Hot weather jacket?

[Testarossa]

I want to buy a hot weather jacket under $200.

I've had a couple of cheap mesh jackets. The one I liked was white and silver and reflected the sun's heat nicely. It was noticeably cooler than a similar jacket in black and gray. I shredded the sleeve of the white jacket in one of my low-speed get-offs, and tossed it. I then bought a white S&S on closeout, size M, but it was so tight that it wound up in Gail's wardrobe.

Most of the stuff I'm looking at comes in dark colors, with maybe a little hi-viz flashing. Even hi-viz colors soak up more solar radiation than white does. The light-colored Rev'it Wind is on sale. Before I send them my money, is there anything else the group recommends?

[JJ]

For years, I have worn a Joe Rocket (Mesh) Phoenix jacket with padding.   That's what I used during the "Forbidden Planet" summers of Arizona!!

[Ncdan]

Wife snd I have had POWER TRIP Mesh with armor for years. I wear it on EVERY ride. At 90 degrees and at speed it no hotter than with just a tee shirt. The price several years ago was just over 100 bucks, I have no idea of today’s prices. Research and choose wisely 👍

[Lannis]

There's not much room between "a cheap mesh jacket" and "$200".

That said, my "Bilt" (bilt to a price) mesh jacket that I bought at a Cycle Gear 10 years ago has just now worn out after 9 summers of riding.   I probably wore it a little too long (the velcro was already shot), because the material was so sun-eroded that a bit of it tore when I was putting it on last.   But for the money, it lasted a good long while!

Lannis

[s1120]

Wife snd I have had POWER TRIP Mesh with armor for years. I wear it on EVERY ride. At 90 degrees and at speed it no hotter than with just a tee shirt. The price several years ago was just over 100 bucks, I have no idea of today’s prices. Research and choose wisely 👍

Ive been shopping lighter jackets also. I dont need white... just want something not as hot as my heavy leather jacket..  Those power trip jackets look like it fills the bill for me. Affordable, removeable liner, and some padding.  I still like the heavy leather jacket... but when its 95 deg out... this might be the trip

[Perazzimx14]

I just bought a Oylimpia jacket of some sort with a zip in waterproof liner. Seems decent enough quality for the sub $200 I paid. Its comfortable and fits well.

I also like the tag inside. "Designed in America", "made in Pakistan"


 

[creaky99]

I bought one of these earlier this year. With the liner in it works well in cooler weather. Also works well in warmer weather with the liner out. I rode a couple of days in mid 90F temps, only time it wasn't quite doing the job was in slow stop and go in the city. Fit and comfort is very good.

https://www.vikingcycle.com/collections/mens-textile-motorcycle-jackets/products/viking-cycle-ironside-silver-motorcycle-textile-jacket-for-men

[Kev m]

Color me interested too.

For more than a decade I've been using a mesh Joe Rocket jacket I got off NewEnough.com (new) as a heavily discounted officially licensed Honda jacket. It cost me $40 and an hour or cutting off the Honda logos (originally a couple of hundred, but discounted because of the Honda patches).

Anyway, I went to put that on this past Saturday and BOTH the shoulders felt weird. When I investigated I found that BOTH shoulder armor inserts had disintegrated into dozen or more pieces each. So it's time, probably well past time.

[Motorad64]

The RevIt line is pretty darned good for the sub $200 mark.  I got this one last year--only downside is you need to buy a back protector separately. 

Flows a TON of air, lowbrow graphics, elbow/shoulder armor included.  They do fit a little euro-tight through the shoulders/chest so you may need to size up:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-eclipse-jacket

[LowRyter]

I've still got an original Joe Rocket Phoenix that is Silver and White.  Years later I upgraded to JR Phoenix 4.0 in the Red and Black.  The upgraded jacket is heaver, comes with a rain liner and has more bells and whistles. 

I seldom wear the new one and prefer the old one.  I have no idea if those original jackets are still available but they are the lightest and coolest that I know (still miserable in Okla heat).

However, I'd wear the new one if I was traveling in the summer and wanted a "system" jacket.   

[RinkRat II]

 I use a Teknic mesh with removable wind/rain liner.  Has all the armor  and is really comfortable here in Arizona's hottest days. Unfortunately they stopped making these but I have seen some on Ebay. New from Motorcycle Superstore now JP Cycles it was $149.00, 5 years ago. Hope this helps

      PaulB

[Craig in Alabama]

Hi Folks,

I'm also using the Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket. Very comfortable in Alabama summer temps.

Cheers!
Craig

[kingoffleece]

I'll be WAY in the minority here and offer this view-which nobody asked for!
However, after seeing how cheap mesh can melt into skin I got a Vanson from Trophy Cycle Appeal in Chicago.  They still have some of the previous versions available which have much better traditional styling than the current offering.  Light as can be and equipped with genuine 1000D Cordura-no PU "ballistic" to melt on a roadway.

Doesn't fit the stated budget or ask from the OP but at least make an informed decision.  I know.  I'm most likely out of bounds.  But having seen someone have to get melted plastic pulled out of their flesh-well, just no, thank you.

[twowheeladdict]

I have an open mesh Kawasaki branded jacket that matched my '08 KLR 650 (lime green) that works real well in hot weather.  I like to wear it while aboard my Harley Road Glide.

I also have a White Harley Davidson open mesh jacket with a big bar and shield silk screened across the front that I picked up new for $50 and I slip in some D30 armor in the shoulders and elbows that I use in multiple jackets.

