Leather or Textile?

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Nov 8, 2013 | 03:44 AM

#21

hdgzr

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 5,618

Likes: 5,215

From: Green Country

I use the H-D Switchback Jacket. Waterproof, removable outer liner converting to a mesh jacket, with adjustments in sleeves, wrists and waist. Has armor pockets that fit the FXRG line of armor plates.
Here's one like it on ebay..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NWOT-Harley-...-/331050886251

Nov 8, 2013 | 06:39 AM

#22

'05Train

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 7,439

Likes: 884

From: 'Noke, VA

I wore an FXRG leather jacket for a few years and loved it. I was hit by a car while wearing it, and it saved my upper body from serious damage. Other than the scuffs, you'd never know it was crashed in.

Since then, I've worn nothing but textile. In general, textiles (good stuff, not the cheap Joe Rocket or Icon stuff) will offer nearly as much abrasion protection as leather, but breathe and ventilate better, are better in the rain, are lighter, and as long as you don't get black, are more visible.

I have no idea how long I was unconscious after I got hit, nor do I have any idea how I got out of the road. But it freaks me out a bit knowing that I was lying on black asphalt, with black boots, black chaps, a black jacket, black gloves, and a black helmet. Since then, I don't wear much black gear.

Nov 8, 2013 | 01:29 PM

#23

overthehill?

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 797

Likes: 166

From: MA

It seems that the best way to go is to have both....leather for early spring and late fall, textile for warmer weather - I won't be riding in the winter......

Nov 9, 2013 | 07:50 AM

#24

Tortoise98

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 3,758

Likes: 3,176

From: Central Indiana

Once you go textile, you'll wonder why you waited. I wore a First gear Kenya for years, now have an FXRD. Would not go back to leather.

Nov 9, 2013 | 10:55 AM

#25

It'sjustme

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 113

Likes: 1

From: South Carolina

I wear textile and my husband wears leather. The weight difference between the 2 is huge. His fxrg is so heavy compared to my full out textile I am not*sure*I want to deal with leather. Yep call me wimpy but I feel as protected in my textile. I am glad to hear his fxrg will protect him well if a crash occurs.

Nov 9, 2013 | 11:02 AM

#26

cb7263

Road Captain

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 656

Likes: 0

From: The computer desk.

I have both, I prefer the textile in all riding circumstances.
But if it's warm and I wear my chaps instead of my textile over pants, I'll wear the leather jacket.

Nov 9, 2013 | 11:09 AM

#27

Climb14er

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 424

Likes: 4

From: Denver, CO

I have both Motoport Mesh Kevlar with accessories and Langlitz Leathers.

I wear the Motoport virtually all the time with temps below 55*.

Leather is great, Langlitz is the best.

However, Mesh Kevlar from a company like Motoport... rocks!

Nov 9, 2013 | 11:31 AM

#28

Wheels24

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 687

Likes: 5

From: Maryland

I wore exclusively leather for literally decades...riding and racing...insulated for cold weather and non-insulated in the summer...then I discovered good textile jackets. I still prefer leather on the racetrack (since it saved my @$$ in the past) and for colder street rides. But I grab a textile for anything over 50 degrees...one with a solid shell and vents for lousy weather, and my mesh one for those brutal hot, humid days.

If I had to have only one...textile with a removable liner.

Last edited by Wheels24; Nov 9, 2013 at 11:33 AM.