Waterproof/ commuting jackets

[01xj]

I have a good set of rain gear but it's quite cumbersome to put on over my leather riding gear. I'm looking to add a sport/ commuter or adventure style jacket. I know most of the Joe Rocket/ A*/ Tourmaster stuff says it's waterproof but really is NOT.

I was looking for a jacket recommendation that has the armor and is a dedicated riding jacket, not just a rain cover. Hoping not to break the bank but I figure I"ll have to make a sacrifice somewhere.

My commute is short so it doesn't need to be a 800$ sub zero alaskan wilderness tested jacket. Just something that will keep the rain out for the most part so I can comfortably ride to work in the rain.

[SVenpointsixtwo]

I picked up a Speed & Strength Hell & Back ST jacket for quite cheap at the end of last season. It comes with a quilted vest liner, as well as a full waterproof membrane liner. The textile shell is water resistant by itself and has taped zippers, but will still let a little bit in so if it's really pouring I would go with the liner. The high collar is nice for cold days as well, and it comes with a built-in hydration pack. Also, lots of vents for hot days.

Not bad for $150:

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/h...on+jacket+sale

[nt650hawk]

Scorpion XDR Commander Jacket
I have not been involved ina down pour but it has kept me dry in light to moderate commuting. I LOVE the storm collor. If you are goingot rid when it is cold out. this should be a necessary item on all heavy weight jackets. probably cna pick this up for around $150
http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D...E862F2D2D155C9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zHFe...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA6-sQfpbjs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgnwM...feature=relmfu

[Puppet]

Come by Twisted Throttle and take a look at the Macna stuff: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/901/

We've put A LOT of miles in a lot of areas (Alaska, Iceland, Australia, etc) in adverse weather (rain, snow, wind...) on the Geo jacket while we were testing it and it's been fantastic. No need for external rain gear

[01xj]

Come by Twisted Throttle and take a look at the Macna stuff: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/901/

We've put A LOT of miles in a lot of areas (Alaska, Iceland, Australia, etc) in adverse weather (rain, snow, wind...) on the Geo jacket while we were testing it and it's been fantastic. No need for external rain gear

Thanks. I always forget about Twisted Throttle. You guys are pretty close, I need to stop in some time.
Any experience on the Oasis jacket?

[Paul_E_D]

That Macna stuff looks killer.

[Puppet]

The Oasis and the Geo fit a bit differently, you'll probably fit one or the other. The Oasis is designed a bit more like an 'adventure' jacket, but both jackets have a lot of the same core features, including the waterproofing system.

We had the Geo longer during the product eval stage, which is why I mentioned it. However, the removable collar/front panel, really helps make it versatile as a commuter

Stop in, we have them in the showroom. Try on both and see which one fits you the best. Try on the Chameleon, as well, just for fun. It really is that much nicer!

[Garandman]

I've been wearing an Olympia AST for five years. It has vents in the sleeves and pockets so you don't die in traffic until it's over 80. It's textile, not leather which is a really nice feature of the Macna.

I believe it comes in black, gray and hi-viz. $350.


The First Gear Kilamanjaro is $300 and much more widely distributed and also comes in black, silver and eye-assaulting yellow.

If you know your size, look on eBay as you can find stupid-good deals sometimes. I got a once-worn Olympia AirGlide (MSRP $289) for $130 delivered.

[01xj]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm going to do some research on all of them and see where I stand for price/ quality at this point. The Macna stuff looks killer but I'm a bit hesitant about a 400$ jacket.

[Rada]

I'm on my 4th season with my Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket. Some people claim them not to be water proof. But i have ridden for a couple hours in the rain with little if any wetting. On my normal go to work commute I can ride is a down pour and make it home dry. Granted home is only about 8 miles. But for pretty short money you can get a Transitions jacket and be pretty happy with it's performance. One other nice thing is that they come in Tall sizes. That is nice for those like me that need it.

The Macna stuff does look killer. I will be looking at them for my next jacket once this one gives up the ghost.

[OreoGaborio]

I've got a Teknic Freeway. It has all the features I need, super waterproof and I really WANNA like it, but it just doesn't fit me right.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/o...ual+sport+gear

What size are you? I'll gladly sell it to you if it fits ya.

[nhbubba]

I have a JR Atomic 4 jacket. I would not buy it for other reasons, but it actually is reasonably waterpoof. The zippers are rubberized and there is a 2nd flap behind the main zipper. It worked well to keep out rain. Its problem is that the neck is too low. This is great for warm weather riding, but naturally it means rain goes down your neck.

The seams and zippers failed after barely 2 years of light/moderate use. I was horribly disappointed at how long it held together.

That said, I would not hesitate to buy a jacket with that kind of rubberized zippers.

