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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: houndguy on March 04, 2013, 03:37:11 PM

Title: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: houndguy on March 04, 2013, 03:37:11 PM
Even though it's cool by Central Florida standards (53F) today...I know that the hot, humid dog days of summer are not that far off.

So I'm looking for a new "summer" jacket. In the past I would either go sans jacket or open it up all the way. Now after my   in December I'm not going without some sort of protection.

My black Vulcan jacket has served me well but frankly it's to hot.   So what I hope to find is something lighter, yellow or hi-vis which offers me protection but will still provide enough air flow to keep me cool. I would rather it be rainproof as well.

I turn to you, my fellow riders, for advice. I am a poor man and would like to keep the jacket under $150 if possible. Actually I like to keep it under $100 but lets be honest...that's not likely.

So...recommendations?

If it helps I'm about 6 foot tall (1.83 m) and between 200 - 210 pounds (90.7 to 95.3 Kilo). In either system I believe this is called "fat."
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Urbestfriend on March 04, 2013, 04:00:39 PM
Search for ANSI Jackets.  These are the Lime Yellow or Orange with approved Reflective Tape.  There are Nylon Windbreakers
that I wear in the summer.   Usual cost around $25.00 + shipping.  However I did find some at a Magic Mart in West Virginia
for $7.00.  Stopped a couple of weeks ago again and they were all gone.  Check  TSA  (Transportation Safety Apparel) in Hilton Head.  As I've expressed many times,  "It primary to be seen".  I've had two bike accidents and wore these coats
both times.  Even though they got scuffed up a bit,  they still save your life when you're standing by your fallen bike day and night.  Currently I have Six and the two scuffed ones were passed on to my son,  who still wears them.  The best cold weather
jacket is the Port Authority,  Medium  weight with a comfortable fleece lining.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: MaryK on March 04, 2013, 05:09:39 PM
We recommend a hi-vis mesh motorcycle jacket with armor.
We have and recommend the Fly Cool Pro model: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/906/35145/ITEM/Fly-Racing-CoolPro-Mesh-Jacket.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/906/35145/ITEM/Fly-Racing-CoolPro-Mesh-Jacket.aspx)
Motorcycle Superstore is a good site with good prices: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1328/MNGR/Hi-Viz-Motorcycle-Riding-Gear.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1328/MNGR/Hi-Viz-Motorcycle-Riding-Gear.aspx)

The time to buy mesh gear is in the Fall.

Scoot safely,
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: bleys on March 04, 2013, 11:34:11 PM
I have an Xelement mesh jacket for the summer, that I picked up at the Leatherup website for under a $100.  Well armored and the wind blows through it nicely.  I was comfortable in it in 90 degree weather.  However, when stopped it does get a little warm.  Still for a jacket with armor, it was more comfortable than I would have imagined.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: blue on March 05, 2013, 03:18:04 AM
I like leather the road rash dont hurt as much.the leather I have has a removeable liner you can take out. makes for a cooler leather in the summer.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Wiz on March 05, 2013, 05:20:20 PM
I have a Teknic Legend perforated leather jacket that I wear when its hot out. You get a lot of airflow when you are moving, but it still gets hot when you are stopped. The jacket I have is no longer made (got a great deal in a close out) but you can just do a search on any MC Gear site for perforated leather.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/browse/search?page=2&query=perforated+leather (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/browse/search?page=2&query=perforated+leather)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: klaviator on March 05, 2013, 06:04:23 PM
The last two mesh jackets I bought were well under $100.  I got a fieldshear for $77 and Motoboss for $49.  Both are armored and offer reasonable protection.  I would not recommend a cheap mesh jacket for someone doing high speed sport riding but they offer pretty good protection for someone running around town on a scooter.

How well do mesh jackets work in a crash.  I crash tested one.  I hit a deer going around 65 and slid/tumbled to a stop entirely on the pavement.  I was wearing Joe Rocket mesh pants and jacket.  The only injury I got was some road rash on one elbow due to the jacket sleeve riding up.  This was my fault since I bought a jacket that was too large and loose fitting. 

The lesson from my crash was that riding gear should fit properly and have adjustment straps to keep the armor in place.  Although my to latest jackets are less expensive and seem less sturdy than my old Joe Rocket.  I think they would perform better since they fit much better.

