Mesh Jackets = protection
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
I have had a lot of difficulty in this area, probably mostly due to my size\build. I am not real big, have a very trim waist, but am wider in the chest, shoulders. Every leather\mesh\textile jacket I have tried, either the armor is not snug, jacket rides up, sleeves too short, some kind of issue.
I am also a person that won't ride if I am not comfortable. I did some research and found some secure, light CE armor that I can wear under most anything, most notably, a hoody. The Knox Fastback back protector is freakin awesome, mesh, adjustable, full back and shoulder coverage, very comfortable. I also got some RS Taichi stealth CE elbow sleeves, slid right on with a comfy mesh sleeve, right under a hoody.
I would rather have a cotton hoody and CE armor in the important spots than just a leather jacket. If the armor does not stay were it is needed, then it's f---in worthless. JMO.
I am also a person that won't ride if I am not comfortable. I did some research and found some secure, light CE armor that I can wear under most anything, most notably, a hoody. The Knox Fastback back protector is freakin awesome, mesh, adjustable, full back and shoulder coverage, very comfortable. I also got some RS Taichi stealth CE elbow sleeves, slid right on with a comfy mesh sleeve, right under a hoody.
I would rather have a cotton hoody and CE armor in the important spots than just a leather jacket. If the armor does not stay were it is needed, then it's f---in worthless. JMO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 11
From: Central Illinois
Knox armor is very good stuff, you chose well!
I also have a set of Draggin Jeans for long rides, they are Kevlar lined and damn near indestructible.
http://www.dragginjeans.com/
They are heavy, and a bit warm (not for 85+ weather), but they offer protection that is on par with leather pants...without the cost or weight (or look) of leather.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDPcFGV9vPg&feature=related
I also have a set of Draggin Jeans for long rides, they are Kevlar lined and damn near indestructible.
http://www.dragginjeans.com/
They are heavy, and a bit warm (not for 85+ weather), but they offer protection that is on par with leather pants...without the cost or weight (or look) of leather.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDPcFGV9vPg&feature=related
Last edited by parabellum_9x19; Aug 29, 2011 at 03:52 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I have the Harley Davidson Switchback Jacket which is great. The panels zip off of the warm weather and it has CE armor in the shoulders and elbows/forearms. I had read somewhere that the mesh will actually stiffen up when exposed to friction??? Not sure where I read/heard that and I know not all mesh is supposed to do that. Not sure if I've got that right but its a well made piece and I hope I never have the chance to test it out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,808
Likes: 3
The problem with mesh is that it will burn you if you aren't wearing a long sleeve shirt underneath it. When you slide inside your leather jacket, backed with silk or satin, you heat your skin up a little.
When you slide inside a loose fitting mesh jacket with nothing between your skin and the mesh, the potential to get burned is much higher. Which is why I avoid mesh unless it's really sweltering.
When you slide inside a loose fitting mesh jacket with nothing between your skin and the mesh, the potential to get burned is much higher. Which is why I avoid mesh unless it's really sweltering.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
I have a Tourmaster Intake in bright hi-vis green. I can't attest to its quality in a wreck, hope I never do, but I wear it instead of the usual t-shirt. With the amount of arnmor it contains I think as long as I'm doing less than 80 it would protect me fairly well.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
I ride in summer and winter wearing a water resistant textile jacket with CE armor in the elbows, shoulders and full length of my spine. It has a removable quilte liner that keeps me warm in colder weather.
For summer it has vent zippers in the front and back which help keep me a little bit cooler.
I've just added a FF helmet that meets our Australian Standard for protection after seeing a chart that shows impact zones gleaned from accident reports over some years showing 17% of all road impacts are to the chin and cheek area so I took the plunge. Other head areas are much less affected. I can't find the sketch at the moment or I would attach it here.
I much prefer an open face type but I value my chin/face more than the freedom of an open face.
For summer it has vent zippers in the front and back which help keep me a little bit cooler.
I've just added a FF helmet that meets our Australian Standard for protection after seeing a chart that shows impact zones gleaned from accident reports over some years showing 17% of all road impacts are to the chin and cheek area so I took the plunge. Other head areas are much less affected. I can't find the sketch at the moment or I would attach it here.
I much prefer an open face type but I value my chin/face more than the freedom of an open face.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co., Maryland
I wear a mesh jacket. It has armor at the shoulders, back, and elbows. Not my idea of excellent protection, but it works to get on base, and is certainly better than nothing. Decent in the crappy summers we have here. I think you also get what you pay for.
I also have a thick leather jacket that I wear in cooler weather.
Honestly, I think an armored leather jacket is the way to go - as long as you dont die of heat stroke while wearing it.
I also have a thick leather jacket that I wear in cooler weather.
Honestly, I think an armored leather jacket is the way to go - as long as you dont die of heat stroke while wearing it.
2) I have a good heavy leather jacket for cooler weather too.
3) Agreed.
That's the one I was going to get but they don't carry it anymore. They have a newer(?) version hanging on the dealer's rack here, but can't find it on H-D's website.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I just picked up a Harley nylon type jacket at the dealers. It has pockets all over the place which is important to me. Would it protect you a lot in a crash? About the only thing I can say is it is a whole lot better than no jacket at all.
Problem is that it is just too damn hot here in Missouri to wear my leather jacket, so it's that or just stay home.
Problem is that it is just too damn hot here in Missouri to wear my leather jacket, so it's that or just stay home.