REV’IT! Nucleus Review: The Stealthy Armored Jacket for City Riders

$329.99 of CE Level 2 armor that passes for casual

The Short Answer: The REV’IT! Nucleus is a $329.99 slim-fit protector jacket built from 3D air mesh and polyester stretch, rated Class AA under EN 17092-3. It carries SEEFLEX CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor, a SEESOFT Air Level 2 back protector and Level 1 chest pads, and works alone or under a jacket. Its only real drawback is storage.

If the REV’IT! Proteus is the armor you hide under a jacket, the Nucleus is the armor you can wear out to coffee without anyone suspecting you’re dressed for battle. Adam Waheed breaks down REV’IT!’s understated protector jacket in this SpeedAddictsTV video, and it’s a strong option for urban riders who want real protection that doesn’t scream “motorcycle.”

Sponsored by Speed Addicts

This video is brought to you by Speed Addicts, where you’ll find the Nucleus with no-cost returns: order it, try it on, keep the tags on and don’t wear it outside, and you can send it back free. If you’re in the American Southwest, swing by the Speed Addicts Superstore in Orange, California. They stock a huge helmet wall, so you can get fitted and walk out with a new lid the same day.

Who Is the REV’IT! Nucleus For?

Waheed says the Nucleus is for “all of you urban riders out there who want a really nice jacket that has a lot of integrated protection.” REV’IT! designed it to be worn as a stand-alone jacket or as a protective base layer under a DIRT Series off-road jacket, a casual jacket or even a sweater. Lots of torso mesh means it flows air nicely in warm climates.

Price, Sizing and Fit

It comes in one color (black) at $329 per the video; REV’IT!’s U.S. site lists it at $329.99. Sizes run small through 3XL. At 6 feet and 190 pounds, Waheed wears a large and says it fits true to size. It’s a slim cut, but the stretch material gives you room to move.

Construction and Certification

The outer shell is 3D air mesh and polyester stretch. Unlike the Proteus, the Nucleus is abrasion-rated: REV’IT! certifies it Class AA under EN 17092-3, the middle tier of the three-level garment scale. REV’IT! also notes it’s vegan and uses a lining made with recycled polyester.

Armor: Level 2 Where You Land

• SEEFLEX CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors. Thicker and more robust, Waheed notes, for riders who might have an accident.
• SEESOFT CE Level 1 divided chest protectors. Removable, and “you don’t typically see a lot of jackets with integrated chest protection.”
• SEESOFT Air CE Level 2 back protector. REV’IT!’s extra-ventilated back insert.
• SEESOFT at the ribcage, per REV’IT!’s spec list.

Waheed likes that the SEESOFT and SEEFLEX armor molds to your body, so you keep good mobility on the bike.

Thumb Loops and Stretch Cuffs

Like the Proteus, the Nucleus gets stretchable cuffs and thumb loops, which Waheed loves. They keep the sleeves from creeping up your arm when you’re stretched over the bars, which matters if you wear shorter-cuff gloves and don’t fancy a sunburned wrist stripe.

The One Knock: Storage

There’s a single slit pocket at the chest for a phone or wallet. No internal pockets, no hand pockets. “If there was one knock, that would be it,” Waheed says. Pack light, or bring a backpack.

Visibility and Warranty

Reflective logos on the chest and back help you stand out after dark. REV’IT! covers the Nucleus with its two-year warranty.

REV’IT! Nucleus Protector Jacket Specifications

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• Cortech Chicane 2.0 Jacket Review: A conventional jacket you could wear over a protector
• 2026 Yamaha MT-07 Customer Reviews: A popular urban naked bike

FAQ

Can the REV’IT! Nucleus be worn on its own?

Yes. Unlike the Proteus, the Nucleus is certified Class AA under EN 17092-3, so it’s designed to work as a stand-alone urban jacket or as a protective base layer.

What armor comes in the Nucleus?

SEEFLEX CE Level 2 shoulders and elbows, a SEESOFT Air CE Level 2 back protector and SEESOFT CE Level 1 divided chest protectors.

How many pockets does the Nucleus have?

One: a chest pocket. Waheed calls the lack of storage the jacket’s only real knock.

Does the Nucleus run small?

It’s a slim fit but true to size. Waheed (6 ft, 190 lb) wears a large.

How much is the REV’IT! Nucleus?

$329.99 in the U.S., with a two-year REV’IT! warranty.