Firstgear Ranger Jacket

FIRSTGEAR RANGER JACKET

CW EVALUATION

New leather with a well-worn look

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OFTEN ARE Misleading. A case in point is the new Firstgear Ranger jacket. Though the Ranger looks well-worn and possibly even crash-tested, it is, in fact, a new garment. Through a process called “dry milling,” the Ranger’s top-grain cowhide leather has intentionally been made to appear used. This gives the jacket an aged look, though it is claimed that the process neither damages the leather nor lessens its protective qualities.

Manufactured by Hein Gericke for Intersport Fashions West (333 S. Anita Dr., Suite 1025, Orange, CA 92668; 714/978-7718), the Ranger is a modern version of the classic motorcycle jacket. But unlike the traditional designs it was modeled after, the Ranger sports a number of impressive features, beginning with its snap-in Thermoliner.

Attractively illustrated with oldtime motorcycling scenes, the Ranger’s vest-style liner is a composite of aluminized polyethylene film backed by polyester fiber and covered in nylon taffeta. Drafts around the jacket’s collar are blocked by a velcroadjustable neck-warmer that’s an integral part of the liner.

Additional features include a perfo-

rated nylon lining, zipper-controlled air-exit vents (there are no intake vents), and dual-density plasti-foam padding at the elbows and forearms. Six pockets-two handwarmer pockets, a zippered key pocket, an inside wallet pocket, a snap-closure outer pocket and a zippered pouch in the dropped tail-provide room for plenty of incidentals. The waist belt has a sheath over its brass buckle to prevent fuel-tank scratching, and leather laces increase adjustability at the jacket’s sides. Sized in S-XXL for both men and women, the Ranger is available only in black.

During our three-month evaluation period, the only complaint leveled against the Ranger was that the jacket’s tail section was too short for use on repli-racers, creeping up and exposing the back when a rider was bent over in a semi-race tuck. Admittedly, the Ranger is aimed more towards owners of cruisers, classics and touring bikes than towards the sportbike crowd. Other than that one minor complaint, we were extremely pleased with the comfort and quality of the Firstgear Ranger jacket.

Because Intersport leaves retail pricing to its dealers, we consulted several shops around the country and found the Ranger’s price tag averaged $450. That’s expensive, but we believe that the Ranger’s extensive features, attention to detail and attractive styling make it a worthwhile investment. □