I'm looking for a good mesh jacket before it gets too hot out. Currently the front runner is the Cortech Tour Master GX Air Mesh (http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/cortech_by_tour_master/gx_air_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html) for $170.

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/5056/small/Default.jpg

Any others I should look at?

I don't know about "other"... but that one in the pic looks really cool.

You are going to love this jacket. I have one and have nothing but good things to say about it. Fits well, vents beautifully and has two removeable linings to warm things up when you need it. Very comfortable, and I didn't feel a thing when I went down in mine. Barely even scuffed the leateher on the bows and shoulder. Oh, if you plan on keeping it clean, scotch guard the hell out of it before your first ride. And one thing, get an exacto or razor blade and CAREFULLY remove the stitching that keeps that GX AIR logo on there. Otherwise everyone will think you are a Gixer rider, and we can't have that now, can we? LOL.

Oh, if you plan on keeping it clean, scotch guard the hell out of it before your first ride.

Hey, I'm guessing that trick works on all textile jackets?

I have one...

Same here. I' had been on the lookout for a mesh jacket for several months and even bought a Phoenix 2 from New Enough a while ago. I really liked the way it looks, but it didn't fit me extremely well (being as skinny as i am). I was at the local dealer last week and saw the GX Air on the rack, tried it on, sat on a bike, etc., and walked out with it. Seems like a really nice jacket and i can't wait to wear it. I'm really picky about the gear i buy, and i gave this jacket a lot of consideration before doing so.

Hey, I'm guessing that trick works on all textile jackets?
I would imagine so. Worked on a ski-jacket I had. And oh yeah, it helps repel a littel bit of water. Not like a rain jacket, but might help with some splashing.

I won't wear mesh ... very little road rash protection ... they shred. I suppose I shouldn't say that they ALL shred, but I've seen a few that didn't protect riders anymore than a longsleve t-shirt would as far as road rash goes, at least you get eh pads to help ye-ole bones. If you are looking at a mesh jacket look really carefully, they may be the most comfortable in the heat (I live in las vegas so I know about heat), but if your unfortunate enough to suffer a high speed get off, you will probably catch some road rash.

They make textile jackets that aren't mesh with zippered vents that work pretty well, and tend to offer more protection than mesh. Also vented leather isn't totally unbearable depending on the temperature.

Theres my two cents.

I won't wear mesh ... very little road rash protection ... they shred. They make textile jackets with zippered vents that work pretty well, but offer more protection than mesh.

Theres my two cents.
That's the beauty of having leather reinforcements completely wrapping around all of the impact zones, very sturdy armor built into the elbows and shoulders and a nice leather wrapped spinal support column. All of which, this jacket has. Would I tell you to lean into a turn on a racetrack at 130mph in it, probably not, but if you're doing street riding at somewhat reasonable speeds, I'm pretty sure you'll be fine. And to note, the mesh in this jacket is not a flimsy blow in the wind, can tear with your teeth kind of thing.

I have a mesh jacket much like that one. It is a tour master. Mine didn't have a liner. I rather like dressing in layers with mesh jackets. I rode today with my regular textile and it seems too involved to remove the liner and have to don it later.

With a light weight jacket underneath, it's easier to adjust for weather.

One other thing, even with a mesh jacket, I always (99%) wear a long sleeve shirt. I just find it more comfortable.

I have a GX Air that I like very much, and oh yes, it's yellow! It zips together perfectly with my Olympia overpants. It's actually not the coolest mesh jacket out there. In the Texas sun, that big patch of black leather on the back absorbs quite a bit of heat.

I washed mine this weekend for the first time in my front-load washer. Looks as good as new.

With the liners in, I've ridden in temps as low as 35 degrees and been comfortable for about an hour. Longer than that though and I'd get some heated items.

