New REV'IT! Stratum GTX Test and Review

[MotoNews]

Published in: Gear

REV’IT! Pulls No Punches with the New Stratum GTX Adventure Suit

When REV’IT! builds gear, they don’t go halfway. All the best materials, technically clever construction, and strict attention to minute details make REV’IT! Products some of the most adaptable and durable a rider can buy.

This high-level build quality is obvious in the company’s newest adventure motorcycling suit, dubbed the “Stratum GTX.” Built to suit the needs of the adventure-minded traveler, the Stratum GTX is designed to work for a variety of conditions and uses a long-distance RTW traveler might encounter. From the jungles of Africa to Siberia’s Road of Bones, the Stratum GTX is a configurable system that meets or beats the ADV rider’s needs. Indeed, Rod Macintyre of REV’IT! says, “Our goal was to make this suit appeal to the person who’s constantly trying to push themselves as far as they can go, and the further they can go is a result of having good gear to do that.”

Where the top-of-the-line REV’IT! Dominator 3 GTX was designed for the adventure rider as a single jacket, the new Stratum GTX takes a layering approach, combining two jackets into one system to give the rider more options to match the conditions. Starting with the base layer, the Stratum GTX includes in-the-boot pants with Seeflex knee protection and Seesmart hip protection constructed with PWR Air Mesh ventilation panels on the upper thigh mated with PWRIShell ripstop stretch panels on the legs—and leather patches in the inner thigh for better grip while standing. The inner pants can be worn alone on warm days and carry a CE Level AA protection rating.

Similarly, the upper body is covered with an inner jacket constructed in much the same way as the base layer pants, using different weaves of abrasion-resistant mesh (a more open weave under the arms, and a tighter “ballistic” mesh on the chest) to provide adequate ventilation, PWRIShell arms with Seeflex Level 2 elbow pads and back panel, and pockets for a Seesoft two-piece chest protector. The inner jacket also includes a lumbar storage pouch for snacks and gloves and a separate hydration pocket complete with retention loops for the drink tube on both shoulders that are adaptable to a rider’s preference. The entire two-part jacket assembly delivers CE Level AA protection.

When the temps drop and the clouds look threatening, it’s time to throw on the Stratum GTX’s outer jacket and pants. Each is constructed with three-layer GoreTex optimized for high-psi waterproofness. The jacket features a center zip that’s rated for SCUBA equipment (think dry suit zipper material) and is designed for center-front ventilation. REV’IT! designers noticed that the typical ventilation ducts on the shoulders tended to interfere with shoulder straps from an adventurer rider’s backpack, so they opted to build a unique front zipper that opens the chest for airflow to the PWR Mesh inner layer but keeps the outer jacket secured to the body. The hard-shell jacket comes with all sorts of storage pockets and, thanks to REV’IT!’s attention to detail, each zipper is stitched facing toward the rear so there’s less risk of water intrusion during high-speed, wet-weather riding. The jacket also features a slick removable hood, since REV’IT! designed this gear to work as both motorcycle protection and casual off-the-bike adventure wear.

As with the jacket, the outer pants are constructed of a durable three-layer GoreTex fabric and feature thigh vents for airflow and an above-the-knee side zipper that delivers plenty of room to remove the pants over ADV boots when conditions heat up. And both the Stratum GTX outer jacket and pants are CE Class B certified for abrasion resistance.

Now down to the nitty-gritty. When donning the Stratum GTX, you notice the build quality immediately. The inner impact-protection layers slide over a base insulating layer without any snagging and offer a slim, close-to-the-body fit. The outer garments are super high-speed—think expedition-level mountaineering equipment or the kind of jacket and pants a ski patroller in the Alps might wear (maybe even a bit burlier). The entire ensemble was comfortable and confidence-inspiring on a California desert test ride, where temps ranged from lows in the 40°Fs to daytime highs pushing into the 60°Fs. Rider mobility was adequate during off-road sections standing on the pegs, and there was little-to-no wind intrusion during high-speed road stretches. Thankfully, we didn’t get to test the waterproofness of the Stratum GTX, but from the looks of the build quality and the GoreTex materials, there’s little doubt the jacket and pants could withstand a soaking deluge.

As with any of REV’IT!’s high-end gear, the attention to detail is obvious—from the burly YKK zippers to the adjusters placed inside the hemline (which reduces snagging) to the generously sized hanging loops, the Stratum GTX doesn’t pinch pennies on materials and engineering. Aside from the eye-popping price, if there’s a niggle with the Stratum GTX to be had, it’s that the outer jacket and pants are too robust. They’re built to such extremes that they’ll take a bit of breaking in before they’re supple enough to truly deliver a full range of motion and comfort. Also, the Stratum GTX is tailored for an “athletic” fit, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for anything more than a base- and mid-layer for those colder rides.

Bottom line: If you’re an adventure rider who wants to invest in one suit that does it all, it’d be hard to beat the REV’IT! Stratum GTX when it comes to durability, versatility, and rider protection.

RevitSport.com

MSRP:

Stratum GTX Jacket—$1,399.99 | Stratum GTX Pants—$1,099.99

PROS:

• Layered system that provides a lot of versatility
• Top-of-the-line build quality and materials
• Subtle styling for on- and off-bike wear

CONS:

• Price may not be approachable for many riders
• Outer jacket and pants are initially stiff and hinder mobility
• May not be suitable for any but the most “athletic” physiques

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