Waist length or 3/4 jackets? Could anybody explain the differences to me?
 

Besides the evident difference in length, what are the differences between waist length and 3/4 jackets regarding usage, performance, specific functions, etc.?

I would appreciate any explanation.

Some would say the style. Alot will depend on your build and the type of riding you will do....yes,folks will argue this,of course.The length of a garment can add or detract from your riding.3/4 length jackets offer a bit more protection than waist length....waist length should be zippered or buttoned to the pants so it will not "ride-up" on the rider in a crash.Waist length are usually more form fitting ( a tighter fit) than 3/4 length. A 3/4 length "may" have more pocket space than a waist length.Sometimes if your a "bigger" person,a waist length jacket may ride up on you and the collar will rub your neck while riding....again, your build comes into play here.
I wear Motoport gear,and on their site,they have a reasonable explanation of this very thing.

Waist length jackets will ride up when you start sliding on the pavement.

When I ride a bike with a forward leaning seating position, e.g. a sportbike, the extra material in the front of a 3/4 jacket is annoyingly bulky.

For me 3/4 = warmer and dryer

All jackets will ride up if you slide on the pavement feet first unless you zip them to your pants.

For rain, waist-length jackets require better waterproofing and layers for the fly of the pants. 3/4 jackets MAY cover the fly enough so that the flaps or gussets don't have to always handle a puddle of water.

For me, no matter how well a fly is gusseted, preventing a puddle is better planning than keeping a puddle and hoping it doesn't get through.

Sit up riding position allows me to wear a 2/4 length, and lets me enoy the slightly increased warmth, weather and wind protection . ..

semi-race crouch dictates a waist length jacket -- if not zipped to pants, more wind hitting your lower back, greater chance of weather incursion, all things being equal.

At least with my Darien, I can unzip a portion of the bottom to allow this to smooth out. Good thing someone invented the two sided zipper.:D

Oh, if that was the only annoyingly bulky thing I had to worry about when leaning forward...:D

3/4 is for people 40+

I tuck the front of mine up and under sometimes if I am bothered by the extra material.

:lol3

Aimed at me, but accurate.

:rofl

So true.... 3/4 hides beer gut better :D

<------ over 40!

3/4 provides better rain and wind protection.


Over 40 means wiser and faster