I won't wear mesh ... very little road rash protection

Very true. This discussion has been had elsewhere, but the bottom line for me is that in hot weather i'm tempted to go without a jacket at all (stupid as i know it is)...so, for me, i'll take wearing mesh + some leather + armor every day for sure over an error in judgement and no protection just because i thought it was too damn hot. That make sense? :wink:

i'll take wearing mesh + some leather + armor every day for sure over an error in judgement and no protection just because i thought it was too damn hot. That make sense? :wink:

Yep, that's where I stand. My textile jacket doesn't vent too well and with the "southern discomfort" humid summers I'll need mesh. :thumbsup

Thanks!

I won't wear mesh ... very little road rash protection ...

...

They make textile jackets that aren't mesh with zippered vents that work pretty well, and tend to offer more protection than mesh. Also vented leather isn't totally unbearable depending on the temperature.

Theres my two cents.


I don't think the mesh is a good plan either. (Plus, the one my co-worker has looks a little, well, um, uh, gee. Let's say SS Steve would take away his man card.) :lol:

Anyway, have a look at this Nitro jacket.
http://www.winterhavenllc.com/index.cfm?/ac/Show_products/CatID/420/ExpandCatID/419

I bought one last summer when I picked up my 599. The removable liner came out that day, and didn't go back in until October. The vents do a nice job, and it's well equipped in terms of pockets. I don't have much to compare it to, but I do really like this one.

Damnit ... shouldn't have said "I wont wear mesh" .... caust I just ordered one today .....feel free to kick me now, I dont wan't to go through another vegas summer in leather.

I ordered the ICON tarmac (thats a nice name for a motorcycle jacet :roll: ) in all white.

I ordered the ICON tarmac (thats a nice name for a motorcycle jacet :roll: ) in all white.
:lol: :clap

I've got this one. $150 from a local dealer. Fits well, snaps to the belt, light color, some solid fabric areas. I know this is a "cruiser" brand, but I've never seen a mesh jacket on a cruiser rider.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m259/pricelister/Power-TripDiablo.jpg

I just picked up my jacket today ... at least I can have a LITTLE bit of faith in it, it has armor, and the elbow area of the jacket is leather.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j293/sid_418/gear/i31221.jpg

Well, I just pulled the trigger on this one: http://newenough.com/image/path/9041/white_black.jpg
From NewEnough (http://newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/437)

...as well as tht Joe Rocet Phoenix 2.0 mesh overpants.

I'll let ya'll know when it arrives.

I have the Phoenix 2.0 mesh pants you mentioned, and absolutely love them. I wear those with my GX Air mesh jacket...very happy with both.

Just got in the "email" yesterday that newenough has Tecnics mesh in their closeout section for 49 bucks. That's armored and all...a good jacket.

It is like the picture but white/white instead of white/black like the image I posted. I may not have paid enough attention when I picked the color/size, but I dig it anyway. Fits great. Flows a lot of air.

The phoenix 2.0 pants are great too. The knee pads hit me in the shins though. I'm not sure what ape-like person this is supposed to fit. Anyway, I'll see what adjusting I can do. If nothing else, I can sew them in exactly the correct spot.

I'm pleased with both. Pics to follow.

I have a Joe Rocket ballistic mesh jacket. It works great. Has a padding sewn in around shoulders, elbows and back, along with removeable CE pads for those same areas. Semi-cool in hot humid Florida weather. Actually the heat is a non-issue, if you are moving.

I also have the the Phoenix 2.0 mesh pants, they too fit well and are tolerable in hot weather. Zips easily to jacket.

I had the same problem as DavidVTHokie, with the knee gaurds. Although when I sat on the bike the knee pads slid up and fit perfectly around knees, problem solved. (I think).

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/575/me599vy1.jpg

I have a black joe rocket ufo jacket


http://www.joerocket.com/jrp/catalog_images/x600s/792_10789.jpg

The knee pads hit me in the shins though. I'm not sure what ape-like person this is supposed to fit. Anyway, I'll see what adjusting I can do. If nothing else, I can sew them in exactly the correct spot.

I thought mine were too low until i got into the riding position...then they fit perfectly over my knees. But i guess they won't fit everyone as well as they fit me and my long legs... :wink:

I thought mine were too low until i got into the riding position...then they fit perfectly over my knees. But i guess they won't fit everyone as well as they fit me and my long legs... :wink:

Yep, I put the pads in the higher pockets (there are two sets of pockets in the pants for the knee pads), and they cover my knees great in the riding position.

