Bilt Techno 2.0 Jacket Review
With summer weather arriving, every rider knows the importance of proper warm-weather riding gear. As an avid motorcyclist logging thousands of miles annually, I rely on quality mesh jackets to stay cool on hot days.
I recently tested out the new Bilt Techno 2.0 Kings Motorcycle Gear - jacket to see how it is stacked up against other options. In this review, I’ll share my experiences wearing the Techno 2.0 for daily summer commuting.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the Kings Motorcycle Gear - best motorcycle jacket for the summer? Let’s find out!
Bilt Techno 2.0 Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Affordable quality gear
- Ideal for summer riding
- Good ventilated and protection
Techno 2.0 Jacket Features and Technologies
Before getting into my experience wearing the jacket, let’s take a look at some of its key features and technologies:
- 600D polyester shell – Abrasion-resistant construction in high-impact areas
- CE-rated armor – CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor included
- Air mesh panels – Flows air while abrasion-resistant material protects
- Removable thermal liner – Full sleeve layer for added warmth
- Water-resistant treatment – Repels light moisture
- Reflective accents – Blacked out reflective strips on sleeves
- 2 exterior pockets – Zippered hand pockets
- 8 color options – Choices include black, gray, blue, red, and hi-viz yellow
These features provide a combination of protection, ventilation, and versatility – important factors for all-season riding. I was eager to experience them first-hand on daily rides.
My Experience Wearing the Techno 2.0 Jacket
To thoroughly test the Techno 2.0 jacket, I wore it as my primary riding jacket for everyday commutes through a range of conditions. Here are some details about my testing:
- Motorcycle: 2021 Honda CB500X
- Riding Conditions: Daily commute in Northeastern USA – temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F degrees over several weeks of testing. Riding in daytime, nighttime, sun, rain, and wind. Rides lasted from 20 minutes up to 2 hours.
- Jacket Size: Men’s Large
- Body Type: 6’0″ tall, 185 lbs, athletic build
- Gear: Always wear a helmet, gloves, jeans, and boots, along with a jacket
With this consistent apparel setup, I was able to directly compare the Techno 2.0 jacket against previous jackets worn in similar conditions.
Here are my detailed thoughts after extensive testing:
Protection and Safety
My top priorities for any riding jacket are protection and safety. The Techno 2.0 jacket performed very well in this regard:
- CE Level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders provided effective impact protection. The armor never felt bulky or restricted my movement.
- 600D polyester shell offered abrasion resistance in crucial high-impact zones. I felt reassured knowing this durable material surrounded me in key areas.
- Blacked-out reflective accents on the sleeves made me visible to other drivers at night. I appreciated this important safety feature.
I never felt apprehensive about my safety wearing the Techno 2.0 jacket on the road. The armor and shell materials worked together to provide effective protection without compromising comfort or ventilation.
Ventilation and Breathability
Proper ventilation is a must for me in warm summer riding. Here’s how the Techno 2.0 jacket performed:
- The mesh panels flowed tons of air while riding. I stayed cool and comfortable even at temperatures above 80°F.
- The jacket felt light and never clung to sweat. Air circulated freely through the mesh shell.
- Zippered vents at the chest and back allowed me to fine-tune airflow. I often rode with them fully open.
- The mesh fabric itself seemed very air permeable and further enhanced ventilation.
Ventilation and breathability are clear strengths of the Techno 2.0 jacket. The mesh shell kept me cool and dry on many hot summer rides.
Comfort and Fit
For a jacket to truly perform well, it needs to be comfortable:
- I found the Techno 2.0 jacket to have a relaxed, roomy fit as advertised. I prefer this over a tight race cut.
- There were no uncomfortable pressure points or areas that chafed, even when riding for 2+ hours.
- The fabric and linings felt soft against my skin with no irritation.
- I had a full range of motion – never felt restricted when moving my arms and shoulders.
- The collar, cuffs, and waist all sealed out air effectively at speed.
The jacket simply felt great to wear mile after mile. The relaxed fit and soft interior made for a very comfortable riding experience.
Versatility
I prefer gear that works across a range of conditions. Here’s how the Techno 2.0 jacket performed:
- The full-sleeve removable thermal liner added warmth for cooler morning rides. I appreciated this versatility.
- The jacket maintained breathability even with the liner inserted on 60°F days.
- The water-resistant outer shell shed light rain during my testing. It’s not waterproof but repelled moisture.
- I wore it successfully in temps ranging from 50°F to 90°F with the appropriate use of vents and liner.
By allowing easy adjustments for weather, the Techno 2.0 jacket adapted well to my variable riding needs. The thermal liner expanded the jacket’s versatility greatly.
Pockets
Keep your personal items secure with the multiple pockets on this gear. The BILT Techno 2 Jacket is equipped with various pockets to ensure ample storage space for your belongings.
