RST Pro Series Ventilator XT review

RST Pro Series Ventilator XT review: When you ride a bike, you are usually either too hot, or too cold. DAVID HOOPER tries out this RST suit which offers ventilation when it’s warm, and waterproof liners when it’s not.

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle for any amount of time will know all too well that you are usually either too hot, or too cold, and there is rarely a happy medium, however, RST, the well-known maker of motorcycle clothing, boots and accessories has a potential answer in the form of this RST Pro Series Ventilator XT outfit.

The clue is in the name, or at least the ventilated bit of it, because it is a combination of mesh and fabric, which allows the rider to get some air flow through the suit in warm weather, or when the liners are fitted, it becomes an all-weather suit, which is reasonably waterproof.

It is a very smart looking outfit with stretch panels around the knees and adjustments on the sleeves to prevent it flapping in the breeze.

The jacket and trouser elements of the suit can be zipped together for better security should the worst happen and it comes with full CE protection, which includes shoulder, arm and back protectors which saves you the cost of having to buy them separately.

The waterproof liners zip in and out easily and quickly, and could be done mid ride if the weather takes a turn for the worse while you’re out on your bike.

The jacket liner zips inside the main jacket, while a further blue zip brings the liner’s two halves together, before hook and loop strips join together to conceal the zip and provide even more protection from the wind.

Similarly, the trousers have an internal liner which zips into place around the waist and also at the ankles.

It is a good system and reasonably quick to zip together or take apart, but only time will tell how robust the zips are after regular use, but being RST, I would hope they are made to last!

The Pro Series Ventilator XT outfit comes in various sizes and colours, including the green and black reviewed here and a particularly smart silver colour, as well as in an full black colour scheme.

The whole outfit seems to be of good quality which is reflected in the mid-range price points for the suit – check the website for the latest prices or to order your RST biking gear.

For more information visit the RST website at www.rst-moto.com.

Don’t miss our review of the RST Pathfinder CE Mens Waterproof Boot.