I’ve been using Raida’s flagship mesh jacket for the past two months and even had the experience of taking it with me for a rather long road trip across Gujarat. Raida’s Frigate offers a sleek option for motorcyclists looking for a blend of style, safety and practicality without breaking the bank. This jacket is available in three colours, and I picked the grey one because I liked the contemporary and sophisticated look. While I am a fan of the subtle grey, the addition of fluorescent green contrasts could have been better executed.
But the aesthetics don’t exactly wow me, and I’ve seen better-designed products from other Indian brands. While design is subjective, this one is a refreshing alternative to traditional black or darker riding jackets, enhancing visibility without compromising style. It is worth noting that in this shade of grey, it is a dirt magnet that stains quite easily. With purchase, Raida includes a thermal liner and an external rain jacket, which are nice to have. The jacket has two internal and external compartments for storage, but none of them are waterproof.
The Frigate’s build quality is decent, with high-density stitching and durable materials. It looks and feels premium, which is particularly appealing at its price point. In terms of protection, it has CE Level 2 armour at the back, shoulders, elbows and chest. The abrasion-resistant outer shoulder shell looks a tad bit tacky but adds a valuable layer of protection in the event of a slide. While the protectors make you feel secure, their thick build reduces the overall ventilation capabilities of the jacket to some extent.
When it comes to comfort, the Frigate offers a snug yet flexible fit thanks to its ergonomic design and adjustable straps at the waist, arms and cuffs. These adjustments make it easy to tailor the jacket to your body shape and accommodate layering during colder rides. Plus, the addition of accordion stretch panels aids overall flexibility.
As I discovered on my journey down the humid west coast of our country, the breathable mesh and ventilation panels ensure that this jacket is still a good choice for hot climates. However, the Frigate isn’t as well-ventilated as other more heavily mesh-oriented jackets. Instead, it adds more textiles to find a better blend of protection and ventilation. In my experience, the jacket can handle a short shower of mild rain but obviously will soon get wet once the water seeps in through the mesh.
The Raida Frigate is priced competitively and offers comprehensive protection and multi-season usability, delivering good value for both new and experienced riders. However, it exists at a competitive price point, at which other indigenous manufacturers offer similar levels of protection, features and comfort with designs that may appeal more to certain folks. In the end, it mainly comes down to the aesthetics and whether you prefer the look of this jacket over its competitors.
Where: raidagears.com
Price: Rs 8,999
Also see: Rynox Downtown Pro riding jeans review
