All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine
Tourmaster Epic Textile Jacket
Tourmaster Epic Textile Jacket
Epic Jacket Features:
• The Three Quarter Length 600 Denier Carbolex Plus and 600 Denier Ballistic Polyester shell incorporates reflective Phoslite material panels for strength and increased nighttime visibility.
• Features an Aqua-Barrier under-the-helmet hood to eliminate seepage in the collar area; The hood easily stows in a hidden collar pocket.
• A waterproof and breathable Rainguard® barrier allows rain protection without perspiration buildup.
• Collar anchor snap eliminates flapping while collar is open.
• Integrated kidney and back support belt easily deploys or stows from a hidden sleeve.
• Waterproof zippered 3-position shoulder vents combine with chest vents, sleeve vents, rear exit vents and the Pipeline Ventilation System to provide maximum flow-through ventilation.
• Durable two-way main zipper closure, with dual wind flap, seals out the elements.
• Phoslite black reflective piping and wide strips across the back, Phoslite material panels and Tour. Master's signature reflective rear triangle increase nighttime visibility.
• The fleece lined collar and cuffs are soft, yet durable.
• Adjustable sleeve take-up straps at the forearm and bicep help to secure elbow armor and material.
• Removable, CE approved armor at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated triple density back protector.
• Tour Master's removable liner features warming 80g 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation.
• Vertical zippered chest map pockets, zippered hand warmer pockets with flap closure bellows pockets, internal media pocket and a dual zippered fanny pack.
• Adjustable waist belts with TPR pulls help to fine tune the fit.
• Includes a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant side included.
Details
My Impressions:
Pros:
Constructed of waterproof, but breathable durable material.
Cool, functional built in kidney belt & back support.
Built in under the helmet hood that acts as a rain barrier for neck area & collar.
Removable liner makes this a perfect cold weather jacket.
Abundant functional pockets.
The most comfortable neck collar in the industry.
Cons:
none.
Bottom Line:
Let me tell you that I am a little biased towards Tour Master coming into this review. I have been wearing Tour Master Jackets since I have been Atving. These jackets are built to last. My original Tour Master Jacket is still in excellent shape, even though I have tortured in over the years. When it gets dirty I either hose it down or throw it in the washer to clean it.
When I had a chance to review the Epic Jacket by Tour Master I jumped at the chance to do so. When I first picked up the Epic Jacket my first impression was how heavy duty it was and how many cool features it has.
The built in kidney belt is a working piece of art for those of us that ride the type of trails that I do.
One of my complaints with some of the jackets that I have reviewed is the lack of padding in the collar area. I have worn the Epic Jacket for grueling all day shoots on location and my neck never once felt uncomfortable, where as before it would be rubbed raw from some of the other jackets unpadded collars.
It's modular design with it's removable liner allows you to be able to wear the jacket on very cold days, and remove the liner for other days when it is warmer out. Bare in mind this jacket is best suited for cold weather and wet riding. Myself I get too hot wearing this type of jacket in the summer time.
There are enough zippers, snaps, and collar adjustments to tailor this jacket to your riding needs. Also you will find an abundance of waterproof zippered vents to keep that air flowing through your jacket when the weather gets too warm for your comfort zone.
The aqua barrier under the helmet hood is a cool feature and can serve several purposes, such as keeping the water off your neck in wet conditions, plus as an effective air barrier to keep the wind off your neck.
The bottom line is I would highly recommend this jacket to anybody that wants to get the maximum value for their purchase. This jacket is of very high quality and will last you for years of great service. I would highly recommend this jacket for anyone that rides in wet, cold, & windy environments. This jacket will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable. When the elements let you down, this Epic Jacket from Tour Master will keep you covered!
I liked this jacket so much that this is the only jacket I wore while filming the Quad Trails TV segment featured in some of the pictures above. During this shoot, I encountered near wintry conditions with rain, mud, and very cold days. The Epic Jacket kept me dry, warm, and comfortable for the entire shoot. Just think about it, when you are warm, dry, & comfortable you are more alert when you are riding. This intern makes for safer riding, and a more pleasant atv trip!]
Do yourself a favor and check out Tour Master when you want to purchase one jacket that does it all.
Contact Info:
Web Site:
Address:
26855 Malibu Hills Road
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
USA
Phone:
(818) 880-0000
E-Mail:
service@tourmaster.com
Dealer locator: