Mesh jackets

Who can recommend a mesh jacket with some protection? I tried a Joe Rocket but didn't like the fit - kind of bulky. I've seen ads for the Teknic Spyder which has textile panels that velcro off to reveal mesh. Sounds like a nice idea. Thoughts? Has anyone heard from Rick, a long time poster here who sold both VFR's for a new 1200GS? Jeff McQueen

 

Hey Jeff -

I just purchased a FirstGear TexMesh jacket. It retailed for around $125. It is completely awesome. The jacket is lightweight, has great protection and is cofortable. It also has the removable back and shoulder pads for less aggressive riding. And it is nice and cool! As a matter of fact, it's almost cooler to wear it than to not have a jacket on at all. It's almost see through but is still made from steel. Anyway, my 2 cents worth.

 

I was going to suggest the FirstGear also. I have the JR and wished I would have tried on the FG first cause I would have bought that one instead.

 

I 3rd the First Gear.  Get the pants too and look like Joe Racer -and who knows, they might save your a$$ one day.

 

I've had a First Gear Leather/mesh jacket. It was OK.
I recently picked up a Joe Rocket Reactor leather/mesh and it seems better fitting to me.

 

For those that like the Joe Rocket fit, I would recommend the JR Alter Ego. It's a convertible textile jacket that zips out to be a mesh jacket. It's light and not bulky and can keep you warm with the added liner (included).

 

I have the JR Phoenix... I think its junk, it was the only thing I could find at the time. I was living in South Carolina and it was about 100 degrees and I needed something with armor in it that didn't make me sweat to death. I think I'm putting it on ebay. I like JR, but the Phoenix line needs to be improved or dropped. I've heard rumors of them falling apart if you go down...

I'm going with the Icon Ti-Max. I tried on one in a shop and let me tell you, that is one nice jacket. The only reason I didn't buy it on the spot is because the only one in my size was white. Great fit-n-finish. They have mesh and non-mesh, both of which have matching pants. It looks like its going to take some abuse if skidding along pavement is in order. About the only down side I can see is the price. Its about $70 more than all the other mesh jackets. I believe that its worth it, but that is strickly a subjective opinion.

http://store.azmusa.com/mtimax.html

8) RIDE WELL 8)
HWORTH

 

I have a Dainese "summer jacket". This is a perforated vest type of garment with elbow & shoulder armour, chest protection and a full lenght unzipable spine protector (which can be used seperatly). Here in Cyprus it gets up to 40C in the summer and I find that this is ideal to wear under a t shirt or rugby top. Very comfortable. Have just bought the trousers to go with top but not worn them yet.

Ian

 

I have a Fieldsheer mesh textile I bought two years ago. The model I have is one they don't carry anymore but it is well built and very comfortable. The jacket has a built-in back protector and has very substantial armor in all the right spots....and it didn't put mt wallet in a 'hurt locker' either!

 

I like my Fieldsheer jacket, but unfortunately they dont make the version I have anymore. It looks like they have replaced my Jacket with this one:

http://www.sandhillspowersports.com...200&PCR=1:5:50004&IID=fieldsheer_congomesh_06

I took a spill in mine doing about 40 mph (lowside) and though it had a few areas of road rash, it faired very well. the hard pads did their job, and I wear it every day I ride. I was so impressed with their mesh jacket, I bought their 3/4 3 layer jacket. (older version of this jacket

http://www.sandhillspowersports.com...?DSP=200&PCR=1:5:50004&IID=fieldsheer_siberia

FWIW,

FH

 

I finally did pick up that Icon TimaxII jacket. It's outstanding. It is as good if not better than every other mesh jacket I've ever seen. It fits like a glove and comes with a zip out liner.

http://www.metricbikes-superstore.com/product_info36.php?cPath=112&products_id=460

KC-10 FE out...

 

I am not a fan of anything from joe rocket. I bought a Honda lightweight jacket when I purchased my 02 VFR. It's made by a company called Intersport and it's part of the Honda riders collection. I purchased it at the dealership, iirc it was about $175.00. I live in AZ and it moves as much air a those crummy Joe rocket Phoenix jackets and I feel the protection is way better.

 

That's strange, my Intersport Honda jacket is a POS. My wife bought it for me as a birthday gift after I bought my bike. I'm very dissapointed with it. In fact, I never wear it.

While I agree with you about the Phoenix being a POS, everything else I own by Joe Rocket is top notch. I love my Speedmaster jacket. I also have 3 pairs of their gloves.

KC-10 FE out...

 

My Joe Rocket is ready for retirement after 3 long seasons of use. I am going to go with the First Gear version. I have other First Gear jackets and pants that I am happy with, so I think I will like their summer gear