Mesh Jackets - The Subdued Look

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:51 pm

For those who dislike the billboard jackets or want to maintain a low profile just because, check out these two jackets. I wear a First Gear and find it to be very acceptable. Sometimes they show up in "closeouts".

http://www.newenough.com/protective_app ... acket.html

http://www.newenough.com/protective_app ... acket.html

These are fairly low profile as some go. Be sure to click on the pics and get the different angled shots.

Dennis

ay pablo · Post by **ay pablo** » Sun May 11, 2008 5:22 pm

Those are both great.
I wear this Joe Rocket in the black/grey...it's very comfortable and doesnt have all the fancy logo stuff on it.
http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_pr ... mages/2110

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sun May 11, 2008 8:10 pm

A seam ripper and some time does wonders. My jacket didn't have too much in the way of logos (a few small ones on the shoulders and chest and then a big one across the bottom back pad) but I took them all off and it looks a whole lot more subdued now.

She-Buddy · Post by **She-Buddy** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:53 am

ay pablo wrote:Those are both great.
I wear this Joe Rocket in the black/grey...it's very comfortable and doesnt have all the fancy logo stuff on it.
http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_pr ... mages/2110

That's a nice, subtle color scheme that doesn't seem to sacrifice protection and comfort. Unfortunately, my boyfriend elected for the black/black of the same jacket..... Anyone have suggestions for increasing visibility on something like that?

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:54 am

A seam ripper and some time does wonders. My jacket didn't have too much in the way of logos (a few small ones on the shoulders and chest and then a big one across the bottom back pad) but I took them all off and it looks a whole lot more subdued now.

I think I have a similar jacket (Fieldsheer) to yours, if not the same, based on your comments in another thread. What is a seam ripper and is it easy to use and not destroy the jacket?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:39 am

I didn't believe others when they said that it was cooler riding with a mesh jacket on than with no jacket on. Then I rode with one on. Brrr! It's surprising that something so heavy can be so cool.

I bought the Yuma Mesh jacket from River Road Gear. Very un-superhero-esque. But it has two faults. There is just one bit of piping in the back along the collar, and the nice soft lining on the collar doesn't also wrap the collar closure, so it rubs my neck raw. But I'm sure that will change as it breaks in.

River Road says it "is the coolest thing going for warm & hot weather." I think they need to ride in Phoenix summer weather!

Davek · Post by **Davek** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:05 am

Just make sure you also google about mesh and some of its weaknesses. I'm a little afraid of them now, after seeing many threads about jackets and pants melting and shredding apart on impact, along with all the road rash pictures.

For example, that Mesh Tex 3 jacket says its a poly-mesh, and the poly ones are known to melt when they get warm (as in sliding on pavement). I think there is a better but more expensive mesh that Corazzo uses in the Speedway and some other manufacturers use also.

The Joe Rocket jacket has several threads where it failed on impact.. one had a response from Joe Rocket saying that the mesh wasn't to protect you, it was to hold the armor in place for the impact. I tried finding it again but didn't have any luck.. I'll look around some more.

Still, they're definitely better than nothing, and some have good reports after falling in them.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:29 am

pugbuddy wrote:
A seam ripper and some time does wonders. My jacket didn't have too much in the way of logos (a few small ones on the shoulders and chest and then a big one across the bottom back pad) but I took them all off and it looks a whole lot more subdued now.
I think I have a similar jacket (Fieldsheer) to yours, if not the same, based on your comments in another thread. What is a seam ripper and is it easy to use and not destroy the jacket?

Yeah mine's the "High Flow."

A seam ripper is a sewing tool that is used to undo stitching. You slip a little needle-like thing under the stitch and then there's basically a blade that cuts the stitch.

It's a little tedious to do especially on the mesh parts. But once you get a few of the stitches riped, the patches almost peel off. Just don't pull too hard- rip some up, then just go around breaking each thread with the ripper. I actually used a sharp pocket knife for the first few patches, but the seam ripper is the better tool for the job.

Soon you'll have just a nice gray and black jacket that, outside of the arm straps, looks fairly normal!!

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » Mon May 12, 2008 12:23 pm

She-Buddy wrote:Anyone have suggestions for increasing visibility on something like that?

You can sew a strip of reflective fabric (from your local fabric store).

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:04 pm

ay pablo wrote:Those are both great.
I wear this Joe Rocket in the black/grey...it's very comfortable and doesnt have all the fancy logo stuff on it.
http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_pr ... mages/2110

Yup, I've got the same jacket in white and silver. Love it.

