Cortech previews Shadow AX protective jacket with matching gloves

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• Built for real-world street use
• Materials and protection
• Comfort and practical features
• Gloves that pair with the jacket
• Price and who it’s for

Most riders spend the bulk of their miles somewhere between a track day and an all-day tour. Cortech’s new Shadow AX jacket and matching gloves are aimed at that everyday zone—protective and practical without the overbuilt look of full touring gear or the flash of race kit.

Built for real-world street use

The Shadow AX is positioned as a versatile street jacket rather than a leather sport shell or an expedition-ready coat. Its design favors understated lines and everyday wearability, so it fits on a commuter, a sport-touring bike, or a casual weekend ride without feeling out of place off the bike.

Materials and protection

At the jacket’s core is an AX Laredo chassis with reinforced AX Billy overlays at high-wear points like the shoulders and elbows. Cortech adds Cordura four-way stretch panels to improve mobility, a detail that helps the garment move with the rider rather than fight the riding position.

Impact protection comes from Armanox CE Level 1 soft-flex armor in the shoulders, elbows and back. The armor keeps the profile relatively slim while providing certified protection. Reflective accents from 3M Scotchlite enhance visibility in low light, maintaining a modern, low-key look.

Comfort and practical features

Ventilation is distributed across chest, shoulder, bicep and rear-exhaust vents, so the jacket can be comfortable across a wide range of temperatures. A removable thermal vest liner adds seasonal flexibility when mornings are cool or a ride runs late.

The Shadow AX also includes several everyday conveniences: a waterproof Napoleon pocket, a neoprene phone pocket, multiple stash zones, and an Ideal Mag-Zip magnetic front zipper intended to be easier to operate with gloves. Pre-curved sleeves and rolled shoulders further support a natural riding posture.

There’s a removable hood that secures with a magnet—a small touch that keeps the hood from flapping while preserving a more casual look when you’re off the bike.

Gloves that pair with the jacket

Cortech’s Shadow AX gloves mirror the jacket’s street-focused approach. They use AX Connect engineered synthetic fabric with AX Billy palm overlays and a double-layer palm for abrasion resistance without bulk.

Protection is kept low-profile with split TPU knuckles and EVA foam accents. Stretch panels and four-way stretch fourchettes maintain finger dexterity and feel. Inside, a soft tricot lining and mesh venting aim to balance comfort and airflow.

The gloves are touchscreen-capable at the thumb and index finger and close with an adjustable hook-and-loop wrist strap—features that make them practical for the everyday rider and a natural match for the jacket’s controls and pockets.

Price and who it’s for

The jacket retails at $349.99, with the gloves priced at $59.99. In a segment where added materials and convenience features can push costs quickly higher, this combination targets riders who want modern materials, certified protection, and functional details without excessive specialty styling.

If your rides are mostly short commutes, midday loops, or casual longer runs that start and stop, the Shadow AX kit is designed to be usable day after day rather than reserved for extremes.