New synthetic jackets with body armor vs. old fashioned leather (hype or worthwhile?)

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Permalink Reply by Motoboy on December 7, 2007 at 2:22pm

I normally wear a cordura jacket now after years of wearing leather. I've never went down in the cordura but I have some experience in leather. I did have the body armor in each time and it did do it's job of limiting damage to me. There are two different types of armor and they each have their pros and cons. The hard shell typically on the shoulders and elbows help better in a hard hit to spread the impact across a wider area. The downside is if you slide a long way on the armor it will wear through the material faster and could cause it to rip. The soft armor doesn't spread the impact quite as good but won't cause it grind through like the hard style. A cordura jacket is a lighter than leather expecially after it gets wet and requires less maintenace. I use a jacket now with the soft armor because it is a little more comfortable and is more manageable to store in a saddle bag or carry around. I think Vanson Leathers have the traditional style with armor and most of their stuff is made in USA. I've used their stuff and it's well made. Whatever you buy make sure it's comfortable so you'll be more likely to wear it even on hot days or the shorter rides, you never know when some goober in a cage will take you out. Remember a jacket costs less than a skin graft.

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Permalink Reply by TejasRider on December 10, 2007 at 8:52pm

I think one of the biggest advantages of synthetics is the versatility in dealing with weather. With zip out liners, water resistance, adjustable venting, etc. it seems you can have one jacket that is comfortable in a greater range of temperatures, especially as it gets cold. That having been said, my preference when using synthetic is to find jackets/pants that reinforce impact areas with leather. Not that that is any kind of guarantee, but I just feel better knowing good old cowhide is in the right places. Also there seems to be a higher likelihood from the stories I've read that though it will protect you from a crash, most synthetics may be good for only one crash.

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Permalink Reply by Russell Dickerson on January 7, 2008 at 2:09am

I ride an ST1300 and I own three types of jackets. A Textile jacket(there are all kinds) that has the elbow, shoulder and back pads. It is used mostly for cool weather from 20* to about 70* and has a removable liner. I believe it is the safest jacket to own. I have a summer MESH jacket(as they call them) that breathes a lot better and I use it in temps from 40* to about 90*. It has a removable rain liner for those unexpected showers. I also have a leather jacket that may be the second choice of protection and I wear it for short trips from 50* to about 80*. I wouldnt be concerned about the LOOK as much as the protection. My leather jacket is black, its smooth, it has zip up sleeves and its almost too dressy to think about falling down. My brother on the other hand has the leather jacket with more zippers, and the flap and the belt that can scratch the tank(more like a Fonzy look to me). Either way, Leather, Textile, or Mesh, wear something for protection. Chaps or Pants too. GLoves and high Leather boots. Its your body and not worth all the pain of being too cool about looks as the look in the emergency room aint worth it.

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Permalink Reply by Rdcnslr on January 19, 2009 at 9:34am

I currently own two textile/padded/armored jackets. One is an HJC touring model that is a little longer and is my preference for the colder rides. It has the removeable pads in the back, elbows and shoulders as well as Kevlar reinforcments at the elbows and shoulders. The liner is polartec and does keep me warm! The jacket shell definitely keeps out the wind and cold!! My second jacket is a shorter style with the same type of padding and hard point reinforcements. The removeable lining is quite light weight but allows for a more versitile jacket for shorter rides or as an alternate to the HJC on long trips in warmer weather. Both are waterproof, a real blessing not needing to worry about the occassional rain drizzle in the northwest!! Can't say anything about how they hold up if you go down! Another advantage is they take up less room when not being worn! Both have many vents for the warmer rides but still offering protection!

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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Williams on March 12, 2009 at 5:46am

Father Time, I just purchased one of these jackets that you are referring to and I sure do like it. It is made by tourmaster. The price was $151.03 with free shipping. Cost less than a good MC leather jacket. Hopefully I will never have to find whether it is any good during as asphalt plowing session but if I do then I hope that it is as good as it seems to be. I read some reviews before I bought. People that say they have been down have come up with broken bones but no scratches to speak of. The jackets also have several vents in them for cooler riding in the summer. By the way, I am from the old school (68 yrs) also and still wear my leathers quite a bit.

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Permalink Reply by Rdcnslr on March 12, 2009 at 10:42am

I have previously commented on this subject but would like to add some more. Since I last responded I have done some additional research and found that there are all leather jackets out there with body armor, hard and soft(removeable). There are also some other jackets that are combining leather and textile with armor and soft, removable padding. I have not had any experience with going down with my textile jackets but do like the versatility and waterproof aspect of both jackets I own. Packability is another plus for the textile jackets with and without the armor/padding. I agree, whatever your choice in materials for whatever reason, wear some kind of protection . . . .short sleeves and a vest don't offer much!! Leather Up, onlne rider store has a wide selection of jackets of all kinds and provides quick and reliable service when ordering (www.leatherup.com).

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Permalink Reply by Judy on March 12, 2009 at 11:10am

MIke and I had some friends go down last September. Both were wearing their armored jackets. We were all only going 25 or so around a curve, and a car coming down came into our lane causing them to run off the road. anyway long story.. After we all were in the hospital, the doctor came in saying... those jackets are great. They helped your friends from being really hurt.

Got back to the hotel and looked at their jackets.... we were inpressed to say the least. some scrapes on the shoulders, is all on her jacket. The rider... well he got a hole in the mesh just from the brake lever. The jackets were Joe Rocket.

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Permalink Reply by Victor on June 4, 2009 at 12:28am

I have the old leather jacket for winter and cordura for riding in the spring . in Tucson in the summer I just ride after dark and just ride in a long sleeve shirt. I manged not to get hit or crash at this point while owning these jackets, and Hey I,m on an old 86 gold wing interstate so I don't mind speed racer look ....lol

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Permalink Reply by Tim Crowder on January 2, 2010 at 2:40pm

I have a good friend that was saved by a kevlar jacket with armor. He went down and got banged up pretty bad but the jacket took most of the abuse. The jacket elbows and the amoured back were pretty badly damaged. The jacket was trashed. The hospital staff claimed if he had not been wearing this type jacket his injuries would have been alot more severe. (possible broken back with spinal injury) I wear mine all the time. I'ts kind of a mesh material with armour and the winter liner zips out for summer riding. I'd say it's worth it.

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Baltosser on April 13, 2010 at 7:11pm

I'm old enough to remember Speed Racer, and yes they do make leather jackets, with some armor reinforcement in key places. I'll tak a look on base tomorrow to see what brad they have on hand. Probably more out there, but I know they have at least that type to start with. I'm thinking it was Icon, but I'll look to be sure. I've been down before and really enjoyedthe leathers. I wear my leathers year round, rain or shine, no problems so far, and even in North Carolina I would not describe heat as an issue.

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Permalink Reply by Rdcnslr on April 17, 2010 at 2:12pm

Aaron, take a look at the website, leatherup.com , they have every kind of jacket you can imagine and some pretty good prices. I bought my shorter jacket from them last year and it has proven to be every bit as good as my HJC.

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