Which jacket?

 I'm looking for a new jacket.  I was looking for leather when someone
suggested the Joe Rocket Reactor 2.0 mesh/leather.  I tried one on and
it fits great and is very comfortable.  I am leary of the protection of
non-leather jackets, but this one has armor and leather in all the
necessary places.  I read a review where someone accidently "road
tested" the jacket and gave it a thumbs up.  It's supposed to be much
cooler in the Summer.

Still, I'm hesitant to consider anything besides leather.  Does anyone
have any experience with this jacket or ones like it?  Would you
recommend it?  Is it only a Summer jacket or a "three season" jacket?  
I'm going to buy something soon and any input would be appreciated.

--
Lew

 

Lew, are you going to want to wear leather in the summer? Not me, and I
found myself riding around last year without any protection during the hot
months and decided to have a look at the mesh jackets too. What I found was
interesting! The jackets are light, nice lookings, and actually will protect
you... at least a lot more protection than wearing nothing! I just bought my
jacket and received it earlier this week so I can't tell you how well it
really feels on the road. I haven't had the chance to use it yet since the
weather cooled back down and leather is perfect for it, but trying it on and
walking around in it I found that it was comfortable to wear and the armor
in the elbows and shoulders seemed to stay in place very well. How well on
impact is something that I'm not in a hurry to find out. Most of them have
removable liners that double as a lightweight jacket... and that's cool!
It'll fit nicely in my saddlebags for when I get caught out in the country
as the sun is going down.

The one that I liked the best was the Olympia Airglide 2
(http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide.htm ), but for almost
$100 less I found the Fieldsheer Johnny Cool
(http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style#494&department 2&Division=1)
and went for that one. Like I said... it fits pretty good with and without
the liner and I'm a big guy!

If you're comfortable wearing leather all year round, then stick with
leather. But if you toss your leather in the summer because it's too hot,
then I think this is the way to go. These are MESH meaning that you can see
through them, and air will pass through them.

Good luck!
Charles

 
My son had the Joe Rocket all mesh jacket (about $169) with armor in
the back, elbows, maybe other places. Those jackets are good for at
least one down as he proved last Fall. He still wears it, but it is
ripped/tattered in places. The jacket protected him - no road rash or
other injuries in the areas the jacket covered. And they are so way
cooler during the summer.

Greg

 

Definately a one time deal, but if it saves you ass just one time... it's
worth the money. Same as the helmet, so it shouldn't come as no great
surprise.

I think I'd replace my sons jacket for him...

 

If you go down, Progressive (and probably Gieco and others) will also
replace your gear as well as help fix your bike.  At least they do if
you have comp.  So the cost of replacing rashed gear should not enter
the equation if you are properly insured.  It's only an issue if you
are running with liability only and you are on a shoestring budget.

Of course any motorcycle gear is better than none at all.  And the
gear you wear is better than the gear you leave at home because it is
too hot or whatever.

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