Fly Butane 4 Jacket Review

The Fly Butane 4 jacket is an update of last year’s offering with more features geared to comfort in warmer weather. The folks at Fly Racing claims four-season functionality, and I’d say they hit their mark – that’s if you wear insulating inner layers on the coldest days.

The fabric is “multi-material construction with an advanced poly-fabric textile main shell for excellent abrasion and tear resistance” with reflective panels for visibility. To that, Fly Racing adds a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane by HYDRAGuard.

One superb and unique new feature is the Air Induction System. I’ve never seen this before –  it is a full center zipper attached to mesh panels beneath the main zipper. Kind of like a vest sewn into a suit jacket. Don the Fly Butane 4 jacket and zip this mesh section first. Then zip the regular center zipper. When the going gets hot simply open the main zipper and fold back the two edges of the fabric until they are held in place by built-in magnets. Now, about a six-inch center section of the jacket is open to the breeze yet it is fully zippered and secure around your body.

To this Fly Racing adds waterproof zippers (YKK brand throughout) on the two vents that follow the curve of the shoulders. They act like ram-air vents exhausting the warm air through the full-sized, zippered vent at the back.

The cut of the jacket is slightly long in the rear for extra coverage, and the sleeves have ADV-style snaps to snug them down over your arms and help keep your armor in place. There is a zipper to connect the jacket to Fly trousers.

To this add two waterproof and zippered external hand-warmer pockets with one inside. The elbow and shoulder armor is rated CE and PE for the back protector. There’s an expandable side panel with a waist adjuster and zipper and Velcro cuff adjustments. The Fly Racing Butane 4’s thermal liner is removable

Given that this well-conceived and nicely manufactured garment hits all the important features necessary in a good riding jacket, and at a very low price, there can be no excuse for not wearing a proper jacket when riding.

The Fly Butane 4 Jacket has a price of  $169.95 (MSRP); for additional information, visit Fly Racing.