Sean’s Gear Reviews
Joe Rocket Atomic 3.0 Textile Jacket –
The Joe Rocket Atomic 3.0 is the third version of their popular “Atomic” series of textile jackets, essentially the most affordable jacket Joe Rocket makes. It’s a conventional textile jacket in most respects but has a few interesting features you would only expect on a much more expensive jacket.
First of all, it has what is probably the best sleeve adjustment system on the market, a strap with a series of snaps that allow you to tighten it up as much as you want. Even though the jacket is one size too large for me, this adjustment system allows me to tighten it up to the point where the elbow and forearm armor is firmly in place.
Secondly, it has a patented venting system that Joe Rocket calls “cross-ventilation” that opens the zippered chest vents really wide and holds them open in that position using a snap. With this system, it can flow nearly as much air as a mesh jacket.
Third, it has very high quality armor and the foam back pad is a thick, firm piece.
Finally, the Velcro waist adjustment mechanism offers an INSANE amount of adjustment. Joe Rocket advertises that all of their jackets have 8” of waist adjustment minimum, which I feel should be an industry standard.
I like that this jacket has both an 8” zipper AND belt loop connectors to hook to your pants. You simply don’t expect features like that on a jacket in this price range.
My only real gripe with the jacket is that the stitching seems to be poorly done compared to my other jacket, a Teknic Freestyle, and the zippers are of low quality and won’t hold up for more than a few years.
Joe Rocket is known for innovative features and they pride themselves on offering certain high end features, such as effective venting, pants connection system, and a lot of adjustment in the sleeves and the waist, on all of their jackets from their cheapest to their most expensive. Unfortunately they are also known for inconsistent quality. My jacket appears to be a perfect example of this with its poor stitching and zippers.
Overall I’d say it’s a fine jacket for the price, and if they could be more consistent about their quality I’d never have a reason to buy anything else.
I’d rate this jacket a 7 out of 10.
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