Leather or Textile?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 1
Vanson Leathers produces a fully perforated style of leather jacket. They work as well as any textile, in my experience.
I usually prefer leather unless it looks like it might start raining at some point during a ride. For those occasions I wear a Harley brand "Authority" textile jacket: basic black, wind and water proof, great vents, good wind flap, and cuffs that seal well. It even has some thin "armor" protective pads.
I usually prefer leather unless it looks like it might start raining at some point during a ride. For those occasions I wear a Harley brand "Authority" textile jacket: basic black, wind and water proof, great vents, good wind flap, and cuffs that seal well. It even has some thin "armor" protective pads.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Japan
Picked this Harley textile jacket up, and it's been my go-to on most days. While I do prefer the look of leather and am planning to order a nice Schott in the future, this jacket has been my go-to for most rides. It has kept me nice and warm in the low 40s and and nice and cool in the upper 90s.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
Buy a quality leather jacket about 1 size too big. The trick is to have it large enough to wear sweat jacket and perhaps a thermal shirt underneath without being too tight in the arms and stomach.
When it gets too warm just peel a layer. A leather if for protection, not warmth. Base your jacket on the ability to layer underneath. So many guys buy a tight jacket to only have to buy an additional one so they can layer. Not quite sure what a "Mature" jacket looks like.... I guess it all depends on the person wearing it.
If you want a textile jacket I can't help you. I've never owned own.
Peace
When it gets too warm just peel a layer. A leather if for protection, not warmth. Base your jacket on the ability to layer underneath. So many guys buy a tight jacket to only have to buy an additional one so they can layer. Not quite sure what a "Mature" jacket looks like.... I guess it all depends on the person wearing it.
If you want a textile jacket I can't help you. I've never owned own.
Peace
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I have a heavy leather jacket that's great for cold weather but it's a little too much when it's cool. I'd like to have a mesh leather jacket for those cool days. The bad part is, I don't have anywhere to store them. I've never considered a textile jacket though.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 4
I have both types of Jackets, but haven't wore my leather jacket in over 2 years.
My textile jacket is quilted and has a zip-in sweatshirt. I rode 7 hours one day, the morning temp was 37 outside. Chaps, textile jacket full face helmet and my ultra was all i needed.
The textile jacket is lighter, easier to store, more versatile and cheaper. Leather looks cool.
My textile jacket is quilted and has a zip-in sweatshirt. I rode 7 hours one day, the morning temp was 37 outside. Chaps, textile jacket full face helmet and my ultra was all i needed.
The textile jacket is lighter, easier to store, more versatile and cheaper. Leather looks cool.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Need a new jacket - for a 'mature' rider who is kind of done below 55 degrees or so, have a windshield - I like the look of leather over textile, but from what I've read textile can be worn over a wider temp range and is less expensive.....
what do you guys think? What am I missing?
what do you guys think? What am I missing?
Once advantage of good quality textile gear is it can be both cooler in warm weather and warmer in cold weather plus it is water proof. Check out gear from Olympia, Dainese, and Rev'It.
There are also hybrid jackets like the RevIt Ignition 2 made of both leather and textile. This puts leather on the strike points like elbows and shoulders for extra abrasion resistance but it has cordura mesh on the body and inside of the sleeves for hot weather air flow. Usually they come with removable internal wind water and insulation liners to extend their usefulness into the cold weather.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-sand-2-jacket
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/o...-x-moto-jacket
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/olympia-nomad-jacket
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/d...-frazer-jacket
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/r...ition-2-jacket
Last edited by fat_tony; Nov 7, 2013 at 10:22 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 867
Likes: 15
From: South Central Pennylvania
I would wager most riders have a variety of jackets they use when riding, all depending on the weather. If cost is your deciding factor you'll never be happy. Just one thing and then I'm out. Leather always will block the wind better than any other type of material. I don't wear it when it's warm but anything around 55 or so and I have one of my leather jackets on. But that's up to you...
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Like others I have leather and textile. The textile is a Tourmaster Air intake and with the waterproof and quilted liners in, is good down to the low 30's. Have to use the quilted liner and long sleeve shirt in the leather at those temps also. The mesh jacket works well in the summer as long as you are moving. Leather is too hot for south AL summers.