Mesh jacket, opinions?

Hasn't gotten too hot here this summer, and I have a much higher tolerance for being hot than most people, but my Joe Rocket Ballistic Jakcet can be oppressive especially for short rides with stop and go.

Anybody got a favorite in mesh, preferably one that won't break the bank? I don't like riding without a jacket, scared shitless of roadrash and broken bones, lol. It would also be nice to have some high vis, reflective stuff on it as I'm in the military and we're all required to wear that when we ride.

I think mine is made by First Gear.
Light, with rubber inserts in the shoulders and elbows. The wind blows thru it like you're wearing a tee shirt.
But I don't kid myself about protection. I think it will instantly shred in the event of a lay down on asphalt.
But at 106F, leather is not an option.

Rich wrote:

I don't like riding without a jacket, scared shitless of roadrash

If roadrash scares you then read this thread.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...=13&id=155738#155738


Don't you have to wear those reflective vests anymore? Or just on base?

I got the original Cool-Tech which later changed there name to Vent-Tech and it's great. I've probably got 150,000 miles on that jacket all over the country.

I've found my Joe Rocket Alter Ego Textile to be quite acceptable on hot days. In fact, below 80 degrees it's nearly too chilly. I don't like the latest version as it doesn't appear have as much mesh and it has much less color than the original version.

So far I've had the good fortune to not have to try it out on asphalt. I've read anecdotes from others that the mesh held up surprisingly well for them. I do know it stops bugs nicely.

Z1R rider wrote:

Rich wrote:

I don't like riding without a jacket, scared shitless of roadrash

If roadrash scares you then read this thread.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...=13&id=155738#155738


Don't you have to wear those reflective vests anymore? Or just on base?

Letter of the law says you have to wear a high visibility over garment (open to interpretation what that means, a weakness in the program) during the day and a reflective one at night, anywhere you are riding on or off post. A lot of guys blow it off, but if you get in an accident and weren't doing all the right things, you're not in line of duty, so you pay your own medical bills, then deal with the UCMJ actions for being selectively disobedient when you heal up. An awful lot of guys are willing to risk that, it seems, but I'm not, plus I'm at an age/rank/position where I need to set an example for the young bucks.

I'd wear most that stuff anyway, the vest I'm not convinced is a real life saver, but it could be. I bought one of the ones Icon makes specifically for the purpose and just leave it on the jacket all the time. It's a good piece of gear, mine's pretty faded now, but still reflects.

I have an approved retirement in for October with orders and everything if I don't get stop lossed to do one more trip to the sand box, and I won't miss a great many of the interferences into my personal life that service entails, but the emphasis on motorcycle safety is something I can live with, and since I plan on working for the DOD in one capacity or another, I'll still be adhering to the rules.

Nate, is the Alter Ego a completely mesh one or a combination? I really like the Ballistic I have and it rarely get's so hot to where I can't stand to wear it (again, I've got higher tolerance for heat than most, cold bothers me much, much worse), but we're getting to the short period of time when it does. I'll so some looking on their site and check out the Alter Ego.

My Alter Ego is a mesh jacket with an outer liner that zips on rather quickly plus an inner liner that is more wind proof and water proof. The Kevlar mesh is always a part of the jacket and is the lower half of the arms and below the collarbone/shoulders. The armor blocks (forearm, elbow, shoulder pads and back protector) stay with the jacket at all times.

I have an jacket by shift same one reviewed here

images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://w...1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

long link, sorry for that; and thanks to any mod who can shrink it for me!

I love that jacket. It has vented leather sections on the back, arms and chest; but under the arms it has synthetic materials. When I take the liner out it keeps me cool on all but the hottest days. With the liner in it worked great right up until the snow fell in Seoul last winter. And let me tell you it gets bloody cold here!

I am looking for a full mesh jacket for the 35*C days here, but I am in no hurry.

Let's try This hardr0ck68

I use an AlpineStar semi mesh jacket. Got it on sale for $159.00 about a year ago. Front is semi see thru mesh with same on inside of arms for air flow. Has armor at elbows and shoulders with a removable back padding. Air flows pretty well and does not feel bad at 100 degree temps on freeway. Little warm in town. Has a zip in liner to stop wind flow for cooler temps. Been very pleased with it so far..

Thanks for the input, I ordered a Joe Rocket Phoenix after looking at a couple, I think it'll work. $139 out the door from newenough.com. Should have looked at their closeouts, they had some of last year's cheaper, but it's OK. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. I've been riding a lot lately.