Triumph Triple Connection Paddock Jacket
TRIUMPH TRIPLE CONNECTION PADDOCK JACKET
CW EVALUATION
Casual wear for enthusiasts
JACKETS ARE A BIT LIKE MOTORCYCLES: No one example does all things well. For instance, the jacket that is designed to protect you from road rash probably isn't what you're going to feel most comfortable using as casual wear. So what do you do if you want to be comfortable and stylish while still flying the flag of motorcycle enthusiasm?
You tind yourselt something like Tn umph's Triple Connection Paddock Jacket (available in black only at Tri umph dealerships at a suggested retail of $239 in sizes XS-XXL). Though it's useful for short, low-speed jaunts, the Paddock isn't the sort of jacket in which you'd want to do any knee-down, backroad scratching in-it isn't that sub stantial, after all, and the protective padding at the shoulders and elbows is a bit thin. But what it is, is one of the most versatile and comfortable general purpose garments we've sampled.
Made of heavy, water-resistant cordura nylon, it’s lined with quilted satin, and features a number of clever design elements that make it especially comfortable and useful.
Start with the pockets-two slash and two cargo pockets, plus an interior left-hand breast pocket. Check the embroidery-on the front, on the back and inside the corduroy collar-which sings out the name Triumph. A generous storm flap snaps closed over the largegauge zip, a velcro close-tab protects motorcycle gas tanks from zip hardware, and elastic is added at the waist to make for a close, comfortable fit. Those snaps on the yoke? They allow fitment of an optional Competition Yoke ($24) to provide an additional bit of water repellency. The Paddock also has elastic and snap closures at the cuffs to keep the wind from whistling up your arms. Or, if you choose, you can unzip both arms and turn the Paddock into a cozy vest. Neat concept.
We found the Paddock to be a nicely designed and built piece of gear, with just the right amount of insulation and wind resistance to make it useful over a wide variety of temperatures, and with enough room in it to allow use of a sweater or sweatshirt when temperatures cool off a bit. And if you don’t own a Triumph? Well, with one of these, you’ll at least have a Triumph jacket, and that’s a start. □
