XDI X1 Hydraseal Jacket Review
December 30, 2016
XDI X1 Hydraseal Jacket Review
Why wear a riding jacket?
The primary purpose of any off the shelf-riding jacket is to protect its occupant in the event of a crash. This piece of apparel is the embodiment of certified protectors or armors, wrapped in a fabric purpose built with utility pockets and in some case with layers to withstand the extreme oddities that Mother Nature so generously doles out from time to time.
About Xtreme Dynamics Inc. – our point of view
From what is known about its founders, is that this is a brand built by motorcyclists for motorcyclists. After all, who better knows a motorcyclist than a fellow motorcyclist. While the world media and its surrogates would submit their arguments based on class, type, style and other biases the 1st looks of the X1 has the potential to please everyone from a scooter to a plus litre class rider, be it a sport, adventure, cruiser or any design of petrol guzzling 2 wheelers. With a long term plan for a purpose built vehicle already in the pipeline I needed a riding jacket to not just be the part but also look the part. Stay in the limelight while also being in the shadows. Be “out there” without being too loud.
WHY XDI??
There are some of you reading this running this thought, it was already long overdue how long could it be? A ready made suit is made in a day, however a designer one will need time. All this to blend in every aspect of the fabric and elements of the occupant to deliver a style statement. Now it is not everyday premise where you see a fellow rider and want that classy piece of apparel. When asked about the rain protection, I was sold on the fact that an additional raincoat wasn’t needed. While the monsoon isn’t my favourite season to ride, its after effects of soaking up the rain is a concern. Thus I was off to Probiker Helmets to learn more and tryout the XDI X1.
The XDI X1 is a 3 layered jacket:
- The Cordura-mesh out shell
- The waterproof liner
- The thermal liner
Waterproof Liner
The waterproof liner while at the outset has nothing interesting to write home about at the outset, indeed the motorcyclist who worked upon its design tucked in a layer to keep the extreme water and cold from penetrating through its outer shell from the zippers. Unlike most others, they took care to strategically place fasteners in two different colours on the cuffs that make it easily accessible for even the laziest of the lot! Since the rain liner is typically the Firewall it appears to be more than a rain cover (yes it does sport a waterproof zipper!) that a liner and that is the kind of design that keeps the need for a duck back raincoat. Imagine flaunting a designer suit while stepping out of a sports car unscathed of the weather conditions to the extent of not needing an umbrella.
Thermal Liner
The thermal liner undoubtedly is my favourite part of the conversation. Not because the manufacturers hash-tagged #RIDEEXTREME, but also because of its utility. The fleece layer is not only well cemented on to the rain liner from cuff to cuff, it also offers two utility pocket of varied dimensions. The one to the right side is a flap pocket small enough to house a feature phone, extra loose change or supplies. The one on the left is large enough to accommodate a 20,000 MAH power bank. Just in case you the rider is concerned about a discharged situation while touring. The pocket square can also house documents that may needed frequently without having to dig in even to a tank bag.
The XDI X1 Hydraseal jacket names itself sounds like a car that define power yet class. Minimalist yet sophisticated. Well it sure does!
Here are a few points:
A slim fit design
XDI X1 Hydraseal Jacket is minimalist and still carries the reflectors in the right places. Until buying the jacket, all I believed I needed was a Hi-Viz vest too. However the X1’s rear reflectors took care of that as well.
Fasteners
The XDI X1 Hydraseal Jacket has eight Velcro fasteners that retain the jacket to its rider. Their primary function is to keep it from puffing out. The X1 has three fasteners on each sleeve-
- one on the arm
- one on the hand
- and the last one by the cuff.
The fastener on the cuff has been designed keeping in mind regulation airflow. The rider can either restrict air or allow it to enter thanks to the fastener on the cuffs. And then we have one on each side of the waist to buckle the jacket in – all of them easy to access even with your gloves on!
zippers
Except for the top left pocket, all the other zippers have tails. This allows easy access without removing the gloves. The design of the cuffs keeps the tails from jutting out. Also, it eliminates the resultant buzz at all speeds and environments – be it day or night.
All three of the zippered pockets – the chest pocket and the side pocket are made of water resistant material. The look and feel is similar to the rain liner. We will let the next drop of water do the talking. The inner pocket is neatly perched just above the waist. And, pretty much provides you with the same convenience as the pocket on the thermal liner.
Cordura
The Cordura mesh combination allows for ample airflow during warm climates. That too, with you having to sweat it out. Typically some jackets with this mix have a tendency to fry the rider at times, in case if gets too hot!
The metal alloy protectors on the shoulders are reminiscent to the bull guards of an SUV and indeed are as tough as they look.
Armour
Unlike most manufacturers in its price segment, Xtreme Dynamics Inc has taken opted for lightweight armors. This indeed, is a good call on their part. It aids to the slim fit design and keeps the jacket from sagging from any angle. Even, when using a backpack or a tank bag the back protector does not protrude.
The connecting zipper that attaches the jacket to its riding pant seems to be norm with most manufacturers that also offers riding pants off its shelves.
The journey so far..
Inaugural ride –
The inaugural ride was a solo ride to Surat, Gujarat during Diwali. It made crossing through the oddities on Mumbai’s weather a breeze. Usually, this is where the liners go off. However it was all the more comfortable while I was averaging 70 kmph on the way out, since the bikes engine was overhauled. On the return trip, which was done in 8 hours and 3 short stops. At panvel I had to lose the liners in order to combat the midday heat. Nevertheless, even at speeds up to 130kmph it did not flutter.
Trail offroad riding –
A few short trips which included an off-road trail with a fellow rider. Incidentally he is also is a proud owner of the XDI X1. Whoever said that a sporty jacket could not be worn while on a off-road trail, I guess was wearing sweatshirt!!
Cold Climate –
To simulate a Ladakh like scenario wherein one would wear additional thermals, on a ride to Bhimashankar the jacket held its own even with the “Hoodie” within. So yes, the jacket is LADAKH READY.
Photos
Now the reader awaits photographs, that wait will have to be a bit longer as this jacket was meant for use on a bigger, faster sports tourer. Hence a pre –ride test was important to analyse and provide any feedback if necessary. After all the plan is to DOMINATE THE NIGHT …
Vote of thanks
The XDI X1 Hydraseal Jacket was bought from Probiker Helmets and Accessories, Pune. We do thank you for your assistance and customer service rendered while finalising the product.
Last but not the least Xtreme Dynamics Inc. A word of appreciation for bringing out this product that understands the needs of a tourer.
