Fly Racing Flux Air Mesh Ladies Jacket Review | Just In Time For Summer

June 23, 2016

Fly Racing Flux Air Ladies Mesh Jacket Test |
Beat the Summer Heat

Temps in Southern California finally found their summer groove, hitting triple digits just a few days before Summer officially began—perfect for putting the new Fly Racing Flux Air Ladies mesh jacket to a proper test.

The Flux Air is well named, as the pliable full mesh jacket allows air to flow through almost unobstructed. Constructed from abrasion-resistant polyester—both outer shell and inner lining—the jacket is lightweight, and has a relaxed fit that contributes to keeping the air moving. Of course, this only works when you are actually moving!

When the temperatures are over 100 degrees and you’re waiting for a stoplight to change at a busy intersection, you will still develop a light sweat in the Flux Air jacket. But, once the light turns green and you sprint off down the boulevard, the full rush of air through the wide mesh fabric feels quite refreshing and immediately cools you back down.

I was surprised at how comfortable I felt riding in conditions hot enough that the National Weather Service put out an Excessive Heat Warning. As long as I was moving faster than a walking pace, the Flux Air flowed enough air, albeit hot air, to keep my skin cool.

The design of the Fly Racing Flux Air hits all the right points for a riding jacket, from anatomically cut sleeves that eliminate any scrunching of fabric when arms bend into a natural riding position, to the longer tail at the back that keeps the bottom of the jacket from flapping around at freeway speeds, to the action-back styling at the back of the shoulders for added comfort when reaching forward.

The Flux Air jacket arrives fitted with elbow, shoulder, and back protection—lightweight polyethylene ‘armor’ that will provide some minor cushioning in a fall—but really should be swapped out for the two CE Armor Kits from Fly Racing for any riding at speed. Useful reflective piping across the back of the shoulders and down the arms gives me welcome added visibility for my commute home at night.

There are plenty of adjustments on the Flux Air Ladies jacket to customize the fit, starting with Velcro waist straps at the sides of the waist that are generous in length. Further adjustment comes via long side zippers that loosen the fit even more and allow additional airflow. Across the lower back of the jacket is another Velcro strap that allows you to cinch the jacket to a flattering fit, though it will help to have an attentive husband assist in getting just the right adjustment. Nice touch.

The sleeves have a three-position snap adjustment at the inner elbows to gather slack and keep the protective pads in place. The tightest position worked well for me; the pads securely cradled my elbows without constricting movement. Unzip the cuffs, but keep them snapped, to flow a bit more air up the sleeves while keeping them secure at your wrists.

There are four pockets on the Flux Air—two outside zippered hand pockets, an inside Napoleon pocket for your Wojo wallet, and a larger inside Velcro-closing mesh pocket that will fit an iPhone 6S Plus—just the right amount to carry essentials, but not cause the fully mesh jacket to sag.

Finally, the jacket comes with a water-resistant long-sleeve liner for light rain that can also be used as a windbreaker on cool evenings. This gives the Flux Air additional flexibility and range in your riding wardrobe.

Being based in Los Angeles, I didn’t have a chance to test it in a summer shower, but I can tell you that it breathes quite nicely, and the zip- and snap-in design is easy to remove and install. The liner’s only downside is losing access to both of the jacket’s interior pockets when it’s installed.

The princess seam cut and Mandarin collar add flattering style to the well-executed Flux Air Ladies jacket. This is a great go-to jacket for staying cool while casually riding—one that may straddle three seasons, depending upon where you live. There are four color combinations for the style-conscious, which includes almost all of us.

At a nickel less than $100, the Fly Racing Flux Air Ladies jacket makes it inexpensive to have a summer-focused jacket in your riding closet. Budget another $50 for the CE Armor Kits and you can ride any summer day, no matter how hot it get.