Sorry I haven't posted pics yet, but I am really enjoying the new gear.

I have got to get some cooler riding gear.

I wore my textile gear yesterday in 90+ degrees. Not so bad when you're moving fast, but stop lights? *&%#!

Almost makes me want to ride in shorts and a T-shirt, but I'm not gonna do that any more. It's been a long time, but I used to ride in shorts back in the days before helmets.

Wimps.

Here I am north of Phoenix in July, 115º, looking for my electric fan.

http://idisk.mac.com/thorw/Public/Sedonaride.jpg

Yes, I was wearing full armored leathers. We rode 500 miles that day (and the day before.)

My perforated Teknic leather jacket is almost as cool as my Joe Rocket mesh jacket... In hot weather, more than anything, I find the helmet the hottest part...always flipping up my visor or setting the side latch so that there is a vent crack at the bottom.

Sachi - I don't know why exactly, but... I wish to mate with you. :wink:

It's the electric fan, I'm sure. :lol:

For summer I'll be wearing a Dainese Belgarda textile jacket with full Dainese armor underneath. It vents rather well actually...not hot at all...even in the North Carolina summer humidity.

Sachi - I don't know why exactly, but... I wish to mate with you

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Wimps.

Here I am north of Phoenix in July, 115º, looking for my electric fan.

http://idisk.mac.com/thorw/Public/Sedonaride.jpg

Yes, I was wearing full armored leathers. We rode 500 miles that day (and the day before.)

Well safety queen, you were putting yourself in danger with heat stroke and possible dehydration. We all should wear proper gear according to the conditions we ride in.

Not really. I'm prepared for that too. Lots and lots of water all the way across. LOTS. Plus electrolytes. Plus stops to cool off at times. Plus wetting down my t-shirt when needed. Etc.

I know what I'm doing. The point is, I never ride without full protective gear. And by the way - it's hotter in that air WITHOUT those leathers than it is with them, because they acted as an insulator. It was better to ride with my helmet visor closed, for example.

So -- if you don't know what you are doing, then certainly you can get in trouble. If you do know what you are doing, then it can be safe and fun.

...Plus wetting down my t-shirt when needed...
Ahhh, could this be the real reason for no moving violations...? Hummm...
"What officer? Oh, just let me cool off a bit..." :lol:

I'll half to say, as long as I'm moving I'm never really too hot in my gear - though I've never attempted to ride in 90+ heat/humidity with full non-perforated leathers. :shock:

I admit I've not faced humidity. It's pretty dry out here - that makes a difference, I'm sure. I'll have to learn new techniques next year; we're planning a trip in July to Graceland of all places.

Not really. I'm prepared for that too. Lots and lots of water all the way across. LOTS. Plus electrolytes. Plus stops to cool off at times. Plus wetting down my t-shirt when needed. Etc.

I know what I'm doing. The point is, I never ride without full protective gear. And by the way - it's hotter in that air WITHOUT those leathers than it is with them, because they acted as an insulator. It was better to ride with my helmet visor closed, for example.

So -- if you don't know what you are doing, then certainly you can get in trouble. If you do know what you are doing, then it can be safe and fun.

Good to hear that you were hydrating yourself. I am just concerned that it sounds like little ventilation was provided. The body needs to have it's sweat evaporate off the body to provide good heat dissepation. Glad to see your obviously ok and concerned for anyone doing something potentially life threatening.

Oh - if it helps, those leathers are perforated, too. There's quite a lot of air flow through them. I have more problems with them in lower temps (below 50) than in high temperatures.

One wouldn't think so but perfed leathers vent rather well... :thumbsup

Oh - if it helps, those leathers are perforated, too. There's quite a lot of air flow through them. I have more problems with them in lower temps (below 50) than in high temperatures.
+1

My A*stars Stage jacket is fully perf'd leather and I have the same thing - OK in heat, but downright chilly below 60 even with the liner.

i just got this mesh jacket- frank thomas strike 2. fits very well, elbow and shoulder pads. it was on sale for $90 something so i thought that was a good deal.

