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
Merlin Textile Jackets
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Merlin Heated Clothing
Merlin Waterproofs & Baselayers
Merlin Casual Wear
Merlin Reflectpro Mesh Vest - Grey Expensive but high quality and really stands out. Folds into own rear pocket. Zip also good quality. Small pocket on chest. Bought two, one for Son in law. Velcro Adjustment at sides, so suitable for all seasons gear.
Remember it goes outside all clothes - so size!
Merlin Bednell CE2 D3O Heated Gloves - Brown Tried heated gloves before and not been impressed but decided to try again with these and am totally happy, A lot of money but excellent quality gloves in their own right and the heating is very satisfactory throughout the glove, the controls are simple and power button feels robust and clicks firmly, easy to use even on the move. Heating lasted four hours before needing recharging way longer than my commute so they are perfect for me and in the brown suit my retro bike, everything feels high quality, 100% satisfied
Merlin Leigh D3O Leather Gloves - Black Just about easy enough to use on a bicycle, so I know I'll be able to operate a motorbike with them. The D30 is very supple but hardens up really well. Not crashed them so can't rate that yet
Merlin ThermaVolt Heated Socks - Black So far only rode in mild autumn weather, windy 8C ride, warm enough on low setting.
Powering off of the bike might be a more comfortable option than battery as the battery wasn't comfortable for me.
Merlin Calton CE2 Leather D3O Gloves - Black Made from good quality leather so take time to break in, I have worn them for about 5 hours on the bike in total and they are beginning to become more supple, another few rides should do it.
Generous sizing and long fingers but the thumbs are a little short although being leather there is plenty of give in them so not a problem and after they are fully broken in they will obviously be a lot more comfortable. Bought size Large and they are slightly bigger than expected which is fine, if I had bought medium they may have fitted more snugly but the thumbs would probably have been too short which is annoying on long rides.
The raised knuckle protectors are not exactly in the right positions, I suppose it's the same with many of these things but for the price it would be nice to have better attention to detail though I can't really knock off any stars for such a minor detail. It seems they might fit a smaller glove better, maybe they use the same ones for different size gloves but they still offer a fair bit of protection.
Not tested in torrential rain because I try to avoid riding in those conditions but I have some other Merlin products which have proven to be waterproof so I am confident that these will be too, leather can be treated with waterproofing wax if necessary. I am becoming a fan of Merlin clothing after buying some riding jeans a few years ago and been very impressed with them !
Plenty warm enough for Autumn weather and I expect they will be good for most Winter weather too right down to single figure temperatures, I have some glove liners that will fit inside which really make a difference but I don't ride in ice and snow.
Merlin Mason 2 D3O Waterproof Jeans - Blue I've had to use a belt because they don't make it in my waist size, but that's a me issue - they feel really comfortable and warm, and the waterproofing on them so far has been top notch. Haven't been caught out in a torrential downpour yet but it's been fine for the usual amount of rain.
Merlin Hawkins Urban Waterproof D3O® Boots - Black These boots are comfortable and will keep your feet dry on those rainy days. I’m well happy with them