I can't speak to all mesh jackets, but this Phoenix is made of pretty sturdy stuff. The mesh itself is actually really thick, multi-layered, and in the documentation that came with the jacket, the mesh is said to provide proper abrasion protection. I could totally see who many of the mesh jackets out there wouldn't, however.

toddrw2251 · Post by **toddrw2251** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:03 pm

NathanielSalzman wrote:
ay pablo wrote:Those are both great.
I wear this Joe Rocket in the black/grey...it's very comfortable and doesnt have all the fancy logo stuff on it.
http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_pr ... mages/2110
Yup, I've got the same jacket in white and silver. Love it.

I can't speak to all mesh jackets, but this Phoenix is made of pretty sturdy stuff. The mesh itself is actually really thick, multi-layered, and in the documentation that came with the jacket, the mesh is said to provide proper abrasion protection. I could totally see who many of the mesh jackets out there wouldn't, however.

How are these jackets in hot weather. 90-100 degrees? Do they breath well. I have a corrazo 5.0 and want something lighter.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:06 pm

i wear the Power Trip San Jose. it's full mesh with armor. it's awesome.

here in dallas summers are usually at 100 and i'm comfortable riding in it. of course at stop signs it gets a little warm, but not unbearably so. then we start to ride again and the breeze is back and it's all candy and lollipops.

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:27 pm

toddrw2251 wrote:How are these jackets in hot weather. 90-100 degrees? Do they breath well. I have a corrazo 5.0 and want something lighter.

I have yet to ride in that kind of heat (and probably won't get much chance in the Minnesota summer), but what I can say is that in any weather below 60º, the Phoenix can be downright chilly. Mine is also white, so there's that added effect of reflecting a lot of heat away from my torso. One of the great features of this jacket is that it comes with a zip-in waterproof liner, which aside from helping to keep you dry, does a pretty good job of keeping me warm on those cooler morning rides down into the 40's. I've got a Corazzo Bomber jacket for when it's colder than 40º, but otherwise I'm in the Phoenix for its vastly superior armor - especially the back pad. I also really like the cut of it (aside from me being a little tall for it), in that it feels the most comfortable when your arms are out on the handlebars, not when they're at your side. There are also lots of snap adjustment points and velcro straps to fine-tune and adjust the fit.

When the weather has been warm (the warmest I've ridden in it is about 70º) it's an amazing level of comfort. It's really nice to get that flow of air through the jacket. It's a very refreshing feeling, even if you don't need the cooling right then. I also really like how visible the white is in conjunction with my white helmet.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:39 pm

Been riding all week in mine in 90 degree temps with around 80-90% humidity.

My mesh jacket is actually really great when you're moving- not great when you are stopped. But as others have said, I think it's actually a bit cooler at speed- because the air is forced around the right places, and you can direct air down your back, etc.

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:55 pm

After umpteen years in my old Joe Rocket mesh jacket I popped for a new Womens First Gear Mesh Tex in silver, it's a gorgeous jacket and I like the armor in it much better than my old JR.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:12 pm

toddrw2251 wrote:How are these jackets in hot weather. 90-100 degrees? Do they breath well. I have a corrazo 5.0 and want something lighter.

Rusty, I've got this one:
http://www.newenough.com/protective_app ... acket.html

When the weather is really hot, it's still fine when you're moving but is a little warm sitting at a light or whatever.

The liner is nice on colder days like today as well (it was about 48 this morning), you can wear it in the morning and in two seconds stow it under the seat for the warmer ride home.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:37 pm

Does anybody have one like this? I just ordered one cuz it was a super good deal and I need an armored jacket bad! The main thing I'm concerned about is the heat. I'm worried maybe those little vents won't be enough. Any input is appreciated! Thanks, ~Cheryl

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/363

She-Buddy · Post by **She-Buddy** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:56 pm

This here's my jacket. I really like it so far. I've only just begun using it. The liner is nice. I feel protected and cozy. I also quite like that it goes with my pink helmet.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh ... acket.html

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:58 pm

this is my summer jacket...on sale on new enough too!!!

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh ... acket.html

it's not THE most feminine looking one, but it's full mesh and very comfy in the hot hot summers we have.

iinigma7 · Post by **iinigma7** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:09 pm

The Sand/Black one of these would look so good with my Italia...must get.

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/394

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:19 pm

i just ordered a silver fieldsheer high temp mesh (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... acket.aspx) just because i really like how safe i feel in my roma (but with it's waterproof liner it's just too damn hot), and i was wondering if getting it in all black would negate the cooling factor?

i know i'm just being spoiled because i really prefer the look of the black versus the silver, but i am keeping in mid heat retention at stoplights and visibility (although, at night i plan on wearing one of those reflective safety vests anyway, goofy, yeah, but whatever). somebody please indulge my black-clothes-wearing sensibilities?

