[BrettRTR]

I wanted to get the opinion of you guys with experience with both leather jackets and mesh ones to see which is best to wear for protection and why. It's gonna help me out deciding what to buy. Thanks in advance.

 

[strykenshane]

Doesn't really matter what it's made of so long as you have the proper padding in the elbows, shoulders and back, I wear leather during the winter and mesh the rest of the year and alternate liners, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc for when I need a little something extra, during the super hot rides I just roll in a tshirt

 

[Stryker2012]

I don't think anything beats a good quality leather jacket. I bought a new jacket (I forget the name) for $260 that had the three liners, and the mesh shell. Also had all the armor. Immediately took out the armor because it felt like robo-cop. Found my leather from back when i rode in my twenties...still in great shape, and that's all I wear as long as it's not too hot.

 

[roger]

I have a 3pc tourmaster mesh with 2 liners. I love the mesh part because in the summer when it is hot the mesh actually traps the cool air inside the jacket. around the waist and wrists it was velcro but i took it to a tailor and had him put snaps on three per velcro for adjustability.

 

[wayne]

Leather whenever possible. I have a heavy leather jacket with armor in the arms. shoulders and back which I wear 90% of the time. I did just order a armored mesh jacket to wear when it's really hot. The armor will help protect the the most vulnerable areas but I'm not convinced the mesh will do much other than hold the armor together. Asphalt is brutal, kinda like a grinder on any exposed areas and I prefer a quality layer of leather between me and it. Emphasis on "quality". Some of the cheap knock offs are to thin to be effective and some are not even real leather. Buyer beware.

 

[BrettRTR]

i appreciate the knowledge guys. I always wondered about the mesh and how it would hold up if I were sliding down the road as well as the armor too. But I do like the fact that it seems it would keep you cooler than leather. I work outside in the landscape business so it's hot enough already. LOL. But when I see guys like the one Joe posted the pic of it makes my stomach do somersaults thinking about the road rash. Been looking at LeatherUp lately, any other good websites to try?

 

[11Stryker]

I have a 3pc tourmaster mesh with 2 liners. I love the mesh part because in the summer when it is hot the mesh actually traps the cool air inside the jacket. around the waist and wrists it was velcro but i took it to a tailor and had him put snaps on three per velcro for adjustability.

i'm with Roger and me and Wife have same jackets. Tourmaster mesh.

 

[Cwhethamrc]

i'm with Roger and me and Wife have same jackets. Tourmaster mesh.

Tourmaster Air Intake 3. mash, warm removable liner, and waterproof removable liner. Tall sizes too! I love it and it looks cool on the bike still (you know thats important). Its like 200 bones. not bad and comes with the shoulder, elbow and back armor (removable if you want too)

Good luck!

 

[ironman1964]

I wear my mesh 1st gear jacket most of the time. But I also have a really heavy lined leather jacket. I think for the best protection leather is unbeatable, but when it gets in the 90's and 100's it isn't very comfortable.

 

[gunny]

i'm with Roger and me and Wife have same jackets. Tourmaster mesh.

Tourmaster Air Intake 3. mash, warm removable liner, and waterproof removable liner. Tall sizes too! I love it and it looks cool on the bike still (you know thats important). Its like 200 bones. not bad and comes with the shoulder, elbow and back armor (removable if you want too)

Good luck!

Agreed. The water proof liner does work, kept me dry, and it is also a good wind barrier when needed.
Don

 

[strykerbikergirl]

I have the mesh with the armor Joe Rocket jacket and love it. Except I look like I should be on a sport bike. Keeps me cool but protected on the warmest days. I agree the mesh wont protect you but the armor should. To a point. I also have a nice leather jacket which I suspect will protect as well if not better than the mesh with armor.

 

[Axorr]

I have a Fieldsheer mesh jacket. Main jacket is armored, inner liner for cold weather, outer shell for wind / rain. Great stuff - had for 5 years now.

In the cooler fall, I switch to my armored denim jacket by Cortech.

 

[strykermac]

i appreciate the knowledge guys. I always wondered about the mesh and how it would hold up if I were sliding down the road as well as the armor too. But I do like the fact that it seems it would keep you cooler than leather. I work outside in the landscape business so it's hot enough already. LOL. But when I see guys like the one Joe posted the pic of it makes my stomach do somersaults thinking about the road rash. Been looking at LeatherUp lately, any other good websites to try?

Leather have air vents, at least my jacket does. I also have a Joe Rocket that is mesh and textile. i wear in summer. haven't tried the leather yet.

 

[Mentat Ix]

I wear leather year-round, even in 110*+. I open the vents in 70-90*, and close them above that.

It seems counter intuitive, but in my experience leathering up can keep you cool in the heat. On really hot days, the wind can feel like a blow dryer over your whole body wearing mesh or nothing. The leather will keep some of that heat off.

Sucks when you stop, though. Wearing leather when you're not moving in 110* can get uncomfortable in a hurry.

 

[BrettRTR]

Thanks for the extra info everyone, you guys are great.
Mentat, I bet it is in those temps! Better safe than sorry though huh?

 

[roger]

i'm with Roger and me and Wife have same jackets. Tourmaster mesh.

I swear to god i think we were separated a birth?

 

[11Stryker]

I swear to god i think we were separated a birth?

Could be possible- but either you are 52 or I am actually 49! HEHEHE:suspicious: