Rukka R-EX Jacket Black

Material

The Rukka Rex Jacket features breathable, wind, and waterproof Gore-Tex 2-layer material laminated onto a tough and tear resistant 600D Cordura outer shell. Gore-Tex 2 layer means that the waterproof membrane has been laminated directly onto the Cordura with an inner backing, and it is “guaranteed to keep you dry”.

Cordura is also a well-known material in riding since its reinforced nylon fibers mean you get excellent strength and abrasion resistance. For a final touch for comfort, Rukka have also included a soft neoprene collar, which will prevent chafing.

But you still need coverage for impact forces, so let’s move on to the armor options.

Safety

Taking a look at what safety Rukka have built in, you’re already getting a fairly good level. The jacket comes with Rukka D3O XTR shoulder and elbow protectors, CE EN 1621-1 2012 CE Level 2, which is excellent since most other manufacturers will only offer CE Level 1.

To further upgrade your safety, the jacket also comes with a pocket for Rukka D3O chest and back protector, which is about standard for this segment. And to get that next level of safety with the chest and back protector included, you’d have to look further up the Rukka line with the Armarone or Exegal.

Comfort

The Rukka R Ex is built to not just keep you safe, but comfortable as well. The Gore-Tex membrane will keep you dry while added ventilation zips will help keep you cool. So, this is a great spring or autumn option if you expect cool or wet mornings that will gradually warm up.

The 6 vents can be opened with a set of zippers, which are in the shoulders (direct to body), in the sides, and a third set in the back. And it’s great that they’re all water-resistant. So, again, you’ll want a jacket with more vents and mesh if you’re looking to ride in the summer.

For storage, the jacket is coming with a set of water-resistant zippered pockets on either side of the outside, which is a great touch since these zippers often don’t keep the water out. Moving onto adjustability though, the jacket is bringing you a good level with adjustable hem and cuff Velcro straps. There is also a snap further up in the bicep to bring it in if you need.

The jacket fastens with Velcro at the collar, a water-resistant zipper, and a snap at the bottom to finish everything off. Inside you have a rain gutter to make sure you stay dry and you also have two inner pockets to keep your items dry, though these are also those pockets for chest protectors. Lastly, you do have a zipper and a strap for combining the jacket with the R-Ex pants.

Rukka R-Ex Trousers

The Rukka R-Ex Pants are composed of Gore-Tex 2-layer laminated onto durable 600D Cordura with additional Keprotec in the seat for abrasion resistance. Keprotec is a highly durable material from Schoeller using aramide yarns for extra strength, which comes in particularly handy for this area of the pants.

For safety, the motorcycle pants are coming with CE Level 2 Rukka D3O Air XTR knee and hip protectors, which is great to see considering you’re not getting those back or chest protectors included in the jacket.

For airflow, there are two vents on the thighs, which are placed next to your one outer pocket. To make these pants more comfortable over longer distances, they also include both the Rukka AirCushion and Rukka Antiglide systems in the seat. This means that they’ve added an additional buffer to prevent moisture buildup and they’ve included additional grips to keep you from sliding around.

The elasticated waist with two Velcro belts is an excellent feature for fitment, and it’s also further helped by the zips and Velcro included in the leg bottoms to help with boot fitment.