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/streetapparel/stike2mesjkt_sil_310x310.jpg

Cool, it looks sharp.. I see a lot of Frank Thomas stuff at my local Cycle Gear, but have never owned one.

Wife just bought Tourmaster Intake mesh jacket ($125) and Tourmaster Venture air-mesh pants.

http://newenough.com/image/path/4943/Default.jpg
She got blue 'cause she's a tarheel...

I got a Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0 for, I think, $130. It's not all that pretty, but it's been doing a nice job of catching bugs for me lately.

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/streetapparel/phnx_blk_310x310.jpg

When I start a new job, I'll probably get a perforated leather, then a leather by the time winter rolls around. I'll probably get another VR2 and a couple of shields before then, though.

I just bought a TourMaster Intake jacket too. I got mine for $140, but I paid full retail at the local shop because I wanted to try it on. I had to special order it because I wanted it in Tall. For taller (i.e. monkey-armed) riders, it's one of the few options available in tall sizes. It has 2 zip out liners, one for warmth and one for rain.

I have a Joe Rocket coat that's amazingly warm and water proof, so I doubt I'll use the TourMaster in cool weather, but when it gets hot, this one's the ticket.

I rode home at 88degrees this week and when moving I was cool and comfy. Sitting still, I sweat less than when under the Joe Rocket, but it's still pretty warm. What are you going to do when you're sitting on top of a 220degree engine?

http://vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3.htm

I bought this one and really like it.

mochoajr

Fiend Club friendly... me likes...http://vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3/VX3B_sm.jpg

I just got this one, really does the trick, lots of adjustments so the armor stays where it should and the air flows right through. And looks good too.
$170.00

ALSO: Comes with a quilted inner jacket (that oddly can be worn by itself, walking to the corner store I guess, because its armor free) that when worn trogether becomes a nice cool weather jacket. This could be the only jacket you need if you live somewhere with no snow (Like California).

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7323/07fieldsheerhightempmjltt7.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Shot at 2007-06-26

I just bought this jacket about a month ago
www.power-trip.com/products.cfm?products_id=1041 (http://www.power-trip.com/products.cfm?products_id=1041)
keeps me very cool. If it is below 70 my arms feel a little chilly.

I'm looking at this Icon jacket:

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/jackets/Icon%20Hooligan%20Battlecry%20jacket%20black_410x4 10.jpg

Looks pretty sharp to me.

*Update*

Been riding around in the 95degree weather we're having here in lovely MO, and the Cortech/Tour Master GX Air jacket is amazing. Keeps me very cool and not uncomfortable at all. I never even break a sweat, and that's pretty amazing for city traffic in this weather.

Just thought i'd let you know...

*Update*

Been riding around in the 95degree weather we're having here in lovely MO, and the Cortech/Tour Master GX Air jacket is amazing. Keeps me very cool and not uncomfortable at all. I never even break a sweat, and that's pretty amazing for city traffic in this weather.

Just thought i'd let you know...

I've been meaning to ask some of you guys how the fit on the Cortech Jacket is??
I have been looking for a mesh jacket for some time now and I find that the JR Pheonix 4.0 jackets dont come down far enough over my tailbone. I find it short leaving my tailbone exposed. Im not tall by anymeans. But i feel more comfortable, more covered up. Im 5'4" and 175. I've been leaning toward a Medium in the JR Phoenix..

So does the Cortech cover more of your tailbone.. or come down further than the JR???

I know the Cortech comes down futher than the Phoenix mesh jacket did. It actually has a padded leather 'spine' that extends to a sort of point at the rear, about 4" lower than where the jacket stops at the sides. Hope that helps...

The Rev'It "Ignition" is my jacket and I can't say enough good about it. I have the fortune of a great store to shop a lot of styles and this was their highest recommendation. I tried on jackets from everyone - Joe Rocket, Cortech, Firstgear, Fieldsheer, Vanson, and Olympia - no one has a genuinely comparable jacket in terms of quality and versatility. It's just not free. It runs about $400.