[csmutty]

I've got a Teknic Freeway. It has all the features I need, super waterproof and I really WANNA like it, but it just doesn't fit me right.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/o...ual+sport+gear
What size are you? I'll gladly sell it to you if it fits ya.

Is it too big or too small Pete?

[OreoGaborio]

Too big in the shoulders & long in the arms.

[whynot]

The Tourmaster Transition has got to be one of the best buys out there, I've used one for three years, no problems. I think I saw the Transition II on closeout recently for ca. $120. I also have the Olympia like Garandaman, much bigger and heavier than the Transition, but it's great in winter. The neck collar fitting is a little low and loose on the Transition, so a high-neck underlayer or neck tube is a good idea in cooler weather. The neck collar on The Olympia is much higher and seals better, but a little restrictive and chafing, takes some getting used to.

[SprintPoser]

SmartMoto, a shop in Seekonk MA is closing and has to be out of the store by June 1st. He has killer deals on First Gear and some other brands. I recently picked up some nice textile Fieldsheer Goretex overpants (with removable thernal liner) for $125.

Another source to tap if you are in smaller, very large or women's sizes would be Dave at Motorace. He's got a lot of "new old stock" gear from IXS at killer prices. Check their listings on Ebay, then call him. I got a really nice jacket from him for an unmentionable price.

I just sold off my older, but perfectly functional yellow & black Triumph Frontiers Sympatex matching/mating jacket & pants that I had advertised here. No one here seemed to want it, so a friend of my youngest (son) who just started riding a Ninja Twofiddy got the jacket, pants, and Dainese Touring boots for $120.

[Paul_E_D]

My Firstgear Kilimanjaro is really nice, but not waterproof. The liner is nice enough to wear to work or out clubbing though! It's a black, softshell with a really nice cut to it.

If it's pouring out, I still need raingear on top.

[SprintPoser]

That old gear I sold off was 100% waterproof. On a couple of occasions I would be riding up to, from or in Vermont and got hit with monsoon-like rains. The closest I ever got to wet was a "slightly damp feeling" on my arms, though my t-shirt was still dry.

I'm anxious to test the new IXS/Fieldsheer gear I got, but can't ride much during the week.

[Stromper]

In Tiawan you get what looks like a "duster" tha goes to your ankles but no idea where
to get one around here

Lastly though not padded Foul weather sailing gear can do that job

[01xj]

I've got a Teknic Freeway. It has all the features I need, super waterproof and I really WANNA like it, but it just doesn't fit me right.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/o...ual+sport+gear

What size are you? I'll gladly sell it to you if it fits ya.

Right now I wear a large. My leather jacket is a 46 but its loose on me. A 44 or a 42 would be a closer fit.

[Father Ribs]

I'm on my 4th season with my Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket. Some people claim them not to be water proof. But i have ridden for a couple hours in the rain with little if any wetting. On my normal go to work commute I can ride is a down pour and make it home dry. Granted home is only about 8 miles. But for pretty short money you can get a Transitions jacket and be pretty happy with it's performance. One other nice thing is that they come in Tall sizes. That is nice for those like me that need it.

I've worn one of these as my main jacket from 80 degrees down to 20, in all conditions. I've been out in four+ hours of constant drizzle to once 45 minutes of heavy rain and been dry and warm. It has so many pockets and pouches that I feel half naked wearing anything else. And as said...they have sizes to fit tall fat bastards like me.

[drinkingmymilk]

Adam, go check out the Weise stuff at Redline. Tell Shannon you're from the born guys and she'll take care of you.

http://www.weise-clothing.co.uk/

I'll be wearing the Nevada jacket by the time we head to VT. I am in love with it.

[01xj]

I tried a Fieldsheer and Firstgear on at Enfield motor sports last night. I came to the conclusion that being 5'4" (on a good day) a 3/4 length jacket just isn't for me. I'm having Redline do my tires next week so I'll take a look at those when I'm out there.

[Garandman]

Adam, go check out the Weise stuff at Redline. Tell Shannon you're from the born guys and she'll take care of you.

http://www.weise-clothing.co.uk/

I'll be wearing the Nevada jacket by the time we head to VT. I am in love with it.

Moto Market [Acton, MA] is also stocking Weise gear.

[Joe?]

My Firstgear Kilimanjaro is really nice, but not waterproof. The liner is nice enough to wear to work or out clubbing though! It's a black, softshell with a really nice cut to it.

If it's pouring out, I still need raingear on top.

I have the FirstGear Jaunt jacket which is one level below the Kilimanjaro (not sure how/why) and it is 100% rain (and snow) proof. It's ridiculous looking, but it works damn well. If you aren't into looking like a storm trooper I'd recommend the FG Rush, as its the same material in a more reasonable cut. I'll probably order one myself if the Jaunt ends up being too hot, since I'm apparently an FG fanboy (also have the Mesh Tex and HT Overpants).