Scorpion Optima Jacket testing starts with a clear question: can this motorcycle shell deliver real protection in the shifting British climate? I ride and review gear daily. Comfort, resilience, and rider confidence drive every assessment I make, and after ten years and more than a hundred jackets, the Scorpion Optima Jacket shows practical strength and steady durability. It avoids gimmicks and has endured months of rough weather, city miles, and sudden motorway rain.
The Scorpion Optima Jacket enters each test as a piece of safety equipment that must handle real conditions. I rely on direct evaluation: long rides, routine stops, and repeated adjustments. Scorpion advertises water-tight construction and an adaptive fit, and my hands on the seams and my hours on the road confirm how the cut behaves. A decade of reviews helps me identify materials with staying power and ventilation that truly moves air. This Scorpion Optima Jacket review looks closely at performance to determine whether the shell keeps riders dry on unpredictable roads or if promotion outpaces capability.
Scorpion’s Optima Jacket serves commuter motorcyclists well. It is affordable, waterproof, ventilated, and equipped with a removable thermal liner, giving daily riders a practical setup. Outside the high-visibility colors, each option includes reflective material across the torso and arms to improve visibility.
Scorpion Optima Materials
The Scorpion Optima Jacket uses lightweight, breathable, waterproof laminated textile materials that avoids the bulk and discomfort of traditional inner liners. The laminated fabric and sealed seams simplify wet-weather readiness. On cold, foggy mornings or during rough conditions, you zip the rubber-lined closures and focus on the ride.
Scorpion Optima Jacket Ventilation
Scorpion Optima ventilation relies on two large chest vents and two rear exhaust vents that move substantial air. I used them during a Southern California heat wave while testing the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 ABS. Storage is extensive, with two external hip pockets, a waterproof Napoleon pocket, two internal Velcro pouches, and a media pocket with a headphone port.
Scorpion Optima Jacket Armor Protection
The Scorpion Optima Jacket includes CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows, with CE Level 2 upgrades available for $26.95. A foam back protector comes standard, and riders should replace it with Scorpion’s CE Level 2 protector for $44.95.
Scorpion Optima Jacket Construction
Scorpion Optima construction features sturdy YKK zippers throughout and a button snap on the fleece-lined collar to prevent irritation. Internal padding could improve; added support in key joint areas would increase comfort.
Scorpion Optima Jacket Pricing
Scorpion Optima pricing stands out at circa $250, delivering wide utility at a budget-friendly price. Paired with a three-year warranty, it becomes an appealing choice for many riders. Sizes range from S–3XL.
Scorpion Optima Jacket Sizing Chart
| Size | Chest (inches) | Arm (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 34–36 | 25 |
| SM | 36–38 | 25.5 |
| MD | 38–40 | 26 |
| LG | 42–44 | 26.5 |
| XL | 44–46 | 27 |
| 2XL | 46–48 | 27.5 |
| 3XL | 48–50 | 27.75 |
| 4XL | 50–52 | 28 |
| 5XL | 52–54 | 28.25 |
Scorpion Optima Jacket Features:
- Fully seam-sealed waterproof and breathable laminate outer fabric
- Double-zippered center front to prevent leaks
- Two waterproof Direct Core Ventilation vents on upper torso
- Two rear exhaust vents on lower back
- NightViz reflective elements on torso and arms
- Hook-and-loop wrist tabs
- One waterproof Napoleon pocket, two internal storage pockets, one internal media pocket
- Exo-Tec CE-rated armor
- PE foam back pad
- Removable EverHeat thermal liner
- Micro-fleece collar lining
- YKK zippers
- 8″ jacket-to-pant zipper and belt-loop fastener