Jackets; any suggestions?

[aneuploidy]

I'm looking for advice on jackets--suggestions, what to avoid, what to look for. I'd like to find something that's affordable but still offers good protection. And, we are in Texas, what's a good choice to stay cool but safe. Also, mesh vs. leather, pro's/con's and what's better?

I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

[mjacks]

If it wasn't for mesh I don't think I could ride more than 3-4 months out of the year. I have a Joe Rocket mesh jacket that has been good but the over all quality/ fit and finish isn't that great. It really wasn't all that expensive so I am not that surprised. I have read a lot lately that the quality of Joe Rocket has gone down quite a bit so I would be very critical if I were to look at another.

[Keith]

Men's? Women's? Size?

I just recently purchased two of the MotoGP Leather Jackets that www.newenough.com has on closeout. They are $140 each. Last time I checked they had a good selection left, but that may change. The jacket has been perfect so far, but the temps have not been lower than 50 or higher than 80. I suspect the jacket will be good between 45 and 90 degrees.

[wonder91178]

I wear a mesh jacket in the summertime, I have to because it gets so hot.

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket, and I can wear it most of the year. It has armor and it also has an outer shell you can zip on/off for things like, say it's cool in the morning, then warmer in the afternoon.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/alter_ego_textile_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

Here's some pics of what it can do...
http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/164

For all day cooler weather I have a Spyke 2-piece leather suit :mrgreen:

[sherob]

Checkout the Cortech GX Air... great jacket for the $$$ ;-)

http://www.tonker.com/store/tour_master_cortech_gx_air_jacket.html

http://www.tonker.com/store/tour_master_cortech_gx_air_womens_jacket.html

[CBAT]

I got a good deal on a Joe Rocket Phoenix a couple of years ago. Very good all weather Jacket. Summer riding is not problem as long as you are moving. Ventilation is superb, probably the best you will find since it's a wider mesh. The liner will make you sweat but works great when it's cold to cut the wind. You just really need a long sleeve tee underneath the shell at least. Add a sweatshirt or fleece and it's good down to around 40, easily. I've checked out the Alter Ego and I really like the design also with the removable outer shell for cool weather.

[DaveC]

I have a traditional moto cop black biker jacket, great for the early spring and late fall.
Tourmaster for rain and cold.
Mesh for the rest of the time.
I like armour now that I have tried it.

[GregH]

I don't have a real jacket yet. (Just bought the bike!) I've been looking at the Olympia Airglide for the ventilation. I'm particularly interested in having armor. How does it feel riding with armor inserted in the elbows, shoulders, back? Do you get used to it? Does it get in the way or hang you up?

[1TallTXn]

I personally have a Belstaff Challagner for the non-summer months (hard to call it "winter") and a TourMaster Intake (http://newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/intake_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html) for the rest of the year. Its a full mesh jacket with CE rated armor in the elbows and shoulders. Back pad isn't CE, but its a stiff foam pad.
Rain and insulated jacket liners are included with the listed price.

I've been down in a FirstGear MeshTex II and it did its job. While I'm sure a leather jacket would have faired better, I was not injured because of the jacket. (can't say as much of the jeans I was wearing)
I hit the pavement doing ~40mph and slid for ~60ft then another 20ft in the dirt. Jacket was torn, but still had a couple layers before it got to me. I had added CE armor to my jacket, I believe the new ones now come with CE armor already in them

:welcome: and good luck finding what you're looking for!

[1TallTXn]

I don't have a real jacket yet. (Just bought the bike!) I've been looking at the Olympia Airglide for the ventilation. I'm particularly interested in having armor. How does it feel riding with armor inserted in the elbows, shoulders, back? Do you get used to it? Does it get in the way or hang you up?
it feels pretty awkward off the bike, but on the bike it fits pretty well. Cause thats where its designed to be used.

I would HIGHLY recommend getting hard armor vs just the foam "armor" that they ship in some jackets. If the jacket you get doesn't have any in it, NewEnough sells some you can put in yourself.