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:25 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:Does anybody have one like this? I just ordered one cuz it was a super good deal and I need an armored jacket bad! The main thing I'm concerned about is the heat. I'm worried maybe those little vents won't be enough. Any input is appreciated! Thanks, ~Cheryl

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/363

My opinion would be get ready to roast. I think in the kind of heat we have down here you need as much mesh as possible.

Maybe I'll be wrong but I'm betting you'll be returning this one quick! It's 95% textile.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:26 pm

madtolive, if it were possible I'd ONLY wear black.

Piedmont · Post by **Piedmont** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:29 pm

Madtolive- I got a fieldseer all black jacket too. It just looked least power ranger-ish to me. We'll see how warm it is I guess.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:52 pm

jmazza wrote:My opinion would be get ready to roast. I think in the kind of heat we have down here you need as much mesh as possible.

Maybe I'll be wrong but I'm betting you'll be returning this one quick! It's 95% textile.

I thought "textile" means "breathable"! Wow, I really feel like a retard. I guess I'll have to email them and cancel since it will most likely be way too hot... It was only like 35 bucks!

Maybe I should keep it for our month-and-a-half of winter.

BadBrains · Post by **BadBrains** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:59 pm

I've been wearing this Joe Rocket Atomic 3.0 textile jacket in Austin heat/traffic...

http://www.joerocket.com/productJR.cfm?products_id=2763

...with this vest over it...

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details ... view=front

...and so far I haven't really felt HOT. The jacket has quite a few vents and the branding is already so subdued that there's only a few small patches to take off until it's just a black jacket. Armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.

I'm a big fan of warmer weather though and I LOVE dry heat like some people love their significant others.

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:11 pm

DRY heat? I didn't know that existed... try 90 degrees, 90% humidity.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:12 pm

BadBrains wrote:
I'm a big fan of warmer weather though and I LOVE dry heat like some people love their significant others.

Cheryl,
Notice that BadBrains is a fan of "dry heat", something we do not have here. The textile jacket might be ok for 2 months of winter, but I find that for our short winter my mesh jacket with liner is all that is needed with a light jacket under it. The best thing about the humidity here is when you have to stop at a light and sweat starts to roll, but the light turns green, off you go, and it feels like air conditioning for about a minute.
New Enough is very easy to deal with. Great customer service.

Dennis

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:15 pm

Thanks, Dennis. I emailed them about trying to get a different jacket instead... hopefully I can find one *almost* as cheap. I don't have hardly any money right now, but I need some protection!

BadBrains · Post by **BadBrains** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:22 pm

DennisD wrote:
BadBrains wrote:
I'm a big fan of warmer weather though and I LOVE dry heat like some people love their significant others.
Cheryl,
Notice that BadBrains is a fan of "dry heat", something we do not have here. The textile jacket might be ok for 2 months of winter, but I find that for our short winter my mesh jacket with liner is all that is needed with a light jacket under it. The best thing about the humidity here is when you have to stop at a light and sweat starts to roll, but the light turns green, off you go, and it feels like air conditioning for about a minute.
New Enough is very easy to deal with. Great customer service.

Dennis

The man is very correct; over the weekend the humidity in Austin jumped up and riding the scoot over 10mph was "okay", but having to stop at all made me feel like one of those hot dogs at 7-11, forever rotating in a steamy grill.

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:28 pm

The man is very correct; over the weekend the humidity in Austin jumped up and riding the scoot over 10mph was "okay", but having to stop at all made me feel like one of those hot dogs at 7-11, forever rotating in a steamy grill.

i.e, the impetus for my purchase of a mesh jacket. i was one ridiculously salty girl after a 20 minute ride on friday.

although, being from houston and growing up in nasty humid summers, i must say i very much prefer the feeling on a steamed towel around my mouth and nose to the feeling of my skin being baked off my face and feeling the little hairs in my lungs being incinerated (el paso). just me, tho.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:29 pm

Cheryl,

Check this out. My wife has this jacket (yellow) and likes it a lot.
http://www.revzilla.com/product/firstge ... with-liner Its a pretty good deal. If you like it and can afford it, New Enough might even match the price if they have it in stock. Just a thought.

Dennis

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:44 pm

Thanks for lookin' out, guys! One more thing: any of you ladies know what the deal with the sizes is? They go by "dress size" and I'm a little more of a casual dresser. Also I haven't even owned a dress in about 4 years...

