Roland Sands Seventy4 Paramount CE Jacket Review
Roland Sands is known for blending vintage style with modern protection. With a full-grain cowhide construction and CE-rated armor, the Paramount CE seemed ideal for my urban commutes and weekend cruising.
After months of testing, I’m ready to share my experience. But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the Kings Motorcycle Gear - Best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Roland Sands Seventy4 Paramount CE Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Premium full-grain leather
- CE-rated protection included
- Stylish vintage motorcycle jacket
An Overview of the Roland Sands Paramount CE Jacket
The Paramount CE jacket has an MSRP of $360 and is constructed from full-grain cowhide leather. It features CE-rated armor at the shoulders and elbows for impact protection. The jacket also has a removable thermal liner to help extend its wear into cooler weather.
Some other notable features include:
- Multiple intake and exhaust vents for airflow
- Zippered chest pocket
- Interior pocket for concealed carry
- Reflective piping details
Sizing
I tested a size large that comfortably fits my 220-pound, 6-foot frame. The leather has some natural give to it and will break in over time. Roland Sands offers this leather motorcycle jacket in sizes XS through 4XL.
Testing the Protection and Armor
Safety is my top priority with any riding gear. The Paramount CE jacket instilled confidence with its rugged, full-grain leather construction and included CE-rated armor.
The SAS-TEC armor at the shoulders and elbows is CE Level 1 certified. Kings Motorcycle Gear - his rigid armor does a better job of retaining its shape compared to Kings Motorcycle Gear - some soft armor types. During my testing, the armor stayed put exactly where it should be for maximum impact protection.
The 1.2mm thick full-grain cowhide leather also provides excellent abrasion resistance. This leather is thick enough to hold up in a slide while remaining pliable for comfort. Leather quality and thickness can vary greatly between brands, but Roland Sands uses a premium-grade hide.
To fully protect the rider, I would like to see the Paramount offer the option to connect it to riding pants via zippers at the waist.
This helps close the gap between jackets and pants during a crash. However, the drop tail hem effectively covers the lower back when riding.
Ventilation and Weather Protection
One of my slight concerns with the Paramount CE is heat management during the hottest summer riding. The jacket has intake vents across the chest and exhaust vents along the sides. However, airflow is limited compared to Kings Motorcycle Gear - mesh or perforated leather options.
The included thermal liner provides a bit of insulation for cooler weather. With the liner installed, I was comfortable riding in the 50s Fahrenheit.
For maximum cold weather performance, you may need to layer a hooded base layer or heated gear underneath.
Overall, I feel the Paramount CE is best suited for spring, fall, and mild summer riding. In warmer weather, the leather can get steamy when sitting at stoplights. The jacket offers decent airflow while moving but less ventilation than many mesh leather jackets.
Breaking In the Leather
As expected, the Paramount felt snug during the initial rides—the hallmark of a premium leather motorcycle jacket. The leather loosened up nicely over my testing period.
After about 500 miles of break-in, the Paramount now feels like a custom-fit glove. The sleeves allow a full range of motion without binding or limitations. Lean-forward riding positions are accommodated without the jacket pulling uncomfortably.
The leather conforms nicely to the rider’s shape. I anticipate the hide becoming even softer and the fit more personalized over the next few months of wear. Roland Sands’ full-grain cowhide will break into a second skin for riders that log big miles.
Riding Comfort and Functional Features
Once fully broken in, the Paramount CE remains comfortable even during multi-hour rides. The collar has a smooth finish that doesn’t chafe the neck. The zippered cuffs don’t dig into wrists while riding.
I appreciate the large zipper pull at the front closure, which allows easy unzipping and re-zipping with gloves on. The sleeve cuffs are also easy to unzip for ventilation when needed.
The two zippered hand pockets are nicely positioned. They provide warming or storage without bulk near the waist. I typically carry my phone, wallet, and keys in these pockets.
Style and Overall Impressions
The Paramount CE exudes a classic, vintage café racer style that turns heads when rolling up to biker hangouts or cruise nights. It has a timeless look that will remain stylish for years to come.
Roland Sands designed this jacket to hit the sweet spot between protecting and looking good. For riders that want the protection of leather without the “power ranger” race suit look, the Paramount fits the bill.
The removable liner allows you to wear the jacket year-round while maintaining a streamlined silhouette. I also like the use of reflective piping details for increased nighttime visibility.
Considering the premium materials, armor, and construction, the Paramount CE provides excellent value at this price point. It stacks up nicely against competing brands costing $100 to $200 more.
Who is the Paramount CE Best Suited For?
The Paramount CE hits a great value, style, and protection balance attractive to many riders, including:
- Café racers
- Harley riders
- Vintage motorcycle enthusiasts
- Riders seeking premium leather
- Those valuing form and function
It’s perhaps not the perfect choice for:
- Motocross or adventure riding (too heavy)
- Hot summer riding (limited airflow)
- Tall/big riders (only up to size 4XL)
But the Paramount CE is tough to beat for stylish urban commuting or weekend cruising. It provides ample protection and armored coverage without an excessive race suit appearance.
The Bottom Line
The Roland Sands Paramount CE is worth considering for riders seeking a quality leather motorcycle jacket with classic styling. I was impressed by the premium details and value at this price point.
While not as ventilated as some textile/mesh jackets, the Paramount provides ample protection and armored coverage for street riding. Its full-grain leather will also develop a custom fit and patina over time.
After logging hundreds of break-in miles, I can confidently recommend the Paramount CE jacket to fellow riders. It delivers iconic style, protection, and value at an attractive mid-range price point.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Paramount CE Jacket
What type of riding is the Paramount CE jacket best suited for?
With its leather construction and armor, the Paramount CE is ideal for cruising, standard riding, or urban commuting. It’s on the heavier side for off-road, adventure, or racing disciplines.
Does the jacket run true to size?
Yes, the Paramount CE jacket runs true to size. I recommend ordering based on Roland Sands’ size chart for the best fit. The leather does break in over time.
How long does it take to break in the leather?
Expect at least 100-200 miles of riding to break in the leather jacket. After 500-1000 miles, it should conform nicely to your shape.
Is the Paramount CE jacket waterproof?
No, the Paramount CE is not waterproof. You’ll need to apply a leather protectant to help repel water. For serious rain protection, a separate rain liner or over-jacket is recommended.
How is the nighttime visibility?
Reflective piping details at the sleeves and back help improve visibility after dark. But a reflective vest is recommended when riding at night for maximum reflectivity.
Does the jacket have a connection zipper to the pants?
Unfortunately, there is no zipper connection system to riding pants. The jacket provides good coverage for street riding when worn over pants.
How does the sizing run for the Paramount CE?
The jacket runs very true to size. I recommend ordering based on the size chart and considering any layering for a precise fit.
Conclusion
The Roland Sands Paramount CE jacket offers an impressive blend of value, protection, and heritage styling.
While not perfect for hot summer riding, it remains comfortable for moderate weather and excels in shoulder season temps.
The premium full-grain leather will only get better with mileage as it conforms to your shape. For riders looking for armored coverage without the race replica look, the Paramount CE is sure to please.
It provides ample amenities and technology without compromising on timeless vintage style.
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