I have the grey version of the Armada Pro (both jacket and pants) even though I also ride a KTM (790 Adventure R). I've tried it in pouring rain as well as sunny days at 30 degrees Celsius, and it works perfectly. I don't know if you've noticed it, but the inside zipper at the front of the jacket is meant to be used when it's really hot (no point in closing it otherwise); it's sewn onto mesh fabric, so when you only close that zipper you will get ventilation covering the full front of the jacket. I love my suit, and in my opinion it's better than my old Klim Badlands (haven't tried newer Klims though). My only gripe is I can't use the zipper closure at the legs while wearing my Alpinestars Toucan boots (my calves are too wide), but the velcro closure works pretty good. I'm a bit worried how that will hold up to all grime and dirt though. All in all, for me this is the one suit to rule them all (at least for now), due the the competitive pricing (compared to Rukka or Klim) and features.
I did not think to try that with the main zipper! Thanks for the heads up. I may get the trousers nearer to winter (if I can afford them). Glad you're liking the suit though!
Given the amount of ventilation the Richa Armada GTX has, how does it do in the heat of summer (32 and up degrees Celsius)? A very comprehensive video review, thank you, Tim.
Hopefully Richa (and/or insert alternative brand here) hook you up next time and provide their riding wear, if not free, at a decent discount - it’s these types of real world reviews that help people make their choice. Thanks Tim.
If Richa start giving him kit they won't be 'real world reviews' any longer, will they? I completely disregard reviews from influencers who get given stuff for free. It's just a form of marketing.
I just bought this jacket and the matching pants today for 800 euros at a bike event. I'm watching this video afterwards now and good thing you like it, otherwise I would have serious buyers remorse because I've never spent that much money on motorcycle gear 😄
@@timrodierides Thank you :) Yeah, maybe it's an outgoing model? That bike event is the biggest in Finland and it always has amazing prices on gear. Bad thing is now that I have awesome gear the time between now and riding season might feel even longer :)
That's a good looking jacket. I've outgrown my current gear (or more accurately, my waist has outgrown my current gear). Although I'm not expecting to need to buy the replacements this year (for many reasons I'm 4 wheels only at the moment), I'm keeping an eye on what is out there in preparation for my hopeful return to 2 wheels next year (complete with a return to a smaller waist... Fingers crossed). I'm not sure I'll be spending that kind of money on a jacket this time around, but this video has at least highlighted features that I'm really hoping to find on my next jacket. Those magnets instead of poppers, for instance.
Great video. I am just about to pull the plug on this jacket. Any updates I should know before buying? All still going well and keeping you dry? Cheers. Jason.
Great timing! I still wear it on almost every ride. I've just come back from a short tour of Europe and it rained harder than I've ever experienced on the last day. A proper three-hour soaking in Belgium with 15 mins of the hardest rain I've ever ridden in! Jacket kept me bone dry, I got a slightly wet bottom of my t-shirt where my waterproof overtrousers didn't quite meet my jacket. But that isn't the jacket's fault! It's comfy, super waterproof, vents work well up to about 25-30C. Just a bit heavy! It's quite heavily discounted at the moment though, so I'd still recommend it.
Excellent. Yes on offer for £769 at the moment. And there is a pair of new trousers in my size locally for £250. Fingers crossed that will stop me from getting a wet arse. Thanks for the reply. 👍🏼
@tim rodie rides motorbikes Tim you are the same build as me to a T 6"3 then between 98-100kg. Did you get the standard XL version or the tall version?
I suspect that depends on how much use you give them. I had a (top price) gtx Hein Gericke jacket that lasted over 10 years before the fabric "glue" started failing and the outer/inner shell started separating. I wasn't using it that often tbh. As long as the structure (eg seams) of the jacket isn't damaged, not sure why a fall would stop it being usable.
