The RST Spectre Air is a lightweight, single-layer mesh jacket aimed squarely at riding in hot weather. It pairs high-flow mesh with stretch textile panels for comfort and subtle styling, delivering plenty of airflow without shouting about it. It offers a competitive entry into the summer mesh market — but there are trade-offs to consider.
Fit & comfort
The jacket uses RST’s new Maxtex S stretch polyester for the shoulders, outer arms, ribs, and base, framing mesh panels on the chest, inner arms, and centre back.
The stretch fabric gives the Spectre Air a softshell-like feel, letting it sit snug without restricting movement. Neoprene edging at the collar prevents irritation, which is welcome on bare skin when riding without a neckwarmer.
Photography: Helen Meeds
Fit adjustment comes via poppers at the biceps, Velcro waist straps, and simple Velcro cuff fastenings. I found it easier to wear gloves over the cuffs rather than tucking them inside.
Sizing runs from small (40in chest) to 3XL (50in), though I went up from my normal 40in size to a medium (42in) for the best comfort.
Warm weather performance
This is a jacket built for heat, and it shows. The K300 mesh fabric — a staple in RST’s summer range — delivers generous airflow, making it a relief to wear when the temperature reaches 25°C.
Like all mesh jackets, it has its limits: once the mercury climbs past 30°C the air coming through is still hot. Still, for the majority of UK summer rides, the Spectre Air keeps you cooler than you could expect from a conventional textile jacket.
Cold weather performance
As a pure summer jacket, the Spectre Air offers no cold-weather capability. There’s no thermal liner, wind-blocking layer or provision for waterproofing. On cooler mornings or in breezy conditions, you’ll need a windproof underlayer or to switch to a more versatile jacket.
Protection
The Spectre Air is rated at the basic A level in CE and offers the baseline level of abrasion resistance for road use — typical for lightweight summer jackets. Armour comes in the form of RST’s soft Hex Level 1 protectors at the shoulders and elbows, though you could upgrade to their Level 2 Hex Pro shoulder and elbow armour for £20 per pair at the time of writing.
There’s a pocket for a back protector; I fitted the £30 RST Impact Core Pro Level 2 insert, though a lighter RST Impact Core Pro Level 1 option is available. There are no chest armour pockets.
The biggest omission is the lack of any jacket-to-trouser connection — not even simple belt loops — which may be a concern in a spill.
Conclusion
The RST Spectre Air is a comfortable, subtly styled summer mesh jacket that delivers excellent airflow and a premium feel for its price.
The stretch fabric improves fit and comfort, and the finish rivals jackets costing a good amount more money.
While its A rating and lack of trouser connection will put off more safety-conscious riders, it’s hard to argue with its cooling performance and value for money. For hot days on the bike, it’s a pleasure to wear.
