Best mesh jacket for summer riding

[Unnamed]

All the jackets have CE armor (I think...) but their prices vary significantly. I've read a lot of reviews but people inevitably disagree (particularly over Joe Rockets) so I'm asking everyone here. Also, I know that mesh is less protective than leather and full textile, but because of summer heat I'm limiting the poll to mesh.

[joedude]

what are the prices for the jackets?

[Unnamed]

Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0 ~125
Fieldsheer Mach 3 ~113
Alpinestars ACR ~162
Firstgear Meshtex 3 ~116
Cortech GX Air ~162

(Most prices vary with size, most are from NewEnough)

[ajgs500]

THe Cortech one was 129 at the local bike shop the other day.

[joedude]

Right now I ride with a Joe Rocket Velocity, and I REALLY like it. It's super confortable, but as you can immagine, in the sun with an all black leather jacket, it gets hot hot hot! So I want to get a Mesh jacket, and some Mesh pants (instead of leather, so that when it gets colder, I can just double up underneath em rather than buy 2 pairs).
Here's a pic of my jacket... just in case anyone is wondering:

[trumpetguy]

I got a Fieldsheer Mach 3 about a month ago from http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/.  The Mach 4 has leather on the outside of the padding (I'd like that better but I didn't see it when I bought this one).  Both are under $100 and come with a rain over-jacket that zips into a pocket at the back of the waistband.

I have ridden in some serious heat already this summer and it's comfortable.  The Mach 6 gloves help -- I can't do my all-leather gloves in the heat here.

[trend]

I got a Fieldsheer Mach 3 about a month ago from http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/.  The Mach 4 has leather on the outside of the padding (I'd like that better but I didn't see it when I bought this one).  Both are under $100 and come with a rain over-jacket that zips into a pocket at the back of the waistband.

I have ridden in some serious heat already this summer and it's comfortable.  The Mach 6 gloves help -- I can't do my all-leather gloves in the heat here.

Nice jacket! I might pick one up for me.. for under $100 bucks, it can't be too huge of a mistake if I decide I want an all leather jacket later

[joedude]

That Mach 4 looks SWEET! I'm now looking into that one too!

Thanks!


Ahh I just looked into the availability of the jacket, and most colours are only available in small or X-small, with only one Medium... Too bad it's a 'Limited Quantity Item'... They probably won't be re-stocking.

[Chris2P]

Anyone have experience with BLACK mesh?  It's all that the dealership has in stock and I'm wondering if its hot in the sun.


Chris

[Wrecent_Wryder]

Ih

[TarzanBoy]

Anyone have experience with BLACK mesh?  It's all that the dealership has in stock and I'm wondering if its hot in the sun.
Chris

Everything is hot in the sun at a traffic light.   Black wont' be all that much different from another color at a traffic light, but it will feel warmer when you are stopped.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I have the GX-Air in black with white accents. Wore it for the last two days straight during my MSF. As long as I as moving, or even just swinging my arms, there was a great breeze that kept me nice and cool. If you like the GX-Air (love mine), then Tourmaster makes something that's basically the same, minus the leather panels in the back/shoulders, and it's only $129. My friend just bought it, and wore it this weekend for the MSF, and he liked it a lot, said he stayed nice and cool.

[manofthefield]

My question is Mesh vs. Fully perforated leather?

Perf leather will be safer and more expensive, but will it be as cool as mesh?

[Egaeus]

Now, there is quite a bit of argument about Joe Rocket.  Most of it centers on their stitching.  Well, while my mom was repairing a spot where I scraped my knee and tore the stitching a bit, she found several other spots where the stitching was coming apart, not caused by my knee scrape.  To quote her, "Their stitching sucks." 

I have a fieldsheer heat wave jacket and four season pants (both silver, not black like my JR Alter Ego) on thier way.

[scottpA_GS]

I have the Joe Rocket RIo ...

http://www.motoxoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=147

I got a Large and it doesnt fit well. ( im too fat . anyone want it? Its grey. Only worn once $45.00 shipped  

[Scorpio65]

I have been using the Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0. Other than getting one that was a little to big for me, i like it. It gets a little hot when your sitting at a light, but once your moving its ok. But then again, when its 112 out side your kinda always hot!!

[SeriousGeorge]

I have a fieldsheer heat wave jacket and four season pants (both silver, not black like my JR Alter Ego) on thier way.

How do you like the four season pants? Those are brand new aren't they? I didn't think they had been released yet. They look really nice, but I've found fieldsheer doesn't seem to really fit well for fat guys like me.

[Egaeus]

They're "on their way."  Est. shipping date is late June.  I'll let y'all know how they are as soon as I know.  

[Alphamazing]

I've got a Mach 3. You can get them for about $70 on eBay or motorcycle-superstore.com I think. The Mach 3 is nice, vents well, and has CE armor all around. It's on par with the Alpinestars T-Flo or T-Stunt or whatever Mesh jacket both in finish and quality.

Mesh is surprisingly durable, provided you get a quality brand.

Look into the Vanson VentMax 3, it's CRAZY mesh with CE armor. By crazy, I mean it is the bare bones minimum protection, but with CE armor and leather reinforced contact areas (shoulders, elbows, back).

As for mesh vs. fully perforated leather: Fully perffed leather is pretty much useless here in Texas. It's too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

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