I usually get about 5 years out of a textile jacket with weekly use. It’s things like stitching and Velcro that start to wear. Touch wood I’ve never fallen off…
You don't need Rukka. In the Netherlands we joke about it and call it Rukker wich means wanker. The alternatives are almost or just as good but a bit cheaper. Richa is a decent brand. I currently own a IXS suit and looking around for a Goretex suit. The Richa Atacama and the Modeka PanAmericana II are on my mind.
Having commented a bit recently on your posts, I’m at clear risk of appearing just a standard gobsh#te, but I thought I’d risk that and comment again. Directly after watching this I went looking for non leather breathable hot weather kit, that would work well on my husky 701, and multi V4s in the med…… and the problem I came up against, just as I’ve found with other cool kit, such as a husky FE350, or quality telescope gear (look up lead times on televue eye pieces etc) and new iPhones….is a supply problem. I’ve even tried to buy a new Arai tour 4 lid in the last few weeks…… and can I get one?? Can I heckers like! 😃 I wonder if this is why TH-cam reviews viewing figures seem to be dipping after covid, cos you just can’t get the kit.
Possibly! Also I think consumer confidence is just down massively what with *waves around at the world*. Thanks for watching though - you're definitely not a gobshite!
@@timrodierides true. Without going all “politics”, I’m wondering if those with cash are still spending and those without have stopped. The lead times on a pikes peak are bonkers, same with boats and campers (probably because folk still want to holiday with a social distance), and second hand 4x4’s in France are ridiculously expensive. You’ll know better than me on cars, but even a ten year old shogun is asking silly money and the prices are still rising (I saved €10k by buying a UK one with much lower mileage). But matey who wants a new pair of gloves, or to get his car serviced, is maybe tightening his belt, and I guess it’s gradually working it’s way up the scale. But hey, Asda took 5p off their fuel today, so it’s calming down 👍
Lol, by fook you were brave lobbing it on the grass in a layby!!...I'd guarantee if that were a northern layby it'd have landed in dog turd or 3 and a used jonny full of Rotherham man fat....
That's damned expensive. Yes Rukka are more but it's getting ridiculous. Not much of a looker either. Couldn't justify the sums people pay on gear. If they're not bought the manufacturers will have to have a serious rethink about providing better value. It's a no from me.
Yeah, it is a lot of money. Depends how much riding in the rain you do, really. When I was commuting by bike I really valued being able to stay bone dry in work clothes underneath a jacket…
@@timrodierides yeah I get that. And if you do ride many miles in all weathers you may consider the jacket a godsend. For those on a budget look elsewhere is all I'm saying.
@@richard.c3901 absolutely! If you’re on a budget you’re probably not looking at a £1k jacket though. And yeah, you can get laminated GTX for about £550 now, which is almost… democratisation of waterproofness
![Gore-Tex vs Layers [Membranes] | Which is Better for Long Motorcycle Trips?](/img/n.gif)
I have the grey version of the Armada Pro (both jacket and pants) even though I also ride a KTM (790 Adventure R). I've tried it in pouring rain as well as sunny days at 30 degrees Celsius, and it works perfectly. I don't know if you've noticed it, but the inside zipper at the front of the jacket is meant to be used when it's really hot (no point in closing it otherwise); it's sewn onto mesh fabric, so when you only close that zipper you will get ventilation covering the full front of the jacket.
I love my suit, and in my opinion it's better than my old Klim Badlands (haven't tried newer Klims though). My only gripe is I can't use the zipper closure at the legs while wearing my Alpinestars Toucan boots (my calves are too wide), but the velcro closure works pretty good. I'm a bit worried how that will hold up to all grime and dirt though.
All in all, for me this is the one suit to rule them all (at least for now), due the the competitive pricing (compared to Rukka or Klim) and features.
I did not think to try that with the main zipper! Thanks for the heads up. I may get the trousers nearer to winter (if I can afford them). Glad you're liking the suit though!
Tnx
Given the amount of ventilation the Richa Armada GTX has, how does it do in the heat of summer (32 and up degrees Celsius)? A very comprehensive video review, thank you, Tim.
