Not sure if this is right place to post this but has anyone tried any of the Motoport Air Mesh jackets??? Kinda pricey but they look first rate. http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/_catalog_106903/Air_Mesh_Jackets
I have an Ultra II I bought used last year from an ADV inmate. Excellent jacket, a bit stiff but not restrictively so. It does not flow as much air as a typical nylon mesh jacket (Joe Rocket, Icon etc), especially with the chest armor in place. I really like mine and wore it all last summer with temps ranging from 80F to upper 90'sF. Sitting in traffic, yeah it can get hot, but as long as you are moving the air flow is fine. I like the fact that it comes with full armor: elbows, shoulders, back, and chest. As far as Motoport quality, I have a Canyon Dual Sport jacket and pants made by Motoport, the outfit is 16 years old but still functional.
+1 on the pants, though they don't fit. I think they shrank.:eek1 Ultra II jacket should arrive next week. With Motoport, you get what you pay for. They aren't one season and done articles.
Ditto on what zookster said. Just got my ultra ii used from an inmate and love it. A little more stiff than I was used to but because they use the stretch Kevlar where needed, it's not as noticeable. Also just got back from a 600 mile ride wearing their mesh overpants. Wore shorts underneath and still felt protected with the hip, thigh, knee, and shin armor. Very good air flow and I like the full length zippers.
I have worn one for several years now. Great, but not lightweight, jacket. Very highly recommended. As noted above, with the armor in place it allows less airflow than some other mesh jackets - although those seem like toys to me in comparison. It does work well. I tested it, at what had been 35 mph, earlier in the day this photo was taken at Atigun Pass and, except for a small bruise high on my right side where the (front and rear) armor pieces leave a small gap in coverage, came away completely unscathed:
I have the "waist cut" air mesh jacket. It's definitely top notch. The only gripes I have is that it's too cold below 50 deg F (even with both liners) and I can't layer much underneath it, but that's not what it's intended for, so I really can't complain. I strongly recommend it. I like the Motoport stuff so well that I bought an Ultra II cordura jacket for cooler temps, and it's perfect.
If you can afford it, buy it. Best stuff on the market. Low sided at 40 MPH not a mark on the jacket after sliding and tumbling quiet a distance. The only stuff that is comprable is the the 'Stich but to hot for me. Motoport moves more air even with all that armor than any other jacket. If you live in a hot, humid climate it's 1st rate. Also it's the only textile accepted at the track I frequent.
Have about 12,000 miles on a set of the Motoport air mesh kevlar. So far REALLY like it. Comfortable up to about 80 degrees, bearable up to 90 as long as you are moving -- past that, anything that blocks airflow at all is uncomfortable. I'm riding a R1100 GS with a Cal-sci screen, so good wind protection, but it doesn't block all the breeze. The armor placement is good, adjustability is great, and the build quality excellent. I did spring for the rain liners -- very well built, but in retrospect, I'd be tempted to try a set of Dry Ducks underneath for $30 and see how that works. Guess it depends on how often you are reaching for the rain protection. Very pleased with this gear and don't go on the bike without it! Cheers Dave
Kevlar Air Mesh rates high enough in protection that we'd love to be one of its dealers. It's as good or better than 1000d Cordura mesh. The rest, and we mean all the rest, is garbage.
I have the Marathon air mesh jacket and pants....Bearable to 100F....the quad armor is great. Im 6'9" so the ability to custom fit is a major plus with me.......Its the best non-leather gear made on the planet.
Have a Kevlar Air Mesh jacket (was custom made), and Kevlar Air Mesh pants I bought used. Many of the same pros and cons as echoed by others: Pros: Durability & Protection Ventilation Custom fit & features (I'm about 6'5 and fairly slender); they'll add/change pockets how you want. Cons: Stiff Heavy Rough texture Ventilation (when all armor in place) I looked at Aerostich Darien and BMW jackets before settling on this. Those are definitely good, but I think this is better. The Motoport kevlar stuff is pretty much the most well-built, protective gear you can buy. Reasonably, but not the most, comfortable. I'll be wearing it when I ride thru to Laughlin and Flagstaff next week in 90+ heat, I'll let you know how it goes.
I have a Marathon Air-Mesh Jacket and a pair of the Air-Mesh over pants--quad armor all around. They fit well and appear to be very protective (don't really want the opportunity to test them on that point). I am good with a simple layer underneath from 60 degrees and up. Below that I zip in the rain liners and start layering as necessary. Above 95 or in traffic on a hot muggy day they are hot--but show me what gear offering the same protection would not be similar. Overall, I like them a lot and would buy them again.
Yeah, I don't have much hair either :) I will be sporting the Velocity Gear Juggernaut armor after this week, and I can already tell my Tourmaster and Joe Rocket will be too hot even with the armor out. Are "mesh" jackets made just for this type of riding...warm weather and lots of stuff under the jacket so maximum airflow, but resistant to sliding? I am going to roast if I use my Tourmaster or Joe Rocket jackets, which have zippers but are fairly thick.
1st,,,,,,,Motoports air mesh gear is totally different than the stuff that is used by Joe Rocket or Tourmaster.....That stuff is not anywhere near the same league at Air Mesh stuff. The nice thing about the air mesh is that you can wear a wind breaker or heated gear. then when it gets hot. You just wear a t-shirt and shorts and your still going to be protected. Also,unlike those other mesh gear. Motoport wont melt your skin during a skid. The airmesh wont transfer heat in a skid.