| Author | Message | ||
     Gunslinger |
Just an FYI. I just had a low speed lay-down and my mesh jacket failed miserably. I was going less than 20 MPH and when I hit the ground the velcro at the cuff came loose, allowing the sleeve to slide up my arm, exposing my wrist to asphalt. The elbow pad seemed to prevent injury to my elbow, but the mesh itself was shredded, and I got a good abrasion on my forearm where it tore through both layers. Had I been going even surface street speeds, say 45, let alone Interstate speeds, I doubt the jacket would have done any good at all. My advice, stick to leather. Maybe one of the heavier textile jackets. Make sure it has strong velcro or a zipper at the wrist, and make sure the pads extend up the forearm. Better to sweat than bleed. | ||
| Mbest |
What brand of jacket was it? | ||
| Gunslinger |
It was a Firstgear Mesh Tex. I have seen some of the others with longer pads. But I think the mesh will still be the weak link. the gravel in the asphalt grabs the holes in the mesh and breaks the threads. | ||
| 4cammer |
Seems like every time I get a bit tired of wearing my leather perforated Vanson a post like this goes up. Thanks for reminding me why I wear dead animal skins and not heavy-duty fishing nets. | ||
| Gunslinger |
FYI, I am finding that current designs are such that there is little middle ground. I once had a Joe Rocket Meteor that had pretty good venting. Most of the textile jackets now have a waterproof liner, so even with the vents unzipped, the air does not get to your skin. I have given some thought to the Joe Rocket Reactor. It is a mesh jacket, but with perforated leather at the shoulders and elbows. | ||
| Shadyplace20 |
Sweating over bleeding is appealing. I've been debating this same argument with myself lately. I want a summer leather Dianese, but the $ is making me hesitant. Local Cycle Gear is having a big sale in a couple of weeks and I anticipate picking up a Frank Thomas perforated leather w/ liner for the colder months. | ||
| Fdl3 |
Check out this perforated leather jacket: Fieldsheer Razor. I am actually considering it myself. | ||
| Gunslinger |
Looks promising. | ||
| Shadyplace20 |
I like that FieldSheer and the price is right. Anyone have it and can give a review? | ||
| Gunslinger |
I was just looking at the Olympia Stealth mesh suit. It looks pretty good. The cuffs have large velcro tabs that won't come loose, it is one-piece, has plenty of zipper to help getting in and out, good armor, and tabs and straps to keep it from flapping. Of note, it is mostly solid, with mesh panels in the chest, front of arms, back and thighs. All in all a good compromise. No fashion factor here. It comes in two colors, gray and gray with a neon yellow stripe. And pretty well priced at $300. | ||
| Fahren |
Honestly, if you are going to lay out that kind of cash for a mesh jacket, make it Kevlar. Check out Motosport kevlar mesh jackets, pants and suits. Kevlar is way better than any other type of mesh out there to save your hide. Once you add in all the extras, like a w'proof liner, really good armor, and the like, the price goes up well above $300. I'm just saying... because I can't pay for Motosport right now, but I plan to when I can. Every review out there, from this forum to WebBikeWorld and other professional reviewers, says that Kevlar is the best mesh protection out there. I like my skin. | ||
| Petebueller |
Thanks for the heads up Gunslinger. I have the Buell Mesh. It has a buckle and Velcro at the sleeve. I'll stitch the Velcro down. | ||
| Gunslinger |
Looks like good gear Fahren. It is also a bit pricey. The big thing for me is I need to try it on. My proportions are outside the average. I have tried on the Olympia and it fits. I also like to be able to go over the suit and see how well it is put together. | ||
| Fahren |
You are right - it is probably the priciest stuff out there, even more than good leather (I'll have to save up for it). But I think they can make it to your measure. Still, though, there is that "I know it when I put it on" feeling when you know gear is right or not. | ||
| Delta_one |
I have a teknic Rage textile/leather jacket that goes for a good price. textile body but leather reinforced sleeves with zipper closures on the wrist. the waterproof lining does not breathe like they claim it should but its cooler than leather, and I have considered just cutting it out of the jacket and staying out of the rain in it. |
