[WeaponZero]

When I first started riding last July I bought myself a Joe Rocket Atomic 3.0 textile jacket that is one of the cheapest riding jackets on the market. After owning it for nearly a year now, I can understand why it’s so cheap. I am now looking to replace it and have been weighing the options of sticking with textile/mesh or “upgrading” to leather.

Leather does offer superior abrasian resistance, yes, but leather is just not very versatile. Most leather jackets are typically only for using during one season and aren’t as resistant to the elements. And with perforated leather, where air gets in, water can get in as well. Do I plan on riding in the rain? Not if it can be helped, but considering I commute on my bike, I’m perfectly fine with riding in a light drizzle if I have the gear for it.

According to many experienced riders and reviewers, most textile jackets are more comfortable than all but the most expensive leather ones, offer superior weatherproofing (when indicated), and can be used throughout the wider variety of seasons more.

Here in Pittsburgh, the temperatures can vary from freezing to the 80s, except in the summer when it’s consistently warm. Buying a “strictly summer” jacket isn’t really an option for me.

Companies such as Joe Rocket, Icon, and Teknic all make excellent all-weather textile jackets that are heavy duty and come with liners that convert them to summer jackets to all-weather jackets. According to the research I’ve conducted, the Scorpion Hat Trick textile jacket is the absolute best one. I’m looking into leather jackets also that cost preferably less than $350.00 and are suitable all-weather jackets. So far the only one that appears to be of good quality and within the price range is the Moment of Truth leather jacket by Speed & Strength.

Any recommendations? Any advice? Or just your opinions on leather vs. textile?

[briderdt]

Both of them are Teknic (or however that’s spelled). Both are textile. I figured I’d get leather if I went to the track (which isn’t likely to happen), and that since it DOES rain occasionally in this area (Tacoma, WA), that aside from the $800 Aerostitch leather, it just isn’t in the cards. Anyway, the one I’ve used (I bought the mesh — no liner — jacket in January, so I haven’t had a chance to use it yet) is cordura with pit vents, a zip out vest liner, is water proof enough so that light rain doesn’t phase it at all… I’ve worn it with a short sleeved shirt in the low 70’s, and with the liner and a polar fleece warm-up jacket into the high 20’s, and I’m just fine with it. I think once we’re into daytime highs in the high 70’s to low 80’s I’ll break out the mesh. I’ve been totally happy with the jacket, and really don’t see the point of leather (now). Got them both at Newenough.com, and paid less than $150 total for both of them. Of course having more $$ left over after the purchase has nothing to do with my satisfaction…

[DK]

I have the Joe Rocket Sonic 2.0 in perf leather. (Live in FL) I think it works great for ventilation, plus when you zip in the vest liner it works really well for me down to about 40 degrees for a short ride. Not a bad jacket for my location. I have not ridden in the rain because I haven’t decided if waterproofing a perf leather is actually of any value. I do have a rain jacket that I sized large enough to fit over my leather in case I get stuck needing to ride in the rain before I decide on whether I will seal seal my jacket or not. The non perf version of the jacket has significant zip out panels for each side and arm that I think would be a good compromise. The fit was identical on the two. I have been eyeing the JR ballistic 7.0 jacket as a second jacket to add to my repetoire because I have concluded that there is no perfect jacket for all scenarios. Two things I noticed are that I didn’t like the jackets with multiple liners (too complicated and poor fit) and each manufacturer seems to fit a slighty different body type. JR hands down fit me the best of everything I tried.

[WeaponZero]

I haven’t considered JR because my current jacket is a JR and i am very dissastisfied with it. Of course it’s pretty bottom of the line (cheapest jacket they make I think), but even considering that I would have expected better quality.

I guess I should look into some of their more upscale offerings before I write off the brand though.

[DK]

I think JR gets a lot of flak for not focusing enough on the finish of their clothing. I wasn’t sure if you had written them off or not. There were a few threads out of place on my jacket, but for the most part not bad. As far as durability goes I am happy with how my jacket has been wearing.

[WeaponZero]

The biggest problem with mine is poor quality zippers that I know will wear themselves out after not too long. Sometime in the future my jacket will become unuseable because the zippers will no longer close. They’re like a plastic/nylon that is eating away at itself every time I zip the jacket up and down.

The Sonic 2.0 does look like a decent jacket but for the price you could also get a Teknic Mercury or a Speed & Strength Moment of Truth, both of which are known for being extremely high quality leather jackets.

[DK]

Sucks about the zipper. So far mine have worked just fine.

I did not actually like the Speed and Strength as much as the JR. I have never tried on Teknic, but if the fit is right I would not hesitate to purchase anything from them.

[WeaponZero]

What about the Speed and Strength jacket did you not like?

[DK]

I have broad shoulders, so the only valid issue I had was that it didn’t fit quite right there. My other issues were personal preference and nothing against the manufacturer. Being that I sweat heavily and live in FL I was really looking for a perf leather. Plus, I just didn’t like the textile/leather combination. Not sure my issues will really help you in your quest.

[WeaponZero]

Well, I’ll see about other jackets, like higher end JR’s, then but unfortunately I can’t try things on before I buy because no place stocks anything bigger than XL size and I wear a 3XL

[DK]

My local shop offered to order in anything I wanted and then if I didn’t like it they would just put it out on the shelves. You might be able to talk your local dealer into something similar?

[WeaponZero]

My local dealer wouldnt even order my 3XL Joe Rocket jacket unless I put down half the price ahead of time.

[chaiya]

I have a Rev’it jacket that I have been very happy with (i think it’s the women’s airforce jacket). It’s a mix of Cordura and mesh panels with leather in high impact areas, CE protection in the shoulders, elbows,and back…so a little bit of everything. It’s well put together and comfortable. I’ve worn it in the low 30’s (with some smart wool underneath) and without the liner in the high 70’s. The waterproof liner seems to works well…although i have only been out in light rain. It’s been a great all around jacket for me. It’s probably not the most common brand, but I had a hard time finding small enough gear. I think it cost me $200 new.

[Clay Dowling]

I’ve got Joe Rocket’s Alter Ego gear, and it’s pretty good for all weather wear. I haven’t noticed any problems in design or quality of materials, but considering it’s their most expensive textile that’s not shocking. The waterproof liners, in particular, are great on cold mornings. If I get the bug I’ll ride 45 miles when it’s just above freezing, and the jacket itself is quite comfortable. Heated grips are still something I’d like though for those temps.

[RidleytheRed]

I’ve got a Scorpion Stinger perforated leather jacket. So far it’s been great, fits like a glove and is flexible in all the right places, my only grief with it is the neck. I wish that were a bit more adjustable as it can ride up a bit, but it’s not bad.

[Author]

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