[GregH]

I would HIGHLY recommend getting hard armor vs just the foam "armor" that they ship in some jackets.
When they specify "CE Approved" is that the hard type?

[1TallTXn]

When they specify "CE Approved" is that the hard type?
Yup, CE is hard armor.
CE is a rating they use in Europe. Its basically race-certified. I think, might have to look that one up...

Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_armor) is a wiki article about armor. its got a blurb on CE armor.

As far as I know, there's no armor rating system in the US.

[Tx Rider]

I've worn an Olympia airglide for about the last 3-4 years on trips, commuting, even long dirt bike trips.

Decent protection, good airflow, good zip out liner that's good to the 40's and wears by itself like windbreaker, and very good visibility at night, makes ya look like tron in headlights.

No rain protection, I carry a rain jacket to put over it for that.

Mines shown a bit of wear in the years, mainly just a few zipper pulls I've broken half the pull tab off of.

I mainly bought it as most of the mesh jackets I tried it felt like nothing was holding the armor in place really. The Olympia has heavy cordura nylon down the outside of the arms, across the top of the shoulders and down the center of the back that feels like better protection and it didn't feel like the armor would flop out of the way like the others I tried on.

I think the styling has changed a little since I got mine though.

[pacman]

+1 on the Joe Rocket Alter Ego. I wish I had bought one, but I'm pretty happy with my Frank Thomas convertible.

The Alter Ego is an 11 month jacket here in Texas, 12 month if your using it for short trips, just be sure you always carry a tank or tail bag to keep the layers in.


Welcome to Twtex, by the way!

[ceddec]

Checkout the Cortech GX Air... great jacket for the $$$ ;-)

http://www.tonker.com/store/tour_master_cortech_gx_air_jacket.html

http://www.tonker.com/store/tour_master_cortech_gx_air_womens_jacket.html

+1 - Must be a Katy thing. :thumb:

[GregH]

I tried on the Harley-Davidson Mesh Jacket and the lighter version (don't remember the name). They felt good except the armore was in these loose pockets in the shoulders and elbows and it didn't seem to "stick" very well.
I'll have to try an AirGlide. Who sells them in North Dallas?

[greengoose]

Ive used the olympia airglide for 3 years I use it for daily commuting and light offroad/dualsport rides. Its held up well with the exception of the zipper pulls, the plastic endcaps started poping off after a few pulls I replaced them with some strips of nylon, the only other problem Ive had is the velcro on the cuffs is starting to wear a little I may have to get it repaired after this season. Its made of part cordura and part mesh and seems to hold its shape better than some of the all mesh jackets Ive tried on, the armour stays in place and its very light and comfy with good airflow as long as your moving a little mine is black but I wish I had gotten the silver one It might reflect the heat better when sitting at lights in the summer. The liner will work down to about 45 for short trips.

[greengoose]

Who sells them in North Dallas?

https://www.motoliberty.com/prod_detail.asp?Prod_ID=146

[bluedogok]

Moto Liberty (http://www.motoliberty.com/) at I-35E and Royal Lane carries Olympia. I bought some of my stuff there when I bought my Sprint and was working near the Galleria. Good shop.

[GregH]

Thanks for the link, Dennis and Scott. I'll check them out.

[Woodys650]

+ Yet another on the Joe Rocket Alter Ego. The mesh flows great at almost any speed. This jacket rocks. Downside is it comes new with the flimsy foam padding. At least there are two layers of it!:rider:

[aneuploidy]

I want to thank everyone for their feedback. I REALLY appreciate your responses.

Thanks again.

[DaveC]

One other thing, go to every store that handles riding gear and try it on,
Now you have to say this with the same accent that Billy Crystal or Steve Martin uses," Do I look good, I feel good, I look marvelous!"

:lol2: :rofl: :doh:

[jsb223]

Finding one jacket to cover the Texas extremes is gonna be tough.

I've got 3 mesh jackets, one perforated leather and one Textile.

I can get by with the Joe Rocket perforated leather w/ removable liner most of the time.

