Black (the brand, not the shade) is Ghostbikes’ own-brand clothing range, and they specialise in very affordable kit. This Premium Air Armoured Jacket sits at the budget end of the market, but on paper, it makes some big claims, including AA certification and a full set of Level 2 armour. It’s a fully mesh, single-layer textile jacket designed specifically for hot-weather riding .
They describe it as a premium riding shirt , but in reality, it feels much more like a very lightweight summer jacket . It’s closer to the sort of armoured under-jacket you get with some modular adventure suits than a casual overshirt. If you bought it expecting a shirt-style garment, you’d be disappointed.
4.0 Price: 54.99 (MSRP £149.99) www.ghostbikes.com
5.0 Protection 5.0 Weather Protection 5.0 Quality 5.0 Practicality 5.0 Looks 5.0 Value 5.0 Verdict 5.0 Construction: Breathable heavy-duty mesh and spandex outer shell; lightweight single-layer construction; integrated outer mesh panels; slightly elongated back; elasticated thumb loops; reflective detailing CE certification: AA (EN 17092-3:2020) Armour certification: Removable CE Level 2 shoulder and adjustable elbow armour; removable CE Level 2 back protector included Waterproofing: None Thermal liner: None Ventilation: Fully ventilated mesh construction with integrated outer mesh panels Connection zip: Belt loop attachment I wanted to test it because the price is, frankly, improbably cheap when discounted. With an RRP of £149.99, it’s still affordable, but it’s frequently reduced to around £50. That raises an obvious question: how much jacket are you really getting for that money?
Fit is true to size overall. I went for my usual large, and it fits, but it’s quite short in the body. There’s a Velcro belt loop at the rear to connect to your riding jeans , and you can see that it’s been earning its keep. If, like me, you’re not built like a racing snake, you might want to try the next size up for a bit more length, although the close fit does make sense if you intend to layer over the top.
It’s elasticated, so although it’s snug, it’s not restrictive. Freedom of movement is good, and there’s no issue getting into a proper riding position. Sleeve length works in the saddle and doesn’t feel compromised.
Where it shows its budget roots is in the finish. The collar is quite scratchy against bare skin, and the inside of the arms uses a fabric that feels basic rather than plush. It’s not uncomfortable enough to make it unwearable, but there’s no sense of luxury here. It feels built to a price.
The standout feature is its AA certification under EN 17092. That’s the same classification you’ll see on some leather jackets , and it’s impressive at this price point. It’s important to remember, though, that garments within the same certification band can feel very different in terms of perceived robustness.
I wore this jacket on the way to a runway for high-speed testing, where I swapped into an Alpinestars leather jacket that is also AA certified. Despite the shared rating, I was far more confident pushing speed in the leather. That’s not a criticism of the certification, but a reminder that meeting a standard and exceeding it can feel very different.
Armour provision is strong for the money. It comes fitted with Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors and includes a CE Level 2 back protector as standard. For a jacket at this price, that’s impressive. The armour covers the key impact areas and, in use, stays…