Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists

Posted on by admin

Table of contents

Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists
mps photo studio

clothing

Station wagons, jackets & pants

Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists

Motorcycle jackets with style
Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists

You don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore? Do you mourn the good old days a little? You know that everything wasn’t bad in the past? Then you are ready for wax cotton & Co. Welcome!

Klaus Herder

02/16/2012


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


archive

The man from the (motorcycle) world wore Barbour in the early 1960s. So does Detlev L., motorcycle and accessories dealer from Hamburg.

What drives people in the age of Gore-Tex, Sympatex and other high-tech textiles to put their bodies in, of all things, slightly smelly, street dust magically attractive and safety-technically suboptimal clothes? Counter-question: Why do people spend thousands of euros on a mechanical chronograph that works less precisely than any quartz watch on the burial table? Even. Arguing about the sense or nonsense of wax jackets is idle. The fact is that wax jackets were already highly resilient and absolutely everyday functional clothing when the term didn’t even exist. And that has a lot to do with the history of the weather protection clothing originally known as “Oilskin”.

Buy complete article

Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists

Motorcycle jackets with style
Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists

6 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

British seafarers were the first to seek shelter under cloaks made of oiled and therefore waterproof canvas around 200 years ago. In the middle of the 19th century, the heavy, hard canvas, which becomes much harder in the cold, gave way to the lighter cotton, and in addition to sailors and fishermen, those who stayed on land now also learned to appreciate waxcotton. Scottish shepherds and Australian bush walkers were among the customers. The Scot John Barbour, who started working as a traveling salesman for fabrics from 1870 onwards and founded an oilskin clothes shop in the north-east English port of South Shields in 1894, also had young sheep hating experience. Exactly 30 years later, Harry Grosberg from Stoke-on-Trent in the English Midlands entered the waterproof clothing business and founded the Belstaff company.

Barbour and Belstaff – from the 1930s onwards, these were also THE brands for motorcyclists who had long since discovered clever outdoor clothing for themselves. Significantly cheaper than leather, but waterproof and, to a limited extent, even “breathable” – wax jackets and complete suits were an integral part of motorcycle equipment until the 1970s. Somewhat strong smell and permanently black fingernails were a matter of course. While Barbour always supplied non-motorcyclists and entire generations of golfers, hunters and otherwise boring country nobility crawled through the underbrush in Barbour, Belstaff concentrated almost entirely on motorcyclists. In Germany, Detlev Louis (who can be seen in person on the historical pictures in this story) made sure that local motorcyclists were protected from wind and weather by importing Barbour from the 1960s. The last Barbour jacket could be found in the Louis catalog in 1999, and one year later there was no longer any house-brand model from Hamburg either – the era of the wax jacket for motorcyclists was long over. More fashionable, more functional and cheaper to manufacture synthetic fiber products had taken their place.

It had to be Tex, and black, green and red were no longer enough possible colors. But by this time the wax jacket had long since conquered another field. In a defused, no longer stinking and rubbing-off form, it had become a fashionable accessory for trend-conscious zeitgeist snobbies. The chic “movers and shakers” wore waxed cotton. But the retro trend of the last ten years has ensured that the common wax jacket is slowly but surely returning to its traditional motorcycle territory. The waxed cloth will no longer be able to match the old, glorious number of pieces, but objectively speaking, modern synthetic fiber products are easy to consider, but the wax jacket niche is growing steadily. The term wax jacket should be interpreted generously, because some suppliers are already combining the old shape with new materials. Reason enough for MOTORRAD to get test samples for wax jackets & Co. to speak, which could only make the test field more interesting.


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


archive

Strong smell, black fingernails.

The supposed classics of all things caused a certain disillusionment. Barbour and Belstaff no longer seem to really care about motorcyclists as customers. Belstaff, firmly in Italian hands since 2004, did not even consider it necessary to respond to the MOTORRAD test invitation. After all, Barbour announced that they would not be able to deliver a jacket from England to Stuttgart within a week and a half. So that at least one supposed classic could be included, MOTORRAD tapped the mailing source Polo – a big thank you to Juchen!

Unfortunately, that was only rewarded to a limited extent, because the Belstaff jacket shows very clearly (especially when looking at the price) that it is now more about fashion than about the motorcycle. For Belstaff, however, it was still enough for a test rating of “good”.

