rather than a two-piece or leather-jacket setup. That’s because, like full-blown leathers, getting a leather jacket comfy is harder than it sounds.
I really don’t like leather that takes ages to wear in, because I don’t have the time to break something in over a long time for it to feel good. Thankfully, the Clash RS Signature feels like a jacket I’ve had for 20 years, rather than one I just picked up.
The RSD jacket also features enough pockets to carry the basics.
The GT Racer leather is beautifully soft and, despite the jacket size, doesn’t feel heavy at all. The Clash RS Signature isn’t too heavy on the protection—no back protection and minimal shoulder protection but throw a back protector underneath and you’re mostly pretty good. The fit is snug, that’s for sure, and will serve as a good incentive to lose a few coronavirus-induced pounds, but this is a quality unit, no doubt.
And the design is excellent. At the KTM 1290 Super Duke R launch in Portugal, the photographer stopped the shoot to enquire about the jacket. “Who made that thing!?” Once I said RSD, he gave a knowing nod of the head. “Nice,” he said, trailing off to set up for the next shot.
There are certainly jackets out there with more overall protection, but few I’ve tried recently look and feel as good this RSD Clash RS Signature leather jacket.CN
For more information, visit rolandsands.com
