Jacket Advice

[cowboyup3371]

The jacket I have now is a pretty nice one and has done me good for both warm and cold weather (as long as I layer up as needed) here in Colorado. However, I think I'd like to look for a new one.

My accident last year had me thinking about chest protection. I know nothing is absolutely protective and if it's really that big of a deal, I could always buy one of those protective vests like I have for the kids. However, I saw these two AlpineStars jackets and wondered if anyone had any experience with them? Does anyone know of other brands that include this feature as I'm not seeing anything so far in my limited searching.

I'm not looking to buy until after my move nor am I set on this store but I'm still trying to gather some ideas.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/17113/ITEM/Alpinestars-Royal-Drystar-Jacket.aspx

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/17112/ITEM/Alpinestars-P1-Sport-Touring-Drystar-Jacket.aspx

[TheCafeKid]

Just a warning: Alpinestars seems to think that everyone who SHOULD be wearing their gear looks like and is built like a male model. I bought one of their jackets on a good deal from an eBay close out distributor and after talking to these people on the phone we decided that their largest jacket would fit me. I think it was a 4XL!! You've seen me, ima big guy but not that damn big. Anyway, it didn't fit. Their sizing (and Icon as well) is rather goofy.

If you want REAL overall protection, buy a "flack jacket" type armor jacket that you'd likely use in motocross and pull the armor in your jacket out and wear that underneath.

Or buy a set of Bohn Armor under armor and wear that under whatever you want. It's like wicking stretch material ala UnderArmor or Nike Dri-tech or whatever with a complete armor system built in. Chest, back shoulders, forearms, elbows, hip, thigh, tailbone, knee and shin armor. And you can wear it under anything.

[TheCafeKid]

Oh, also, just as another option: along with having to buy a new helmet this season, I pretty much have to buy all new gear as I've lost enough weight nothing fits me correctly anymore, and that's almost as bad as having no gear at all.
I've settled, when I do buy later this year, on a Joe Rocket Alter Ego 3.0 jacket. It's an " all seasons" jacket with a textile shell that zips off completely to reveal a mesh jacket, and has both a separate quilted and wind-proof liner. The store you listed above has them at 233 bucks IIRC. Armored, and you can buy a better back AND chest protector elsewhere if you so desire. I am tired of having different jackets for different times of the year, and this should be the solution.

[koolaid_kid]

I bought the Alter Ego in 2005. I like being able to go to mesh when I want, but the waterproof lining has something to be desired. It is the inner-most layer, so in the rain your jacket will be soaked. It is good down to about 45-50 degrees. Lower than that and you will want more layers than just a long sleeve shirt and undershirt. Thermals would probably be best for that.
The thing I disliked most about it was that it was too short for my long body. I lost the outer layer on the way back from Ohio, so I bought a Tourmaster Rincon long jacket ($99 shipped) to replace it. I will wear the Rincon for cooler weather (with a bright vest, the Rincon only comes in black) and keep the mesh part of the Alter Ego for warmer weather riding.

[azr]

I bought the Alter Ego in 2005. I like being able to go to mesh when I want, but the waterproof lining has something to be desired. It is the inner-most layer, so in the rain your jacket will be soaked. It is good down to about 45-50 degrees. Lower than that and you will want more layers than just a long sleeve shirt and undershirt. Thermals would probably be best for that.
The thing I disliked most about it was that it was too short for my long body. I lost the outer layer on the way back from Ohio, so I bought a Tourmaster Rincon long jacket ($99 shipped) to replace it. I will wear the Rincon for cooler weather (with a bright vest, the Rincon only comes in black) and keep the mesh part of the Alter Ego for warmer weather riding.

The Joe Rocket Ballistic 11.0 is a 3/4 jacket giving that extra length, especially on down the back. It's the jacket I want to buy next but I'll have to check out their inner layer like you said, need it to be warm as well. Good advice from everyone, thanks.

[Dogma]

I bought the Alter Ego in 2005. I like being able to go to mesh when I want, but the waterproof lining has something to be desired. It is the inner-most layer, so in the rain your jacket will be soaked. It is good down to about 45-50 degrees. Lower than that and you will want more layers than just a long sleeve shirt and undershirt. Thermals would probably be best for that.
The thing I disliked most about it was that it was too short for my long body. I lost the outer layer on the way back from Ohio, so I bought a Tourmaster Rincon long jacket ($99 shipped) to replace it. I will wear the Rincon for cooler weather (with a bright vest, the Rincon only comes in black) and keep the mesh part of the Alter Ego for warmer weather riding.

The inside rain liner on my jacket also drains into the crotch. I'm a firm believer that the weather gear should go on over the armor, and overlap the waist by quite a lot.

[ddaniels]

Dale, I think we have the same jacket and I was under the impression that what you are calling the rain liner is just a windbreaker.

[koolaid_kid]

The Joe Rocket Ballistic 11.0 is a 3/4 jacket giving that extra length, especially on down the back. It's the jacket I want to buy next but I'll have to check out their inner layer like you said, need it to be warm as well. Good advice from everyone, thanks.

Check out that Ricon also. I just went out and shoveled snow wearing it (29F, wind chill 19F). It was quite warm, and a lot less expensive than Joe Rocket stuff. It is also layered and waterproof, using an inner liner, with lots of pockets. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...on-Jacket.aspx
For rain, though, it is hard to beat FroggToggs or their equivalent.

[ChicagoBob]

I'm still wearing my 1980 Brooks. Maybe it's time to upgrade?

[michaelj_444]

Me too

I`m still wearing my 1980 Hein Gericke V Pilot. LOL Try Tourmaster or Cortech. The prices are a lot better than a lot of the other guys and offer most of the same features. Here`s a link to check out and you can also find a local dealer.

http://www.helmethouse.com/

I'm still wearing my 1980 Brooks. Maybe it's time to upgrade?

[Dogma]

Dale, I think we have the same jacket and I was under the impression that what you are calling the rain liner is just a windbreaker.

Nope, it is in fact impermeable to water. Water does run down the front of it just fine though. Perhaps we have slightly different models? I prefer proper rain gear, but it will do in a pinch. It's not like you don't have room to carry rain gear.

Where can I get one of those pizzas?

[salty_monk]

Motoport jackets probably have the best protection of any out there & incl chest protection... not cheap though.

http://www.motoport.com/

[cowboyup3371]

Thanks Dan. I'll check them out. After a first look though, I wonder how good their claim to replace any crashed jacket holds up?

[ddaniels]

Where can I get one of those pizzas?

At a pizza place near Quantico in Maryland. They had to cut slots in the door jam to be able to take it through the door without turning it sideways. Myself and another guy at work went to the FBI Hostage Response Team's training facility to look at their vehicles for air tranportability and they took us out to lunch at that place. 4 of us ate on it and there was still half left over to take back to their office. And it tasted really good too. I bet you could put away a good portion of it yourself.

[salty_monk]

Thanks Dan. I'll check them out. After a first look though, I wonder how good their claim to replace any crashed jacket holds up?

Read it again.. they claim they will replace any gear that they can't repair. They'll charge you for the repair.