Nowadays, wax jackets suitable for motorbikes come mostly from Pakistan. Which does not have to be a contradiction to tradition, because the colonial past and the supplier of the raw materials are originally British. The outer fabric of the “Pakistanis” comes without exception from the traditional English manufacturer Millerain. Well-known suppliers such as YKK for the zippers prove that the topic is taken very seriously by most suppliers. There was also good news for what is perhaps the most important part of the test program: the water resistance test. With one exception, all candidates survived the five-minute hardcore cast in the shower with a largely dry interior. To keep it that way, wax jacket owners should follow a few basic care rules: The dirt is brushed dry with a relatively stiff brush. Then rework with a sponge and COLD (!) Water. Everything else, especially hot water, detergents, solvents and soap, is an absolute poison for wax jackets. The easiest way to re-impregnate is with spray wax. But wax from the can is also possible. It is best to place the can in a hot water bath and work in the liquefied wax with a soft cloth or sponge. Then take care of the finish with a hair dryer – done!


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

AJS Glasgow.

providers: Louis, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de; 

price: 229.95 euros, from size 60 for 239.95 euros; 

To dye: Black, titanium; 

Sizes: 48 to 64; 

Country of Manufacture: China; 

material: outside polyamide with cowhide trim (shoulders, elbows), inside polyester lining and PU membrane; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal lining, collar with Velcro fastener, connection zip, belt, 4 outside / 4 inside pockets (2 in the lining), reflective strips

plus

Good fit; Collar and sleeve ends as well as pocket design are very practical; good to very good protector fit; easy running zippers; completely waterproof; easy-care

minus

No press studs as additional security for pockets and front flap; Belt perforation may not be wide enough for slim sizes; somewhat plastic-like in the handle; Leather trim quite coarse

Conclusion

Neatly equipped and well-fitting jacket that combines classic shape with modern materials. The workmanship is of a decent standard and the price is reasonable. Less “grippy” than wax cotton, but much easier to care for.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Belstaff Classic Tourist.

providers: Polo, Tel. 01 80/5 22 57 85, www.polo-motorrad.de; 

price: 589 euros; 

colour: Black; Sizes: M to 3XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Italy; Material: outside waxed cotton, inside cotton and polyamide lining; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, pocket for retrofittable back protector, removable thermal vest, cord collar with buckle fastener, belt, 4 outside / 1 inside pocket

plus

Very robust design; Zippers and snaps very stable and practical; good cuffs; comfortable lining; large bags; completely waterproof

minus

Very heavy, upper material not pliable and hard and plastic-like to the touch; Fit just average; Protectors not optimally placed and fixed; Very bulky collar; Workmanship in the finish is sometimes a bit casual and not appropriate for the high price, no back protection in series condition

Conclusion

You love or hate the hard and shiny upper material – the MOTORRAD editors were consistently irritated. You can still guess Belstaff’s motorcycle past, but the path to becoming a hip designer piece has been trodden – also in terms of price.

MOTORRAD verdict: good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Dainese G Marsh D-Dry.

providers: Dainese, Tel. 0 89/35 82 72 70, www.dainese.com; 

price: 349 euros; 

To dye: Black / reflex, gray / black, blue / black / red; 

Sizes: 44 to 62 (Italian sizes!); 

Country of Manufacture: Armenia; Material: outside nylon / polyamide / polyester mix (76/14/10%), inside polyamide lining, D-Dry membrane; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, pocket for retrofittable back protector, removable thermal lining, removable double collar with press studs, connection zip, 4 ventilation zips, 4 outside / 3 inside pockets (1 in the lining), reflective strips

plus

Very good fit, very comfortable, but not baggy; good protector fit; lavish furnishings; absolutely waterproof

minus

Very hooked, tw. undersized zippers; Slides up easily through the very smooth lining

Conclusion

The Italians interpret the “classic textile jacket” theme in their own unique way, but by Dainese standards the synthetic fiber part is actually a bit retro. Nothing for oldie fans, but true to style for riders of 90s naked bikes.

MOTORRAD verdict: good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Germas Glasgow.

providers: Germas, Tel. 09 11/63 50 08, www.germas.de; 

price: 219 euros; 

colour: Black; 

Sizes: XS to 3XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan;

material: outside waxed cotton, inside cotton lining;

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal vest, cord collar with strap closure and press studs, 11 outside / 4 inside pockets (2 in the lining)

plus

Grippy upper material, comfortable lining; at least two bags stayed dry in the wetness test; Processing quite satisfactory 

minus

Unsatisfactory fit, too short for motorcycle use; Protectors are far too loose; Collar much too deep, clasp completely unsuitable; Front zipper not covered, therefore strong water ingress after only two minutes; Majority of bags leaking; Sleeve ends not practical; Bags consistently too small and hardly practical

Conclusion

Completely overlooked – maybe this model is suitable as a nice designer jacket in pedestrian traffic. But it’s out of place on a motorcycle. Much more practical models come from the same production – see below.

