Belstaff Ariel jacket in racing red

 

This new version of the Ariel does actually have a slightly different outer fabric, a material that is known as Technical Waxed Cotton, but the truth is that the old one would almost certainly have passed EN17092 at the AA level had Belstaff ever tested it to that standard.

 

The issue goes back to when EN17092 was first introduced. Companies like Belstaff, who were never really hardcore biking brands, often only tested their gear to the lowest single-A standard; and that was because all they felt minded to do was make their gear legally saleable as PPE. It was also cheaper because if you failed at the AA level you had to pay again to test to the lower level.

 

In the interim most motorcycling clothing manufacturers  got round to re-testing their core lines; Belstaff never did. But when they decided to change the fabrics on a number of their jackets they had no option but to re-test; and unsurprisingly to us their A-rated jackets like the Ariel, the Brooklands and the Crosby all passed at the AA level, even though the outer chassis was still basically an eight ounce one.

 

In concept, the Ariel is a kind of lighter weight, simplified version of the Brooklands. It's not quite so classic as the Brooklands in its styling, having more of a blouson cut; reminiscent perhaps of something like a Harrington jacket; albeit without the french rib cuffing.

 

Shorter and lighter as it might be, the Ariel is still no summer jacket; it is never going to be particularly breathable. First you've got a waterproof membrane, but then you've also got wax impregnated into the outer shell. The good news is that this presents two barriers against the wet stuff. The bad news is that both barriers are an impediment to breathability. And so whilst the Ariel looks as though it should be light and easy to wear -and it is in relative terms- it is aimed more at protecting you from the rain and the cold than it is from the heat.

 

In styling terms you get two lower zipped pockets and one upper one. There's another zipped pocket inside the jacket. All the pockets are fastened by means of chunky brass zips. You get the same kind of zip up the front of the jacket and at the ends of the sleeves. At the base of the main zip there's a little flap with what looks like a brass popper, but actually the popper is silicone coated to protect a bike's tank.

 

There's a three-popper waist adjuster mechanism that allows you to cinch the hem in a little. At the neck there's a fastening strap with a single-position popper. Usefully there's a loop to allow this strap to be tabbed back to stop it flapping about in the wind.

 

The neck and sleeves are lined with corduroy for comfort. Belstaff claim that this material is oil-resistant, but we've no idea where that comes from. The Ariel has a traditional Belstaff check lining. Inside the jacket just above the hem are two sturdy elasticated loop straps that allow you to attach the jacket to a jeans belt.

 

In terms of armour the Ariel comes as standard with shaped LP1 D3O armour. Level 2 Diablo might be more comfortable, but whilst Level 2 Diablo is quite a bit more protective than Level 1 Ghost, it's not that much different in terms of energy absorption to the older thicker LP1 armour. You could upgrade to Diablo, but the armour the Ariel comes with suits the robust nature of the jacket, and we don't feel moving to the lighter D3O would add much. There's a pocket for a back protector.

 

Anyway, if you're looking for something a bit lighter, more casual and less bikey than the very classic Brooklands, the Ariel might fit the bill.