perforated leather vs. non

[catch2otwo]

was thinking about getting a second jacket for the really hot days. not real fond of getting a textile jacket, would like to stick to leather. will a perforated leather jacket be that much cooler to justify spending another 3-4 bills over my non perforated one now?

[Evil_Weasel]

i rock a perf leather and it makes a HUGE differance. if it's too cool out i end up freezing. it's also survived it's share of crashes way better than a textile set ever would.

[Paul_E_D]

Yes, but textile is even more comfy for street duty and it will do the job in a fall. Just avoid the 99 dollar mesh deals and you should be fine.

[kbroderick]

I just got a used Teknic violator, and the thorough perforation makes a difference even compared to my less-perforated MotoGP TT jacket. You might want to check out the Teknic stuff on clearance Motorcycle USA if cost is an issue--they've got some perforated leather jackets for about half off retail.

[Cheese]

Yes.

I had a Joe Rocket Blaster perforated jacket and my new jacket is the Joe Rocket Speedmaster (perforated plus ram air vents).

One of the reasons I upgraded was because the Blaster only had a zip out vest whereas the Speedmaster has a long sleeve zip out liner. Although it doesn't seem like much difference, wearing the Blaster I actually ended up getting cold, especially during all day excursions where the return ride was as dusk or night, since I couldn't keep the cool breeze from coming through the arms of the old one.

Obviously when you're stuck in traffic and not moving you're going to cook no matter what you're wearing. But if you're moving and creating a breeze it comes through the perforations very nicely.

[catch2otwo]

cool, just didnt want to spend a few hundred on it if it wasnt going to make much of a difference. ill check the teknic stuff out. any other good suggestions besides the teknic and joe rocket mentioned?

[QuarterGig]

mesh does not do crap for you in a real fall, go with perf leather.. the armor i added is the only thing that saved my skin

[Evil_Weasel]

cool, just didnt want to spend a few hundred on it if it wasnt going to make much of a difference. ill check the teknic stuff out. any other good suggestions besides the teknic and joe rocket mentioned?

Vanson?

i've been performance testing mine for afew years now and i can honestly say i've never owned a better piece of gear than my perforated vanson jacket. it's heavy and the styling is kinda oldschool, but it's fucking bomb proof.

[brendanp]

My alpinestar jacket is preforated and makes a huge difference!

[Paul_E_D]

mesh does not do crap for you in a real fall, go with perf leather.. the armor i added is the only thing that saved my skin

What kind did you have?

The textile stuff is getting better all the time. You get what you pay for...

[QuarterGig]

What kind did you have?

The textile stuff is getting better all the time. You get what you pay for...

textile is fine the "mesh" is not i have seen a Joe rocket one two years ago annilated and an icon TiMAX, both in under 40mph slides.

[Paul_E_D]

Most now have a textile "frame" with mesh panels in non impact zones. I wouldn't buy one of the mesh only things...

[Tricky Mike]

I'd make sure you get solid leather in the important areas... I crashed (gently) in 6 last year wearing Vanson leather with Perf. sleeves and it just tore open. I got rashed up pretty good.

[garath]

I have a Dainese Zen perf leather jacket. It is incredible. Fantastic airflow. I stay cool in pretty much any weather (as long as I'm moving). It also comes with a liner that works great for the cooler days/nights. It's a little pricey ($450?) but well worth it. I don't even need a second jacket. Just the liner.

[catch2otwo]

i just looked at vanson. and holy moly close to 600 bucks. even the a* are around 4. the teknics that were onsale only had yellow and not my size. maybe ill just deal with my solid jacket and buy the vanson over winter or just keep my eye on the for sale forums

[flintoid]

I've got a icon perf jacket. It's alright, except that it's black, and thusly makes it hot as all fuck in the sun

I remember reading somewhere on here a few months back of someone going down in a perfed pursuit jacket and getting their back rashed up a bit from it sliding up on him when he slid on the pavement. So i'm not so confident in it's ability to protect....


I've been contemplating another jacket purchase that isn't black. If you get a perfed on, get a white jacket. It'll save you a few gallons of sweat.

[dhuze]

I tested my perferated jacket in the winter since thats when it came in. It was a bit chilly, but I still rode around for a while since I had the bike out. It's worlds better than a full leather jacket in heat.

[catch2otwo]

I've got a icon perf jacket. It's alright, except that it's black, and thusly makes it hot as all fuck in the sun

I remember reading somewhere on here a few months back of someone going down in a perfed pursuit jacket and getting their back rashed up a bit from it sliding up on him when he slid on the pavement. So i'm not so confident in it's ability to protect....


I've been contemplating another jacket purchase that isn't black. If you get a perfed on, get a white jacket. It'll save you a few gallons of sweat.

i agree on the color. my icon jacket now is blue, i was thinking of a lighter color. does anyone know if vanson will let you pick a color for their "off the shelf" jackets? i think a light gray would work well.

[Tricky Mike]

If you go down to Fall River they generally have a fairly large assortment to choose from.

[Pearldog]

If you go to Vanson check out their clearance rack (old styles, etc.). If they have not moved the rack location it is located just inside the front door on the right. I picked up a full perf from the rack b/c it was a funky style/size (all black with some stretchy material on the inside of the sleeve). I forget the exact price but it was less expensive then the regular stuff.

Lyle

[catch2otwo]

ill have to take a ride down there next time im home.

[NeverlosT]

Definitely go down to Vanson and take a wander about. They are a little less likely to cut deals in the summer than in the winter, but they will work with you, they want to move jackets like you want to buy them.

Head to Fall river and check out that clearance rack, if you cant find something there, look at the new jackets and find one that fits you perfect. See if there is any wiggle room on the price.

A Vanson jacket is pretty much the best thing to wrap yourself in as far as I am concerned. I have mesh vents in the chest of mine, sleeve vents, and back vents. It is warm if im not moving, but not half as hot as my a* leather jacket.

Then again, I am a lanky bastard and had to get a jacket custom made by vanson to fit me really well. You dont know expensive jackets until youve dropped 9 bills on one. ouch. still, if im unna crash, i want to have that one on!

[catch2otwo]

JEEEEZ 9 BILLS! guess i dont have any room to complain then.

[knarlydog]

I picked up a Kobe Dragon Breeze about three years ago and love it. Gives great cooling and come with an easy zip in/out liner you can easily stow. 1888fastlap.com is the US distributor. I also have a Troy Lee Leather Speed Jacket, basically Exo body armor on a leather and mesh shell. But, you can really only wear it when its hot & its is mesh & thin leather.

[Jaynnus]

I'd make sure you get solid leather in the important areas...

I don't know about you but.....every single solitary inch is important to me.