Whether you need quick access to your phone or want to keep your hands warm, this jacket has got you covered. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the pockets available:
These pockets are strategically placed for convenience and accessibility. The hand warmer pockets provide a cozy spot for your hands on chilly rides, while the Napoleon pocket offers a secure place to store small items.
The phone pocket on the thermal liner ensures your device stays protected and easily accessible. The hidden storage pocket across the lower back also offers extra space for your essentials. With these pockets, you can keep your belongings close and secure while enjoying your ride.
| Pocket Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hand Warmer Pockets | 2 |
| Napoleon Pocket | 1 |
| Phone Pocket on Liner | 1 |
| Hidden Storage Pocket | 1 |
Room for Improvement
While I was very impressed overall with the Techno 2.0 jacket, a few updates could make it even better:
- Adding a bit more length at the back for better coverage while riding
- Incorporating stretch panels in the shoulders for more comfort entering the riding position
- Using a coated main zipper to improve sealing against wind and water
- Including a basic CE foam back pad for spine protection
These changes would enhance an already excellent mesh jacket. But I was pleased that no major flaws jumped out at me while testing the Techno 2.0.
Who is the Techno 2.0 Jacket For?
Based on my experience, here are the riders I’d recommend the Techno 2.0 jacket for:
- Daily commuters seeking all-day comfort
- Riders prioritize versatility and ventilation
- Those wanting quality gear without the premium price
- Anyone frequently riding in hot summer weather
- New riders looking for solid protection on a budget
The Techno 2.0 hits a sweet spot for these needs, combining comfort, airflow, protection, and value.
Final Verdict After My Testing
After several weeks of use, the Bilt Techno 2.0 mesh jacket proved itself as high-quality, versatile summer riding gear.
The jacket’s airflow and breathability are truly excellent for warm weather. It also provides good impact protection with CE armor. Adding a removable thermal liner further expands its capabilities for variable conditions.
While not completely flawless, I found the Techno 2.0 mesh jacket to exceed my expectations overall. It delivers compelling value without breaking the bank for all-day summer riding comfort with protection and breathability.
The Techno 2.0 will now be my go-to jacket for daily commuting through the hot summer months. I’m glad I put it to the test because it met my criteria for a versatile, ventilated, and comfortable summer riding jacket.
Ready to Buy? Get the Techno 2.0 Jacket at Revzilla
If this review helped you decide, you can pick up the Bilt Techno 2.0 mesh jacket at Revzilla.com. Use the fitment and sizing charts to dial in your size.
Revzilla also offers free shipping and exchanges to ensure you get the perfect fit. Their gear geeks are available by phone or email if you need any guidance finding the right summer jacket.
Ride safe this season, and stay as cool as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Techno 2.0 Jacket
What colors does the Techno 2.0 jacket come in?
The Techno 2.0 is available in 8 different color options:
- Black
- Gray
- Blue
- Red
- Hi-viz Yellow
- Teal
- Olive
- Orange
So you can pick a color that matches your bike and riding style. Hi-viz yellow offers the most visibility.
Is the Techno 2.0 jacket waterproof?
No, the Techno 2.0 is not fully waterproof. The outer shell has a water-resistant coating that repels light moisture, but it is not meant for heavy rain.
You would need to upgrade to a jacket with a waterproof membrane like the Bilt Blast 2.0 for full waterproof ability.
Does the Techno 2.0 jacket have a back protector?
There is no CE-rated back protector included with the Techno 2.0 jacket. It comes with a basic foam back pad.
Many riders choose to upgrade to a CE Level 1 or Level 2 protector for extra back protection. The jacket has a pocket to accommodate most aftermarket back protectors.
How do I wash the Techno 2.0 jacket?
Bilt recommends gentle hand washing and hanging dry for best results with Techno 2.0. Make sure to remove the armor beforehand.
Avoid washing it with harsh detergents or fabric softeners. Going easy on the wash will help the jacket last longer.
What is the difference between Techno 2.0 and Techno 1.0?
The Techno 2.0 is an updated version of the original Techno jacket. The main differences are:
- Neoprene comfort collar
- Improved wrist closures
- Zippered hand pockets
- Blacked-out reflective detailing
The updates enhance comfort and convenience while keeping the same overall design. Many riders felt the original Techno was an excellent jacket, so Bilt kept changes to a minimum.
Conclusion
Finding the right Kings Motorcycle Gear - motorcycle jacket for warm-weather riding can make a big difference in comfort and safety.
After thorough testing, the Bilt Techno 2.0 hits the mark with its solid construction, great ventilation, and versatility.
Riders can stay protected from impact and abrasion hazards while remaining cool on hot summer rides.
While not perfect, the Techno 2.0 exceeded my expectations for the price. I’m glad to have found my new go-to mesh jacket for daily summer commuting.
Hopefully, this detailed review gave fellow riders some insights into whether the Techno 2.0 could also be the ideal warm-weather jacket for your needs.
Ride safe out there this season! Enjoy the warm weather – remember to wear proper gear, like a quality ventilated jacket.
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