Merlin Shenstone 2 Air Cotec Jacket Review: Upgrades and Features

Merlin Shenstone 2: Key Improvements

• 🚀 The Merlin Shenstone 2 builds upon the popular first generation, incorporating rider feedback for significant upgrades.
• 🧥 It features a full mesh chassis at the front for enhanced ventilation, addressing the needs of US riders in warmer climates.
• 🛡️ A major improvement is the addition of a CE abrasion rating (Class AA), a crucial safety feature that was not present in the previous version.

Enhanced Waterproofing and Breathability

• 💧 The detachable Humax waterproof liner has been upgraded from 10K/10K to 10K/15K, significantly increasing its breathability.
• 💨 This improved breathability helps prevent the jacket from becoming a "swamp" during rainstorms, offering better comfort.

Materials and Protection

• 🧵 The jacket utilizes a Halley Stevensons collab tech wax cotton chassis complemented by polyester mesh panels for airflow.
• 🛡️ It comes standard with D3O LP1 vented armor on the shoulders and elbows, and includes a CE Level 1 Viper back protector out of the box.
• 🌟 The overall construction offers double A CE rating for abrasion resistance throughout the entire jacket.

Design and Fit Features

• 🤏 The collar features a single snap with a microfiber liner and a loop back system, with a comfortable leather rim around the back.
• 🧥 Adjustments include a snap adjuster on the inner sleeve (replacing bulky Velcro) and a Velcro adjuster at the waist for a dialed-in fit.
• 💰 The jacket is priced at $430, a $70 increase from the previous model, justified by the upgrades in materials, protection, and waterproofing.
• 📏 Sizing is available from Small to 4X-Large, with a recommendation to consider sizing down if the waterproof liner is not used.

Pockets and Connectivity

• 🧥 Two top-loading snap pockets are located on the upper chest, and two hand warmer pockets with zipper closures are on the sides.
• 🔗 A short connection zipper and belt loops are included at the back for connecting to riding pants.
• ⚠️ A note of caution is given regarding the snaps on the cuff potentially scratching gas tanks.