MY wife Sue and I have nothing but praise for our Hein Gericke textile protective clothing after a combined 16 years of hard regular use.

Sue, my wife, has worn her jacket every week for the past five years in all weathers and it is still waterproof and looks as good as new.

Mr Frog only bought a new suit when he set off touring his homeland of France last year because he felt like a change; the replacement was another Hein Gericke suit.

So, examining the new Speed Evo Jacket, one thing I don't have to worry about is whether it will provide good service.

The first thing to catch the eye is the cammo panels on the body and sleeves of the otherwise black jacket. Not only does this provide a more casual look it makes me appear slimmer - so I like it.

The technical stuff: the outer is a mix of sturdy 600D Polyester and wear-resistant 1680D Oxford Polyester with a light Polyester lining and a removable thermal inner.

The jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable due to a Hein Gericke Sheltex membrane.

Hiprotec IV protectors are fitted to elbows and shoulders along with extra foam padding. A back protector is retrofittable.

The Speed Evo is light and very comfy, particularly the low-cut back that doesn't ride up.

Elastic cords allow exact adjustment to the wearer's body and another cord at the hem keeps everything snug.

The zip front has an effective double flap that prevents weather getting to the zip and the press stud closure is concealed to keep hard surfaces away from the bike's paint work.

Stretch panels allow freedom of movement with everything done up and proved very effective on my bike.

Four zip pockets at the front and one on the back provide secure storage for all the gubbins I carry around. If that's not enough, a large pocket is concealed by the front zipper with another inside the jacket.

The Speed Evo will also zip on to matching trousers.Priced at £119.99, the Speed Evo is available from Hein Gericke in Commercial Road, Southampton, where you can also pick up the 2005 catalogue. Call 023 8033 7852 for details.