Triumphrat

rotten03 · 03-09-2007

I'm looking for a hot weather jacket that will protect me if I fall. I live in Southern Arizona and its gonna be hot. I was riding the other day with a light leather jacket and I was sweating like crazy. Anybody have any suggestions textile, mesh, perf leather? I'm hoping to find a manufacturer that makes a Tall. I've got long arms and most jackets stop well above my wrist. Thanks all.

MVP44 · 03-09-2007

I have gone back and forth between mesh and leather and have recently gone for the protection the leather offers. For Mesh the Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0 has no equal airflow or coolness, but will it keep your skin on in a fall is still highly debateable and until someone reports after a get off we just don't know. I recently went with a Joe rocket Blaster 3.0 perforated leather last summer and was fairly comfortable even on most of our hottest days - I don't care what you are wearing when its 95 with 90% humidity it sucks, but I found the Blaster offered very very good airflow and I have the piece of mind of knowing it is 1.4 mil leather should i get off at the wrong time. Combined with the Blaster pants it is a great combo for hot weather riding and I would think even better in AZ due to the low humidity I used to live in NM and just about always wore full non-perf leather and yes it did get uncomfortable, but if I had this combo back then I think it would have been perfect.

R100Pilot · 03-09-2007

I have the first generation Icon Ti-Max and before that, a Firstgear Meshtex (appropriated by The Redhead when she started riding in warm weather).

Both flow air well. The Firsgear comes with a zip-in liner standard, and the armor is a little better. But the Ti-Max feels like almost nothing between you and the wind (until you stop, then it's hot). Great jacket when it's in the 90s here in humid Florida.

Mesh is never gonna be as good as leather, but it's better than a t-shirt, and better than not riding at all. A lot of the guys I ride with have the Joe Rocket Phoenix, but I just hate riding around with a big sign that says "Joe Rocket."

How about a compromise? The Cortech GX Air has leather in the most likely sliding spots, great armor, and mesh. It'll probably be my next jacket.

markbvt · 03-09-2007

+1 on the Cortech GX Air. I've got one. Great jacket. There's a thread about it further down the forum.

--mark

Brooksie · 03-09-2007

I have a mesh Icon jacket and also have the Triumph Raptor vented jacket, pants and gloves. Superior quality and cool at 80+ degrees. It is black so it heats up a little when stopped, but still 1000 times better than shorts!

DaveM · 03-09-2007

I have both a Joe Rocket "Phoenix" mesh jacket and a two piece Tiger Angel leather suit.

I agree with the comment about Mesh, I am a little unsure how good it will be in a crash. Leather on the other hand is proven as tough.

Tiger Angel custom motorcycle gear

My leather jacket has pockets that act as vents and the armour designed to allow airflow. It works very well.

DaveM

rotten03 · 03-09-2007

Thanks for the tips guys. I've checked out the Cortech GX Air. It's one of the few that actually comes in a Tall size. I like the fact that its mesh but has leather in vital areas. Plus it doesnt look like a star fleet uniform. I think its the one im going for.

doodledog · 03-10-2007

I was ucky enough to get the new Triumph summer jacket as a prezzie, it is light and has armour in the right places, it has leather on all the edges and is really very good quality.

rstover · 03-10-2007

Try this: www.brosh.com This Israeli company makes a wide variety of biking clothing, including hot weather gear that is lightweight and cool, but still provides protection. Look at the Ultra CK and Ultra CK Sport jackets. Very affordable too.

Here's a tip: for some odd reason, these jackets have a healthy portion of black, which absorbs heat. My guess is this is done for style reasons. But the company is accommodating (at least they were when I bought) and will make whatever color combos you want. I wanted silver on silver for the most heat reflective properties.

Happy trails

Mojoinco · 03-13-2007

I really like my JR Blaster 2.0, don't know about tall. I took the back protector out and a took a trip to SC and back around Memorial Day last year (two weeks through the South). Just got a bit warm when I was not moving. Having lived in LV when I was but a young punk biker, I have to think it doesn't matter what you wear in PHX in the summer. Just what you slide on.

Look this over for other comments: http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/

I like the looks of Vanson's jackets, especially that you can get colors (in the desert white looks good). Bates has a limited line, though pricey. Fox creek also interesting (a promotion going on currently -- also Vanson has a 'basement sale' at this time).

One feature I really like of my JR is the neoprene neck. Vanson & bates (others as well) also offer 'racing' collars (think of it as a tee shirt collar). Don't forget to cruise Newenough.com, as there site has pretty good descriptions. Also great service.

JR (and others) have some interesting leather outer arm/shoulders in leather with zip off lower layer (most seem to have mesh underneath).

Having fallen down due to slippery anti-iceing material in Oct, I can equate that to anti-freeze coated asphalt (especially on painted stripes). Buy the stuff with armor & leather. And don't put things in your pockets while riding.

Good luck on your find.