Leather vs. Polyester Denier Jackets?
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 244
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From: NE
Leather vs. Polyester Denier Jackets?
I'm kicking around the idea of a new jacket and have been looking at the harley davidson leather vs. the polyester denier. Both seem like nice jackets, and the polyester denier is waterproof. Would like to know some of you people's 2 cents on this. Thanks in advance!
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Joined: Nov 2010
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I have a doctor friend that works in a large E.R. and also rides. Ran into him one day when I was wearing a summer mesh jacket (nylon). He proceeded to tell me about the motorcycle crash victim he treated that was wearing a similar nylon/ polyester jacket. As he tells it, after a pavement surfing incident, the fabric had melted into his shin. He described it as being like the mesh bag they place around a ham. Lost a lot of skin and some expensive ink. I have not worn nylon / polyester since. Now it's either leather or kevlar. The kevlar is much cooler. (breathes better).
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 9
From: Apex NC
Jackets
First let me say this is just my opinion, For the money I would look into Olympia, First Gear, or Tour Master brands before I bought the HD brand riding gear, just as good and cheaper course none of it is cheap! As far as leather goes have a set of leathers that I've owned for many years and like them but most of the time when I leave I grab my other gear instead. Waterproof, lighter, warmer and it just works for me. As I said just my opinion
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Like everybody else, I have a closet full of jackets.
Living in the desert, I find I need to wear a jacket in the hot weather ( keeps moisture from wicking from your skin).
This year i picked up a H-D 3 in 1 nylon called the switchback. ( used, craigslist)
It is really, really good.
It consists of a light breathable nylon jacket with heavy nylon and armor in the shoulders and elbows.
you can zip a heavy nylow outer layer over this so you are warm and dry.
If it is pissing down there is a rain layer that snaps to the inside.
It's long enough to keep the gut warm, mandarin collar works well, not bulky
Really, really good arm flexibility
It is the most flexible jacket i have ever had for varying temperature and moisture conditions-and it is lightweight and takes up less room in the saddlebags if a take it off. and it has retro reflective graphics for low-light/rain conditions
And since I got it the leathers have stayed in the closet.
MK
Living in the desert, I find I need to wear a jacket in the hot weather ( keeps moisture from wicking from your skin).
This year i picked up a H-D 3 in 1 nylon called the switchback. ( used, craigslist)
It is really, really good.
It consists of a light breathable nylon jacket with heavy nylon and armor in the shoulders and elbows.
you can zip a heavy nylow outer layer over this so you are warm and dry.
If it is pissing down there is a rain layer that snaps to the inside.
It's long enough to keep the gut warm, mandarin collar works well, not bulky
Really, really good arm flexibility
It is the most flexible jacket i have ever had for varying temperature and moisture conditions-and it is lightweight and takes up less room in the saddlebags if a take it off. and it has retro reflective graphics for low-light/rain conditions
And since I got it the leathers have stayed in the closet.
MK
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 5, 2010 at 12:36 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
I agree that leather is best for abrasion resistance, but non-mesh abrasive resistant fabric is very close. It can still melt though.
For those spending the bucks on kevlar: it is neither abrasion nor puncture resistant (not that leather is puncture resistant either). That's not what is designed to do. Wasting money if you paid more to get it.
The milspec and police vests have to have an abrasion cover to protect the kevlar.
For those spending the bucks on kevlar: it is neither abrasion nor puncture resistant (not that leather is puncture resistant either). That's not what is designed to do. Wasting money if you paid more to get it.
The milspec and police vests have to have an abrasion cover to protect the kevlar.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
I'm kicking around the idea of a new jacket and have been looking at the harley davidson leather vs. the polyester denier. Both seem like nice jackets, and the polyester denier is waterproof. Would like to know some of you people's 2 cents on this. Thanks in advance!
I treat my leather jacket with Montana Pitch Blend Leather Dressing.Makes it water repellent enough ... My wife & I don't carry any rain gear,if we have time we'll thrown on our jackets if we're not already wearing 'em....keeps us dry.I treat my leather boots with the same stuff.
However... BMW riders really love the synthetic materials.
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I wear a leather vest and or a heavy leather jacket...Protection..
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 6
From: Fargo ND
get whatever fits best, leather may protect better but comfort is priceless.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US
waterproof, armor in the shoulders and elbows, warm but also has vents for hot days
http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D...30D350099F7C1C
heavy leather, looks great online, vents well, armor everywhere, doesn't fit that great, gives me a uniboob and collar digs into my chin.
I have a harley leather coat in the closet that worked well for many years and I was very happy with but it shrunk over the winter last year and doesn't fit over my gut anymore.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US
waterproof, armor in the shoulders and elbows, warm but also has vents for hot days
http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D...30D350099F7C1C
heavy leather, looks great online, vents well, armor everywhere, doesn't fit that great, gives me a uniboob and collar digs into my chin.
I have a harley leather coat in the closet that worked well for many years and I was very happy with but it shrunk over the winter last year and doesn't fit over my gut anymore.
Last edited by brockstwrt; Dec 5, 2010 at 02:50 PM.