Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Women’s Jacket Review
My wife had been riding for years in her trusty Joe Rocket leather jacket but was hoping for something more lightweight and breathable for the warmer riding season.
After researching the latest options, she decided to test out Joe Rocket’s new Cleo Elite jacket to see if it could check all the boxes.
In this hands-on review, she will share her experiences with the features, fit, safety ratings, and performance of the Cleo Elite jacket after extensive riding.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the Kings Motorcycle Gear - best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Women’s Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Kings Motorcycle Gear - mesh for airflow
- Protective armor and panels
- Great value for the features
Why She Tested the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Jacket
My wife’s old jacket had served her well, but the solid leather construction left her sweltering in the summer heat.
She wanted a jacket with maximum ventilation to keep her comfortable on long rides in warm weather. However, she wasn’t willing to sacrifice safety and impact protection.
The jacket still needed abrasion-resistant material in crucial areas as well as armor for the shoulders and elbows.
After comparing several mesh and textile jackets designed specifically for women, she decided that the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite was the best option.
With extensive mesh panels for airflow, strategic abrasion-resistant textile, and CE-approved armor, this jacket offers an ideal balance of cooling comfort and protection.
An Overview of the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite Jacket
Key Features:
- Extensive mesh panels for maximum airflow
- Abrasion-resistant Dynax textile in high-impact areas
- CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor
- Removable wind- and waterproof full-sleeve liner
- 360° reflective piping for visibility
- 6 adjustment buckles and elastic pulls for a custom fit
- Napoleon chest pocket and interior key pocket
Riding Impressions: Airflow, Comfort, and Fit
Going into this review, my main question was: Does this jacket really keep you cooler on hot days? I’m happy to report that the mesh panels make a significant difference compared to traditional leather.
Within minutes of hitting the road on a 75°F day, she could feel the rushing air circulating through the jacket.
Vents along the sleeves, chest, and back allowed excellent airflow. While mesh can’t compete with riding in just a t-shirt, this is much more cooling than any non-perforated jacket.
Beyond just ventilation, the Cleo Elite proved to be extremely comfortable thanks to the following:
- Stretch panels at the shoulders and waist for flexibility
- A soft collar that doesn’t irritate the neck
- Adjustable buckles and elastic pulls to customize the fit
- Strategically placed armor that doesn’t restrict movement
She liked the design touches like the inner Napoleon chest pocket for valuables and the conveniently located key pocket.
She is 5’10” and 170 lbs with an athletic build. Even adjusted smaller for her frame, the medium size provided a great fit with room to layer a hoodie. The jacket remained comfortable in a variety of riding positions.
Based on my experience, this jacket should accommodate a wide range of body types while offering a flattering tailored shape for women.
Safety and Protection: Armor, Impact Panels, and Reflectivity
Riding gear does no good if it can’t hold up in a slide. That’s why she carefully evaluated how the Cleo Elite balances cooling airflow with crucial protective features.
The jacket includes CE-approved armor at the elbows and shoulders, which are the most likely impact points in an accident.
I confirmed that the armor plates fit snugly and allow a full range of motion. While a CE-rated back protector would improve protection (the Cleo Elite’s back pad is foam only), the armor covers the essential areas.
Additionally, Joe Rocket armored this jacket with abrasion-resistant Dynax textile at the upper back, sides, elbows, and forearms.
This reinforced material and triple-stitching at stress points provide abrasion protection without compromising airflow.
For visibility, reflective piping wraps all the way around the jacket, while reflective shoulder panels help identify the rider’s silhouette. This high-visibility design boosts safety when riding at night.
Overall, Joe Rocket managed to provide vital impact protection that gives me peace of mind despite the jacket’s cooling mesh construction. The safety features don’t detract from comfort and flexibility either.
Weather Protection: Removable Liners
While mesh jackets excel in warm conditions, they’re vulnerable in rain or colder weather. That’s why the Cleo Elite includes a wind- and Kings Motorcycle Gear - waterproof inner liner plus an insulating vest liner.
On a breezy 65°F evening, she rode with the windproof liner zipped in. It kept airflow to a minimum and blocked wind chill surprisingly well. The liner’s inner mesh layer prevented it from sticking to her base layer.
When she tried the insulating vest, it added noticeable warmth without bulk. It seems lightweight, but the vest’s thin construction clearly retains heat.
With both liners installed, the jacket felt ready for 50°F weather or light rain. You’d need to layer a thick hoodie or heated jacket underneath for heavy rain or colder rides. However, the liners expand the Cleo Elite’s 3-season versatility.
Stashing the liners did prove challenging on my sports bike. They’re too bulky to fit in the jacket’s pockets but can be tightly rolled or bundled into a saddlebag. They’re great to have along for commuting or touring use, just in case.