If it's summertime and the sun is up, I cook. After sundown it's nice.

[GregH]

I tried on the Olympia Airglide 2 at MotoLiberty yesterday and boy that thing is HEAVY. It is very well made, though, with exceptional detail in the stitching and cut. I didn't zip out the liner -- saving that for another trip (this time I was really there to buy boots).

[1TallTXn]

I tried on the Olympia Airglide 2 at MotoLiberty yesterday and boy that thing is HEAVY. It is very well made, though, with exceptional detail in the stitching and cut. I didn't zip out the liner -- saving that for another trip (this time I was really there to buy boots).
The liners to add considerably to the weight. and you kinda want a heavy jacket to protect your hide in the event that you have to test it

[GregH]

Are the perforated leather jackets as durable (read: crash protective) as the Cordura in the Airglide?

[Beach]

Here's my jacket line-up, the combination covers MOST of my needs :rofl:

Joe Rocket Pheonix mesh with removable liner

Hein Gericke Tuareg Rallye LC 3/4 Cordura textile with removable liner

Fast Time unlined leather jacket (with armor)

Cortech / Tourmaster Magnum leather with removable liner (zips together with the Cortech Apex pants to make a 2 pc leather suit)

[GregH]

I just picked up the Vanson Ventilator Jacket from Moto Liberty:
-1000 denier woven Cordura panels for sleeves, shoulders, and back
-1000 denier knitted Cordura mesh for under sleeves and torso
-Forearm adjusters
-Waist adjusters
-2 outside pockets, 2 inside pockets
-leather trim
-CE armor in the forearms, elbows, and shoulders
-Compression backpad in the, well, in the back!

It will be a bit warm in 90+ degree stops but lots of airflow when moving. Of course, anything is a bit warm in 90+ degrees in north Texas.

[GregH]

Oh, and the price was $199! :clap:

[shuttleman]

Anybody tried the Vanson Vent Max 3?

http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3.htm

[GregH]

I almost bought the VentMax 3 but went for the Ventilator instead. I figured the solid panels on the top of the sleeves and shoulders would provide sun/bug/wind protection and extend its use into cooler weather.
I've been riding in it for a month and it's a very good jacket. Breathes well and is fairly cool. Of course, sitting at a traffic light it warms up in the sun.

[shuttleman]

We'll see, I ordered a silver VentMax3 a couple of days ago.


It's stinkin' hot out there!

[GregH]

Be sure to post a usage report. I'm interested...

[MaxxTraxx]

I wear an Icon Tarmac mesh jacket. It has full CE armor in elbows, shoulders and back plus zip off sleeves (not to sure of the purpose there...) anyways, I've tested the jacket on rough concrete at 45mph...works awsome..although my wranglers werent the best choice in pants...

[GregH]

I wear an Icon Tarmac mesh jacket... I've tested the jacket on rough concrete at 45mph...
Now that's dedication!

[Tourmeister]

Welcome to the site aneuploidy :wave:

[M@!]

Great info in this thread. I am lost when it comes to hot weather gear. In CA I can wear my aerostich year round and you can't beat the protection or ease of use. Is there anything similar that works for hot weather????

Also am I even going to be able to wear my stich or is going to be taking up room in the closet in TX?

[GregH]

You'll want some mesh if you're riding the streets during a Texas summer.

[AggieC05]

+1 - Must be a Katy thing. :thumb:

love my GX Air and it comes in tall versions... unfortunately only in the black which looks good but sure is hot sitting in stop and go

[Morgan Buchanan]

I'm completely unimpressed with Joe Rocket's quality. Sure, it WORKS, it's mesh. But as stated, fit and finish isn't so good. I recall (third hand, unconfirmed) that they don't rate well in safety. Check that out. I'm getting rid of mine and don't care enough to look myself.

Combination jackets are good too. Leather in the areas you will fall down, big vents, and patches of flex cloth in the arm pits and down the inside of the sleeves create air flow. It's hotter than a straight mesh, but a lot more protective.

