Posted by Brian on 2/15/2012
to BOMBER Recommended
 
 
Axo Stone Image Gallery: atomic-moto.com/axo_stone_pics
Rugged Fabric - Dual sport and enduro jackets get abused. They get scraped by brush and manzanita, dropped on the ground, stuffed into themselves (sleeves) and into gearbags, used as seats / blankets, and occasionally crashed on. The Stone is made with a nice, heavy MX pant style heavy nylon that is durable and resistant. (Note: the previous AXO enduro jacket used a fabric that we felt was too light, and we hounded AXO to improve this. They listened.).
NON-Waterproof - We greatly prefer non-waterproof construction for dual sport and enduro use. In physical riding, waterproof construction traps too much heat, which leads to misery. The Stone's non-waterproof construction, removable collar, and removable sleeves are terrific for ventilation. Wear it assembled, or without the sleeves, or without the sleeves and collar as a vest. The Stone is comfortable in temps from 40 degrees or less, up to 80 or perhaps more.
Fit - DS and Enduro jackets should NOT have a "fitted" cut. Instead, they should fit a little loose to allow wearing over many types of armor, and to easily flow air underneath. They should have clever shaping at the shoulders, so you get lots of movement, and have many places to cinch then down when you need. Proper DS / enduro jacket fit is a strange blend of looseness and adjustability, and the Stone NAILS IT.
With OR without Armor - The Stone comes with CE approved Powertector armor at the shoulders and elbows, for convenient use. It is also cut loose enough to wear over a pressure suit, for maximum protection. Wear it either way.
Great Ventilation - The Stone has 6 vents. They are medium in size, but they are cleverly placed to work with a backpack or hydration pack in place. BUT the Killer app of the Stone is the removable Leatt collar, a feature we adore. The ability to take this off in summer and have airflow around the neck is fantastic.
Lots of Pockets - The Stone has 6 front pockets, 1 internal pocket, and 1 large rear pocket. If you need more pockets than this thing has, seek professional help.
Leatt Compatible Enduro Jacket - The Stone is a fully Leatt compatible enduro jacket. In fact, it works with any neck brace.
Other Details - The Stone comes with a pouch on the OUTSIDE rear to hold a water bladder. This is where it should be, and shows AXO is thinking. It has lots of adjusters and cinches for, well, adjusting and cinching. The styling of it is a super cool blend of Dakar, enduro, MX, and a bit of class. It has lots of well placed reflective trim for visibility. It has a piece that can be zipped to pants. Probably other stuff too.
Sizing - The Stone sizing
can accurately be described as "true to size" (a phrase we hate). Our aging microbrew-and-barbecue-lovin' Lead BOMBER is 6', 223 lbs, with a 46" chest, and wore a 2XL both with and without armor. For reference, the chest 1/2 circumference measurement on the AXO Stone 2XL measures 27.75" across, at the base of the armhole.
BOMBER Summary - We see plenty of off road jackets and even more overweight touring jackets pitched by fake-tan city shysters for "dual sport". The BOMBER truth is that this is The Best among a very small number of jackets purpose-built for dual sport and enduro riding. It nails a very complex formula that few designers seem to grasp, and nails it perfectly. Just like your dual sport bike, yhe Axo Stone Jacket can do it all, and is our #1 BOMBER Recommended Dual Sport Jacket.
More info here: atomic-moto.com/axo_stone
Axo Stone Image Gallery: atomic-moto.com/axo_stone_pics
Thanks for reading.
Tom Golden Date 4/10/2012 6:28:12 PM
I got out for my first ride this past weekend with my new AXO Stone jacket.... and I loved it. The temp was a bit cool (around 9 degrees Celcius), so I wore a jersey and a light fleece layer under it. I was more than comfy on the road section, and undid the front zipper on the trail to stay well vented. I really like the longer cut arms on it, and found it the be light and unrestrictive. Good quality, nice fit, and a ton of pockets and vents. Really glad That I bought one to replace my old jack
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