[ncBiker]

The jacket
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/20195/CITEM/Fieldsheer-High-Flow-II-Mesh-Closeouts-Jacket.aspx
The helmet
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/10719/ITEM/AFX-FX-43-Helmet.aspx
Thanks

[briderdt]

The jacket looks great. Personally, I’d get either red or yellow, but you know you’ve gotta match the bike. ;^)

As for the helmet… You couldn’t pay me to wear it. Nothing against the people who choose to ride with half- or 3/4-helmets, but I go full-face. Check the Hurt Report findings on helmet impacts, and you’ll be a believer too. Some 70% (just going off the top of my head — it’s been a while since I’ve looked) of helmet impacts are on the chin bar. To me, it’s just not worth risking.

[ncBiker]

Should i just get the size i usually wear in jackets? Thanks

[JackTrade]

See my avatar.

Positives: well-constructed, has heavy ballistic nylon on the sleeves/shoulders, standard armor, retroreflective piping front and back, and flows well with the liner out. The sleeves have nice snap adjusters that really allow you to cinch them down and keep the armor where it should be.

Downside: not a lot of storage space for stuff, the liner is pretty flimsy (it does work though), and of course it’s not going to provide optimal protection in a fall.

Overall, I’m quite happy with it. I wear it with Fieldsheer Titanium mesh pants (which I wear as overpants over jeans), and it’s a nice hot weather combo.

Edit: on size, yes, get your usual…Fieldsheer gear runs pretty true to size.

[ncBiker]

If i remember rite mesh is for when its warmer. Could i wear a hoody or something underneath it and be able to stay warm. I dont plan on riding in the winter but i do in the fall. Thanks

[JackTrade]

There’s enough room for a sweatshirt underneath.

I live in the Washington DC area, so we have similar climates. I wear the Fieldsheer in cool weather, with the liner in, and it works great. Last weekend, it dipped into the 50s in the evening, and riding home with the liner in and just a button-down shirt, I was comfortable.

In the fall and winter though, I switch to a leather jacket.

[ncBiker]

Thanks for all the help. Im gona buy the jacket rite now. Thank you clearance!

[ncBiker]

Any more opinions on the helmet? Thanks

[IBA270]

This could help. I doubt you’d have enough room to layer under it if it’s fitting properly…

The Olympia AirGlide is a fantastic set-up that does have a liner…it’s a pretty nice set-up.

[IBA270]

Look for a full face, and make sure you try it on before you buy it. You’re more than welcome to look at my collection of on-line purchased gear that never fit right. Learn from my mistakes!!!

FWIW…and I’ll post a lesson in helmet fitting…

I was properly fitted by an Arai trained helmet salesperson. I wear Arai helmets and have off and on for years. He asked if I had ever been fitted, and I had not. He measured my head, looked at my helmet and asked what size I was wearing, which I replied an XL. He just shook his head and grabbed a helmet off the shelf and had me try it on. It was a medium in a different shell size. I had been wearing the wrong helmet and size for years and didn’t know it.

FWIW…it pays to find someone who knows about helmets. Those of use who have been around a while know how to fit a helmet, but not the scientific way of ensuring a true and proper fit.

HTH…

[JackTrade]

…instead of a liner.

Doesn’t affect the jacket fit the way some liners do, and also adds warmth w/o bulk, since it allows the mesh jacket to trap body heat.

[WeaponZero]

IMO you shouldn’t skimp on price like that on a helmet. And you should certainly opt for a full-face especially as a new rider. The chin bar on full face helmets goes a long way toward protecting you in a crash.

Wait until you can afford to spend about $200 on a helmet before buying one and riding. You don’t really start to find helmets that are worth a damn until you get into the $150-$200 price bracket anyway.

Bell recently came out with a $170 helmet called the Vortex that is essentially a more budget oriented version of their high-end Star that is supposedly expected to be the single best under $200 helmet on the market.

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