Armored Mesh
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 717
Likes: 68
From: Waxhaw NC
Armored Mesh
Thinking about a lightweight Level 3 armor vest for when not wearing a full leather coat. I am concerned about the heat and comfort levels. I would appreciate comments from those of you that use one or have used one.
Other than road rash - how much can that armor really protect you? How is the heat on these hot summer days?
Other than road rash - how much can that armor really protect you? How is the heat on these hot summer days?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 518
Likes: 83
From: NC
Not sure what you mean about a vest, but I have a Joe Rocket Alter Ego mesh jacket with outer zip in jacket with armor in the elbows, shoulders, and spine. I think the spine armor is optional now. It's pretty sturdy. It flows air pretty well while moving at highway speeds, but it does get hot at slower speeds and in traffic.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 592
Likes: 46
From: Connecticut
I use a full mesh jacket when its hot. Armour in the elbows, shoulders and back. Unless I'm dead stopped, its nice and cool. Mine flows real well. Has made warm weather riding better. I'm AGATT, so a T-shirt is not an option for me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
....... depends on the crash. If ya high side & tumble, you're probably gonna break something.... armor is for the rash & depending on how far you slide, it'll likely do the job.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Not too sure on the levels. The only level 3 vest I know are the bulletproof kind. For a motorcycle get off, you'd want to protect the elbows and shoulders also and a vest won't do.
For cooler riding in warm weather, a good mesh jacket fits the bill, like a RevIt or Firstgear. They usually have the hi-tech protections, including back/spine, and have a waterproof and thermal liners.
Check out Revzilla.com, as they carry the top brands and have short vid descriptions of the products.
For cooler riding in warm weather, a good mesh jacket fits the bill, like a RevIt or Firstgear. They usually have the hi-tech protections, including back/spine, and have a waterproof and thermal liners.
Check out Revzilla.com, as they carry the top brands and have short vid descriptions of the products.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,957
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
I've been considering a mesh jacket too, anybody have any experience with Bilt products? House brand of Cycle Gear I think. Looked at one a couple days ago, came with a zip in liner, might make it a three season jacket. That's the only one I have actually tried on so far, so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Gets hot here in BAKErsfield.
Gets hot here in BAKErsfield.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I've been considering a mesh jacket too, anybody have any experience with Bilt products? House brand of Cycle Gear I think. Looked at one a couple days ago, came with a zip in liner, might make it a three season jacket. That's the only one I have actually tried on so far, so I don't have anything to compare it to.
Gets hot here in BAKErsfield.
Gets hot here in BAKErsfield.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have a Bilt mesh jacket with armor. I like it. Very cool while moving. It's quality is decent. You kinda get what tou pay for here.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,967
Likes: 6,861
From: NC
I wear a long sleeve t-shirt under my mesh jackets. It helps to slow evaporation and I'm cooler, while moving. I was surprised at the cost of the HD mesh. I was also surprised at the how many Harley jackets are now available in tall sizes.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Watch your fabrics. Not all mesh is the same. Some will stand up to abrasion far better than others.
Bullet proofing is not the same thing as motorcycle body armor. They serve different purposes. The latter is better at motorcycle riding and crash protection.
Bullet proofing is not the same thing as motorcycle body armor. They serve different purposes. The latter is better at motorcycle riding and crash protection.