What we have here is an incredible jacket with a Shakespearean fatal flaw.
The Speed and Strength Hell 'n Back Jacket has a list of features and functions I have never seen in any other jacket. It has a body constructed of water-resistant AR-600 textile. That body has what S & S calls "Synergy System" zip-off panels. In short, you can zip off the lower 2/3 of the arms and leave just mesh and armor. This is a fantastic feature for converting the jacket for summer. Along those same lines, the jacket has a multitude of zippered vents. What if the weather is cold and wet? The Hell 'n Back has a full-sleeve waterproof liner.
Protection comes in the form of CE armor in the shoulder and sleeves and external hard armor at the shoulders. The jacket is extremely adjustable in the sleeves and body. Finally, the jacket includes a well-designed hydration system similar to the Klim Adventure Rally Jacket.
It is starting to sound like this is the ultimate do-it-all jacket for the street, dual-sport, and adventure rider, right? The problem is that there are multiple reports of failed zippers on the Hell 'n Back. I don't know if it is a result of using a water-resistant zipper design or just that S & S used cheap zippers.
Is the zipper issue enough for me not to recommend this jacket? No. It just has too many great features for that. I just wish S & S had figured out the zipper flaw before releasing the jacket. It is a supremely innovative jacket.
Compare this with the AGV Sport Evolution 9-in-1 Jacket.
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