If you hurry, you may find a good deal on a left over mesh jacket before the weather heats up. 
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: TroutBum on March 15, 2013, 02:11:29 AM
I use a Scorpion Torque hi viz jacket. It has a removable liner and front and rear zippered vents. Where I live in San Jose, CA the summer temps are in the 80s and I find the jacket very comfortable.

(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/2011-Scorpion-Torque-Jacket-Neon.jpg)

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/906/35717/ITEM/Scorpion-Torque-Jacket.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/906/35717/ITEM/Scorpion-Torque-Jacket.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Vivo on March 15, 2013, 02:41:14 AM
beautiful jacket troutbum, wish I could have that.... this is what I wear....  ;D



(http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server1600/376fd/products/334/images/794/ride_it_long_sleeve__77173.1314200342.1280.1280.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Scootaloot on March 16, 2013, 04:34:28 PM
I have a Fiedsheer mesh jacket that is Hi Vis which has seved me well for 2 years but I've had a problem with the flourescent yellow fading along the tops of the sleeves. I'm thinking of going for something with black on top of the sleeves. My daughter's soap box car was flourescent colors and faded within a few years which a body guy said is common with flourescent paint
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: keith217 on May 31, 2013, 04:47:52 PM
Lol. Guys a long sleeve T shirt is not going to protect you from road rash if you get run off the road -_-
Even in the summer times when its hot, its wise to use a good amount of protection so you don't bite the dust.
I got a cheap jacket from motorcyclehouse.com , they have expensive and cheap stuff so its up to you to buy whatever you want.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: GPF590 on May 31, 2013, 08:07:33 PM
Hi all.

Revzilla has the Coolpro on closeout for $99.95.  I just happened to be looking at it the other day as I am going to need a summer jacket, eventually.  Just got my learners permit yesterday and now I have to register for the PA safety course. Woot!

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/fly-coolpro-jacket (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/fly-coolpro-jacket)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: streido on May 31, 2013, 11:16:16 PM
I like leather the road rash dont hurt as much.the leather I have has a removeable liner you can take out. makes for a cooler leather in the summer.

 I agree with Blue. My leather has a removable thermal liner too for summer but i havent ever taken it out since it has 6 vents that you can unzip to let air in which is cool enough most days. If its real warm i usually just unzip the front about 1/3 down. Personally i dont like summer type jackets. I bought one when i 1st started scooting im a lluminous  yellow and black colour, it didnt keep rain out nearly as well as my leather and within a year or so and a couple of washes the colours had bled into each other so it just looked dirty all the time.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Pimpy1 on June 01, 2013, 03:13:05 AM
Mesh Sports Armored Motorcycle Jacket $60  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U684PY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U684PY&linkCode=as2&tag=kinderinfocom-20 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U684PY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U684PY&linkCode=as2&tag=kinderinfocom-20)

Might work.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Joe7911 on June 01, 2013, 12:49:54 PM
I live in Miami and in summer gets hot and muggy but rains when least expected. After trying several jackets I got the Pokerun cool Cruise 2.0 mesh jacket with removable rain liner and armor.
It's a very nice looking has durable mesh and protection I take the back out but use the elbow and shoulder, its cool enough and if it gets cool out or starts to rain I put in the full rain liner also works for windbreaker on early mornings. The thing I like best it a nice looking jacket, you can go anywhere with it. Best part its the deal $89.99. I know there are some better jackets but the balance of budget, looks and keeping cool this was my solution. go to  http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/11/99/22155/ITEM/Pokerun-Cool-Cruise-2-0-Jacket.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/11/99/22155/ITEM/Pokerun-Cool-Cruise-2-0-Jacket.aspx) . They still have them on sale and 3 different colors. Mine is all black but has reflecting piping.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: bleys on June 01, 2013, 01:10:39 PM
Mesh Sports Armored Motorcycle Jacket $60  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U684PY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U684PY&linkCode=as2&tag=kinderinfocom-20 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U684PY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U684PY&linkCode=as2&tag=kinderinfocom-20)

Might work.

I have this jacket and it works great.  I got it from Leatherup for the same price and had a code for an add. 10% off.  For an armored jacket, it is light and comfortalbe.  I also have a nice leather 3 season jacket, with vents, but there is no comparison in hot weather.  The wind flows through the mesh.  Obviously it is not rain proof, but anything rain proof will by nature not breath - so pick your poison there.  You can soak in your sweat or occasionally risk getting wet from the rain.  As far as road rash - it ain't leather, but it is slick, tough material that should offer decent protection.  If you like the look, it's a great deal.