Hopefully Richa (and/or insert alternative brand here) hook you up next time and provide their riding wear, if not free, at a decent discount - it’s these types of real world reviews that help people make their choice. Thanks Tim.
If Richa start giving him kit they won't be 'real world reviews' any longer, will they? I completely disregard reviews from influencers who get given stuff for free. It's just a form of marketing.
Nice jacket but I got the Dane Nimbus gore tex pro and it was only £600 wore it through winter and kept me dry and warm.
I was looking at Dane - glad you’re getting on with it. Maybe that’ll be my next forever jacket 😂
I just bought this jacket and the matching pants today for 800 euros at a bike event. I'm watching this video afterwards now and good thing you like it, otherwise I would have serious buyers remorse because I've never spent that much money on motorcycle gear 😄
€800 for both?! That’s an absolute bargain! Hope they bring you many miles of (dry) happiness!
@@timrodierides Thank you :) Yeah, maybe it's an outgoing model? That bike event is the biggest in Finland and it always has amazing prices on gear. Bad thing is now that I have awesome gear the time between now and riding season might feel even longer :)
That's a good looking jacket. I've outgrown my current gear (or more accurately, my waist has outgrown my current gear). Although I'm not expecting to need to buy the replacements this year (for many reasons I'm 4 wheels only at the moment), I'm keeping an eye on what is out there in preparation for my hopeful return to 2 wheels next year (complete with a return to a smaller waist... Fingers crossed).
I'm not sure I'll be spending that kind of money on a jacket this time around, but this video has at least highlighted features that I'm really hoping to find on my next jacket. Those magnets instead of poppers, for instance.
I wish I saw this before I bought my Revit jacket but maybe in the future,
There is no word for waistcoat in Belgian and you know it Roadie ya trickster!
Splendid!
Great video. I am just about to pull the plug on this jacket. Any updates I should know before buying? All still going well and keeping you dry?
Cheers. Jason.
Great timing! I still wear it on almost every ride. I've just come back from a short tour of Europe and it rained harder than I've ever experienced on the last day. A proper three-hour soaking in Belgium with 15 mins of the hardest rain I've ever ridden in! Jacket kept me bone dry, I got a slightly wet bottom of my t-shirt where my waterproof overtrousers didn't quite meet my jacket. But that isn't the jacket's fault! It's comfy, super waterproof, vents work well up to about 25-30C. Just a bit heavy! It's quite heavily discounted at the moment though, so I'd still recommend it.
Excellent. Yes on offer for £769 at the moment. And there is a pair of new trousers in my size locally for £250. Fingers crossed that will stop me from getting a wet arse.
Thanks for the reply.
👍🏼
Looks a little tight... :)
I have the cheaper Richa Atlantic laminated GTX jacket, which so far I like too.
@@TheRealYorkshireman Jesus man
Haha thanks. Good for the ego, this. Yeah I was looking at the Atlantic too - a friend loves his one.
@tim rodie rides motorbikes Tim you are the same build as me to a T 6"3 then between 98-100kg. Did you get the standard XL version or the tall version?
I’m pretty sure it was the standard version - the tall version only appeared in the catalogue after I ordered it!
How long do riding jackets typically last and do you have to replace them like I've heard you do when you fall and your helmet hits?
I suspect that depends on how much use you give them. I had a (top price) gtx Hein Gericke jacket that lasted over 10 years before the fabric "glue" started failing and the outer/inner shell started separating. I wasn't using it that often tbh.
As long as the structure (eg seams) of the jacket isn't damaged, not sure why a fall would stop it being usable.
@@gardeni oh that's terrible. But i agree, regular usage is the best for keeping something from simply falling apart.
I usually get about 5 years out of a textile jacket with weekly use. It’s things like stitching and Velcro that start to wear. Touch wood I’ve never fallen off…
@@timrodierides well that's a good run then! It makes the investment worth while
i'm oot - jacket's dearer than my zx9r
French is gilet...for waistcoat...couldn,t find the Flemish...
