Let's talk mesh

[Alphamazing]

I live in Texas, where the temperature regularly exceeds 100^oF. This week alone won't dip below 90, and nor will next week according to the forecast. I wear a mesh jacket during this type of heat in order to have proper safety gear. Right now I have a Fieldsheer Mach 3 mesh jacket, and have crash tested a Mach 1. I don't doubt their protection capabilities, so long as they fit properly.

When Fieldsheer switched over from the Mach 1 to the Mach 3 they changed a few nice features. For one, they changed from a numerical sizing to an alpha sizing, which means not as nice a fitting jacket. My size small Mach3 is larger than my old size 38 Mach1, to an extend that when I'm on the bike it feels unsafe. When I'm standing around it feels alright, but on the bike it feels different.
They also changed the forearm tightening system. On the old jackets it was a velcro cinch strap, which allowed essentially an infinite amount of adjustments. The new system is a snap system, with only 3  different spots for adjustment, the tightest not being as tight as the tightest possible fitting on the old velcro cinch strap system. This causes the armored elbows to float around and not stay in place. The snaps also come undone under normal riding conditions, which means even LESS safety during a crash. The armor would just get pushed away causing the mesh to rub the asphalt, which would essentially get disentegrated instantly.

So, what type of mesh jackets do y'all have experience with? I'm looking for something with a good range of sizes, preferably numeric, non-snap arm closures, and CE approved armor.

[coll0412]

Hmmm....I own the Hein Geircke verision of this jacket

http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_meshtex2_jacket_page.htm

and am totally stoked about it, no CE armour but you can order it for it.

The things I like are the velcro arm adjustments and the panding in the arms, they have the EVA pads sewn into the arm as well as armour in special pockets. It is a nice jacket

[Alphamazing]

Hmmm....I own the Hein Geircke verision of this jacket

http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_meshtex2_jacket_page.htm

and am totally stoked about it, no CE armour but you can order it for it.

The things I like are the velcro arm adjustments and the panding in the arms, they have the EVA pads sewn into the arm as well as armour in special pockets. It is a nice jacket

It does look pretty nice. I would definitely upgrade it to CE armor though, as padding isn't very comfortable for me. Don't ask why, but I just feel a lot better and more comfortable with an armored jacket. The velcro arm adjustments are pretty nice, too.

Hmm... just looked and there is no CE back armor for that jacket. Unfortunately, CE armor all around is a must for me, especially with a mesh jacket.

Anyone had any experience with Vanson products? I see that they have a super-breatheable 1000 denier cordura mesh jacket called the Vent Max 3.
http://www.newenough.com/vanson_vent_max3_jacket_page.htm


It looks really nice, but I'd have to order an XS (which it looks like I'll have to do with most of my jackets now), as I am 5'10, 130, and have a 32 inch chest (recently measured). I'm a skinny mofo. My only concern would be that the sleeves are too short. Thoughts, comments? Is 1000 denier cordura any good? What is with the numbering system?

[LPC2104]

I'm looking @ this


Reads:
The Draft Air Jacket combines sturdy construction with sharp styling.  And without a lot of options to drive the price up, this jacket is an excellent value in a full-mesh hot weather jacket.  The armor used is the plastic-over-foam GP type which is CE approved.  You also get a CE approved back pad (better than most).  There is a short rear zipper for connecting to Tourmaster pants.  There are two zippered pockets in front and two extra storage pockets inside--one looks good for a cell phone or MP3.  Take the "View Larger Pictures" link above to see these and other jacket features in detail. 

Link

[Alphamazing]

Hmm. The CE approved backpad isn't listed, only the "Articulated triple density back protector". I looked it up on a few more sites and the same stuff showed up, non-CE approved back protector.

Other links:
Motorcycle Superstore - $80.99 (no tax if you're in Texas, like NewEnough)
[urlhttp://www.motoemporium.com/tourmaster/2006/draftair/draftair.html]New England Motorcycle[/url] - $80.99 FREE SHIPPING

I should also note that I can get that Vanson for $136 + shipping. Good deal?

[un1261]

I just bought a set of knox armor for my joe rocket. They fit just fine, and as far as the back protector goes; I use the one out of winter leathers.

it all works great

[Alphamazing]

I just bought a set of knox armor for my joe rocket. They fit just fine, and as far as the back protector goes; I use the one out of winter leathers.

it all works great

I am not a fan of Joe Rocket. Their stitching is too loose and I have heard too many horror stories of them coming apart at inopportune times. My father has a leather jacket of theirs and the stitching is already coming apart. My mother has a mesh jacket by Joe Rocket and it also doesn't look very well made. I guess I could buy an armor upgrade for a jacket, but I'd rather not. Just my thing, I guess.

