Still have a bday gift from parents, what are your thoughts on this jacket?

[utgunslinger13]

Guys,

My parents just informed me that they still owe me for a bday gift, so I've been looking around at some jackets (even though my bike isn't running yet) and I finally found one that I MIGHT be interested in.  Its on craigslist so I provided the link below, and I'm interested in the blue because its a medium (I'm about 5'10'' and 145-150 lbs) so I think that would be the better fit.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/1060945426.html

My concern is I really know NOTHING about jackets, and wouldn't know if this would fit me, fit right, and protect me.  I'm also a little worried as my bike will be black and graphite and not sure if the blue will clash (least of my worries but still a concern).  Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

[cafeboy]

I have the blue one and love it.
It has nice armor and you can remove the liner and get great wind flow. 



edit I am 6' 195lbs and mine is med.

[sector9]

I'm similarly proportioned and Smalls in Joe Rocket fit me generously. JR textile jackets (mesh, cordura/polyester weave) are cut relaxed compared to Alpinestars. Take a look at newenough.com in the closeout section for some good deals.

[utgunslinger13]

I sent the guy an email asking about it and I'm starting to think that I'm not the right size for a medium?  Here is our conversation below:

From Me:
Hello,

I might be interested in the blue Joe Rocket Mesh leather jacket.  I'm new to the motorcycle gear scene so can you provide a little more details?  Is this a good jacket in the summer here in PHX?  What about the armor, any protection or is it just foam padding?

Also, I live in Glendale so Chandler might be a little hike for a jacket.  Are you open to delivery or meeting somewhere close?  I work in North PHX near Anthem.

Thanks!

He responded in about 5 minutes:

Hi Nick,

The blue jacket is actually ONLY mesh. Both jackets are great for summer, but the yellow/black one is just a little bit lighter weight. The summers are pretty rough, so mesh is really the only way to go. The protection is only the foam padding. This will protect you pretty well in a fall, but not as much as a full leather jacket will.

I work in North Scottsdale off Frank Lloyd Wright and the 101, so I could meet somewhere close. I'm 5'10" and 170lbs, and both jackets fit me pretty well.

Mike

He was also selling a large and if both fit him I'm wondering if me being 20 lbs smaller will make this horribly baggy on me?

Thanks,

Nick

[Danny500]

I just bought this one and I LOVE it!!!!



For the amount you're gonna pay for someone elses USED equipment you might as well just go buy a new one, and check the sizes in the dealership to see what fits you... If you normally wear hoodies under everything you may need to go to a L instead of a M... I bought mine in an XL and it's SLIGHTLY bigger than AlpineStar, JoeRocket and other XL's... so I can wear my street clothes under it with no bother.

I HIGHLY recommend this jacket as a 1st jacket because it's cheap, super comfy, great pads for stock equipment. The shoulder and elbow are all CE certified. May want to upgrade the back-pad to a CE pad only because the stock one is just a SUPER thick piece of cling mat (that stuff you put in tool drawers to keep the tools from sliding around). Only 200 bucks online, I got mine at the stealership w/my "Recent Bike Purchase" discount w/ a ProGrip tank pad and the total came to 150... so I win.

Do some shopping, don't hop on the first "deal" you see... and PLEASE, stay away from used... people sweat, spit, and get road crap all over these things... kinda unsanitary. It's like buying used underwear or a used microphone... someone's been all up in that for a while. 

[pronator]

I would recommend this jacket since it seems like cost is definitely a limiting factor

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/312

They have pretty good customer service; call 'em up and tell them about your build - they'll help you figure out the best size. I don't think you could beat this price for a leather jacket. Plus, it's got six zippered vents for the heat issue. The only thing that this doesn't have is CE armor, but I would take the money you save to get buy this jacket:

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/teknic/supervent_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

Cannibalize the CE armor and you're set!

That's the thing with motorcycle gear, right? It's subject to "the triangle":

                             good looks


good price                                   good protection



Generally speaking, you can only have two of the three. You have to "pay" in one of those categories.

Good luck with your decision! 

[utgunslinger13]

Unfortunately they are sold out of my size, I would need one of the two smallest sizes.  I haven't measured my chest but my waist is 31-32 inches.  If I estimated I would say my chest is 38 inches.

