Olympia AST jacket

[AdventurePoser]

Hi all,

 

I am looking for a 3/4 length jacket that is more waterproof and warmer that my current one piece Roadcrafter. This is the Olympia AST. I tried one on at Brown BMW the other day and was impressed with it's warmth and comfort. I imagine it would sit on the shelf in the summer, but for the other seasons it might be the ticket...

 

Does anyone out there have any real-world experience with this jacket?

 

 

Cheers,

Steve in So Cal

[Silver Surfer/AKAButters]

Whil waiting for a response from an AST owner, I'LL CONTRIBUE THAT I am very pleased with my Olympia Air glide. Excellent construction and quality at a good price.

[AdventurePoser]

Thanks, Rich. I also own an older Savannah jacket from BMW and I think the features and build quality of the Oly is superior-at half the price!

 

Steve

[tallman]

Steve,

We sell a ton of both models.

Never had one returned.

I would wear it, but it isn't quite long enough in the sleeve for me.

I wish they had a Tall version like TourMaster does.

You'll hear from people wearing them and I'd be surprised if it isn't very positive remarks.

[Bullett]

Steve,

 

I've had an AST for about a year. It's a decent jacket, and relatively water resistant. It actually vents pretty well through the arm zippers and chest pocket openings, with a couple of zippered vents in the back as well.

 

I dislike the neck closure. It abrades my neck, and rubs on the bottom of my helmet. I avoid the abrasion problem by wearing a Buff or a silk scarf. I never thought to try the jacket on with a helmet, so that might be a good idea if you have a short neck like me.

 

When it is really cold, beginning at around 40 degrees, I notice a feeling of cold air along the sleeve zippers. I don't get this if I am using my heated liner and the AST liner, but that's a lot of bulk.

 

I have an Airglide as well, and note that AST is significantly heavier and stiffer. I keep thinking it will break in, but so far it is still pretty stiff. The neon color is great for visibility, even when dirty. I have never been able to get the jacket fully clean since our 2-week ride last winter.

 

Oh, I did have some stuff get wet in the "water-proof" pockets in a steady rain, but I honestly don't remember if I had the pockets zipped and snapped.

 

 

 

 

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

I've had an AST for about a year. It's a decent jacket, and relatively water resistant. It actually vents pretty well through the arm zippers and chest pocket openings, with a couple of zippered vents in the back as well.

 

Ditto. Unlike previous jackets I've owned, the vent holes actually penetrate the waterproof layer; you can get fresh air flowing directly against your skin. Not only that, but the covers can be velcroed back to ensure that the holes stay wide open. So it can keep you well ventilated at surprisingly warn temps. When you zip the holes shut, the zippers have gaskets on them to keep out water, and the flaps get velcroed shut over the top of them. I had only very minor water penetration after an all day soaking-wet ride last fall. Far better than either of my previous jackets.

 

I dislike the neck closure. It abrades my neck, and rubs on the bottom of my helmet. I avoid the abrasion problem by wearing a Buff or a silk scarf. I never thought to try the jacket on with a helmet, so that might be a good idea if you have a short neck like me.

 

No short neck here, but I've had issues with the closure, too. It needs to be carefully positioned to avoid problems like catching on the helmet buckle or rubbing on my bare neck. Not a show stopper for me, but a little annoying.

 

The neon color is great for visibility, even when dirty.

 

Insects seem to like it. During a brief stop on the Cherohala last spring, a whole bunch of tiny bugs landed on it. You could practically hear them screaming, "WHERE'S THE NECTAR????"

 

 

[Firefight911]

To help muddy the waters a bit Steve, I'd go take a look at the new Scorpion XDR line of jackets. Real nice with some great reviews coming in.

 

LINKY

[Angel]

I've had my AST jacket for over 2 years now.

I use it daily unless I'm wearing my mesh.

 

what I like:

- all the zippers (arms,back and chest) = good ventilation!

- velcro flaps and snaps over the zippers so when the zippers are not open you can keep out the water and wind. (great idea)

- the zip out liner, waterproof and somewhat quilted is great

what I do not like:

- I hate to be vain, but the jacket is a bear to keep clean. I have a BMW tank bag on my 1200RT. Invariably, I end up with black gunk on the front of the jacket from when I lean forward and my gut rubs the tankbag.

- I do not mind the neck closure issue but I can clearly see how it could be a deal breaker for some.

- I would advise you to try the jacket on and sit on your bike. Pay particular attention to how the jacket material bunches up on your thighs and lap. I usually need to unzip a few inches from the bottom up, (two way zippers make that possible).

-As noted by others, in colder weather (30's) cold air seeps in through the arm zippers despite the velcro flaps. This is not a deal breaker if you don't mind wearing a sweater but it does add considerable bulk. Of course a heated jacket liner can take care of that.

 

Overall I like the jacket, I've ridden through rain storms and have stayed warm and dry. I have also ridden through west TX in the summer, the ventilation was great but it was HOT.

 

 

 

[jb11GSA]

Steve, 2008 (5K miles) was the first year using the AST, and can tell ya it's one of the better Jackets one can ware. I have ridden in rain (down pore) and stayed dry, the neck area works well with my full helmet, so no problems there.

