Riding Jacket Input

CBRJenny · 07-09-2007, 08:18 AM

I need to purchase a jacket. I do have a leather but it is very hot here in South Florida. I have been looking at the "Stella Bionic" but do I really need that? What do you ladies wear ? Or from your past experience what would you suggest?

Thanks!!!

CodyFL · 07-09-2007, 09:04 AM

Sorry, I'm a dummy. I have the Cortech LNX air jacket. I am very surprised at how much cooler I was riding in it. It does have the armor in the arms, back and shoulders. I had to look/try on/ keep looking for a long time for something that would fit my big ol' self. I had it down to 2 jackets, the JR Cleo/Cleo 2 and the Cortech that I bought. I may still buy a Cleo just down the road a couple of months. The reason I finally decided on the Cortech was because it has the extra quilted lining so I can ride with it in cooler weather.

Now pants is still a work in progress and I may try the idea that acalliste and I discussed and if it works I'll let you know.

Nancy

acalliste · 07-09-2007, 11:44 AM

Wrong Jenn, Nancy.

CBRJenny, I use to have a Cleo mesh jacket -- just sold it a few months ago. I really liked it for hot weather, but the fit was too short for my liking and I bought a leather jacket a few months after I bought the mesh one, and just started wearing it all the time. So I got rid of the mesh.

But, it was really, really cool. Almost like not wearing one at all. If wearing mesh keeps you from not wearing a jacket at all, then go for it. But leather will protect you better if you go down in it.

That said, I'm now on the lookout for a new mesh/textile jacket with a longer cut. I don't like the short jackets that leave my lower back exposed.

Even my leather jacket, which is longer, is still too short. I had a strip of sunburn on my lower back when I got home Saturday.

acalliste · 07-09-2007, 11:52 AM

Wow, I just googled that jacket - the Stella Bionic. That is really interesting. It doesn't give a rating for the back protector, but does for the elbow and shoulder pads. That's the only thing I don't like about it.

Here are a couple of reviews I found on it:

Denise L
Golden, CO - Colorado
Alpinestar Stella - It takes a bit to get used to it and I think the sizing is a bit off, but over all it's comfortable. The protection factor outweighs the slight ill-fittingness. I am 5'6", athletic and have fairly developed biceps (from riding) and it's a bit tight in the arms. The 'cups' leave a bit to be desired for my athletic build, but maybe they are better suited for larger gals. I bought a medium and think a large would be too big, so I'll keep the medium. The bummer is that NO ONE carries them to try on before you buy. Overall a thumbs up for protection!

Mary
Warner, NH - New Hampshire
Great Armor - This armor is comfortable to wear, didn't know I had it on. It stays in place, provides good protection in case of a spill. I'm 5'4" and weigh 145 lbs, I bought a large and it fit well.

blndebmbr · 07-09-2007, 12:52 PM

I have a men's XS AGV and really like it. The new cortech airs look very nice too. But I wear my mesh whenever it is hot. I love it and hardly notice the armor at all. It's very comfy.
Same with my Cortech Textile. It is very comfy and I wear it more than my leather. I am a huge fan of textile on the street.

belladonna · 07-09-2007, 06:09 PM

it's more of a motocross jacket that should be worn under your jersey, isn't it?

i have an icon merc textile jacket and i love it. i went down in it and it just got dirty, no rips and i didn't get rashed. it is on the warmer side of the textiles that i've tried though. as far as sizing goes, it doesn't leave much room in the chest area if you're on the larger side. i'm very athletic so my jacket fits me perfectly. i'm 5'8, 125 and wear a size med.

blndebmbr · 07-09-2007, 07:55 PM

No, I wear under my jersey is Thor's Impact Rig. It is totally different. It is a pressure suit with armor in all the right places. A mesh jacket is a lot cooler than that impact rig is...I sweat my arse off in that thing.

125 at 5'8, bella you are a stick!

CBRJenny · 07-10-2007, 07:56 AM

I have found a couple I like and they are CE rated. The Teknic Supervent mesh jacket and the Teknic Sequoia. What do the CE ratings mean?

Also are there any type of low cut boots that are good for riding that anyone could recommend?

I am sorry I keep asking so many questions but I really want to buy the right safety equipment the first time around.
Any input is greatly appreciated!!!!!!

acalliste · 07-10-2007, 08:12 AM

I have a pair of short Frank Thomas boots that I used to wear all the time until I bought my Alpinestars. They are waterproof, which makes them great for Florida, and they are pretty comfy too.

Here's a pic I took when I was thinking about selling them on eBay, but they are so ugly I decided that no one would want to buy them so I never listed them.

Rebelde · 07-10-2007, 11:33 AM

**edit**please ignore my technical difficulties...

Rebelde · 07-10-2007, 11:35 AM

I have the a* v-rebel flo textile jacket. It's kinda short (I'm 5'8") but I wear it with my leather pants (which come up really high), so I'm covered. The thing with a* jackets is that you can buy a separate ce back protector that they make, which fits into the pocket. It's the same size for both my textile and my leather jacket (which is also a*).

mssdrider · 07-10-2007, 11:38 AM

Hey jenny
i've always worn leather, or perforated leathers, because for some reason i don't really trust mesh or textile. One thing you should look as a caution though, is the zipper plastic? because i think one of my friends bought a a* jacket with a flimsy plastic zipper...not that great. i have the teknic violator jacket and it's really not bad for the summer. I also wear underarmour under my jacket and found that it makes a huge difference. I know it's not what you were looking for but just wanted to throw my $.02 in!