Shima Jet Mesh Riding Jacket Review: Introduction

Introduction Construction Fitting Additional Features About the brand Product Details

Introduction

Just like a helmet, a riding jacket is something that should come hand in hand with buying a motorcycle and scooter. Well, we don’t need to spell out why one needs a riding jacket- especially since most of you would know the freakish unpredictability that comes with riding in our country. And apart from safety, a biker also needs to be concerned with India’s weather that has a huge dollop of heat and humidity with a side of monsoon to offer.

Fortunately, Shima seems to have a solution to these problems in the form of the Jet Mesh riding jacket. While we would be using the jacket regularly and giving you our detailed review soon, let’s begin by telling you what the Shima Jet Mesh is all about.

Construction

As its name suggests, a large area of the jacket is made from mesh. This includes the front area from the chest to the waist as well as the entire back for air passage. The Shima Jet Mesh also features mesh fabric on the inner sleeves for added ventilation. The protection offered by a jacket is undoubtedly the primary criteria when buying one. And the Shima Jet Mesh ticks all the right boxes. Besides the mesh panels, the jacket is constructed using abrasion-resistant fabric that features on the shoulder and elbows and adds an extra layer of protection.

But for the real line of defence, the Jet Mesh comes with full CE Level 2 armour. Now, this feature is not uncommon for elbow and shoulder protection among other brands in the same price range; but what truly sets the Jet Mesh apart is its back protection. Unlike the other brands that offer foam or Level 1 back protectors, the Shima Jet Mesh is specced with a sturdy CE Level 2 protector as standard. For the chest, the jacket can also be fitted with the SAS-TEC protector that is available for an additional Rs 3,599.

Fitting

Shima is offering the Jet Mesh in sizes ranging from S to 3XL and has built the jacket for a regular fit. However, the Jet Mesh comes with a two-level snap fastening system on the biceps as well as forearms while the wrist and waist get velcro straps for a slightly more customised fit. Meanwhile, expansion gussets at the rear provide added room for movement.

Additional Features

Now, apart from the full CE Level 2 armour, the Shima Jet Mesh also offers some noteworthy features that, in our opinion, add brownie points to its practicality. To start off with, it gets two handy pockets at the front and a third pocket, which is slightly larger, on the inner side of the jacket. It also gets a fourth, completely waterproof pocket inside, that is large enough to hold a wallet or phone.

Although, the crème de la crème is the waterproof rain liner that Shima calls the NextDry Membrane. Far from what is usually offered in riding jackets, this rain liner is well-built. And while it can be zipped and fastened inside the jacket, this NextDry Membrane can even be worn outside, like a rain jacket itself. Shima has paid attention to details and added reflective strips on the liner for improved visibility at night.

About the brand

Shima is a fairly new name in the riding gear market, after all, it was established in 2009. Although in the 11 years of its existence, the brand based out of Poland has brought forward its A-game to the big league of riding gear. It also boasts a vast portfolio of jackets, suits, boots, and pants for nearly every type of riding style, be it adventure, sport, street, or even retro-style.