Jacket Conundrum

[topherbarnett]

Well, I'm signed up to take the MSF course and need a jacket before I get there. I've only got around a hundred to blow on it, but I've found a couple on eBay that I like:

Himalaya Motorbike Wear -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160148018019

EXL Sports -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=290330740587

They both look similar, but the questions I have are:
Have you ever heard of either of these brands being complete junk?
Would you recommend one over the other?
CE Armor or No?


Thanks for the thoughts!
-Topher-

[gbw]

Congratulations on taking the MSF class. Great way to start. You'll have a blast.

Check out www.newenough.com.

Here is a good quality jacket that fits in your budget.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket_suzuki_branded_gear/fuel_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

I've also bought a few things from Jaffrum.com (the same company as moto-direct). http://www.jafrum.com/ The leather gloves I bought were good quality. But the cheap helmets I bought from them were...well, cheap.

Also, I picked up some very good TourMaster and Joe Rocket gear gently used on Craigslist. VERY good prices!

Good luck and have a great time at the MSF course.

[jmanz6]

I would go to your local dealer and see what kind of deals they have going on. I know my local dealer has a Technic textile jacket for $50 on a blowout sale - still trying not to go down and buy it. Also, it will help you get the right size. The different companies have VERY different sizing. I have an Alpinestars leather jacket that is a 2XL and it fits great but my Tourmaster mesh jacket is an XL and fits the same. Get the CE armor. It's pretty much the industry standard these days. If you are going to be riding mostly in the summer then I would look into a textile or even mesh jacket. Black leather is HOT in the sun. I use my leather jacket in the spring and fall only. I love my mesh jacket in the summer heat. Also, stay away from black. You want a jacket that people can see. Your headlight will not get their attention. You need to be seen. A brightly colored jacket and helmet will help. I have a white mesh jacket and a yellow helmet. The brighter you are the less likely you are to be overlooked. I would not trust anything off ebay as far as jeckets go unless it was a major brand and even then I would be wary. Ebay is full of scammers these days so buyer beware.

When I bought my mesh jacket there were a couple options that were in the $125-$150 range. My jacket was $160 but it has a mesh outer, windproof/waterproof liner and an insulated liner for that also. Not to mention, I like to support the local bike shop. If you don't give the good ones some support, they won't be there the next time you need them.

[reddirtrider]

I second the motion to go to your local dealers to check on jackets. They're struggling right now and depending on the season have great discounts. You can try them on and get them that day. I personally don't like buying gear that I wear on-line.

[MelodicMetalGod]

Congratulations on taking the MSF class. Great way to start. You'll have a blast.

Check out www.newenough.com.

Good luck and have a great time at the MSF course.

+1 What they said above!

Absolutely check out your local dealers. If they've got reasonable prices on a jacket that works for you, great! If not, and my dealers rarely have great deals on items that I would want, then NewEnough.com is one of the best on the net. Just ordered an entire set of gear for my lady plus a new set of leather pants, a helmet and a tank protecter. Had to exchange the pants that we got for the lady and NewEnough makes it painless and gives 110% credit if you accept their store credit.

[jmanz6]

I was poking around newenough.com and they have a lot of jackets for under $100. Nice ones too. If I were in the market for another jacket I would definately look there for a cheapie. Check out the closeout section.

[bwringer]

Oustanding deal right now on a nice mesh for a measly $49. You can remove the Honda lettering easily...

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/honda_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

Fieldsheer Mesh for $75 -- it comes in Hi Viz yella, too!

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/fieldsheer/high_flow_2_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[Mysuzyq]

If it's gotta be leather, check out their deal on Power Trip jackets...

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/power_trip/dtp_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html

The two ebay links you posted look like fashion leather grade jackets, styled like motorcycle gear....probably not as much protection there, and more expensive, to boot! New Enough's Blackhawk (U.S. Army branded gear) is also a pretty sweet leather jacket on clearance for $99.00, but most sizes have already sold out.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/power_trip_us_army_branded_gear/blackhawk_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html

Tony.

[topherbarnett]

Thanks to you all for the insight. I just placed my order with New Enough and can't wait to get it. I went with the Honda-branded Joe Rocket closeout jacket in white. With the money I saved, I grabbed a cheap set of Cortech DX gloves too! I'll post some shots when they get here.

-Topher-

[Baatfam]

New Enough's Blackhawk (U.S. Army branded gear) is also a pretty sweet leather jacket on clearance for $99.00, but most sizes have already sold out.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/bargain_basement/power_trip_us_army_branded_gear/blackhawk_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html

Tony.

I bought that jacket from them a while ago...nice stuff...

[MelodicMetalGod]

Thanks to you all for the insight. I just placed my order with New Enough and can't wait to get it. I went with the Honda-branded Joe Rocket closeout jacket in white. With the money I saved, I grabbed a cheap set of Cortech DX gloves too! I'll post some shots when they get here.

-Topher-

Well done! New Enough ROCKS!

[MikeG]

If and when you want to get a leather, check out British Motorcycle Gear's Montana jacket. I tried one on back in February at the bike show in Chicago and fell in love. It's easily the nicest leather jacket I've ever tried. It's soft and supple and comfier than a Coach jacket. It's not too bad in price either, heaper than Vanson and far more comfortable.

I'm buying one as soon as I get my bonus check at the end of the month.

[topherbarnett]

I'll definitely keep that in mind once the cooler months start rolling around.

[Florida Guy]

I checked out the Joe Rocket at newenough, but the size L has (according to their size chart) a 34" sleeve.
My sleeve is 36", and I usually try to buy TALL sizes.
Are these type bargains available (on mesh) anywhere?
I don't want leather.
Typically very few manufacturers offer TALL jackets.

[MelodicMetalGod]

I checked out the Joe Rocket at newenough, but the size L has (according to their size chart) a 34" sleeve.
My sleeve is 36", and I usually try to buy TALL sizes.
Are these type bargains available (on mesh) anywhere?
I don't want leather.
Typically very few manufacturers offer TALL jackets.

NE does have a "hard to fit" link, so check that out if you didn't already.

NE is certainly not the only vendor that has discounted deals, but they are one of the best, IMHO, due to selection and the fact that they ALWAYS have plenty of deals in closouts and bargains.

Best of luck!