Spada Seeker Waterproof Textile Jacket
Tested by Jonathan Schofield | £169.99 | www.spadaclothing.co.uk
Spada has been good to me by sending two jackets in the last couple of years, but that will not stop me telling you if something is wrong with them. The first was a brilliant retro-styled grey and red jacket that I have worn for everything from sports bike riding to hopping on a low-capacity scooter. What I have now is a Seeker from a few years ago and again it has become my go-to when leaving the house.
The Seeker is a shorter jacket than my previous but still has a pair of zips to match up with Spada’s touring trousers. One issue I had was the zipper, as the metal part that meshes the two sections together came off in my hand after about three months, but it soon went back on and a quick nip with a pair of pliers and the issue hasn’t repeated (all zippers are YKK, so this did catch me by surprise). The outer is a heavyweight, high-quality military grade cotton and has some weight to it. It feels substantial when you put it on, like you are donning a suit of armour, or sliding into your first full one-piece racing leather suit. The inner of the jacket comprises of a fixed polyester mesh followed by two removable layers. First is a Reissa waterproof and breathable layer, then a thermal quilted layer.
These are secured with buttons at the wrists and zippers inside the front of the jacket. It also comes with CA-approved armour on the shoulders, elbows and back. With all that packed into it you’d think I’m going to tell you it’s like a block of concrete with arm holes. Not at all. It has been tailored to allow for loads of movement. Brilliant.
Ventech ventilation technology (zips in all the right places) give good airflow on warmer days. Reflective details on the back and wrists help you be seen, and the jacket also comes with a removeable waterproof hood. Very handy indeed. Not while riding as it flaps about and makes you think you have a petulant child sat behind you trying to break your spirit by tapping on your lid at all the wrong moments. It does zip on and off quickly, so no drama.
Do I love this jacket. Hell yes! It’s warm and cool when needed. Waterproof and stylish. And with the hood on you can walk the paddock without the need for a brolly.