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IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

In keeping with the Koyono style, red is the highlight of choice. Hidden and waiting to be revealed, such as behind the collar (Figure 1), the effect draws attention without being flashy. Amazing what a tiny splash of color can make against such a stark background, isn’t it?

(all images link to higher resolution)

Figure 1: The Koyono standard red collar highlight.

And while the top picture gives the impression that the interior of the collar, the only red highlighting on the BlackCoat Sport is found on the coat hook (Figure 2) just above the BlackCoat label.

Figure 2: Similar red highlighting on the coat hook.

The button flap of the sleeve cuff also sports a little hidden flair (Figure 3). Color highlights aside, the construction of the BlackCoat Sport is tight, clean, and well made. The exterior is a breathable Nextec Flathead nylon with Epic waterproofing technology, which gives it a not quite shiny, but not quite flat look. It holds up quite well against the elements, not that this Northwest fall has presented many times to really put the jacket to the test.

Figure 3: Even the cuffs display a splash of color.

The cut is somewhat like a sport coat (hybrid sport coat, as Koyono puts it), with rounded bottom corners (Figure 4) but not so stiff and sleek that it can’t be folded up for easy storage. The interior is a polyester mesh that allows the jacket stay light and avoid stuffiness (Figure 5).

Figure 4: Rounded corners at the bottom of the BlackCoat.

Figure 5: Close up of the care instructions and mesh interior.

AND THE BIG THINGS

What really makes this jacket interesting is the built-in Elektex iPod control pad (Figure 6). Located next to the left interior pocket, the controls are easy to reach, and just as easy to use. The buttons were far more responsive than I ever expected them to be, even though they lack a certain tactile feel. In fact, they might have been a little over-sensitive for my large fingers.

Figure 6: Control pad by Elektex.

The actual pad, removed from its white-labeled, zippered pouch, is really nondescript (Figure 7). But the lack of features is only skin deep, the beauty of the concept runs all the way to the core.

Figure 7: Close up of the Smart Fabric, removed from its zippered pocket.

Speaking of the core, the only unwashable bit on this jacket is the small black box hiding in a Velcro’d section of the left interior pocket. Simply disconnect the 30-pin connector, slide out the iPod cable section, and toss it in the wash. That’s right – into your washing machine. Tumble dry, reattach the brains (Figure 8), and you are clean and ready to go.

Figure 8: The controller brains (unplugged from the pad).

Or rather, you are ready to go if you have an iPod (Figure 9). Which I don’t…anymore. Mine died and I replaced it with a non-Apple device. So while the jacket looks and feels great, the tech is sort of lost on me now. I imagine it’s only a matter of time before other DAP manufacturer’s have the same sort of tech developed for their units, but until then, I seem to be out of luck. But there are plenty of iPod users out there who fit into the marketing gap.

Figure 9: Standard iPod connector.

Koyono does have an in-depth Kata (Use) for the BlackCoat Sport here. What it comes down to is this: you turn on your iPod and slide over the lock tab. This second step, I have found, is not necessary, but reduces the risk of accidental button presses on the iPod itself. Slide the iPod into the pocket-in-a-pocket, and zip it closed. Finally, hold down the Forward button (orange circle) for a couple of seconds, and the iPod will be ready for its next command. The plus and minus control the volume, and the rest of the buttons are self-explanatory. If you don’t touch the pad for more than ten seconds, you will have to repeat the unlock procedure again. Easy as pie.

Figure 10: iPod Nano plugged and playing.

HOW’S IT LOOK

Sizing for the Koyono BlackCoat Sport was a little snug. Not tight, but it certainly felt more like an oversized large than the extra-large it claimed to be. Having the controls just inside the left side (Figure 11) made it easy for a righty such as myself to get at the controls, but they were set just far enough in that a lefty would have to turn the jacket out a bit.

Figure 11: Side shot of the Koyono BlackCoat, showing off the iPod controls.

Buttoned, the jacket still looks great. But it restricts left-handed access even further. Koyono did have the insight to place the jacket buttons just above and below the controls, so right-handed use, especially with the thumb, is still a breeze. Why put the controls where they did? Well, if they were found on the outside, it would detract from the stylishness of the jacket, and once you are used to the layout, you don’t even need to look at the pad any more – one operates simply by touch.

Figure 12: The BlackCoat buttoned.

PURCHASING

You can purchase Koyono’s BlackCoat Sport here for $275 USD.

PROS

• Stylish
• Waterproof
• Easy to use
• Built-in iPod controls

CONS

• iPod only
• Slightly snug fit
• Pricey

OVERALL
IMPRESSION

As usual, Koyono has done a fine job with the styling and configuration. I just wish that the built-in controls were more universal, having just switched to a non-Apple device. The sticker price is a little shocking, but compared to the rest of the Koyono line, it’s still in line considering the technology. The jacket was comfortable, the tech was easy to use, and the look was fantastic. That said, we give Koyono’s BlackCoat Sport the following score: