best perforated leather jacket

I normaly ride in a Joe Rocket HRC leather/mesh jacket in the heat of summer but this past late summer I tried a JR Phoenix and a Scorpion Stinger leather EXO (white) jacket. The Phoenix is cool enough but feels like I have no real protection compaired to leather. I don't really want to push it in this thing. The Stinger is very soft, has expansion pannels, thick leather and perforations, but just does'nt flow enough air. I think I am going to Ebay/Clist both but after a lot of research I have no idea what to try next. I would love to hear some opinions on the best "full" perf leather jackets out there.... Maybe Joe Rocket Sonic?? Vansen?? I know Motoport makes a Mesh kevlar jacket but they look kind of wierd in mho.

 

JR makes a combo perf leather and mesh jacket. Ecen is branded Honda. About $150 or $180 if you can find it.

Also, go to sportbike track gear. They do pretty good video reviews of the product. Speed and strength are supposd to flow a lot of air.

Http://Sportbiketrackgear.com

 

This "Stage" model from Alpinestars is a great coat. Very breathable and cool in high temps (90's), but will do double duty down into the high 40's with the removable liner attached. Protection is great, although I would recommend heavier duty back protection; which the jacket has a pocket for. A-stars has recently discontinued this jacket, so if you can find your size, expect to get it in the $250 range rather than the $400 they were going for a few months ago. There are several color options other than black.

 

I have looked a lot for an Astars but didnt think they made a full ferf jacket. Does this have full perforations front and back?

 

No perforations in the back, Hero. The air provided through the chest and sleeve perforations, as well as the underarm material, does circulate through the back nicely. When I was shopping, I couldn't find a legitimately protected jacket with rear perforation. I know that some of the lesser brands have them, but in terms of Alpinestars, Dainese, etc etc - the only rear perforated set-ups I could find were one-piece track suits. A-stars may have come out with something since then; if they have, we're probably talking in the $400+ range again. Which would still be worth it IMO.

 

What's your budget? and what size do you wear? The reason I ask is your a few hours from Iron Pony and you could ride up and see if maybe the top of half of a fieldsheer radar suit is what your after. They're down to a few colours and sizes (44-50 range) but for $250 you could get a perforated 2 pc suit.

Mines great in hot weather, IF I'm moving, otherwise it as hot as a normal jacket.

 

I have a Vanson - the front is Perf the back is solid. my second one. i hung the first one in a closet & it shrunk after a couple years :/. i think it's a 42R & never been down. Vanson has a liner that zips & velcro's out of the way to allow the wind in. sleeves zip & vents in the back. it's very heavy leather.






I should sell this one.........

 

Check out cyclegear- they have the the Dainese Laguna Seca for $200 (orig $450).
I just picked one up - beautiful jacket.

 

Thanks all. Any one ever look at an Astars alloy? ..How bout Astars new GPR jacket, i think it took over for the stage. Thx for all the advice so far.

 

Ilovheros: Did you not like the Joe Rocket HRC leather/mesh jacket you wore in the past?
Why change what has been working for you?

FWIW, I have had a Frank Thomas perforated leather jacket for a season and while it wouldn't be considered a top line name, it works for me.
Both the front and the back are about 75% perforated leather. The arms are also perforated on the inside, but the outer area from the wrist to the shoulder is solid.
In addition to being perforated, it has two zippered vents on the front, two zippered vents on the back, and a zippered vent on each side of the waist.
It also has CE approved shoulder and elbow armor and a back pad that I don't see a CE label on. Actually out of 4 sets of jacket armor, only one back pad was labeled with the CE approval. All the shoulder and elbow armor was CE labeled.
When moving, it is fine till about 80-85 degrees. It is black so it does pick up quite a bit of solar heat and I make it a point to not stop in the sunny area for long.
Above that temperature, I switch to a mesh jacket.

If you can, I sure think you should ride with a perforated leather jacket before you buy one.
The mesh is much cooler.
The obvious trade-off is that the mesh is also much less protection.

 

I still hav my Jr leather/ mesh Jacket but it doesnt have any rear perfs or vents. It cools well in the front but no exhaust. Thats why I wanted your advice. When I wore the JR mesh, it is much cooler but, you know, no protection. I am hoping to find something with very good protection but flows better than my HRC.......Maybe its not out there. I am leaning towards Astars Alloy but its $450. and Iam not sure its any better than JR's new Radar jacket for $250.