Open mesh definitely flows more air than the mesh that looks like tiny chain-mail.  I am more comfortable in the open mesh than a T-shirt. 

[Adk.IBO]

I've been looking at Bohn Armor shirts- $169ish. They advertise them as wearing over a t-shirt like a hot weather jacket or under a jacket as extra armor. I was hoping someone might have feedback on them...

[egschade]

I prefer a 3/4 jacket and am very happy with the Tourmaster Transition touring jacket. Proven waterproof, warm with liner and closed vents and cool enough when all the vents are open. There are 6 front vents and 4 rear exhaust vents that flow plenty of air. A little warm when sitting at a light but that's not what you buy a jacket for is it.

On closeout at Revzilla with many sizes still available: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tour-master-transition-5-jacket

[twowheeladdict]

I prefer a 3/4 jacket and am very happy with the Tourmaster Transition touring jacket. Proven waterproof, warm with liner and closed vents and cool enough when all the vents are open. There are 6 front vents and 4 rear exhaust vents that flow plenty of air. A little warm when sitting at a light but that's not what you buy a jacket for is it.

Where you live, and your heat tolerance are huge factors in jacket preferences.  Glad the Transition jacket proved to be waterproof for you.  The tourmaster waterproof pants a touring buddy and I purchased at the same time proved to not be waterproof in the crotch.  Now that is miserable!

[twowheeladdict]

This jacket looks interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_FCE6zSM_0

[Motormike]

I'm not a big fan of all mesh jackets ether. They just don't hold up at all in a get-off.  All loose fitting jackets (and pants) have the problem of armor pulling out of position during a slide, leaving elbows and knees exposed. Worse, cheap mesh jackets melt into your skin.  No thanks, I'd rather sweat A LOT, than risk that.  I prefer leather and mesh combination jackets for hot weather.  Leather in the contact areas: elbows, shoulders, etc. and mesh in the chest and back.  They flow pretty good as long as your moving. Or look for a Cordura and mesh jacket with solid panels in the arms and shoulders. 
Might want to read this before you spring on a cheap mesh jacket:  https://www.mcgearhub.com/mc-gear-crash-tested/firstgear-mesh-polyester-jacket-jeans-crash-test-report/

[n3303j]

Coretech Aeroflow

[Testarossa]

Thanks for all the feedback.  I checked out every option mentioned and wound up back where I started -- I ordered the Rev'it Wind.

Insisting on white/silver greatly narrowed the choices available. I looked at a lot of very competent-looking jackets available only in black or very dark earth tones. I settled on the Rev'it because of the Knox armor (I already have a CE2 back pad), the high-denier fabric on the sliding surfaces, and Rev'it's reputation.

I know about the problem of melting polyester. I always wear a longsleeve cotton tee under the jacket for that reason.

[guzzi ride]

I've been using a Revit air for about the last 5-6 years. Great light weight jacket with elbow,shoulder and back armor. 

[Guzzistajohn]

Seth,

I asked the same question here about 2 years ago. Some guy named "Chuck" from some state to the NE Hmmm INDIANA?? said to get this one. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/olympia-airglide-5-jacket I've not been disapointed  I got the yeller one 

[LowRyter]

I'll be WAY in the minority here and offer this view-which nobody asked for!
However, after seeing how cheap mesh can melt into skin I got a Vanson from Trophy Cycle Appeal in Chicago.  They still have some of the previous versions available which have much better traditional styling than the current offering.  Light as can be and equipped with genuine 1000D Cordura-no PU "ballistic" to melt on a roadway.

Doesn't fit the stated budget or ask from the OP but at least make an informed decision.  I know.  I'm most likely out of bounds.  But having seen someone have to get melted plastic pulled out of their flesh-well, just no, thank you.

You didn't mention the name or model of the Vanson jacket.

[Snowman]

Just got a Klim Induction summer mesh jacket in Silver/ White.
A little more over your budget but it will last a lot longer than the cheap jackets. Great air flow, very well made.

[kingoffleece]

https://www.trophycycleapparel.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=106_115   Here you go.

I have the BOHN  armour jacket.  i use it at times under a non motorcycle jacket for protection.  I'd never feel safe in it over a T shirt without the outer layer of a leather jacket.  Zero abrasion resistance offered.

[twowheeladdict]

I know about the problem of melting polyester. I always wear a longsleeve cotton tee under the jacket for that reason.

Where this under your jacket instead.  https://www.dragginjeans.com/featured-categories/underwear/draggin-shirt/

[Adk.IBO]

I have the BOHN  armour jacket.  i use it at times under a non motorcycle jacket for protection.  I'd never feel safe in it over a T shirt without the outer layer of a leather jacket.  Zero abrasion resistance offered.
[/quote]

As I suspected hence my reluctance to purchase. Thanks for the first hand info!

[Ncdan]

Color me interested too.

For more than a decade I've been using a mesh Joe Rocket jacket I got off NewEnough.com (new) as a heavily discounted officially licensed Honda jacket. It cost me $40 and an hour or cutting off the Honda logos (originally a couple of hundred, but discounted because of the Honda patches).

Anyway, I went to put that on this past Saturday and BOTH the shoulders felt weird. When I investigated I found that BOTH shoulder armor inserts had disintegrated into dozen or more pieces each. So it's time, probably well past time.

Kev, do a little research and you may be able to get new armor for that jacket, ya think?

[kingoffleece]

BTW, and that that it was asked, but you don't want Kevlar thread.  It'll cut thru whatever it's supposed to secure under duress.