ATG Motorcyclists: Summer jacket?

[Fenixgoon]

Right now I ride with a Shift Streetfighter Hybrid (textile/leather) jacket. It's pretty heavy duty, but with the weather being as hot and humid as it is, i start to sweat if i'm not doing ~60.

so i'm considering getting a mesh jacket, but the idea of little abrasion resistance is deterring me some.


anyone have recommendations for summer gear? below is what i'm looking at so far:

Shift Airborne
Shift Backdraft
Alpinestars Sniper Air-Flo
Alpinestars Exile
Teknic Aquavent
Tourmaster Intake Air 2
Fieldsheer Congo
Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0

And here's the rest of my gear:

Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 textile pants
Icon Field Armor spine protector
Gmax GM68 helmet
Vega Sport II Boots
Joe Rocket Reactor gloves

 

[satyajitmenon]

I've had the Tourmaster for about a year. The quality of air-flow (without either of the inner liners) is pretty good. Even if I'm only doing 30mph, it's enough to keep me cool in 80+ temps.

While I haven't been down in it, the elbow and shoulder armor should do just fine. The only thing you need to know, though, is that you can't get back-armor for the Tourmaster. The opening in the jacket is an unusual shape.

 

[Fenixgoon]

add to the list: teknic mercury perforated leather

 

[superccs]

I like my GX air 2 it has a substantial back protector and the leather panels on the corners

also the rstaichi perf leather jacket is supposed to be good too.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

imo summer stuff is much more important than winter as far as safety, since there are many different qualities of mesh.

I like alpinestars although I've heard their quality has gone downhill as of late. Dainese is good but $$



Shift is what I'd consider on the bottom end.. It's stunta gear.

 

[DirthNader]

I wear an A* T-Breeze Air-Flo. Came w/ CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, and I added a Dianese back protector insert (wasn't too impressed with the A* insert). There are pockets for chest armor as well, but I'm not using them.

I've been comfortable on rides here in Florida. Weather is about 90F w/ +60% humidity lately.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Perforated leather is pretty good too. I'd give it a look.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

A tank top and a vented backwards ballcap always kept me cool. Flip flops too.

 

[Fenixgoon]

A tank top and a vented backwards ballcap always kept me cool. Flip flops too.

Dude why didn't I think of this before?

 

[andylawcc]

with ANY textile jacket, consider it a one-crash disposable item. none of them would survive a 25+ mph lowside. It will save your skin, but expect torn and rips throughout.

now however, to me it is unrealistic to wear leather in the summer, perf or not.
I had the Fieldsheer Congo: it looks pretty good on website, but in real life it's look cheap. Never a fan of Joe Rocket stuff, while i am a fan of Shift's offerings (contrary to a previous poster said, I do Not believe they make low-end items).

 

[arrfep]

I've had a Fieldsheer High Flow II since last summer. The Congo was the other one I considered, and as far as I remember they're pretty similar. It's very cool, enough to ride in very humid 85 degree Chicago weather and not be (too) uncomfortable. Never been down so I can't speak to its quality in that regard. Seems like it would hold up decently in the forearms/back/shoulders....but the chest air panels feel like they might tear if snagged on a tree branch.

I plan on checking out some perforated leather in the near future.

Also, I've heard many good things about Vanson's textile/mesh jackets. Not too much above the prices of the jackets you listed.

 

[DirthNader]

with ANY textile jacket, consider it a one-crash disposable item. none of them would survive a 25+ mph lowside. It will save your skin, but expect torn and rips throughout.

Not sure how all insurance carriers handle it, but mine (Progressive) considers safety gear to be "custom accessories", and they're covered up to $3000 in the event of a crash.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Went with the teknic mercury. Can't wait for it to arrive!