| Author | Message | ||
     Thespive |
Pros and Cons on an apples to apples comparison (as in if there were two identical jackets, one was cordura or textile and the other was leather, what would the differences be)? Your thoughts please. Thanks. --Sean | ||
| Olyeller |
you cannot line up on the grid on any racetrack with cordura on. | ||
| Henrik |
I think that to give you a sensible answer you'll need to further define what your use and expectations are. But in general: Good leather is strong and very abrasion resistant. Good textile is also strong - some even more tear resistant than leather. Depending on the material used and the manufacturing techniques of the fabric it *can* be as abrasion resistant as leather. Some track day organizers allow the new kevlar suits on track. Leather is, IMO, nowhere as convenient for everyday street use as textile. Leather is *not* water proof no matter how you treat it. Unless leather is perforated, textile will often be more comfortable in the heat. That said I only wear leather on track. Of course I have also changed to a textile 2-piece for street riding. No matter what material you choose, make sure your gear has good, proper and certified armor. Minimum for a jacket; back protector covering upper back, shoulder blades and lumbar area; shoulder and upper arm, elbow/forearm. Some manufacturers are including chest protectors which may be a good idea as well - it's not common though. No matter what you choose, do your shopping based on quality and protective features, not on price and bling. etc. etc. etc. Henrik | ||
| Tleighbell |
Can anyone recommend a good quality textile or leather jacket with a removeable liner for cold weather and a good ventilation system. I have been looking at Rocket and Alpinstar and can't find anything that looks like it will fit the bill. Joe Rocket Meteor or Ballistic jackets looked like they would but I was told that the ventilation doesn't work well because the air has to pass through the waterproof membrane. There was an Ikon that looked OK but I am not familiar with the quality. Heard good things about Cortech but not available in Canada. Are they available in retail stores in the US? Anyone have any experience with Ikon jackets? | ||
| Henrik |
Vanson makes some nice jackets in both leather and textile with zippers, panels and such for ventilation. They also carry optional zip in vests for these jackets. I can unfortunately vouch for the crash-worthiness of Vanson leather - and Aerostitch Roadcrafter for that matter ...  Henrik | ||
| Yohinan |
Take a look at Aerostitch. I have yet to hear someone complain about them. | ||
| Aesquire |
I have a Joe Rocket Meteor jacket, fairly good in the rain ( not perfect ), & has zippered vents at the shoulders with stiffeners. Good from 80 to 60, 40 with the zip out liner in place. Hot over the mid 70's ( all temps F ). NOT CE armor. I just got a Cortech mesh jacket, CE armor. which arrived after 2+ months, haven't tried it yet, but have run my new denim armored Cortech CE armored ( picked up at near cost using the back ordered jacket as a club to beat up manager at shop ) Comfy! But not as warm as The Meteor, more open & gentle neck fastening, & zip out rain liner. Aerostitch seems the king in fabric, Vanson in leather, try before you buy. | ||
| Asdf |
Howdy! I have no experience with it, but Motoporort http://www.motoport.com/ seems to have a very good reputation. Their Web Site is clumsy, confusing and tedious, but their products seem to draw rave reviews. Check out this LONG Thread: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80138&highlight=motoport Then there is this Thread complaining about their Web Site: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154671 The owner of Motoport makes an appearance in the Thread explaining why the Web Site sucks, and why it will continue to suck! Good Luck! | ||
| Diablobrian |
I have a Firstgear "speedfreak" perforated leather jacket with a removable liner that vents very well and is a good 3 season jacket. Better yet it has a full circumference waist zipper for attachment to the matching pants to work as a 2-piece suit for track days if you do them now, or intend to do them in the future. Here is a great deal on the Jacket: http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=50-2800 | ||
| Thespive |
I have a Harley FXRG textile that I love. Decent venting, removable liner, armor, tons of pockets. This is my everyday jacket and is comfy up to about 75 - 80 degrees. Anything warmer and I'll use the Vent Max 3 I just bought. I have a hand me down Vanson Stallion that I doesn't fit all that great so I don't really wear it that much, plus it is the ugly White/Orange, instead of the more desireable Black/Orange. So, I was considering getting the Buell Race-style jacket and was just curious on your thoughts. And yes, I'll be adding the armor. The only problem is how pricey the jacket is and not sure I really need it. Although it would be a cool jacket to wear on those day rides in the cooler part of the year when I am tackling twisties. --Sean | ||
| Jlnance |
Two identical jackets, one was cordura or textile and the other was leather, what would the differences be? I think the biggest practical difference is that textile jackets are water proof while leather isn't. That makes rain a non-issue. It also means you can throw your gear into the washing machine when it gets splattered with bugs. | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
I just picked up an Icon Super Duty jkt..textile body (like a carhart) w/leather sleeves...zip in/out liner. so far, I like it alot... |