The only time I'm sweating in this jacket is when I'm wearing a backpack - and that's just sweat on my back - or multiple shirts underneath on a workday.

http://www.revit.eu/cms2007/images/collectie07/FJL027_1170.jpg

I just got this one, really does the trick, lots of adjustments so the armor stays where it should and the air flows right through. And looks good too.
$170.00

ALSO: Comes with a quilted inner jacket (that oddly can be worn by itself, walking to the corner store I guess, because its armor free) that when worn trogether becomes a nice cool weather jacket. This could be the only jacket you need if you live somewhere with no snow (Like California).

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7323/07fieldsheerhightempmjltt7.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Shot at 2007-06-26

+1

I have a mesh one like that, my only issue is that where the snaps are on the arms...it stresses the mesh and is starting to come apart.

Well if you have teeny widdle arms, that's bound to happen, rnd! It just wasn't designed to be cinched so tight! I thought you'd have gotten used to that by now... :wink:

Well if you have teeny widdle arms...
You may have a point there... :mrgreen: I'll claim it's because the jacket is an "L" and I really need a "M" but :roll: <looking for somethin' to curl>

Be sure not to buy any Icon gear. It's like wearing a big sign that says "Noob". :lol:

Be sure not to buy any Icon gear. It's like wearing a big sign that says "Noob". :lol:

Saying anything is for n00bs is just a way for anyone else to have the opportunity to feel elite. I see more brand new riders wearing Arai helmets than I do Icon jackets - actually any jackets. I guess that means I better not think of getting Arai since that would be for n00bs too...

If Icon is good enough for Jason Britton than it's good enough for me...

Anyone have the Rev'it Air?

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6383/cat1469jo0.jpg

Don't have the Rev'It Air, but I'd be pretty comfortable recommending any of their products. I've seen four different designs and a few of their pants - all of them were excellent from a quality standpoint.

The Ignition jacket is the most versatile one they provide, but I'm sure it's a fair bit more expensive than the Air.

The Rev'It "Ignition" is my jacket and I can't say enough good about it. I have the fortune of a great store to shop a lot of styles and this was their highest recommendation. I tried on jackets from everyone - Joe Rocket, Cortech, Firstgear, Fieldsheer, Vanson, and Olympia - no one has a genuinely comparable jacket in terms of quality and versatility. It's just not free. It runs about $400.

The only time I'm sweating in this jacket is when I'm wearing a backpack - and that's just sweat on my back - or multiple shirts underneath on a workday.

http://www.revit.eu/cms2007/images/collectie07/FJL027_1170.jpg

I just bought this jacket while on vacation in Oregon and paid 400 dollars for it. Seems like a great jacket, waterproof and thermal liners are both detachable and it looks like a whole lot of air can flow through it. Great for Florida summers. I haven't had the oppurtunity to test it yet but will do so as soon as I reach good old Florida on Monday :D

I just bought this jacket while on vacation in Oregon and paid 400 dollars for it. Seems like a great jacket, waterproof and thermal liners are both detachable and it looks like a whole lot of air can flow through it. Great for Florida summers. I haven't had the oppurtunity to test it yet but will do so as soon as I reach good old Florida on Monday :D
I don't think you'll regret it. The fit and finish is second to none.

The Rev'it Air jacket lists for $169. I was checking it out recently at a local store, probably would've got it but they didn't have my size. If I remember correctly, it doesn't have any removable liners, it's just a basic mesh jacket.

I've had Rev'it pants for about 9 months (waterproof textile, don't remember exactly what they're called) and they have been excellent. But I noticed the waist zipper on those pants doesn't work with the waist zipper on the Air jacket.

...noticed the waist zipper on those pants doesn't work with the waist zipper on the Air jacket.
I supremely dislike the lack of standards toward this detail... :evil:

I dislike that too. But it isn't too hard to have a second half-zipper sewn on.

