Leather vs Mesh

[Gixxer600/77]

Ok. I live in Central FL, and needless to say it is going to start getting really hot here in a few weeks. I have never owned a motorcycle jacket, and am going to buy one soon, but I am torn between 2 identical jackets, both by ICON. One is mesh with full armor, and the other is leather. The leather one is only $50 more, so that is not a factor.
Im just wondering if the leather is so much safer, that it is worth sacrificing my comfort for, or would I be fine with a mesh one (if I did happen to take a spill at 50 mph) ?

Any thoughts?

[Nexus242]

Leather will protect you from road rash more so then textile or mesh. None will stop you from breaking your collarbone or arm if you slide into a curb. However it's a personal perference as to what you wear as long as you fully understand what "could" happen as a worst case senario. I've been down twice in textile and jeans well the second time I had on Kahkai pants but it was my choice and yes I still ride wearing both. I've had worst road rash from going down on my inline skates BTW.

Just yesterday when temps topped out at about 93 I was thinking it time to switch up to the JR mesh jacket cause at lights and in slow traffic I'm sweating like a pig in my textile Congo with all the vents open and the front zipper half way down. And let me just say this before some hyped up gear nazi starts waving their "must wear full leathers all the time" flag of truth, "Sweat wipes off, road rash doesn't." Yeah sure say that in Cananda or Ohio but come to Florida where you can nearly faint while standing nude in the shade come June, July, Aug and September due to the humidity level alone.

So the choice is and always will be YOURS to make. As for ME I've chosen what works for me, textile and mesh jackets. Weight the factors, possibilities and your level of comfort and safety and go with that. However most riders do have more then one type of jacket due to climate changes with the seasons.

[kyro2000]

Very good post above!

For me I go with Mesh to help with the hi temps in Texas. The last leather jacket I had was so warm that I found myself not wearing it when I would go out for rides.
So for me mesh just makes more sence.

Just pic what you think will be best for you. At least you're going with some armor as opposed to so many that feel a t-shirt is good enough.

[CManT1914]

I don't own a mesh jacket, but I've worn my brother's. Just seems like it wouldn't hold up for long under a slide.

I own a JR textile, and a GPStar leather jacket. The leather one is cooler than the textile! I burn up in the textile even with the vents open, the leather one breathes real good. So it all depends I guess with what suits you better.

[Gixxer600/77]

http://www.newenough.com/icon_neoday...acket_page.htm


What do you guys think of this one? Its leather, got back padding, and perforated sleeves for cooling. I only ride in the late evening and early dark hours, so you think it should be good?

[CManT1914]

Damn I like that! If I hadn't just dropped $200 on my GPStar jacket I'd roll up on that. I like that it has a relatively high collar, something most motorcycle jackets don't have.

[tlwisner]

Check out the Vanson Ventmax line of mesh. There was a nice article detailing a guy who went off his sportbike at high speed wearing one, and the protection was excellent. The prices are pretty attractive too, and Vanson doesn't make crap.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/produc...mx_ventmax.htm

[SVZuki]

look here, the search function works wonders
http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...ad.php?t=13738

[Shea]

It's all what you're willing to wear. In the hot days, I wear mesh, but wear leather any time it's tolerable, because I know it's better. My mesh jacket had titatnium threads in the spine area, elbows and shoulders for extra abrasion protection along with ballistic foam for impact. It;s not the best for protection, but it's either that or nothing.

[Freakinout]

I wear leather about half the year, mesh the other half. In the winter months in the south leather is perfect. after about 85-90F leather is quite hot.

[BlaznBlu]

I also am in Central Florida. Did a hundred miles today with 85 deg and little shade, wearing a Cortech mesh jacket and First Gear mesh pants. Not too bad at all. Pants are actually less hot and stuffy than jeans. Feel much better having armor to protect myself.

Jacket: http://www.tourmaster.com/product.ht...ouping=86-750G

Pants: http://www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb.n...C?opendocument

[87gsxrnut]

Roadracing organizations won't let you wear mesh.

I wear leather. From what I have seen first-hand, mesh will protect you, but it gets real thrashed even in lower-speed crashes. Then you have to REPLACE IT. I have crashed several times in GOOD leathers. They just got scuffed up. Occasionally, a zipper got wasted, but they could be repaired with minimal $$$. I did crash once wearing a "fashion" leather jacket from Wilson's. It ripped a bunch of the seams apart, but the leather held together OK. So, the jacket was not in the best condition afterward, but with minor repairs, still useable.

- Nut

[BikerAce]

Originally Posted by Gixxer600/77

http://www.newenough.com/icon_neoday...acket_page.htm


What do you guys think of this one? Its leather, got back padding, and perforated sleeves for cooling. I only ride in the late evening and early dark hours, so you think it should be good?

Looks like a Newspapper, full of Ads.