I'm curious if anyone has a favorite make/model of non-leather riding jacket. I've been rocking my Joe Rocket for (literally) a couple decades now and thinking about trying out something a little lighter. I imagine with the evolution of textiles that these now offer protection comparable (or at least closer) to full leather.

 

I use one of them HD partial mesh jackets with the protection in the shoulders and elbows. It’s orange and black.

 

Motoport for the best gear in the industry IMO

 

Oddly enough, there hasn't been a lot of changes in textiles. The weight won't be remarkably different than what you are used to. As was mentioned, you could pony up some serious cash and get the Motoport stuff. It won't feel any better, but if you go down, it will protect you better. Gortex is still the most water repellent/breathable thing out there, but it ain't cheap either and in my experience, companies that use it a lot like Aerostich don't provide enough vents.

I would look at Rev It! or maybe Olympia.

 

Klim makes really good textile jackets. Pictures do not do them justice. When you see one in person, the quality shows. Too bad the prices cost as much as a decent leather jacket from vanson or Schott.

 

 

My wife's bought me a Duluth Trading Co. "Fire Hose" jacket that is fleece lined about a year ago. This has become one of my favorite jackets and I have riden in it a lot. I like it so much that I also both the fleece lined fire hose pants. They both work great down into the 40's.

 

I have three jackets. A classic Leather one, which I wear under 55, a Harley Mesh which I wear over 75. So most of the time I wear a Hillside Vented Leather and Cordura. It's very versatile, extremely well made in the USA. It's a great value, at only $199. I have the Long which is only $239.

I ordered my suit size and it's a snug fit. 44Long. They have a fit chart that recommends a 48Long for my height and weight, 6'2"/205 lbs but I wouldn't go bigger than 46 Long.

https://www.hillsideusa.com/Men-s-Ve...y-p/5520bg.htm

 

Rev it. Many non leather options and nice styles.

 

Been using Joe rocket for awhile. Got perfed leather and mesh for summer