Sizing and Fit
To ensure the perfect fit, take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips before purchasing, as the fit of the jacket is not guaranteed to be perfect. Here are some tips to help you measure correctly:
- Bust measurement: Measure the fullest part of your bust.
- Waist measurement: Measure your natural waistline.
- Hip measurement: Measure the widest part of your hips below the waist.
- Keep the tape parallel to the ground for accurate measurements.
By measuring these areas, you can choose the correct size and ensure a better fit.
Remember, the jacket’s fit may vary, so considering the sizing information provided by the manufacturer is important.
| IZE | BUST (IN) | WAIST (IN) | HIPS (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 31 | 24-25 | 35-36 |
| SM | 33-34 | 26-27 | 37-38 |
| MD | 35-36 | 28-29 | 39-40 |
| LG | 37-39 | 30-31 | 41-42 |
| XL | 40-42 | 32-34 | 43-44 |
| 1 Diva | 42-44 | 34-36 | 44-45 |
| 2 Diva | 45-48 | 37-39 | 46-49 |
Value for Money
With an MSRP of $200, the Cleo Elite delivers features and quality that match this moderate price point.
The extensive mesh and streamlined, feminine fit provide enough improvements over my wife’s old jacket to make this a worthwhile upgrade.
The Cleo Elite costs significantly less than premium mesh jackets from brands like REV’IT!, Alpinestars, and Dainese.
Yet it includes comparable venting and protection. The waterproof liner and multiple fit adjustments add even more value.
The Cleo Elite hits a sweet spot of comfort, safety, and affordability for riders looking for a versatile, lightweight jacket suitable for warm weather.
Considering Joe Rocket’s reputation for durable construction, this jacket should also last for multiple seasons of use.
Final Verdict: Ideal Summer Upgrade for Women Riders
After thoroughly testing the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite jacket, I can confidently recommend it for riders looking for maximum airflow and cooling comfort during warmer months. This jacket exceeds expectations with the following:
- Extensive mesh ventilation makes a real difference on hot days
- Abrasion-resistant textile and CE armor in crucial areas
- Removable weather liners for light rain or dropping temps
- A comfortable, tailored fit with multiple adjustment options
- Reflective details and vivid color options for visibility
- Comparable quality to premium brands at a lower cost
While not meant for cold or wet conditions, the Cleo Elite performs admirably as a lightweight 3-season jacket. It nails the perfect summertime balance for women riders looking for breathability and protection. Considering its smart safety features and cooling comfort, this Joe Rocket jacket proves a worthy investment for warmer-weather motorcycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this jacket fit women of all sizes?
Yes, the Cleo Elite comes in sizes from XSmall through 2X and includes extensive adjustment options to customize the fit. It’s designed to flatter a woman’s shape while accommodating a wide range of builds.
Is this a fully waterproof jacket?
The outer shell is water-resistant but not fully waterproof since it contains breathable mesh panels. However, the included rain liner blocks wind and water when zipped in, so you can ride in light rain. For heavy rain, you’d need a separate rainsuit.
Does the armor restrict movement?
Joe Rocket designed the armor to allow natural flexibility without bunching or binding. The stretch panels further prevent any limitations in motion.
How does the sizing compare to other brands?
Joe Rocket jackets tend to run true to size. If you already know your size in Icon, Roland Sands Design, or other moto brands, the Cleo Elite should fit comparably. Refer to the size chart for specific measurements.
Is this jacket safe for highway/freeway riding?
The Cleo Elite provides adequate abrasion resistance and impact protection for highway speeds. The armor and reinforced panels guard vulnerable areas in a crash while the reflective details improve visibility.
Comparison Table: Joe Rocket Cleo Elite vs. Competition
| Jacket | Armor | Waterproof Liner | Fit | Airflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Rocket Cleo Elite | Shoulders/Elbows | Yes | Women’s cut | Max |
| Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 | Shoulders/Elbows/Back | Yes | Unisex | Moderate |
| Dainese Lady Air | Shoulders/Elbows | No | Women’s cut | Max |
| REV’IT! Sand 3 | Shoulders/Elbows | Yes | Women’s cut | High |
The Right Summer Mesh Jacket Boosts Comfort and Safety
The Joe Rocket Cleo Elite strikes an ideal balance of cooling airflow and protective features for summer riding. While mesh jackets require some weather compromises, they can make sweltering rides much more enjoyable.
This jacket’s abundant airflow, tailored fit, and safety details checked all the boxes she was looking for in warm-weather gear.
After logging miles in the Cleo Elite this past summer, my wife is thrilled to finally ride in comfort without baking alive.
For women looking for a versatile Kings Motorcycle Gear - mesh moto jacket, the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite deserves strong consideration. Ride protected, ride cool, and ride in style.
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