[IanC]

I have a Cortech GX jacket I really like this jacket, good armor, 600 denier in most places and 1500 denier in the import one, quality is great, zippers strong, and it’s been good from 40deg to 85, get’s hot above 80 this is my fall/winter/spring jacket. I have an Alpinestars Mesh for the summer (which is long in San Diego) which I haven’t tried yet, I was not impressed with my previous Motoboss Mesh Jacket and just gave it away. Watch NewEnough.com for their bargin basements and you might be able to pick up two for what you were planning on spending for one. I got the Alpinestars for $70. Plus no hassle return policy if it doesn’t fit.

[Big Sky Girl]

I have yet to ride in traffic and on freeways, just passed the BRC, but have researched this topic a lot. I just ordered a JR Jet Set leather jacket. If you look, you can find closeouts and save a bunch of money on different brands. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com seems to have competitive prices and good return/exchange policies on a variety of lines. http://www.newenough.com shows more detailed pictures of the inside and outside of lots of gear.

After talking to all the guys at the bike shop, all of which have had slides and a couple even hit deer, they all suggested leather jackets. One guy had a mesh jacket, and had a slow slide (under 30 mph) and I saw where the mesh had a huge tear in it. The elbow armor saved his flesh though.

I’m sure I’ll pick up a textile jacket for the hot summer days when vented leather is just way too hot. If so, get the highest denier textile that you can swing. It’s more abrasive resistant. I’ll definitely avoid anything mesh, unless the major impact points are textile covered.

Now on the other hand, another bike shop owner said a high denier textile provides enough protection. He also hit a deer (we’re in western MT) and slid 90 feet on the pavement and his Cortech hardly showed ANY signs of a wreck. No tears, or anything. The cop didn’t believe he was the one that was in the wreck.

So if not leather, get a really high quality textile, and you’ll probably be ok. I’ve heard both sides of the coin, so it’s down to personal preference. The textile would definitely be more versatile.

[MaxDadAK]

If your staying in a budget but want the jacket to hold up I strongly reccomend First Gear’s Bravado jacket. Since I didn’t have my bike yet when I made the purchase I took it out as a substitute while snow machining. While it’s not designed for that I can attest to it’s warmth and wind resistance. 70mph on a frozen lake at 19 degrees and I had a little chill creep in but that was it. It has two bicep vents two chest vents, and two back shoulder vents all of which have helped keep me cool. Fairly priced at $179.00 it’s an excellent buy plus First Gear has been known to replace jackets if they helped save you in a crash.

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/FirstGear_Bravado_Waterproof_Textile_Jacket–610693.html

[Author]

Posts