Leather Jacket Companies

spartikus · 12-06-2006, 10:32 AM

Hey guys I have a question. I have a 370 dollar credit at my local bike shop and was thinking about picking up a new leather jacket. I have so far owned a textile fieldsheer and a couple of leather fieldsheer and teknic. The store carrys all Alpinestars, Icon, First Gear, Moto GP and Dainese. I really like some of the Icon stuff but was just wondering how is Moto GP and if you guys had any advice about this. I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming and its pretty cold up here in the winter and fall but I am going to try to ride year round when there isn't snow around. I was thinking of getting one full leather jacket and one fully perfed leather jacket. Thanks for any advice. By the way I would love a Dainese but I think its out of my price range.

Eggroll · 12-06-2006, 01:03 PM

I like MotoGP. They run small though. I normally wear a size small in every jacket but a MotoGP (I have a 37" chest). I hafta wear a medium and it fits perfectly on me (not tight but snug and fitted). It's made more for thin athletic builds. My friend normally wears a Large but wears an XL motogp jacket. The leather feels thick.

He wears the black/grey one. I was going to get the red one but found a Teknic for half the price of the MotoGP one.

RayOSV · 12-06-2006, 02:10 PM

Any of the above except Icon.

g34343greg · 12-06-2006, 02:43 PM

^^ +1

spartikus · 12-06-2006, 02:58 PM

no one seems to like icon? the moto gp that you have in the picture was at my local store the xl was small on me i can usually fit into a large fieldsheer or a* but for some reason it was too small i may have to get a xxl if they make it, like i said i have a 370 dollar credit so i think any jacket is in the price range besides most of the dainese jackets.

cyclemartusa · 12-13-2006, 09:32 PM

The Alpinestars stage jacket would be my choice for a leather jacket with perf. The air flow is really good and on the cold days you can really feel it. It also has a zipper for pants, if you ever want to buy some.

The Stage runs $379.95 Retail; you shouldn't have any trouble getting out the door for $370.

Lexcruiser · 12-14-2006, 07:40 AM

If you have the $370 credit, I'd really try to leverage that to get a Dainese jacket. Worth every penny IMHO. I picked up the Dainese Bora a few weeks ago and couldnt be happier.

A* would be my 2nd choice. I have the A* Magnum jacket.. leather is very supple and seems a higher quality than a lot of the other A* jackets (the Magnum is part of their "Black" label line, if that makes a difference..) 2nd only to their S-MX Airflo jacket.

cyclemartusa · 12-14-2006, 08:21 AM

The Black label line is a more relaxed fitting jacket than the others.

Alpinestars description of black label =

Dedicated to the downtown street rider. Built with maximum peformance, protection, comfort, and style.

phufufoo · 12-14-2006, 01:21 PM

Dainese is definantly worth it. With 370$ credit youre not too far off from a dainese one. Unless they are charging higher then MSRP. My friend has a TiTanium series one and that thing is wicked sick and the quality is really noticeable.

spartikus · 12-14-2006, 10:02 PM

alright i will look in the dainese can i find one that is fully perfed?

Lexcruiser · 12-15-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartikus

alright i will look in the dainese can i find one that is fully perfed?

You can get just about any Dainese jacket perforated, but there are some that they usually "stock" more than others.

The Dainese Bora comes in a fully perf'ed version. Here are some pics I posted from before: Deciding b/t Dainese & A*... I think...

Their ZEN jacket is also perf'ed which you might find at a local shop...

phufufoo · 12-15-2006, 07:06 PM

I have one that is already Perforated with an unzippable liner for cold weather. They have some non perf ones with no liners too. They have zippers for a length exstension and slot for a back protecter (75$). All the pads can be velcroed off and replaced if needed.

Jimundascores · 12-17-2006, 09:17 AM

I have the Dainese Zen jacket. I really like it. It's perfed in front but not the back. I bought it for a winter/spring/fall jacket. I've worn it at highway speeds in 30 degree weather for hours (long sleeve shirt and under armor beneath) without a hint of being cold. Every Dainese jacket I've tried on feels so much sturdier and more comfortable than the other brands such as A*, Frank Thomas, Fieldsheer, Teknic, etc...

I will see how it works in Summer with no perf in the back. If it's too hot, I'll punch some holes in it, buy another or wear my Rev'it mesh jacket.

BTW, the A* Stage jacket has a vest liner so you will need to compensate for that in the arms if you choose that jacket. If you have the opportunity to try the Stage prior to purchase, be sure to compare it to other jackets. I thought the leather was a bit stiff and the neck really rubbed me the wrong way. Also, A* back protector feels terrible. Dainese is much more substantial (yet much smaller) but more costly ($75 for Dainese and ~$30 for A*). They threw mine in for free at Cycle Gear. Not sure if they're still doing that promo. In fact, I'm not sure if the Zen isn't about to be discontinued. I can't find it on their site.

jimundascores

spartikus · 12-17-2006, 11:16 AM

I like the bora i will have to look into it i am going to wait until spring b/c right now i am not riding at all its 10 degrees and snowing like crazy

, thanks for all the info guys i appreciate it.

ivany · 12-20-2006, 10:07 PM

I have the motoGP jacket. I hear they fit a little tighter ("italian!") than A* or other brands. This is good, because I have a size S and it fits just right

Of course, I have a thin "athletic" (scrawny) build...