With all the black leather out there, I perked up when I saw the Rogue jacket from Icon. Its made of an abrasion resistant denim cotton, and is available in dark blue and black. The brown Im wearing is discontinued for 2008, although you may find one from the 2007 inventory. The Rogue is lightweight – definitely meant for warmer days. I opened up the wrist zippers when it got really hot to let the air flow through it. It has no padding inside just a smooth cotton liner.
There is CE-approved armor fitted into the elbows and shoulders, with an additional spine pad in the back of the jacket. All are removable if you dont like how they feel. They did not restrict my movement so I kept them all in. There are two zippered air vents on the front doubling as breast pockets. Theyre roomy enough to fit an energy bar. The only other pocket is inside. The Rogue doesnt have lower front “hand warmer” pockets like a lot of jackets do because there wasnt any room due to the design; the bottom part of the jacket zips off creating a crop jacket a style thats pretty popular these days.
The Rogue looks cute in the crop style; only problem is it felt really tight with the armor in and I think I look Im wearing football shoulder armor on underneath. The squared shoulder effect is really pronounced when the bottom of the jacket is zipped off. When I want to wear the crop style, Ill remove the armor so its more comfortable, and just wear the jacket for fashion purposes, off the bike.
The spine pad runs the length of the back so a large piece of it still remains intact on your upper back when you zip off the bottom. You also have to remove the belt when wearing the crop style because theres too much slack in the belt when theres not much material to cinch.
I really like the styling of the Rogue simple with black leather patches on the shoulder and elbows. Two cute “I” patches I standing for icon are stitched on the front and left arm. The waist belt is more fashion than function giving the jacket a smart look. The end of the belt flaps in the wind when riding. Maybe some Velcro could be added to secure the end of the belt to itself.
The jacket secures with buttons, not a zipper. Buttons take a little longer than a zipper to take the jacket on and off just something to note. Plus, because the jacket secures together off-center, there is an inside button to secure the underneath part of the jacket to the other half.
While this jacket doesnt work for all my riding needs, it is nice to have it in my motorcycling wardrobe for those warmer days when I want a little more style than a mesh jacket. I get tired of wearing traditional motorcycle jackets be it leather or textiles. I like the Rogue because it provides a break from the ordinary.
The Rogue retails for $250. Visit RideIcon.com to find a dealer near you and to see all the other gear available for women from Icon.
Just read your article on the Rogue jacket. I bought one a few months ago and I love it! It's great for those cool days/evenings and light enough to wear on a warm day. Anyway, just wanted to ask — did you miss the St. Christopher medal in the inside pocket. Icon is sewing them into their pockets for “rider's protection.” It would have taken me awhile to find it if my sales guy wouldn't have pointed it out.
Yes, I did see it. Icon is all about those little, special touches.