Thanks,

Nick

[daliumong]

yeah you're definitely a size small or 38.

i, too am 5'10" 145 lbs, athletic build, so my shoulders are pretty built but i have no stomach. I find that the S size for most brands (alpinestars, teknic, icon etc) fits me pretty well up in the shoulders, but in the waist area i would prefer womething with the adjustable closures.

you should defnitely go to your local bike shop and try on jackets, just to see how you fit in jackets of different brands and stuff

for fit, it should be relatively tight, so much so that nothing will move in the case of an impact. Not so tight though that you feel like you need two people to help you in and out of it, unless its a 1 piece leather.. but you're not going street riding in one of those. you might also want to consider leaving space for layering, even though you're in arizona, because it can get cold out there

[Roadstergal]

Skip the mesh.  Hot mesh stuck to your skin as you're sliding down the road is no fun.  If you need protection, leather; if you need ventilation, perforated leather; if you want waterproof, high-denier Cordura.

I'd be leery of "CE=good;" "CE" means nothing over here.  The only rating that means it's passed some kind of test is EN1621-1.  Knox, however, does make good stuff in general, and Teknic makes underrated gear (IMO) - but again, I'd go with their leather.

What will be the primary use and what's the budget?

[utgunslinger13]

See thats the problem I have with my clothes.  I'm usually a medium but some times its ALMOST to big and I need a small.  But I can't consistently buy a small because some are just tight then.  Looks like newenough doesn't have others in my price range so I'll hold off for now.

Primary use will be street riding during the warmer months, no rain protection needed.  I don't really have a budget as its a gift but that also means I can't get away with a 250 dollar jacket and expect them to pick up the entire tab.

Thanks,

Nick

[Roadstergal]

Consider this:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/9883/CITEM/AGV-Sport-Breeze-Jacket-Closeouts.aspx

It's supposed to run a little small, so the medium might be the ticket.  As it's a gift, you can save up for upgraded armor and a back protector.

Their return policy looks like it's a flat $7, which isn't a bad gamble.

[utgunslinger13]

I read in the reviews that someone said the "half perforated leather doesn't breath well"?  Any input as this could be worn in 120 degree days in the summer!

[pronator]

+ 1 on the back protector.

Roadstergal converted me - bought one last month after trying on hers. 

[ineedanap]

hello, just my 2 cents.  I have the phoenix 5.0 which is the updated version of the yellow.  It's great for 85+ degree days.  I've worn it down to 40 with the rain liner and a heavy sweatshirt.  You can add a fancy $70 joe rocket back protector that fits in the pocket and is much better than the foam thing that comes with it.

That guy is asking way to much money for it.  You can get new for around $130 for a 5.0.  Everyone else is right.  For that kind of money there are better deals/choices to be had.  Hell, my 08 ICON accelerant went for $150 ($380 new) on ebay.  You can do better

[bill14224]

Blue one looks ok, but shop around.  I was at my local Suzuki/Yamaha dealership a couple weeks ago and they had Joe Rocket jackets like that new for $89.

[Roadstergal]

I read in the reviews that someone said the "half perforated leather doesn't breath well"?  Any input as this could be worn in 120 degree days in the summer!

I can only say that the Teknic Violator breathes awesomely in hot weather and insulates awesomely with the liner in cold weather.  And has Knox armor.  Maybe your parents could go in halvsies?  I never did well skimping on gear.

Oh, the Chicane does look perforated like the Violator...  Ach, I just noticed all of the 38s are sold out.

Roadstergal converted me - bought one last month after trying on hers. 

  The TPro?

[utgunslinger13]

there are just so many options I'm lost lol

[Toogoofy317]

I got this on Ebay for 65 It is great for the summers here in Florida which get very hot as well ! http://www.nexosports.com/accessories.php

It's not particularly great for women 'cause we got extra stuff up top. But it runs a bit small. My cortech GXair is a medium this one is a large and a little tight. I usually do wear a little something over it for extra protection. I have a regular leather jacket that fits over it but you can wear just about any jacket with it and have good CE armor. It secures very well and gives you some extra back support! If it is real hot I usually throw a long sleeve jersey over just to have one extra layer. So it makes three layers my base shirt it and an over top.

Hope this helps ya!

Mary

[pronator]

Yup! Used my 20% off at RoadRider and got myself the TPro. 

Roadstergal converted me - bought one last month after trying on hers. 

  The TPro?

[Roadstergal]

there are just so many options I'm lost lol

That's why brick-and-mortar stores are a good thing.  You can try gear on and see what works for you.  Fit is important.

Mesh gear... meh, it has an iffy record.  Leather is the best protection from abrasion.  I've found perforated leather to vent well and keep the sun off of me, which helps reduce fatigue in hot weather.