Mesh or leather jacket?

[Speed King]

I am looking to buy a Jacket.
Which one is better mesh or leather?
I am kinda leaning towards the leather.
What did you spend on your mesh or leather jacket?
A lot of the leather motorcycle jackets are around $400 bucks, is that too much to spend on a leather?

[jsjdjn]

It depends on where u live? I live in Phoenix, AZ. Mesh is well liked here.

[Phil96]

Most traditionalists naturally prefer leather and claim that it has better
abrasion resistance. But I think it would be tough to beat ballistic nylon
and Kevlar and some of the new hot fabrics. Not really sure.

[Speed King]

I live in Wisconsin

[Joker]

Mesh for Florida summers..

[Datsun350Z]

Leather for me in PA. Definitely is nice for the sub-50 degree rides i've been doing this month.

It definitely depends on the weather you're planning on riding in most.

[RYC1966]

Perforated leather is good in the heat..while your moving and you can wear a long sleved shirt under it when it is a bit cold...or the icon arc mesh deals are alos a viable option

[weeesss]

I prefer leather. My latest jacket is an Alpinestars on closeout from Motorcycle Superstore. Paid $215 shipped. I always look for closeouts.

[Busa1166]

Originally Posted by Joker

Mesh for Florida summers..

+1 for me here in Miami florida but I were Kevlar Armor under my jacket anyway

[Speed King]

I love this ICON daytona leather, they want $380 for it.

[tommybusa]

leather!!!!!!!!!

[DaCol.]

Consider why your going to wear it. Looks Price or Protection if you go down. Being one who has gone down at numerous speeds, LEATHER for me is the ONLY WAY. I guess that's why Racing Bodies only let you race in leather

[WWJD]

very little mesh in MotoGP

[UncleSteve]

leather has the advantage in abrasion resistance. No problems up to 90 degrees.

Abrasion resistance is important, possibly more important than
protecting against impact - low siding off the bike only drops you
from about a metre anyway... There are a few different types of
material that you can wear:

* Leather

Leather is still the king. Has been for years and is unlikely to lose
the crown in a hurry. Lorica (an artificial leather), as used on
mostly Italian boots, is not very good at all. Leather breathes,
abrades slowly (depending on type) and is more or less showerproof.
Great against the wind, but is hot in summer. Can be dyed to almost
any colour, and there are a number of places around that make to
measure. And it never seems to wear out (except against a road) - old
jackets are just as good as new ones.

* Kevlar

Close weave kevlar is effective but doesn't slow you down (the world
is waiting for a kevlar suit with little moulded rubber lumps on it
for braking). Unfortunately, most of the kevlar used in protective
clothing is loose or open- weave type. This is not much good because
the first impact with the ground destroys the weave of the kevlar and
there is little left to protect the skin. If there are two layers then
the performance is much better because the first layer protects the
second layer which does the sliding.

* Waxed Cotton

Good for sliding on once, possibly more. Warmer than leather and more
waterproof, but gets dirty when hot. Can leave stains on other
clothes. (more detail needed)

* Nylon/Cordura

OK for strength, but the weave in the nylon can snag on rough surfaces
and tear. Is waterproof, but doesn't breathe. Good for winter,
Dri-Riders are made from this. A good range of colours too.

* Denim

Not really a protective material. If you fall at 60km/h, denim should
protect you for about 1.3m, after that you're on your
own. Interestingly enough, older jeans are better (as long as they
have no holes) because their material is smoother and slides better.
Jeans with 'fashionable' holes in the knees are no protection at all,
and if you fall off with these on you'll get no sympathy from me.

[Lurch]

I live in Wisconsin also. I have leather, Mesh, and Harley's FXR gear. I like them all but have not gone down with any of it (knock on wood). My leather is perforated and good upto about 90 degrees (this was a cool summer as you know. No 100's) My other jackets have liners and I can ride them from 25 to 105 or so and be comfortable. Just take a liner out as it gets hotter. The Scorpion Hat trick has 3 liners and is well armoured. I like this one alot. It is the one I wear down to 25 and over 75.

Also where in WIsconsin are you

[Takeuon]

Like Lurch said....you live in WI and could probably get away w/ leather year round. Just don't skimp...get a nice quality jacket that will protect you and last

I am not going to vote because living in the South East....I have both. Leather is just to hot here in the blazing summer months. So my nice Alpinestars mesh gets me through that time. When it cools down.....over to the leather I go.

[Speed King]

Originally Posted by Lurch

I live in Wisconsin also. I have leather, Mesh, and Harley's FXR gear. I like them all but have not gone down with any of it (knock on wood). My leather is perforated and good upto about 90 degrees (this was a cool summer as you know. No 100's) My other jackets have liners and I can ride them from 25 to 105 or so and be comfortable. Just take a liner out as it gets hotter. The Scorpion Hat trick has 3 liners and is well armoured. I like this one alot. It is the one I wear down to 25 and over 75.

Also where in WIsconsin are you

Im in Madison, WI

[Lurch]

Originally Posted by Speed King

Im in Madison, WI

PM sent to you along with a friend request.

[teamorion22]

the first jacket i bought was the joe rocket alter ego. it has a textile outer shell that's removable. when removed it mesh. its a very handy jacket. when it was real cold i wore under armour cold gear. BUT i shortly bought a leather jacket. having both is nice. my 2 cents is break the bank and get the bad ass gear u want. well worth it

[mattstang]

id say get what you can. if budgets no limit. get a nice leather piece for the aforementioned reasons. i cant afford leather right now and i got a textile jacket. its better than nothing.