Textile / Mesh jacket
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
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Textile / Mesh jacket
For those wearing a textile jacket, what are wearing and how do you like it? I was thinking of getting a leather vest, but am starting to think that a textile jacket might be cooler and offer more protection. Never owned one, so not sure what brand is a good one. Want something simple and not flashy. Black with no graphics or big name brands.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
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From: MA
Another option is a perforated leather jacket. It's much cooler than a regular leather jacket and you get the added protection of leather. I wear mine with just a tee shirt underneath and at speed you stay nice and cool.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
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From: NCWV
I've got the HD mesh jacket. It's all gray with some orange reflective piping and it's conservatively badged (normal size, reflective bar and shield on left breast). Also came with elbow and shoulder armor.
Very comfortable and actually makes riding in the blaring sun more comfortable than a t-shirt. Breathes really well and keeps the sun off. Forget what it cost me.. maybe $100?
Very comfortable and actually makes riding in the blaring sun more comfortable than a t-shirt. Breathes really well and keeps the sun off. Forget what it cost me.. maybe $100?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Wild West
I have a TourMaster Draft Air jacket. It has CE approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a backpad, and I have a water/windproof liner, and an insulated liner. It's very comfortable in the summer with the liners removed, but unlike a vest I still get shoulder and elbow protection if there is a crash. With the liners I can ride year round.
I got mine at: http://motogearoutlet.com/jacket/mesh/jacket_mesh.htm
There are plenty of other options in mesh jackets, I just got a good deal on that one. I think a mesh jacket with armor is a great way to go, especially for summer riding to maintain a good balance of comfort v. safety.
I got mine at: http://motogearoutlet.com/jacket/mesh/jacket_mesh.htm
There are plenty of other options in mesh jackets, I just got a good deal on that one. I think a mesh jacket with armor is a great way to go, especially for summer riding to maintain a good balance of comfort v. safety.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 923
Likes: 43
From: New Hampshire
I have one of the original HD "switchback" jackets which is the one I wear the most. Textile with mesh underneath and most of the outer shell just zips off. I love it. It comes with armor. I know they made a leather version, not sure if they still have this exact one. Joe Rocket makes a similar jacket called the Alter Ego, with zip off sleeves and chest panels.
Just about the best "all-in-one" jacket I've ever had.
Just about the best "all-in-one" jacket I've ever had.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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There is no comparison between a vest and a long sleeved jacket when it comes to warmth and protection coverage. That's like comparing arctic boots to flip flops.
I have both leather and mesh .. and actually I prefer my FXRG (from Harley Davidson) mesh jacket over the leather. My mesh jacket is very versatile, while my leather doesn't have any options at all. The mesh has a removable liner and armour, and venting zippers. So I can wear it in warmer and cooler temps. Very often I will experience both ends of that spectrum in one day.
Another feature I like about my mesh is that it has reflective pinstripping, so I am much more visible at night. My leather doesn't have anything like that. It is all black with no colours (except for a little few accent pieces on the inside of the jacket). I even have the matching over pants, for when it is really cold. Love 'em!
I have both leather and mesh .. and actually I prefer my FXRG (from Harley Davidson) mesh jacket over the leather. My mesh jacket is very versatile, while my leather doesn't have any options at all. The mesh has a removable liner and armour, and venting zippers. So I can wear it in warmer and cooler temps. Very often I will experience both ends of that spectrum in one day.
Another feature I like about my mesh is that it has reflective pinstripping, so I am much more visible at night. My leather doesn't have anything like that. It is all black with no colours (except for a little few accent pieces on the inside of the jacket). I even have the matching over pants, for when it is really cold. Love 'em!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
I've got an HD perforated leather jacket as well as a Joe Rocket armored textile. The HD is a really nice jacket but it's a LOT heavier (weight-wise) the Joe Rocket is about half the weight, ventilates really well and was a fair bit cheaper. Both have elbow and shoulder armor.
The HD jacket is great too, but the weight of the jacket may bother some people. It's also less flexible which can cause sore spots after a day of bad pavement where you're moving your arms around a lot.
There are a ton of good picks, and they all work well. You're better off doing a search for a style that you like as opposed to getting 200 opinions from people on why their jacket is the "best" jacket, and then wading through the ensuing arguements. They will all offer more protection than just a t-shirt, and generally less protection than a thick set of leathers
The HD jacket is great too, but the weight of the jacket may bother some people. It's also less flexible which can cause sore spots after a day of bad pavement where you're moving your arms around a lot.
There are a ton of good picks, and they all work well. You're better off doing a search for a style that you like as opposed to getting 200 opinions from people on why their jacket is the "best" jacket, and then wading through the ensuing arguements. They will all offer more protection than just a t-shirt, and generally less protection than a thick set of leathers
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
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From: So Cal The Golden State
I use Vanson Vent Max going 3 seasons.
But after Bikersgirl's post the FXRG sounds much better for a spring/summer jacket with the transition weather.
But after Bikersgirl's post the FXRG sounds much better for a spring/summer jacket with the transition weather.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 63
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From: North of South
I've got the HD mesh jacket. It's all gray with some orange reflective piping and it's conservatively badged (normal size, reflective bar and shield on left breast). Also came with elbow and shoulder armor.
Very comfortable and actually makes riding in the blaring sun more comfortable than a t-shirt. Breathes really well and keeps the sun off. Forget what it cost me.. maybe $100?
Very comfortable and actually makes riding in the blaring sun more comfortable than a t-shirt. Breathes really well and keeps the sun off. Forget what it cost me.. maybe $100?
I have the black version with silver piping, last year was my first time with a mesh jacket and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it is out in the sun. My brother-in-law and I went on Run To The Wall last year and after we got there he was burned pretty good and I was in good shape. Also noticed the fatigue level was lower.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
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