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Brief Now I didn't need another leather jacket...but need is a relative term. When I saw the Icon Tuscadero I NEEDED it. While I usually deliberate over my purchases for a while (to the point that they are often discontinued), but when I saw the Tuscadero Jacket I placed my order on the spot. Overview The Tuscadero Ladies Jacket is a new addition to Icon's rapidly expanding women's line. A partially perforated leather dream with CE armor and fantastic fitment and style, I couldn't give it a more favorable review. After a couple of months with this baby I still can't find anything to complain about. Icon has hit the nail on the head with this one. Details I have been a fan of Icon products since they were introduced a few years back. The philosophy of taking gear from the track to the street is exactly what the average rider needed. Sadly, they had virtually nothing available for women until last year. This year they have expanded their women's line substantially and the Tuscadero leather jacket is just one of the many great women's specific jackets they have available. The Tuscadero was a perfect fit for me, which is lucky since I ordered it sight unseen. While the sizing on other women's Icon products might be questionable (read my Icon Ladies Jeans review), I would say that it is true in this case. I have broad shoulders for my size and had no problem with this jacket at all. This is NOT a resized man's jacket, this jacket was designed only for women. The styling is great for virtually any woman's shape since the structured style and slight flair at the hip give a flattering, feminine appearance to any wearer. The shoulders and outer arm have an embroidered quilting affect in the leather. The inside of the arms are perforated, but not just any perforation…oh no, THEY ARE STARS! Joy, joy! The leather is very sturdy and the jacket feels very substantial which is a confidence inspiring. The neckline has a very small mandarin collar which helps block a little bit of wind. On my Joe Rocket - Rocket 88 jacket the collar folds down and you can definitely feel the wind chill. I think the small collar is a nice addition and makes a difference on the road. There is a snap at the collar for a little detail, though I noted that when snapped it will choke me a bit when I am not in riding position. A full sleeve liner is always a must for me and this is no ordinary liner. Almost like a jacket unto itself it is thick and comfortable. In spite of the perforations in the shell, with the liner in place I was able to comfortably wear the jacket for winter riding. My favorite liner feature is the elastic cuffs. While this may seem a small thing, the cuff blocks a tremendous amount of wind which would normally make it right up your sleeve. This feature alone was enough to sell me since I run cold and need any additional insulation that I can get. The liner is a hassle to take in and out so you probably wouldn't want to be switching it very often. Since the jacket is perforated it doesn't have a lot of venting that you see in many other leather jackets. However, you can use the pockets as vents. The sleeves are zippered with snap closure and have a pre-curved arm. The seams are double stitched and there are some nice details like the simple metal icon logo on the sleeve. There is an inside zipper pocket that you can access even with the liner in since it was smartly placed by the zipper. Sadly, on women's jackets these inside pockets are not as useful since the space in the upper chest is, uh, already occupied. But hey, thanks for the thought! Thankfully, Icon has included CE level protection on their women's gear, something only found in Alpinestars until now. Joe Rocket, most notably, only uses dual density armor that provides much less protection. Replacement CE armor is about $40. Manufacturers have said that women don't like the discomfort of hard armor, well in this jacket there is no compromise. The Tuscadero is designed well enough that you cannot even tell that it has hard armor. All the way around this jacket wins in my book. The styling is great and I have had countless compliments on it since I got it. The comfort and protection level are great and with the perforations and full liner it extends it wearable season. Available in three colors Red/White, Black and White, they cover most of the major bases. The style is so nice, though, I would like to see them offer a few more color choices to take care of everyone. Sized from XS-XL they will fit a few more women than some other lines. Retail is $350 but often available for less if you shop online.
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