MOTORRAD judgment: sufficient


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Germas Dover.

providers: Germas, Tel. 09 11/63 50 08, www.germas.de; 

price: 229 euros (from 4XL for 264 euros); 

colour: Black; Sizes: XS to 10XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan; Material: waxed cotton outside, cotton lining inside;

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal lining, cord collar with press studs, belt, 6 outside / 3 inside pockets (1 in the lining)

plus

Grippy upper material, comfortable lining; Zippers and snaps are robust and easy to use; large, practical pockets; Completely waterproof except for the two open slip pockets

minus

Slightly unsatisfactory fit, sleeves in the armpit area much too short; Protectors partially press (shoulder) and are generally too loose; Snap fastener on the collar not practical; Belt perforation may not be wide enough for slim sizes; Size specification quite optimistic – turns out to be rather small 

Conclusion

In contrast to the short sister model, it is a real motorcycle jacket. Solid material, decent equipment and workmanship – the base is okay, but unfortunately the cut doesn’t quite fit. At least not the MOTORRAD testers.

MOTORRAD verdict: good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Germot Oxford.

providers: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de; Price: 239.90 euros; 

colour: Black; 

Sizes: S to 5XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan; 

material: outside waxed cotton, inside cotton lining; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal vest, cord collar with buckle fastener, belt, 4 outside / 3 inside pockets (1 in the lining)

plus

Good fit; proper protection fit, good wearing comfort; non-slip upper material, comfortable lining; practical bags; good collar and sleeve ends; proper processing; completely waterproof

minus

Sleeves may be a bit too short; relatively difficult; The zipper of the thermal lining is a bit too short 

Conclusion

Another model of the “Pakistan Connection”, which at first glance is almost identical. However, the Oxford clearly proves that the differences are in the details. The fit and comfort are right here, and the details are also practical.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Haveba Liverpool Short.

providers: TWS, Tel. 0 74 32/22 05 05, www.haveba.de; 

price: 259 euros; Color: Black; 

Sizes: S to 4XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan; 

material: waxed cotton outside, cotton lining inside; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal vest, cord collar with buckle closure, 4 outside / 3 inside pockets (1 in the lining)

plus

Grippy upper material, comfortable lining; comfortable to wear; very good protector fit on the shoulder; good collar finish; solid snaps; Waterproof jacket

minus

Sleeves cut a bit too wide, elbow protector is a bit loose; Front zipper partially hooked; Adjustment of the width on the sleeve is not very practical (creates an annoying crease); two zippered pockets leaking; Size statement very optimistic – turns out small

Conclusion

Chic and comfortable, equipped with high-quality SasTec protectors and properly processed – but too short for year-round motorcycle use and with small weaknesses in detail. The equally expensive long sister model is the better choice.

MOTORRAD verdict: good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Haveba Liverpool Men.

providers: TWS, Tel. 0 74 32/22 05 05, www.haveba.de; 

price: 259 euros; 

colour: Black; Sizes: S to 5XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan; 

material: outside waxed cotton, inside cotton lining; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable thermal vest, cord collar with buckle fastener, belt, 4 outside / 3 inside pockets (1 in the lining)

plus

Grippy upper material, comfortable lining; comfortable to wear; Zips and snaps are solid and easy to use; Collar and sleeve ends very good; practical sleeve and jacket length; completely waterproof

minus

Sleeves cut a little too wide, so the protector fit is not optimal (especially elbows); Belt perforation may not be wide enough for slim sizes

Conclusion

Straightforward and practical. In addition, high-quality protectors, solid fasteners and absolute waterproofness – this is what a classic wax jacket should look like. In terms of cut and fit, things can be done a little better.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Hero Sixty Six.

providers: Held, Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60, www.held.de; 

price: 179.95 euros; 

To dye: Black, khaki, black / gray / red; 

Sizes: S to 3XL; 

Country of Manufacture: China; Material: waxed cotton outside, cotton lining inside, polyester membrane with PU coating; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, moisture protection membrane, cord collar with buckle closure, connection zip, 4 outside / 3 inside pockets

plus

Pleasantly light, good wearing comfort; non-slip upper material, comfortable lining; good cuffs, sleeves comfortably long; practical zippers and snaps; Jacket and two of four outer pockets are waterproof

minus

Protectors press something, protector fit not optimal; Collar too low, adjustment range of the buckle fastener too small; no removable thermal lining; two pockets not waterproof

