Reviews Merlin Akashi Pro Laminated D3O jacket review
From Irish storms to long motorway hauls, the Merlin Akashi Pro shows what laminated jackets can do - without the premium price tag
3 Nov 2025
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Merlin Carter S/Layer D3O Ghost Riding Shirt - Green I was sceptical re the breathability due to the thickness of the outer, but it really does work. I rode during the 32° UK summer days and this was fine. Also a bonus that it isnt a heat-soaking black colour. Could also be worn as a casual jacket if down the local pub.
Merlin Neptune 2 WP Textile Jacket - Sage Great jacket, feels nice and snug, seems to be well made with plenty of pockets
Merlin Mason 2 D3O Waterproof Jeans - Blue I must admit I was sceptical about the Water Proof status of these Jeans - how wrong was I.
Just spending a week in Scotland and ridden in lengthy downpours - not a drop got through !!
Highly recommend these.
They feel super-robust and would be far too hot for summer - but for Scottish wet weather they are AMAZING.
Merlin Calton CE2 Leather D3O Gloves - Black Fabulous gloves at a great price and kp2
Merlin Rivington D3O Jeans - Black Although the inseam is a tab long for me (30" - I need ideally 28.5 or 29) I find these very comfortable. Waist was a 30" (I need a 29, but 30's are as small as these go), but a belt cinches them in fine.
Merlin Chase II D3O Perforated Jacket - Brown / Black Love the two-tone colour on this - a bit retro-70's with a modern twist, perhaps? Fits well. I got the Held Viper D30 back armour (medium) to add to it - this fits the back pocket perfectly and is a bit cheaper than the Merlin version of same thing (SBS kindly confirmed the M size would fit before I purchased).
One _small_ negative (it's early days of wearing it, so this view point may change) is the cuffs and their zips. No room for gloves to go under the cuffs with the zips done up, over only - which is OK I guess. Another factor (but again, have only worn it a couple of times so far, so this may settle in) is left elbow armour seems to prod me a little. Not sure if it's the position (they Velcro into a pocket, so I will be trying to tune that a bit).
Dedicated internal pockets for both (sun)glasses on right and ear protector buds on left. Has a nice quilted removable (by zip) liner for balancing between cooler and warmer ride seasons.
The zip to join to jeans is a short version, not full waist wraparound, so you need the matching short connector on jeans or leathers, if you use that.
Merlin Chase II D3O Perforated Jacket - Brown / Black As expected