The top-rated mesh jacket for hot weather riding under €200
The REV’IT Eclipse 2 review has been one of the most requested pieces on Gear4Moto – and for good reason. This lightweight mesh jacket has earned a devoted following among riders who refuse to sacrifice protection in summer heat. At around 150 euros, it sits in a competitive price bracket, but very few alternatives at this price deliver the same combination of ventilation, CE Class A certification, and build quality. We tested it extensively in warm conditions to find out whether it lives up to its reputation.
What’s in this review
REV’IT Eclipse 2 Review: In-depth analysis
The REV’IT Eclipse 2 is the second generation of one of REV’IT’s most popular summer jackets, and the improvements over the original are meaningful. Motorcycle Gear Hub, who conducted long-term testing of the jacket, confirmed that the mesh panels throughout the front, rear torso, and inner sleeves deliver superlative airflow at any speed. Unlike jackets that rely on zip vents which lose effectiveness in slow traffic, the Eclipse 2’s open mesh construction moves air continuously. For riders commuting in cities or riding in sustained summer heat, this is the most important practical advantage the jacket offers.
The CE Class A certification under EN 17092 is a genuine quality signal at this price. Class A is the highest abrasion rating available for textile motorcycle jackets, and Kings Motorcycle Gear confirmed in their independent testing that the jacket increased abrasion resistance over the original Eclipse while retaining the flexibility that makes it comfortable for all-day riding. The main impact zones at the shoulders and upper arms use a more abrasion-resistant nylon-type material rather than mesh, which is the correct approach: ventilation where it matters for airflow, reinforcement where it matters for protection.
The stock CE Level 1 Seesmart armor at the elbows and shoulders provides baseline protection and has a notably slim, low-profile design that does not add visual bulk off the bike. Motorcycle Gear Hub noted the Seesmart armor’s impact-absorbing performance as mediocre for its class, which is accurate – it meets the standard but does not exceed it. The practical solution is the optional REV’IT Seesoft Air CE Level 2 back protector, which fits directly into the dedicated back pocket and is worth adding for riders who regularly cover longer distances or higher speeds.
Comfort across the board is one of the Eclipse 2’s strongest qualities. The neoprene-lined collar prevents chafing on longer rides, the pre-curved sleeves reduce arm fatigue, and the adjustment tabs at the waist, cuffs, and upper arms allow a precise, secure fit. It’s Better On The Road, who tested the jacket across extended riding sessions, described it as feeling like wearing a t-shirt, and noted one of their team members wears it for all-day rides in hot weather and swears by it. For summer motorcycle gear for beginners, this jacket is among the most consistently recommended options in 2026.
Sizing is the one area where caution is needed. Multiple reviewers across RevZilla and independent sources note the jacket runs small, and the general recommendation is to size up from your usual size. The adjustment tabs compensate well for a larger size, but buying your standard size risks a jacket that is too tight across the shoulders and restricts movement on the bars.
Riding in Spain with the Eclipse 2:
For riders on the Costa Blanca and throughout southern Spain, the Eclipse 2 is one of the most practical summer jackets available at this price. The continuous mesh airflow handles sustained heat above 30 degrees better than zip-vent alternatives, and the light colours available – including near-white – reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it. If you ride in warm climates regularly, this jacket was effectively designed for your conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the REV’IT Eclipse 2 worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The REV’IT Eclipse 2 remains one of the best value summer motorcycle jackets available in 2026. The CE Class A certification, continuous mesh ventilation, and overall build quality are difficult to match at this price point.
Does the REV’IT Eclipse 2 run small?
Yes, the Eclipse 2 runs small compared to standard sizing. Most reviewers recommend sizing up one size from your usual jacket size and using the adjustment tabs to dial in the fit.
Is the REV’IT Eclipse 2 waterproof?
No. The Eclipse 2 is a pure summer mesh jacket and is not waterproof. For riders who encounter rain regularly, a separate waterproof layer is recommended. If you need an all-weather jacket, consider the REV’IT Tornado 4 H2O instead.
What back protector fits the REV’IT Eclipse 2?
The REV’IT Eclipse 2 is designed to fit the REV’IT Seesoft Air CE Level 2 back protector, which slots directly into the dedicated back pocket. This is a worthwhile upgrade that significantly improves spine protection.
GEAR4MOTO VERDICT
The REV’IT Eclipse 2 is the benchmark budget summer motorcycle jacket in 2026. The continuous mesh ventilation outperforms every zip-vent competitor at this price, the CE Class A certification confirms genuine abrasion protection, and the comfort across long rides is above what the price suggests. The Level 1 stock armor is the only meaningful limitation, and the optional back protector upgrade resolves the most important part of that gap. For riders in warm climates who want reliable summer protection without spending over 200 euros, the Eclipse 2 is the clearest recommendation in this category.
