New opinions on preferred mesh summer jacket

[brider]

It's getting near that time 'o year here, and last year I promised myself I'd try a mesh jacket again. Did some searching in the archives here and founds a lot of opinions that confirm my last memory of using a Joe Rocket mesh jacket: They may be very hot anyway, under some conditions. That's why I abandoned my old Joe Rocket.

But there's gotta be something lighter/better than my Tourmaster 3/4 with the liner zipped out and all the vents open in the summer...maybe mesh isn't the way to go?

Opinions on what you like? It's not desert-like here in CT, but a trip going north into mid-Mass can hit 90's with humidity.

[blu guzz]

The problem for you and me too is the humidity.  For me, it doesn't seem to matter whether I wear a jacket with vents or a mesh, I just cannot really get cool in hot, humid summer weather.  Even dousing your head and shirt with water is not very effective for long.  FYI, I have a tourmaster mesh and as said, it doesn't do much good over 90 when humid.

[bigbikerrick]

I have a couple of joe rockets I use. light in color, high vis, and silver. You dont want a black one ! Here in Arizona, the way to ride in summer is with the mesh jacket, a T shirt underneath, and when it gets real hot, I like to wet my T shirt with a water bottle, and let it evaporate dry as I ride. Evaporative cooling!
Rick.

[Guzzistajohn]

Here in the Ozarks we're blessed with some really WET heat.  I don't care what you wear, it's NOT comfortable. I have a mesh jacket and douche my t shirt down with water like BBR said.  Also drink LOTS of water.

[brider]

Yeah, I know what it's like to ride in miserable heat, guess I'm looking for a jacket suitable for 70's-80's heat in moderate humidity. That's why I'm wondering if in those ranges, a non or partial-mesh short jacket might be the best. Above that range all bets are off, and below my Tourmaster with the vents wide open works pretty good.

[jamesfjamesf]

Central MA here :-)  From 2011 (wow): I have a Cortech GX Air Series 2 mesh waist length jacket that I like a lot. It zips to Olympia Airglide 3 mesh Pants. Cortech GX Air 2 gloves complete the feeling like I'm riding in shorts and tshirt but they all have padding. I haven't tested the abrasion resistance yet.

jim

[jcctx]

Bad advice but if you leave the armor in they are all hot. Had 2 different ones, 1 black, 1 silver; not a lot of difference. The back armor out helps the most with heat. A tip on mesh, with a good rain jacket over them they make a good cold weather alternative. I used a Stearn fishing jacket

[QuickLime]

Boston area here! I recently got a Revit Airwave 3 and it flows an incredible amount of air. I would definitely recommend it for higher temps. Obviously it's always a trade-off of protection vs comfort, but the new Airwave 4 is CE AA rated and reportedly just as good in terms of airflow. My daily jacket is an A-stars Halo (with removable drystar jacket) and with the AA sleeves removed and chest/back vents open it's also surprisingly flowy. Usually good for me up to the 70s, then I want to switch to the full mesh. The Halo is great for a single jacket though, I've worn it down to the low 30s with the rain later as a windstopper, and then when it gets hot you can take that off, open the vents, etc.

[tommy2cyl]

I wear an old Tourmaster black mesh jacket and it works well for me.  If it gets cold I use long sleeve underneath with a rain jacket on top and it is
surprising how well it will keep you warm. Of course with mesh jackets you wick away moisture and dehydrate quicker so you have to
be conscious of taking in more water.  Everything is a trade.   

[slopokes]

Try a motocross vest with all the padding—works for me in the garden state when it is over ninety…

[LowRyter]

When I tumbled on the EV, my Joe Rocket jacket split above the left elbow pad.  It took the skin off and I still 1 x 3 in scar.

I picked up a mesh jacket at Cycle Gear Sedici that's lightweight and comfy as replacement. 

Recently my Brother have me Klim mesh jacket he purchased from Motorcyclegear for a good price.  He gave it to me because his phone was too large for his pocket and he uses Blutooth Comm system.  My phone fits.   It's substantially heavier that other jackets but it seems to have good airflow.

[EldoEVert]

  South Central PA here. I have a couple of First Gear mesh jackets. My silver one is the best on hot days. I was on my way to the Ohio Rally several years ago and was wearing my red one. It was hot and the armor was really bothering me. I stopped at a rest area and removed the padding. Not having enough room to pack it, I put it in the dumpster. I did have an extra set back home.
  My main concern was the name "First Gear." I was happy to find that it worked in all five gears on the EV. It did seem to work better on my shift less Convert.

[Ncdan]

I wear a POWER TRIP mesh with armor all summer or temps 80 and up. The humidity is not an issue for me.

[Luap McKeever]

I wear a POWER TRIP mesh with armor all summer or temps 80 and up. The humidity is not an issue for me.

I reluctantly bought one of these from Amazon, although they're not available there at the moment, but they are on eBay. Great reviews. Figured the worse thing that could happen is I had to return it. After receiving it and using it now for 2 years, I agree with the reviews. This thing is fantastic and well worth the little money.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305275358074?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&var=604239210211

[kingoffleece]

I muse a Vanson mesh or one from HELD.  Substantial-not lightweight and flows enough air for sure.
Losing skin is right up there with zero novacaine root canal.