I dislike that too. But it isn't too hard to have a second half-zipper sewn on.
Mom! :lol:

EDIT> She really is a good sport about such things... :wink:

Just for that you're not going to get any sex from ME this week, you stinker. :lol:

Seriously, I have the same problem -- I have a Frank Thomas suit with a full-waist zipper, but it gets a little too cold in the winter because of all the ventilation, so I bought a non-perforated jacket. That jacket has a partial zipper in back. I have to fix that little problem before (say) November rolls around, and it will likely involve sewing a partial zipper to my pants. You need to find a good tailor to do it.

Wow...i didn't know you were giving away sex. Sachi the player. See what happens when you hook up on forums? It always turns sour. I hope you learned your lesson, rnd. And Sachi, you should be ashamed of yourself. Preying on vulnerable old geezers. Sheesh. ;)

(And i always thought the 'safety queen' was referring to motorcycles... ;) )

Wow...i didn't know you were giving away sex.

Giving it away?? Not a chance - Rnd is paying a handsome amount. I'm expensive but worth it.

(And i always thought the 'safety queen' was referring to motorcycles... ;) )

I always carry protection. :P



:lol:

Fiend Club friendly... me likes...http://vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3/VX3B_sm.jpg

+1 :twisted:

http://www.oldnicks.com/pics/5.jpg

This thread's been dormant for a while, but I thought I'd pile on my .02.

After weeks of searching shops and online, I finally went with an Olympia Recon. It's a textile/mesh combo with no removable liners. Being the wuss I am, I really don't plan on much winter riding, so a hot-weather-only jacket suits me fine. In DFW, I guess that makes my riding season March-November... 8) Plus, I'm a sweat factory, so the cooler the jacket, the better. It barely hit 80F today in Dallas and I still would have liked to have been cooler while riding, even though my Recon flowed plenty of air.

I confess that I chose the Olympia over a TourMaster and Joe Rocket I was cross-shopping mainly on looks. I needed something I could hang in my cubicle without getting funny glances, and the Recon mostly looks like a normal light jacket with some funny zipper locations and adjustment straps. The TM and JR jackets also had much bigger holes in their mesh (more like fishnet, or a gym bag) than the Olympia. I can't say if one mesh size is tougher than the other, but you can't see flesh through the Olympia's panels, and that makes me feel a little better.

The Recon has CE armor in the elbows and shoulders, and on me (XL, 6'1", 215lbs) it's located pretty well. It's also got a firm back pad in the liner and another softer pad in the outer shell. Decent pockets, though it seems if you fill them with much of anything it would block the air since they are behind the chest mesh.

Fit & finish are top-notch, and all the metal bits are coverable by soft plastic, etc. I hated the zippers on the JR (Phoenix 5.0?). The TourMaster (Intake?) had a lot ofattention to detail, but in the end I thought it had too much black for the Texas heat, and just didn't look like something I'd wear casually.

Only complaint is that the jacket is very short; it comes to my waistline and that's it. I'm lucky I'm running stock bars so I don't lean forward too much! The jacket also has detachabkle sleeves :idonno - but that makes about as much sense as gloves with detachable fingers...

All in all a solid (but pricey at $169) jacket.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8738/recontransformer012008em6.jpg

This thread's been dormant for a while, but I thought I'd pile on my .02]
Nice write up.

Glad the thread was NOT pruned by SOMEONE and here for you to revisit... :wink:

After falling off once, I'll stick with leather. The Teknic Chicane jacket is perforated and did it's job.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m259/pricelister/chic_jkt_c2.jpg

In regards to the Vanson Ventmax 3 that Rnd posted up earlier in the thread...

I tried on the Ventmax at my local gear shop (Motoliberty.com !) and told my girlfriend how torn I was on the jacket. The bones are awesome - I love skeleton stuff - but the mesh is such a loose weave I wonder how well it could protect. That's when another rider came over and sang the praises of the jacket. He picked up the jacket and ordered Vanson's hardened GP armor. Riding "completely irresponsibly," he went down in the jacket at "somewhere over 120 (mph)" and walked away without a scratch.

Obviously, this isn't the ideal situation for this style of jacket, but it says a lot. I'll pick one up as July closes in.