I'll take it!
You don't need Rukka. In the Netherlands we joke about it and call it Rukker wich means wanker. The alternatives are almost or just as good but a bit cheaper. Richa is a decent brand. I currently own a IXS suit and looking around for a Goretex suit. The Richa Atacama and the Modeka PanAmericana II are on my mind.
I'd like to see a Tim and 44teeth team up.
Me too 😂
@@timrodierides fingers crossed!!
Bugger that's expensive, but looks great and if it last years money we'll spent.
That’s what I told the bank manager…
How much would be a budget for jacket/pants after 15000-20000 € spent on bike with panniers?
Start with new bikes like BMW R1250GS or KTM 1290 SA
I love it but it costs more than my bike 😆
As jackets go
Fab
But that’s too big for you
Needs to be smug to be safe
Deff need to go down a size
In the intervening years since I filmed this I’ve eaten a lot of pork pies and it’s no longer a problem
Having commented a bit recently on your posts, I’m at clear risk of appearing just a standard gobsh#te, but I thought I’d risk that and comment again.
Directly after watching this I went looking for non leather breathable hot weather kit, that would work well on my husky 701, and multi V4s in the med…… and the problem I came up against, just as I’ve found with other cool kit, such as a husky FE350, or quality telescope gear (look up lead times on televue eye pieces etc) and new iPhones….is a supply problem. I’ve even tried to buy a new Arai tour 4 lid in the last few weeks…… and can I get one?? Can I heckers like! 😃
I wonder if this is why TH-cam reviews viewing figures seem to be dipping after covid, cos you just can’t get the kit.
Possibly! Also I think consumer confidence is just down massively what with *waves around at the world*. Thanks for watching though - you're definitely not a gobshite!
@@timrodierides true. Without going all “politics”, I’m wondering if those with cash are still spending and those without have stopped. The lead times on a pikes peak are bonkers, same with boats and campers (probably because folk still want to holiday with a social distance), and second hand 4x4’s in France are ridiculously expensive. You’ll know better than me on cars, but even a ten year old shogun is asking silly money and the prices are still rising (I saved €10k by buying a UK one with much lower mileage). But matey who wants a new pair of gloves, or to get his car serviced, is maybe tightening his belt, and I guess it’s gradually working it’s way up the scale.
But hey, Asda took 5p off their fuel today, so it’s calming down 👍
Did they not have them in your size…🎈
They ran out of Xes
This seems like 10mins of justification for spending so much on one garment, that your offspring will have to eat cold beans (not Heinz) for months 😀
You’ve seen straight through me!
HOW MUCH. Will they take a good kidney in part exchange 🤔
Lol, by fook you were brave lobbing it on the grass in a layby!!...I'd guarantee if that were a northern layby it'd have landed in dog turd or 3 and a used jonny full of Rotherham man fat....
Rotherham man fat 😂 most people in Surrey are of a certain age so it’d just be full of dust
Would of looked mega with a dab of toothpaste down the front !!!
I’ll do a Gore-Tex vs Colgate test next
@@timrodierides your human man ..I love ya for it ..
That's damned expensive. Yes Rukka are more but it's getting ridiculous. Not much of a looker either. Couldn't justify the sums people pay on gear. If they're not bought the manufacturers will have to have a serious rethink about providing better value.
It's a no from me.
Yeah, it is a lot of money. Depends how much riding in the rain you do, really. When I was commuting by bike I really valued being able to stay bone dry in work clothes underneath a jacket…
@@timrodierides yeah I get that. And if you do ride many miles in all weathers you may consider the jacket a godsend. For those on a budget look elsewhere is all I'm saying.
@@richard.c3901 absolutely! If you’re on a budget you’re probably not looking at a £1k jacket though. And yeah, you can get laminated GTX for about £550 now, which is almost… democratisation of waterproofness