Conclusion

Light, comfortable jacket for the warmer seasons. A pleasant companion for the short tour on which it can sometimes rain. Due to the concept (jacket very short) and due to some weaknesses in detail, not so ideal for kilometer eaters.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

IXS Parka Man.

providers: Hostettler, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40, www.ixs.com; 

price: 249.90 euros; 

colour: Vintage khaki; 

Sizes: S to 3XL; 

Country of Manufacture: China; 

material: outside polyester / nylon / cotton mix, inside polyester lining; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, detachable hood, collar with button and snap fastener, 2 outside / 2 inside pockets

plus

Good fit; very good wearing comfort; non-slip outer fabric, very comfortable lining; perfectly fitting knitted cuffs; Protectors housed inconspicuously and barely noticeable; Hood secured against flapping and removable; properly processed; Waterproof jacket

minus

Collar and sleeve ends fiddly with normal buttons; somewhat fluttering at higher speeds, belt missing; Protector seat not quite optimal; no removable thermal lining; two pockets not waterproof

Conclusion

Very independent and delightful interpretation of the wax jacket theme. Quite portable on scooter benches or oldie single seats and absolutely suitable for two-wheelers. High-quality design and also suitable as a (protector-equipped) leisure jacket.

MOTORRAD verdict: good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Modeka Glasgow.

providers: Beckumer Leder-Bekleidungswerk, Tel. 0 25 21/85 03 22, www.modeka.de; 

price: 259.90 euros; Color: Black; 

Sizes: XS to 5XL; 

Country of Manufacture: Pakistan; 

material: outside waxed cotton and polyamide with perforated leather inserts, inside mesh lining, Humax membrane; 

Furnishing: CE protectors on shoulders / elbows, padding in back protector pocket, removable. Thermal lining, removable membrane, cord collar with adjustable. Snap fastener, 2 connection zips, crotch strap, belt, 7 outer / 4 inner tent. (2 in the lining), reflective strips

plus

Lush, practical equipment; very good protector fit, good fit, great width adjustment; good collar and sleeve ends; Completely waterproof except for the two open slip pockets; good workmanship

minus

Very heavy and a bit bulky; Zippers tw. somewhat hooked; Lining in the sleeve tw. scratchy; turns out small 

Conclusion

Classic look and state-of-the-art equipment – the Glasgow combines an old-style look with the latest textile jacket know-how. That makes it unrestrictedly suitable for motorcycles all year round – and also quite difficult when fully equipped. 

MOTORRAD verdict: very good


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


mps photo studio

Sunstuff Sixdays Pro.

providers: Motorbike Garage Konrad Mollering, Tel. 0 51 27/48 38, www.motorradgarage.de; 

price: 229 euros; 

colour: Black; Sizes: XS to 4XL;

Country of Manufacture: Australia; Material: outside Oilskin (waxed and oiled cotton), inside cotton lining; 

Furnishing: Pockets for retrofittable protectors on shoulders, elbows and back, collar with leather trim and buckle fastener, belt, 7 outside / 1 inside pocket

plus

Very grippy upper material, comfortable lining; very comfortable to wear; good fit; Zippers, snaps and buckles are very solid and practical; good collar and sleeve ends; large bags; very high quality design, top workmanship; completely waterproof except for ventilation holes under the arm

minus

Protectors and thermal lining only for an extra charge (shoulder / elbow 24 euros, back 22 euros, lining 65 euros) 

Conclusion

It couldn’t be more classic. This is exactly how a stylish wax jacket has to be. Comfort, fit, workmanship – everything is right. It’s a shame that the standard equipment is so poor, the all-round happy package comes to 340 euros. It’s worth it!

MOTORRAD verdict: good 

Conclusion


Tested wax jackets for motorcyclists


archive

The final score.

The top group, which is very close together in terms of points, is anything but homogeneous. The test winner Modeka is a combination of old-style look and modern equipment; AJS and Haveba run under “plastic jackets” for purists, but they are completely convincing in everyday life. And those who want an “authentic” wax jacket come to the Germot or the long Haveba is not over if he values ​​a very good judgment. “Queen of Hearts” is a jacket that was “only” rated as good: the Sunstuff Sixdays Pro. It doesn’t really get any more classic, and if protectors and thermal vest had been part of the standard equipment free of charge, the test victory would have been pretty sure. The supposed original from Belstaff also deserves a good judgment without major weaknesses, but overall the very expensive designer piece is a bit disappointing. In contrast to the IXS parka – a shrill insider tip.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *