Underdog
We have had the pleasure to extensively try and test Pando Moto motorcycle gear the past couple of years. It is great to see the Lithuanian based company grow and develop new products along the way. Compared to the bigger, international brands, they are an underdog. However, if there is one thing the automotive industry has taught us, it is to never underestimate the underdog. Just look at how Tesla shook the auto-industry to its core. What sets Pando Moto apart is the quality of their products and the competitive pricing. Don’t believe us? Just head over to their website and have a looks for yourself.
Different sizes
Not so long ago we shared our thoughts about the Boss Dyn 01 jeans that Pando Moto sent us for extensive review. And extensive reviewing we did! Our conclusion then was that if you are in the market for motorcycle jeans that look casual but offer full protection, you MUST consider trying a pair of these jeans. Ron (editor) who wore the Boss Dyn 01 jeans has a slender figure, in other words he is tall and has thin legs. However, I have a slightly different…ahum…shape. Let’s just say that I enjoy eating and I should be working out more often. Truth is, chances are that most bikers out there will most likely have my body shape, and that’s OK! Isn’t that how the world works? Bikers come in different sizes and shapes. So while Ron tested the jeans, I got my hands on Pando Moto’s sherpa trucker motorcycle jacket called the “Husky Cor 01”.
First impression
When I got my hands on the Husky Cor 01 it instantly reminded me of the 1980s. I remember my brother having a similar jacket, albeit in denim colour. No matter how badly I wanted to be able to fit that jacket, it was just too large for me and I hated that! I nearly forgot about that jacket, until I first saw the Husky Cor 01. Don’t you just love it when nostalgia hits you hard? During the course of 3 months I wore the jacket almost on a daily bases. Everybody that sees the jacket, immediately loves it. Even my brother wanted one! I took it with me for a weekend of riding in Barcelona (Spain), and it was just perfect. I’ve listed the specs below, but what the spec sheet won’t tell you, is how this jacket feels. It is truly the most comfortable motorcycle jacket I have ever worn. Period!
Taking a closer look
My jacket came in a size XXL (I warned you) and was a little loose around the shoulders. That may look like an undesirable thing, but in reality it meant that I could wear a warm sweater underneath it, and not feel pinched when reaching for the handlebars. Now if I would wear this jacket purely casual and not on a motorcycle, I would probably have wanted to try a smaller size. The material that is used on these jackets is 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim. This has two major benefits: 1. given the nature of the stretch material it goes without saying that it increases comfort levels. 2. Cordura is known for its abrasive resistance capabilities. It isn’t waterproof, but it is most certainly water repellent to a certain extent. This isn’t something Pando Moto advertises with, but it did become clear during a moment of light rain whilst I was riding the mountains around Barcelona.
Classic features
“For the most authentic denim look and feel, choose this Iconic Sherpa Trucker jacket, made with 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim. Real style is all in the details with the HUSKY COR 01 – back waist tabs guarantee an optimal fit, high-quality Sherpa is used for the collar, sleeves inner cuffs, and front of the jacket. The collar has additional strap fastening and the front closure features a metal YKK zipper and high durability rubberized snaps. Abrasion-resistant fabric gives you peace of mind on the road, while quilted padding with MEIDA® thermal insulation/liner makes this jacket perfect for colder rides.” Pando Moto
On a motorcycle
The Husky Cor 01 sherpa jacket comes with a thermal liner, which has been a blessing in these cold months. At the moment of writing the outside temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius. I regularly take my bike out for 30-40 minute rides and still I find the Husky Cor 01 offering enough protection against the cold. It didn’t come with any impact protectors, but I have does laying around at home from other jackets, and they slot in nicely into the protector-pockets in the back, shoulders and elbows. If there is one tiny thing that I would love to see next time it would be tabs or a zipper on the side pockets, and maybe a more heavy duty main zipper.
Verdict
Like most clothes you need to make sure that you get the right size. Pando Moto offers great service and will help you in the case you need to swap the item you bought for one with a different size. I will continue to wear the Husky Cor 01 as my go-to jacket. It looks great, it feels comfortable, and for only €249,- it is probably the best bang for buck you will get anywhere!
Manufacturer details
- Iconic Sherpa Trucker Motorcycle jacket design
- 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim
- Quilted padding with MEIDA® thermal insulation suited for colder rides
- MEIDA® THERMO INSULATION thinner, lighter and with the higher thermal insulation properties (CLO) which are compared to the efficiency of down or cashmere
- Sherpa material used for collar, sleeves inner cuffs and front facing
- Back waist tabs for an adjustable fit
- Abrasion resistant fabric (performance level A in accordance with EN 17092)
- 16 meters slide distance or 2.5 seconds sliding time
- Collar with additional strap fastening
- Front closure with metal YKK zipper and high durability rubberised snaps
- Chest pockets with high durability snaps closure
- Optional – elbow and shoulder armors EN1621-1:2012 CE approved (not included)
- Optional – back armor EN1621-2 CE approved (not included)