opinions on FirstGear SpeedFreak Jacket?

Bill_B · 03-09-2005, 09:07 AM

I noticed these are being sold at a pretty good price. Anyone have one or any experience with them? I tried one on and it looks like a very nice quality jacket, and a 10 year warranty is great.

If you have one, how long did it take to break in?

Moon · 03-10-2005, 11:01 AM

Looks like a newer (restyled Blade jacket)
Similer features and leather thickness etc.
My "Blade" is so been quite comfortable though it is not a light weight. Solid stitching, CE armor in elbows and shoulders as well as extra Leather. Numerous vents, 2 different zipper lengths for attachment to pants.

Been quite happy with the fit and comfort.

killahant · 03-10-2005, 11:22 AM

I'm also looking at the jacket to for the summer. I live in New Jersey. It can get up to the 80's during the summer and sometimes have stop n' go traffic. I plan on riding all summer since I do not have a car. I wanted to buy the FIRSTGEAR Speed Freak jacket as my first purchase. I just bought a 500r last weekend.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...12&Division=1#

Thats a link to the jacket....Do you guys think I can find a better leather jacket for cheaper? It also says that its racing grade and the leather is 1.1mm, but I've seen some jackets at 1.5mm

Do you guys think this is a quality leather jacket? Is there another leather jacket that is similar that I should be looking at?

I think I will start out with a leather jacket and if its unbearable get a mesh jacket, like FIELDSHEER MACH 4 or maybe the ICON jacket

Moon · 03-10-2005, 11:46 AM

Leather thickness can vary it seems. Stitching armor, zippers etc seem first rate though.
I have not had any "quality control" problems as yet with their (FG) products as I have had in the past with several other brands that I tried so I stick with what has worked for me.

I can't say how it will work in hot weather as it tends to get quite warm in the south w/ high humidity. It does have arm/chest and back vents though.

I have used this one primarily in the cooler winter riding. I have several other First Gear/Gericke (Leather/textile & mesh/armor) & Motoport (Kevlar) jackets that I wear as it gets hotter.

ilovemyF4i · 03-10-2005, 12:52 PM

One thing to consider with First Gear/Gericke, they usually just use a sheet of cheap foam for a back protector. And the foam really barely covers much of the back. I have the First Gear Blade, which seems to be the predecessor to the Speed Freak. Quality seems alright, leather is pretty thick, vents work well but you will fry in just about anything that isn't completely perforated. I hated wearing my Blade in the hot summer (I'm in NJ too). Overall it's an affordable jacket, but like I said - my biggest gripe with IFW (company that owns First Gear, Gericke, Held, etc...) they're idea of a back protector sucks. If you get a separate back protector (with waist belt) then the cheappy FG foam won't be too bad, but then you'd be really really hot in the summer. Just some things to consider.