The Traze AMP SS AFT jersey from ION is a lightweight jersey ideal for summer riding. It comes with a handful of useful features all within a high quality build. While excellent, an over engineered design affects overall comfort.
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ION’s Traze AMP SS AFT jersey claims to be just the right jersey for all-mountain and enduro riding. As such, it comes with quite the feature list, including the main body which is constructed from a moisture wicking recycled polyester. The side panels get special vent inserts and there’s a handy glasses wipe built in, along with a hidden pocket.
The jersey fits really well, I tested a medium top as always and I’ve had no complaints. Helping the cause is an elasticated hem, which is fairly unsual for a baggy jersey but in this case, it proved rather useful. It kept it from rising up when moving over the bike, especially when shifting weight rewards. It’s a small touch, but it makes a surprisingly large impact.
ION has done a great job of choosing the materials for each panel too. Lighter meshes making up the back and sides boost airflow, making for a cool jersey in the summer months.
While I certainly enjoyed the Traze Amp SS, it’s certainly not without a couple of niggles and they are mostly products of perhaps a little too much thought. The jersey gets a raised collar that ION says has been included for comfort but it’s not as comfortable as more traditionally designed jerseys. It’s a small downside but it feels as if there’s a little too much fabric around the neck just for the sake of it. I never found anything wrong with a normal crew neck, and in this case, the jersey would be better off that way.
Again, another small issue but there’s a seam that runs across the chest that can get rather noticeable. To call it uncomfortable is a bit of a stretch but it’s not necessary. This jersey can be described as a raglan style but with a bit more, though I believe a simpler raglan cut would make this a better top.
For the asking price, the ION Traze Amp SS AFT isn’t a cheap jersey, though what you’re paying for is quality and features, both of which it definitely has. Another jersey at a similar price is Alpinestars’ ALPS 8.0 Short Sleeve, and like the Traze, it’s a bit over complicated its another fancy collar and strange seams at the back.
If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind dropping a couple of features, the Fasthouse Classic Cartel SS performed very well in its review and costs £50, a price of which it truly fills. It gets mesh panels in the right places but its simple in its design.
ION’s Traze Amp SS AFT jersey is a solid choice for the serious summer heat and if you have deeper pockets. It comes loaded with features that are mostly very useful, though some of them overcomplicate the overall product.