Stadler starts off with Cordura 500, for it’s characteristics include outstanding wear and tear protection… combined with water resistance. To insure all-weather protection, they sew in a waterproof membrane (StaTex), and add a zipper removable polyester liner.

Looking at ergonomics, there is one small pocket on the inside, and three on the outside (two at waist level, one up high on the left chest. The exterior pockets have weatherproof Velcro-secured flaps, as well as zippers on the pocket opening which keep your belongings where they should be. Velcro adjustable collar and lower openings, Velcro adjustable waist and zipper and Velcro adjustable sleeves give a proper fit to all body styles.

This jacket is more than pretty… it features built-in crash protection by way of "Suprotect" soft armor in the shoulders, elbows and middle/lower back. Unlike most hard armor, this stuff conforms to your bodies shape, and gives a really comfortable ride with an added level of safety.

The front zipper struck me a bit on the bizarre side at first, because it opens and closes at a slight diagonal angle across your chest. I guess that’s just how they do it over in Europe, and after wearing it a few times… I forgot it was anything different.

After riding through a snowy mountain, hot and windy desert, and many miles up the coast in "average" 70-degree California weather, I am very impressed at how well this jacket blocks the wind, and gives all weather comfort. I took the liner out at about 65 degrees, and the jacket was very comfortable from there on up. Really though… who wants a jacket on once it’s 80-degrees?!?! Lack of venting, and this jackets long length, make it something I would not grab on a hot summer day, however any other time this would be a first choice.

Overall, this jacket is a great product. My only gripe is that, on my body, the belt tended to ride a bit higher then I feel comfortable with. When resting on the bike, it rode just below my rib cage, so I always felt that it needed to be pulled down. This is not a huge deal though… and would not prevent me from buying it.