Bill
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: SonicSix on June 01, 2013, 02:57:14 PM
I have a Speed and Strength mesh jacket and the wife has a Fly Racing mesh jacket.  Sure, we sweat a little when it is over 90 degrees, but I would rather sweat and be safe... than sweat and be unsafe.  That road rash will leave a mark so i do what I can to prevent it.

To see our jackets, click here: http://jerryandcynthia.com/riding_jackets.php (http://jerryandcynthia.com/riding_jackets.php)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: mnpugdog on June 01, 2013, 09:23:15 PM
I have the hi-viz Firstgear mesh jacket. It has a removable inner liner for when it gets cooler.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: maxhush on June 03, 2013, 05:11:47 PM
I have a black Xelement CF-505 mesh (it was $62 after discount coupon with shipping from Leatherup), and the blue Fly Racing Cool Pro Mesh jacket (it was $99 with free shipping from Competition Accessories). I removed the liner in the Cool Pro for Summer. Even in black, I find the Xelement cooler due to the better air flow. The Cool Pro seems to have better armor. Most of the hot days I wear the Xelement. I'd say the Cool Pro is the better made jacket, with better pockets, better armor, probably more durable, more versatile, etc. But the Xelement, for me, feels significantly cooler to wear on a hot day, even though it's a black jacket. Next time I get an Xelement though, I will try to get a color other than black. I'm glad I have both, I'll probably end up wearing the Cool Pro much more in Spring and Fall. I also carry a very compact light nylon windbreaker, which I keep under the seat, to put on underneath the mesh jacket if there is the chance of light rain or it might get cooler out (it's easier than messing with inserting or removing liners for a temporary situation). I also keep one of the ultralight Frogg Togg rainsuits under the seat for the event of heavier rain (they say that those breath, but they warm up pretty fast IMO). For whatever reasons, my jeans rarely get wet riding in light rain on my DT300i.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: blitzjb on June 04, 2013, 11:14:51 AM
I have a red fly cool mesh jacket in medium that imam looking to sell. It was worn once.  Pm for details
Title: DNA filters for GT i300 & 300i downtown
Post by: de dee on June 04, 2013, 02:35:23 PM
if any one is interested, I will order dna filters and will have them in stalk,. in canada, 
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: vespa50sp on June 09, 2013, 03:15:23 AM
I have a Corazzo mesh jacket now. It's OK, but I've already had to do a little sewing on it in less than a year of riding. My Joe Rocket mesh jacket was much better quality and cost less.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: allen1371 on June 14, 2013, 02:35:46 PM
Mesh jackets cheap or not so cheap are only  effective with enough air flow  to keep cool and still protect in case of a fall. When the summer temps are over eighty I remove the windshield, tolerate the bugs and enjoy the airflow. Tennessee country roads are outstanding but we see 90 and 100 degree days all summer.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Wiz on July 26, 2013, 04:34:17 PM
MotorcycleGear.com just put a Joe Rocket mesh jacket on closeout for $49. If I didn't already have 3 jackets I would be getting one.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/joe_rocket/fallout_jacket.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/joe_rocket/fallout_jacket.html)
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 27, 2013, 05:32:21 PM
I have a First Gear Hi Viz armored jacket. Paid @ $161 for it.
Bought it because:
1) They make a XXXL hi viz size.
2) it is probably 90% hi viz yellow w/very little non-hi-viz black mesh. (buying hi viz, want as much hi viz as possible~!)
3) Has long tail on back and long sleeves.
4) Has good water res. liner.


Fit~? Very long sleeves and roomy body fit GREAT~! (250lbs, 6'3")

Cons: it IS warm, but I expect that but much cooler than my Frogg Tog hi viz non-mesh rain jacket. Wish it had more reflective material on it. It has some, but not much.
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: GLV55 on July 28, 2013, 04:33:21 AM
Stig,
That's the same jacket I have. I also chose it for the large amount of hi-vis color and the liner. Very good jacket, and I got it on a clearance sale for $120! Love it!
Title: Re: Summer riding jackets?
Post by: TroutBum on July 29, 2013, 10:27:45 PM
With the recent heat wave we had out west, I bought an armored meshed jacket by Speed and Strength. It has a removable wick liner to draw the perspiration away from your body and aid in the cooling process. It's called Trial by Fire and it is their hi viz style.