Black Iconic Bomber Jacket
RRP: £54.99 upwards (discounted price) // Tested by: Mau // www.ghostbikes.com
No, the word Black is not used in this context to describe the colour of this jacket, but the brand, kindly brought to you by the guys at Ghost Bikes. The Iconic is just one of the latest products in their range. The styling is derived from the original US Air Force Olive Green flying jacket, which could be turned inside out, thus revealing bright orange lining which could then be used as a distress marker in an emergency.
Over the years, the USAF style jacket has been adopted by various lifestyle cults, including both motorcyclists and scooterists and has, in effect, become ‘part of the uniform’. This latest incarnation actually turns it into a proper bike riding jacket with the addition of a five-piece CE level 2 armour set which fits into the shoulders, elbow and the back. The jacket has a (claimed) waterproof outer nylon shell, matched to a removable thermal lining. The elasticated coloured cuffs secure the wrists; there’s also a full length front zip which, in use, hides an internal storm flap, and both of these help to keep the elements at bay. Externally, there are three non-waterproof pockets, which are supplemented by two internal pockets (one on the main zip and one attached to the removable thermal lining. From a personal perspective this jacket ticks a lot of boxes for me, as it fits in perfectly with my leisure lifestyle with the added bonus of having a full set of armoured protection. And because I also own an original MA1style bomber jacket, it provides me with the perfect opportunity to compare the two – and to be honest, the addition of the body armour does not take anything away from the original. While you can feel the armour has been added to the Iconic, the weight/discomfort ratio is not obtrusive and within a short period of time, the presence of any differentials disappears almost without trace. This is not a heavyweight summer jacket, but on a warm sunny day, it’s the perfect combination of casual and safety wear.