Now that I got a bike I want to get some good gear but I'm on a fairly tight budget. I found this jacket on Leatherup.com:
http://www.leatherup.com/product.asp?pf_id=MAS-I-Racer
It looks good, but I'm not sure I know what to look for.

Or would this be better?
http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_speed_jacket_page.htm

I'm open to suggestions. Since it's the end of summer I'd like something that can carry me into the colder months or at least be loose enough to wear layers. Of course, it's still warm out for a while so I need something with venting.

Thanks,
dwburman

I can't really do much shopping locally. There isn't much around here and most of it isn't my size [S or XS].

i've got this: http://www.newenough.com/teknic_lightning_jacket_page.htm
i rode it in temps up to 90 and under 55. was good, and i feel safe in it.

dude, looks like itll be great for winter/colder months.. but i don't think its got any vents.. itll be kinda hot for summer..  have u looked at firstgear mesh-tex jackets? i think they go for about 120 bucks or somethin. good luck  

Here's my new jacket http://server6.uploadit.org/files/tdan553527-jrcoronassjkt04.jpg , 660 denier, pads everywhere, vents. Have ridden on days up to 96 (heat index 110), was a little warm, but better safe than sorry. Love it.

It's weird that they don't state the thickness of the leather.  Also, they say that the jacket is CE certified, but don't describe whether the armor is.  I'd say that it's not enough detail for me to order one.

The Newenough deal is OK; you could also look at the $85 Diablo jacket there.  If it were me, I'd upgrade to the Core-Comp CE armor with either one.  Generally, leather is better than textile in a crash; but leather is miserable in the rain (gets heavy and wet), takes its time to dry, and cheap leather can easily be worse in a crash than quality textile.

I'd put quality as the first requirement; if you can't touch the jacket before you buy (recommended), then at least stick to well-regarded brands.  Even the good stuff goes on sale eventually.  Vanson and Aerostich make a living by keeping their name associated with quality.  I consider FirstGear and TourMaster to be a cut above Joe Rocket.  Teknik can vary: it can have good quality materials, but I've heard that the build quality can be variable (<-- hearsay).

cheap....and look good enough...paid $220 for mine :x

I understand the budget restraints, that's why I bought my Fieldsheer Monza 2, decent denier (600, but I think it's 500(safer to think that I only have 500)), CE armor, and VENTS! $139.

But, since my crash, I am now seriously looking into leather options, price is still a driver, but I also know that I can't get decent protection, and venting, without spending a minimum for a premium product.

If you get leather, you will definitely need a rainsuit, if you plan on riding in the rain.

Thanks to everyone for the info. The more I thought about that "racer pro" jacket the less appealing it looked. The details were just too skimpy. It didn't even say if the liner was a vest or full.

Still looking but will probably order tomorrow. I don't plan on wrecking anytime soon but I've already lput a bunch of miles on the bike

I bought a CE textile jacket and love it.  Came with an insulated liner for the chillier days (I started riding mid April and live in Canada) and it works great.  As well it has front and back vents for the hot summer days, and believe me they work.  I ride my bike back and forth to work and am always comfortable.  Does get a little bit warm when I'm stopped, luckily I do mostly highway riding on it so I'm moving most of the time.

just my 2cents worth

Cheers

.Care to reveal which jacket you have?  

Well, I ordered today. I went with the cheaper Diablo jacket and upgraded the armor. Then I splurged and got the pants and a pair of gloves. I didn't like the looks of the Diablo as well, but maybe I'll upgrade next year.

Thanks for the help everyone.