I have the "official" Honda VTX version of this jacket:

http://newenough.com/closeouts/leather_suits_jackets_and_pants/power_trip/dtp_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html

It's a freaking awesome deal on this jacket, and if I didn't have the VTX one already, I'd buy one of these. I've worn this jacket on HOT and HUMID days, and it's pretty decent. I admit, I handle heat well. Is it as cool as the mesh? No. Will it protect me better if I go down? Yup. Dress for the slide, not for the ride.

[roadwarrior]

Try cycleport's (motoport.com) kevlar mesh. Not cheap, but can be had with a great gore-tex liner that will work down to about 50 degrees (unfaired bike). absolutely the most protective gear you can buy.

For less expensive really hot weather gear, Vanson makes a mesh jacket that is 1000 Denier cordura open mesh weave over the entire body. It has leather patches under the mesh at the shoulders and elbows. No liner to be had, so only a hot weather item.

On mesh jackets make sure that the mesh is not poylester. It has a very low melting point and may melt into your skin in a slide. Lost of debate on this. Generally best to stick with Cordura or kevlar and avoid the cheaper poly stuff.

+1 on Motoliberty. Great selection and good people. Decent prices. Spend the time and try everything on. Can't go wrong there.

[kurt]

Anybody tried the Vanson Vent Max 3?

http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3.htm

I had one briefly. Bought it used and then promptly low-sided it at about 25 mph. It did exactly what it is supposed to do, but ripped out the elbow over the armor. It did vent extremely well.

[shuttleman]

First day riding with new Vanson VentMax 3

Back was all that got wet.

GREAT.

Thanks MotoLiberty!

[Boondocker]

It was mentioned earlier, but I gotta say - try them on. Definitely go for the CE armor. My Fieldsheer Mach 4 mesh is foam pad on the inside, leather on the outside, and CE armor sandwiched in between. That's the elbows, shoulders, and back. The rest is mesh and heavier nylon in the stress areas. This jacket is good for about the 5 summer months here. The rest of the year I use a Firstgear Mach 4, which is a 1000 denier nylon with similar padding plus a removable thermal liner. I actually prefer the stiffer jacket (less flapping), but must yield to the heat.

Moral of story - don't expect one jacket or one set of gloves to be suitable year-round.

And try them on!

[RTL]

I really like my Cortech mesh jacket. A friend has the Vanson jacket designed for hot weather and it looks very well made. He says it has good air flow too.

[shuttleman]

Airflow on the Vanson is excellent. You hardly notice the armor too.

[budzrex]

You could always support a fellow TWT member

www.nforza.com

[1TallTXn]

You could always support a fellow TWT member

www.nforza.com
never seen them before, thanks for the link

[Maintainer]

Best bang for buck think Mesh with a removable liner. Leather (even perforated)is just way too smothering and hot most of the year. It is the most abrasion resistant and looks the best. Personally I rotate three Jackets:

1.Joe Rocket: Loudest colors and designs, most visibility, coolest, removable liner, armored and has the most features.

2.Mossi: Leather reinforced critical areas with mesh in the rest, removable liner, armored, very well constructed.

3.Cortech Denim: heavy weight, removable liner, to warm for anything but cool to cold weather, economical.


You didn't ask but another summer must I also use are Fieldsheer and First Gear armored mesh pants. I prefer the Fieldsheers for the their features and extreme comfort.

[IAHKAT]

Another vote for Joe Rocket here. I have a UFO jacket and love it.

Check out this seller on E-Bay.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgypsie2112

[MissMez]

Okay ladies...I'm looking for my first jacket--haven't even got a bike yet! Anyway, I like the looks of the Tour Master Trinity jackets and have read couple of good reviews on them. Any personal experience out there? How about the Cortech LNX and LRX (leather and textile, respectively)? I am REAL new to all of this!

Thanks--
Cheryl

[GregH]

Check out the Vanson jackets, as well. They manufacture women-specific cuts and sizes.

[Spook]

First day riding with new Vanson VentMax 3

Back was all that got wet.

GREAT.

Thanks MotoLiberty!