... I like the fitted look of the women's jackets, but I was kinda considering a small men's jacket since they are not as short in the stomach. Anyone had any experience with the women's jackets being too short?

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:01 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:
jmazza wrote:My opinion would be get ready to roast. I think in the kind of heat we have down here you need as much mesh as possible.

Maybe I'll be wrong but I'm betting you'll be returning this one quick! It's 95% textile.
I thought "textile" means "breathable"! Wow, I really feel like a retard. I guess I'll have to email them and cancel since it will most likely be way too hot... It was only like 35 bucks! Maybe I should keep it for our month-and-a-half of winter.

Well textile is more breathable than say, leather. And some people have said (about the Corazzo textile jackets) that some air does move through them. But trust me, you want mesh to deal with this heat!!

My mesh jacket has textile shoulders and elbows to help hold the armor in place.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:44 pm

Davek wrote:Just make sure you also google about mesh and some of its weaknesses. I'm a little afraid of them now, after seeing many threads about jackets and pants melting and shredding apart on impact, along with all the road rash pictures.

For example, that Mesh Tex 3 jacket says its a poly-mesh, and the poly ones are known to melt when they get warm (as in sliding on pavement). I think there is a better but more expensive mesh that Corazzo uses in the Speedway and some other manufacturers use also.

The Joe Rocket jacket has several threads where it failed on impact.. one had a response from Joe Rocket saying that the mesh wasn't to protect you, it was to hold the armor in place for the impact. I tried finding it again but didn't have any luck.. I'll look around some more.

Still, they're definitely better than nothing, and some have good reports after falling in them.

Really, you have good reason to be afraid of poor quality gear. There is no way in hell I'd wear a poly mesh jacket. You want the jacket to protect, not add to your grief by melting into your wounds. And yes, there are many tales of woe on numerous moto boards about failed poly mesh jackets. How many are actually true? I don't know, but common sense does factor into the decision to avoid poly.

There are a few mesh jackets out there that I trust but I'll only mention the one I actually own; a Vanson Vent Max 3 that I've recommended here in the past. It's 100% Cordura with a nylon mesh lining and leather reinforcements in all the critical areas. It also features full CE armor including a back protector. I know this jacket won't protect me as much as a leather jacket but it won't compound the problems associated with a crash. Hopefully, the fact that I'm more comfortable in it means I'll also be a better rider and more alert. And, among mesh jackets, it'll protect me as well or better than anything else on the market.

Over the years, I've narrowed my clothing choices down to a select few companies including Vanson, Dianese, Olympia and Sidi. I've recently added Rev'It to the list as the summer gloves I purchased a few weeks ago are perhaps the best fitting gloves I've ever owned. I have no experience with Corrazzo but their stuff appears to be very good quality. Pretty much everything else is off limits to me and I'd honestly prefer to wear a t-shirt instead of a poly mesh jacket.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:15 pm

I know a gentleman in Ohio who hit a deer at 55mph and went flying minus his bike. When he stopped his mesh tex II jacket was shredded, he had a broken shoulder and leg, and no road rash. Yes, he had a full face helmet also. When he recovered, he bought another First Gear Mesh Tex Jacket. Good enough for me I guess.

I do consider mesh jackets 'one time use'.

Dennis

Davek · Post by **Davek** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:54 pm

Yay, I found that thread with the letter from Joe Rocket responding, and their response is very open and honest, which is nice.

It's at the bottom of this link:
http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic22066.html

It was in response to this thread where a Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket melted (do NOT click on this one if seeing skin grafts sounds gross)
http://www.r6messagenet.com/forums/show ... php?t=3469

Here's a new thread about a Firstgear Mesh jacket melting on someone, but they did survive a 50 mph fall:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334911

sargelee71 · Post by **sargelee71** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:44 pm

KRUSTYburger wrote:Thanks for lookin' out, guys! One more thing: any of you ladies know what the deal with the sizes is? They go by "dress size" and I'm a little more of a casual dresser. Also I haven't even owned a dress in about 4 years... ... I like the fitted look of the women's jackets, but I was kinda considering a small men's jacket since they are not as short in the stomach. Anyone had any experience with the women's jackets being too short?

Hey there KRUSTY,

I'm totally with you on this one. I've been eyeing some men's jackets BECAUSE I don't like the totally fitted women's jackets, and I won't want it riding up too high. I even posted a question about wearing a man's size.

I found this option in a woman's jacket that I kinda like:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... acket.aspx

The suggestions have been to order a size or two up.

Just a thought.

Modern Buddy

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