[WeaponZero]

I’ve seen quite a bit on the market, some ranging in price from as low as $175 to as much as $450. Basically they’re textile jackets with leather in the critical impact areas (shoulder, elbows, parts of the back). Some like the Teknic Rage seem like a really good deal for the price but others like the Shift Streetfighter seem way overpriced for what they are, with prices surpassing even many full-leather jackets. Opinions? Advantages/disadvantages?

[eternal05]

At least that’s what it seems like to me. Textile is cheaper. Leather is better. Use leather in spots that count and save money in spots that don’t. But you’re right, some hybrid jackets don’t make any sense.

I actually own an ’08 streetfighter jacket, but only because I got it on clearance for $115 at the beginning of ’09. I thought that, for the price, it was silly not to have a spare jacket on hand. The new streetfighter looks like a better jacket, but you’re absolutely right that it’s not worth $300 from a value point of view. I think Shift is trying to enter the Dainese/Alpinestars price range via fashion, rather than quality. While I own plenty of Shift products (two jackets, two pairs of gloves), they definitely feel like they’re made overseas (which they are), and have nowhere near the level of quality of the other brands in their same price bracket. I mean, really? $500 for a jacket made in Vietnam?

[Rab]

Haven’t tried one, but have seen them and wouldn’t buy one.

I guess advantages would be that they are (in general) cheaper than leather, more flexible and possibly cooler to wear while offering better protection than plain textile.

Just don’t like ’em though. I’d rather go with leather or textile (or mesh) depending on the weather (it gets HOT here in California in the Summer).

[WeaponZero]

I had a chance to buy a Streetfighter when they were cheaper. I ended up deciding against it because at the time I hadn’t yet lost any weight and they didn’t make it in a size that fit me. Too bad now as I could probably fit into one.

[Moto J]

I like mine. Got it used for $75. Looks way better than the 2 all black leather jackets I looked at. No complaints yet. I feel just as safe as wearing leather, because of the padding.

[kirk]

Best protection is all leather but damn those are expensive. I have a textile and a mesh jacket. Both are comfortable but the textile jacket sucks in the summer. Air flows through but it is still way too hot.

[Author]

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