I love my Vanson Vent Max 3 ....it works the best for me. I also have have the Olympia Air but when its real hot ......hands down its Vent Max 3 :sun:

[KnowledgeBox]

I decided to buy a Vanson Vent Max III today. It took me a while to find someone in the Houston area that actually stocks them, but I finally did:

BRITISH USA
1210 College Dr, Houston, TX 77587
713-944-7951

They are located near Hobby Airport and according to the person I spoke with they have all sizes from XS - XXXL, in silver as well as black. About time you can buy a mens mesh jacket in a color other than black - the color that most effectively absorbs the sun's :sun: radiation!

[Tracker]

You could always support a fellow TWT member

www.nforza.com (http://www.nforza.com)

Whoozat?

[Morgan Buchanan]

Yeah, those prices, I'd love to see more for sure. I like inexpensive and good. But I don't buy cheap. :) Anyone on here have this Nforza brand in anything?

[Bird of Prey]

Try cycleport's (motoport.com) kevlar mesh. Not cheap, but can be had with a great gore-tex liner that will work down to about 50 degrees (unfaired bike). absolutely the most protective gear you can buy.
.


I will 2nd cycleport. I have their Cordora Ultra II jacket and Ultra II Kevlar pants. They provide incredible protection. They are expensive and this is heavy for TX summers. I am now looking into their Kevlar mesh gear.

I do not feel most mesh gear provide enough protection for my liking. Roadwarrior, do you have or know someone with the cycleport kevlar mesh? How well does it flow air? Thanks for any input.

[sherob]

I have the kevlar mesh jacket... and have had it for 2 Houston summers :trust: It is a little warmer than the Cortech GX Air that I had before, but really only notice it when sitting.

[roadwarrior]

Bird,

I have had the 3/4 kevlar mesh jacket for a three years. I just got the shorter-length mesh. I'd recommend the shorter jacket, since it zips to the pants, and doesn't have the extra material to drag around and bunch up around your waist when riding.

The jacket won't flow as much air as the Vanson ventmax, but will offer significantly more protection. I also splurged on one of those earlier in the year. The airflow is great, but no zipper to mate to pants, and it is just lighter less protective material in general, although very well made. No liner available for it.

The more full-coverage (especially chest) armor in the Cycleport jackets cuts down on some of the airflow, but thats the tradeoff here. On the full fairing bike the ventmax is cooler. On either of the bikes, faired or unfaired, the kevlar has a wider range of useful temperatures and offers more protection.

Since I bought the longer jacket, cycleport has improved the design a bit, adding velcro straps to cinch up the sleeves to keep the armor more in place.

Nice to see them improving the design for functional reasons.

[Bird of Prey]

Thanks for the inputs. This is about what I expected. I have had the 3/4 length Cordora Ultra II for about 5 years now. Overall it has served well. I just think its time has come since we move recently to Austin. It is simply too hot from May to October here. Additionally, I have experinced the issue with the jacket bunching up. I found that now and then the back armor would get pushed up on the raised rear passenger seat section of my Hawk as well. All of these are pushing me to toward the short jacket.

Road, do you have any pictures of your new short jacket? I would love to see some more. Did you have any of the pockets deleted or is yours the standard design?

Thanks for all the inputs.

Eric

[kp600]

I bought an Olympia AST 3/4 touring jacket back in Feb '07 at MotoLiberty and hated to put it away for the summer. I wore it today on an early morning run to Pasadena (from Beaumont) and well, I like the AST so much I'm actually looking forward to cold weather. It's very comfortable with a temp range of low 30's to high 70's. The exterior is waterproof (not just a membrane) and it has huge direct flow vents with waterproof zippers on the chest, back and upper arm. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

I have to confess the AST wasn't my first choice. My mesh gear is Fieldsheer and I've been pleased with it so I chose the Fieldsheer Adventure jacket. It turned out to be stiff and uncomfortable and the vents were a pain to operate. It wasn't all that warm either. Thank goodness Audrey at MotoLiberty let me exchange it for the Olympia after I'd had it a week.