Who: Corazzo
What: Women's 5.0 in Light Blue
Where: Local dealers or Metroscoot
How Much: Mine was $199 but I've seen a range of prices

After three days of adjusting to my new jacket I have to say that I pretty much love it. It is *almost* perfect!

Fit & Comfort
This jacket is SO much more comfortable than the women's 3.0 that I bought with my scooter. The sleeves actually reach my wrists now and even go a bit past them which is nice for riding. The cuffs have a nice long piece of velcro so you can adjust them depending on what gloves you are wearing. I also like the stretchy side panel. It makes the jacket more pliable.

I love the fleece lining around the cuff and neck compared to the scratchy-ness of the jacket's predecessor. My only concern with the lining is that it is bright white and I know it won't stay that way long. Oh well, a dirty scooter jacket is a loved scooter jacket, right? I just wish it was dark blue to match the stretch side material.

I also feel like it will be much easier to layer under this jacket when it gets cold again whereas in the 3.0 I could only wear a light weight fleece under the jacket.

The back hem of the jacket is lower than the front. I like having that extra length because nothing is worse than plumbers butt on a scooterist!! Rolling Eyes

The one annoying part for me is how wide the "sticky" part of the velcro is at the neck. If I don't completely cover it with the flap then my helmet strap gets caught on it and makes it difficult to turn my head while riding (dangerous!) After the first few days I got the hang of pulling the flap all the way over to cover the velcro but I think I'll make a modification so the patch isn't quite so big. It is almost choking me when I have it all the way covered.

Armor
The armor makes a HUGE difference. The armor in the 3.0 was 2 flat pieces of material while the new armor is Knox armor that curves in the right places on my elbows and shoulders. I also appreciate the addition of a back armor panel. It doesn't feel hugely substantial but I like to think it would help in the event of a crash. The armor is removeable in this jacket as well so it is easy to get rid all those bug stains in the wash.

Exterior
The shell is nylon (according to Metroscoot's website it is 1000 denier Cordura) while the lining is polyester. There are two side zipper pockets lined in fleece. These pockets are DEEP! I think you would have a hard time losing stuff from the pockets if you forgot to zip them up while riding. I do wish they had included an interior pocket as I liked to carry my cell phone in there in my other jacket. There are two vertical zippered vent pocket behind the back of each shoulder but none in front which I found to be a bit strange.

The zipper is a full length zipper that stops just below the neck. There is a flap over the front of the zipper as well as beneath the zipper to keep the wind out.

Visibility
The Scotchlite on this jacket makes it insanely visible at night. I went on a ride last night with someone who had a 5.0 as well and they were the brightest out of the group. I've included pictures both with and without a flash and you can see what a difference it makes. The blue isn't very eye catching in the day time but it it bright enough to be seen against these gray Seattle skys.

Weight
The jacket is pretty light weight and is in fact lighter than my Cortech LRX jacket. I like being able to layer beneath it when I need to. It hasn't been too hot here yet but it has been perfect for the weather we've had. I'll see how it does during the summer.

Conclusion
I like this jacket a lot! I'm considering putting my patches on this one once I read the technical post about "how to sew on a patch"

_________________
Sarah
2006 Piaggio Fly 150

I have to say that I personally dumped my scooter while wearing the exact same jacket and all I ended up with was a tiny skinned knee. The jacket has a few grass stains, but it held up remarkably well. The reinforced elbow and other protective plates did the job extremely well.
I would recommend this jacket to everyone. I didn't have a single bruise or road rash. Unlike my friend who lost control of his vespa and went down wearing a t-shirt and jeans. He had bad road rash and two cracked ribs. Since then he had hardly ridden and is thinking of selling his scooter.
I always wear my gear. I know it can really make a difference. Plus I love the look!

I purchased one of these jackets late August, early September and started to actually wear it about 3 weeks ago. At first, I loved it and it looked cool. I felt good about having a jacket with good armor and a good review. I was also really happy to buy USA. Then the stretchy white fabric on the inside of the arms started to fall apart, as if the velcro was catching on it. It looks shabby and the cool part is over. I have emailed the company and have not heard back. I expected this jacket's look to last a little longer. I'll be in the market for something else if the company does not have any solutions. I'll post on the general forum to see if anyone has any ideas.

I have the same jacket and LOVE it. However, it is too lightweight for cold weather. I haven't had it for warm weather, but I am preparing to buy a mesh jacket for the summer. I bought mine a little big which allows space for a fleece underneath.

I am looking for a LIGHT jacket and thought this was a good one. for the price, this should nto be happening.
"Then the stretchy white fabric on the inside of the arms started to fall apart.."

Can anyone suggest a jacket that is light for California weather? I don't have a waist like a model, and I don't like bulky stuff. At my 175 lbs, and 5'6" I want to look less bulky.

Walky08,

You might have luck with the CorTech LRX Air jacket. It's mesh and comes with a windproof liner and a quilted liner. You can wear just the jacket, or the jacket with one or both the liners.

I've found that CorTech/Tourmaster sizes run very true to size, and I have their jackets in the mesh, leather, and textile. All fit perfectly and according to their size chart.

Thanks, I will start checking them out. You are all so nice.

[quote="la"]I purchased one of these jackets late August, early September and started to actually wear it about 3 weeks ago. At first, I loved it and it looked cool. I felt good about having a jacket with good armor and a good review. I was also really happy to buy USA. Then the stretchy white fabric on the inside of the arms started to fall apart, as if the velcro was catching on it. It looks shabby and the cool part is over. I have emailed the company and have not heard back. I expected this jacket's look to last a little longer. I'll be in the market for something else if the company does not have any solutions. I'll post on the general forum to see if anyone has any ideas.[/quote]

yes using a stretchy white fabric is very good quality..maybe you can contact some related company..

I finally bought an Olympia ($226) -- I don't remember model--which I can use with inner liner or not, or only use the liner (no armor) as a jacket and I am very comfortable wit it. Armor is good, jacket is sturdy - although a little heavy on me,but noting that makes a difference. It is black, I could nto find any other coor (becuase it is very popular)and the reflective details are great.

Now I need a light,really light one for summer next year.

A $200 jacket shoudl nto be fallign apart. if they don't anser post your complains in many forums,as much as you can.