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DriDuck Maverick jacket

Otony

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2023
Messages
95
Location
Bandon, Oregon
For those of you who may be looking for a jacket that is a bit more casual in appearance, might I suggest the Maverick by DriDuck?


It is available at Amazon for a good price, but I’ve also found that shopping directly at the DriDuck website you will often find some amazing discounts available.

It is not an “adventure” jacket, nor is it a “biker” jacket. What it happens to be is a very comfortable blanket lined work coat that has some desirable features.

First, the canvas is actually quite soft to the touch, possibly a brushed sort of finish that feels broken in. The “blanket” lining is also very soft, really more like flannel, and quite unlike the stiff, synthetic feeling blanket liners in most denim jackets. The zipper is stout, a heavy duty type that should be able to hold up for quite some time. It is backed by a wind flap, so no air protrusion.

There are four pockets, two outside and two inside. One of the inner pockets is made to be accessed from the top, so perfect for glasses, cell phones, etc., whatever you might have. It is generously sized and fairly deep. It will accept the largest cell phones on the market, even if equipped with armored cases. It has a small patch of Velcro that I find to be unneeded due to the depth, and thus a bit annoying, but easily removed should you desire.

The other interior pocket is open to the front and secured with a snap. It is accessible by your right hand. I imagine some fellows might use it for their wallet, and it certainly has ample room for that, but it could also be used to stash a small handgun if a person has a concealed carry permit. It will easily fit a snub nose revolver, or a pistol like a Glock 42 or 43.

I do carry by the way, but I’m not sure this is a good option. It is advertised as being suitable, but all my training would suggest otherwise. I mention it only because it has the capability. There are two very generously sized slash pockets on the exterior which might prove a better choice? YMMV.

The sleeves are what I would call motorcycle style. Perfect in length when reaching for your handlebars, and a bit long when just walking around. Not so much so that it is a bother, just something to be aware of. There is a snap to adjust the opening at the cuff, with two positions. No knitted cuff, which is a plus because virtually any type of gloves can be worth, especially in conjunction with the adjustable snap. There is no gusset in the armpit, but the cut is such that I have no binding.

No knitted waistband either, which I find desirable because those are typically the first thing to give out. There is a small tab on either side that allows you to choose between two buttons for fitting the waist. It is cut so that it falls below your waistline, so if you are looking for an Eisenhower fit, this is not your style.

The collar can be worn open, or if zipped all the way it becomes a mandarin style, completely covering your neck. Mine has ample room to accommodate my throat and not feel strangled.

All in all, I find it very suitable. It doesn’t scream motorcycle, although I can’t imagine why that might matter in this day and age. It is available in four colors, but good luck finding the blue version. I went for the charcoal gray and am well pleased. Even lacking the blue (in some sizes), I’m pretty sure there are enough choices to satisfy everyone. There are no reflective features though, so some may not find it suitable from a protective standpoint.

What it won’t do is stand up well to rain. I’m sure it could be treated with Scotch-Guard, but there are surely better jacket choices if you need a water repellent coat.

If any of you would like some photos, I will happily post a few.
 

Low-gear

Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2023
Messages
86
Location
NY
There are tons of casual looking options that carry a proper CE safety rating. I would suggest one of those.

That canvas material isn’t going to do anything for you if you go down…
 

dmonkey

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Jul 4, 2021
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2,272
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That canvas material isn’t going to do anything for you if you go down…
I can confirm this from my experience going for a slide in a Carhartt 12oz duck canvas jacket with lining. It might save you from a scrape at parking lot speeds, but even at CT125 road speed it will likely wear through pretty quick. Good info to know for making an informed decision.

There are abrasion resistant, heat resistant, and/or armored baselayer shirts on the market that could be paired with this or any jacket for someone looking to add some crash protection to their kit. The collar, sleeve length, and cut at the waist all sound like exactly the fitment I look for in a motorcycle jacket despite this not being a motorcycle jacket. If you are going to make use of a Saturday night special pocket, please get yourself a pocket holster and train with it.
 

Otony

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2023
Messages
95
Location
Bandon, Oregon
If you are going to make use of a Saturday night special pocket, please get yourself a pocket holster and train with it.
Exactly. Frankly, I was rather surprised to see that particular pocket described as suitable for a handgun. To me that is about as awkward as could possibly be, and not particularly fast or safe.

If opting for pocket carry, you would almost certainly need a holster made to suit the size and shape of the outside slash pockets. It is a fairly roomy size and a typical pocket holster will just be swallowed up and prone to spinning around. I will likely continue to use an OWB holster, as that is what I’ve been training with since dirt was new.

As for protective qualities, you are both right, this jacket has none. It is, however, extremely comfortable and at least in mine, there is room for layering. An armored base layer shirt would be an excellent addition.

In fifty years of riding, I’ve only been down once, and that was in my first or second year of motorcycling. A nice man ran me off the road in the hills above Stanford University on a fine Easter morning, in either 1974 or ‘75.

I was wearing a Lee denim jacket, mid-rise Sears Diehard work boots, a Bell open face helmet, and cowhide work gloves.

He came around a curve way wide, pretty much using most of my lane. I tried to ride around him but that forced me off the road and into gravel. Of course I was leaning into the curve I had just vacated and when the bike hit the gravel it squirted out from under me and laid itself down on its left side then proceeded to a stop against a chain link fence. Tore the left grip, bent the shifter toe and clutch lever (I was able to twist/bend both true later!), and scratched up the heat shield on my exhaust (Honda XL350).

On the other hand, I sprained my right wrist badly, ground through both gloves like they weren’t even there, equally ground up my palms, and banged up one knee something fierce. I checked over the bike and waited for an Easter morning Good Samaritan of which there were none to be had. Lots of looky-loo spectators, but no one wanting to stop.

That Lee jacket came through perfectly, probably because I landed on my hands and knees. My Levis were toast of course. It was a miserable ride home, I can tell you that.

After that I bought a leather jacket, new jeans, and yet another pair of work gloves. Back then there really weren’t many other choices in the hand protection department. Even motocross gloves weren’t too well constructed.

From that moment until now I’ve worn either leather or cordura armored jackets, and at a certain point opted for armor In my leather. I have split my choice on helmets, open face half the time, full face the other. Still wear mid-rise lace-up boots of one sort or another, and have upgraded my glove choices somewhat, thicker palms and armored backs.

I guess I was daydreaming when I recommended this jacket, but I’d like to think I would have looked for armor without being told. I’ve had a bit of a hiatus from riding for a couple of years and just didn’t think that through, so I’m grateful for the clues.

To that end, any suggestions for an armored shirt to wear with this?
 
Last edited:

dmonkey

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I have a Rev'it Whitby Sweater that is armored and I really like it for casual wear, but it is a sweater so depending on the season it can end up being too warm to wear, especially with another layer over it.

Knox is a brand that are well known for their armored base layers. I have used their armor before, but not the armored shirts. Quite a few people I know wear those for events like the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride or antique rallies where they are wearing a suit or era appropriate clothing on top for appearances. If I were in the market I would be looking at their newer Mk3 shirts or their older Mk2 shirts (which can now be found at a discount) as both options are CE Class AA rated and have largely positive reviews.
 
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