[LPC2104]

Hmm. The CE approved backpad isn't listed, only the "Articulated triple density back protector". I looked it up on a few more sites and the same stuff showed up, non-CE approved back protector.

I just emailed their customer service to see what's up.  I'll post their responce. 

[LPC2104]

Ok, I got a response from them in less than 2 minutes.  I'm impressed. 

Good catch Alpha, there is no CE backpad and they'll fix their website......guess I'll keep looking for a good mesh too.  I'll post anything I can find. 

[LPC2104]

Edit #2 - Man I'm completely taking over this thread.

Anyway, I just posted a nice "mesh" jacket but it said it was a textile but now I really don't know.  I'm going to email newenough again and post later. 

[xtalman]

I've heard very good things about Olympia.

[weaselnoze]

i just got the joe rocket rio mesh jacket for my woman.  they have alpha sizing which as you stated, isnt as good.  the arm has 3 snap positions, not velcro.  but the CE armor is very nice and i like that feature.  hey its worth more than the 60 bucks that i paid for it!

[Alphamazing]

I've heard very good things about Olympia.

All their stuff is more of the "touring" type. Lots of pockets, kinda bulky, not good for what I do. Also, they sell textile jackets, not mesh.

As for NewEnough, since I'm in Texas I have to pay a 7.75% tax on top of the sale price and shipping. That can make a jacket easily exceed MSRP.

Also, what's more important than alpha sizing to me is a proper fit. If a jacket with alpha sizing fits me, then that is what is important.

[roguegeek]

Check out the A-star stuff. The older jackets are getting cheaper online and they're still excellent.

[Alphamazing]

Check out the A-star stuff. The older jackets are getting cheaper online and they're still excellent.

Yeah, the only one I can seem to find is the T-Stunt jacket, which is still $190. I'm looking to spend $150 or less. Preferably less. The only reason that Vanson one is in the pictures is because I get a 15% discount on it. Any opinions on it? Does it look safe enough? Think 1000 denier Cordura is any good? Does it look good styling wise? I'm really starting to like it a lot...

[roguegeek]

What about the ARC?
http://www.terra-powersports.com/product.aspx/id/52766/sid/1/mfr/51

[roguegeek]

Or the standard Air Flo?
http://www.terra-powersports.com/product.aspx/sid/1/mfr/51/id/10255

[Alphamazing]

The ARC is a bit expensive, and the standard Air Flo is a textile jacket, not a mesh one. It also doesn't have a CE back protector. I could work around the last part, but mesh is the key thing I'm looking for here.

Also, do you know how chest size is measured? These say the max chest size is 38. Is that 38 measured under the arms around the torso chest, or around the shoulders chest?

[LPC2104]

Ok, after some effort I have it down.  Here is what I'm now looking at.  It's already been linked but here's some more info on it.  It's $160 from new enough with the option of a CE approved back protector.  It says "Textile" on the link but it's actually a mesh jacket.  I emailed newenough again and they confirmed.  They just had the wrong heading.  Anyways, I like this one.



Read:  Every manufacturer has a full mesh jacket with a removable liner, so what's different here?  Couple things:  I like the mesh material used in this jacket as compared to others.  It's a "medium" weave and will let plenty of air flow through, but the fabric just feels a little more sturdy and it has sort of a slick feel to it.  Of course I don't have any data that says this fabric is any better than another, but rather it's just a personal observation.  I also like the straps on the sleeves that let you adjust the fit.  Most jackets have the adjuster sleeves, but most are pretty flimsy as compared to these.  I think these straps would actually enhance the jacket's ability to keep the armor pieces on your elbows rather than allowing them to move around in case you fall.  The armor included is sturdy and high quality and the fact that you can upgrade the back protector (see below) and still have it reside in the pocket of the jacket's lining (a convenience as compared to stand alone BPs) is a neat option to have.  I like the overall looks of the jacket and for safety they've added a good amount of reflective piping for night time visibility.

It's mesh

[Alphamazing]

It is a mesh? Everywhere I see it it's listed as a textile... but alright. I need to find a place that has one of those and try it on because the size small is listed for sizes 38 to 40. My current Fieldsheer has the same numbers and is too big for me, so that one might be out of the picture. Looks nice though, and I might be able to find it on eBay for $140 or so if I'm lucky.

Or $147:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALPINESTARS-JACKET-ACR-AIRFLO-BLK-S-28200528_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35557QQitemZ4626602328QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V