GEAR ON TEST – Merlin Perton jacket
Tested by: Phil Suriano
One of my favourite jackets for urban riding is the waxed cotton Merlin ‘Anson’, which meant I looked past leather and textile types for something with similar material when selecting a new jacket, ultimately settling on Merlin’s ‘Perton’.
Like the Anson, the Perton is a short jacket, of the same Halley Stevensons waxed cotton construction and with the same Reissa breathable waterproof membrane, but differs in its styling and swaps the Safetech CE Level 1 armour in the shoulders and elbows for D30 LP1 protection in the same areas, with provision for a back protector. Unlike the Anson, the Perton has an ‘Outlast’ removable thermal lining and ventilation zippers front and rear.
I’m 5’10’’ and weigh 82kg, so found the medium-size Perton fitted me best, allowing a lightweight jumper and t-shirt (or thermals) to be comfortably worn underneath. Being cotton, the Perton was soft and super comfortable, and with that D30 armour being flexible, the jacket adapts to your body shape.
The Leoncino 800 launch was in Melbourne, so I knew I’d be getting a range of temperatures to trial the Perton in. With an early morning, 13-degree start, I started with the Outlast lining in, but the jacket was surprisingly warm, so by midday I’d removed it.
With the temp up to 25 degrees in the afternoon, and being up and down on the Leoncino’s pegs in the dirt, I needed to open the vent zippers. Despite being small in size and number (two horizontal on the chest and two vertical on the back), the vents were very effective.
Riding into the night, I needed to put the Outlast thermal liner back in as the temperature dropped. Like most liners, this a pain to reinsert until you get the knack of it.
The Perton’s pockets were large enough to be useful and the zippers both sturdy and easy to operate with gloves on, even when stopped at the lights or in motion.
Later that evening, I found the Perton stylish enough to wear as a casual jacket at a restaurant, which was an added benefit.
The Perton certainly delivered what I was looking for - and more. The jacket was practical and comfortable, while its classic styling with a modern edge was very much in line with the Leoncino.
Since that ride, I’ve worn the Perton several times and lost count of how many other riders have commented positively on it.
Priced from $529.95 RRP, the Merlin Perton is available in black and S-3XL sizes. Black 4XL and Olive in S-4XL are due in early 2023.
For more on this jacket and others in the Merlin range, go to: merlinbikegear.com.au