 

The color (HiViz) is great, can't tell you how many time I've been asked about it and the times it's been the landmark (when some one is looking for you :-)). I agree it is stiff, but it's getting better, venting is good and tolerable to 80 degrees (thus far). I've ridden with it at 30 degrees as well (insert in) and was actually over heated a bit. So I would have no hesitation with the AST.

 

Try it, actually put it on with and without the insert see if they will allow you to sit on your bike make sure the size is correct and the you are comfortable - I have no regrets.

 

Enjoy,

 

Joe B

 

R1150RT

 

[Jon_M]

Several of you have mentioned that the AST is stiff. I now have an Aerostich Roadcrafter, which I have worn for several years. It has been a good suit, but I have always disliked the bulkiness of the thing when you have both parts on. It really restricts my movement and makes me feel clumsy. It never really softened up, even after many miles and several washings.

 

Can anyone draw a direct comparison between the 'Stich and the AST? Anyone who has shifted from on to the other?

[Junkman3353]

You might check out the Patton jacket-comes in grey and neon red. I've had mine for almost a year and love it (25 to 105 degrees-both rain/snow to bright sunlight). A little warm unless you're moving-thinking of getting mesh jacket, esp if we get $4 gas again.

 

On a related note: has anyone see any Olympia Motosports gear for sale at anything below MSRP? Thinking of buying a set of Ranger pants and its $189 EVERYWHERE.

[AdventurePoser]

Jon,

 

I also own a pair of Darien pants. If I can get a quality jacket I may sell my Roadcrafter one piece just because of the lack of "versatility."

 

BTW, it took more than a couple of washings to get my Roadcrafter to a softer feel...

 

Steve

[JR356]

You might check out the Patton jacket-comes in grey and neon red. I've had mine for almost a year and love it (25 to 105 degrees-both rain/snow to bright sunlight). A little warm unless you're moving-thinking of getting mesh jacket, esp if we get $4 gas again.

 

On a related note: has anyone see any Olympia Motosports gear for sale at anything below MSRP? Thinking of buying a set of Ranger pants and its $189 EVERYWHERE.

 

 

Some great Olympia deals here,including a great deal on the Patton jacket:

http://motogearoutlet.com/

 

JR356

[Junkman3353]

Thanks for that-it illustrates my question. Ranger pants=$189

Good price on the jacket, though.

Thanks anyway

[lvnvbiker]

The Oly jacket is pretty sweet but have you looked at the Firstgear Kilimanjaro? I have one and it is a pretty awesome coat also. It has proven to be exceptionaly waterproof and I have had it on down to around 20 or so ambient temp with a sweat shirt under the liner and been toasty, and this year they came out with the high vis version. I went with this coat in part because of the neck rub on the Oly AST and the other part because I got a previous year model for 129. Check out Cyclegear online for pricing, and I am not sure but they may be able to get you the AST also. The best thing about them is the no hassle 100% satisfaction gaurantee.

[Bheckel169]

Steve,

I have the AST and love it for touring. I also have the Airglide for sport touring and shorter rides. Great quality and versatile with lots of pockets. The liner is warm and and handles low temperatures nicely. In the summer with the liner off, my Airglide has plenty of air to ride comfortably.

Bruce

[Matts_12GS]

On a related note: has anyone see any Olympia Motosports gear for sale at anything below MSRP? Thinking of buying a set of Ranger pants and its $189 EVERYWHERE.

 

Try Tellico Motorcycle Outfitters. I bought an Oly Stealth mesh 1 piece last summer from them for about $40 under MSRP including the shipping. linky

[JR356]

Hi,

Have you looked at the Oly Bushwacker?

Much more of a year round coat for CA.

 

JR356

[AdventurePoser]

Thanks everybody...I am going to check out the jackets you all are mentioning!

 

Cheers,

Steve

[Semper_Fi]

Got one last fall - love it - think it is great, not going to rehash the comments of others as they are on the mark.

 

My only add is when i rode a couple of times in the cold (low 30's to high 20's), i removed the liner and replaced it with my Gerbing, after that... what cold

 

Like the Olympia products very much and will be getting a hi-viz glide for the summer

[Art..]

I own two Dariens and an AST.

 

 

• A new AST is about as stiff as a broken in Darien.
  
• The Darien zippers are more heavy duty
  
• Darien has a bigger chest pocket, but I like the AST pocket because if I leave it unzipped stuff won't fall out. On the Darien I forgot to zip and I lost my cellphone.
  
• Darien would probably protect better in a long slide. YMMV.
  
• AST is warmer in cool weather.
  
• Both are good jackets, but Darien build quality is a little better.
  

 

All that said, I ride mostly with the AST because it's a little more comfortable and I like the venting and hi-vis.

 

Steve, when you try one on, make sure you are dressed in your winter layers to get the fit right. You'll probably end up one size larger than the Stich. I'm a large Darien, but an XL AST.

 

 

 

[MarkEngland]

Steve,

I own the same jacket and it works well in the cold season. Too hot in the summer.

 

This URL shows everything I use including the jacket you are looking at.

http://kc6tew.com/ridinggear/default.aspx