Comments on: Kevlar Motorcycle Jacket Review, Part II

By: Paul Bielicki

Paul Bielicki — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:30:14 +0000

I have to second Chuck’s opinion of the gear. I purchased the Air Mesh 3/4 jacket and Air Mesh pants after reading about them on this site and reading some testimonials on other sites. I’ve been wearing them for just about 2 years and 22,000 miles and just suffered my first wreck. I was t-boned by a car accelerating to make a left turn in front of me. Apparently the driver didnt see me until they hit me (which is a surprise since I ride a roulette green Triumph Tiger). The only injury I sustained was a broken ankle from where the car’s bumper came into direct contact with my ankle. The gear had very little abrasion on it and I only had to get the pants repaired where the EMT’s started to cut them before I could tell them about the full length zipper. Without any road rash, I was told by the ER docs and nurses that I was their most pleasant motorcycle patients they had ever seen. I was also visited the next day by the trauma doc who admitted me. It turns out that he also rides and wanted to know what I was wearing. Thank you for featuring articles on gear that is worth the money. All it takes is one wreck to realize that the Cycleport gear is worth every penny. I won’t ride without it.

By: Gregory Despain

Gregory Despain — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:06:40 +0000

I want to say – thank you for this!

By: L. GOOD

L. GOOD — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:23:56 +0000

I also own the air mesh jacket. It is a 3/4 length jacket in hi-viz. I had Motoport add the liner, emergency info pouch, and I had the cargo pockets changed to zip pockets. As for the all around chest protection, I have the problem when riding, the bulk of the jacket and the pads, it “rides” up under my chin making it difficult for me to turn my head from side to side when changing lanes. Another thing I didn’t care for is the jacket has a snap to close the jacket under the chin which is difficult and time consuming. They need to make it rider friendly by using velcro at the neck and sleeves.
I am very pleased with the Kevlar material. I feel it is truly the best jacket for overall protection. I also ordered the kevlar pants with several options added. I am extremely pleased with the pants but, I wish I would have purchased the shorter jacket now.
The jacket and pants cost around $1200. I felt this was extremely costly but, when you compare the cost of the “suit”, with your skin there is no comparison.
I have a friend who works as a Lifeflight helecoptor nurse who told me, they have been to many motorcycle accidents, and the victims who were wearing the proper protective ( jacket/pants ) clothing, had to have their gear cut off with scissors (this took awhile to cut through). After the protective clothing was removed much to their surprise, the victim suffered no bodily damage other than a brokon ankle, and road rash on the wrist due to not having the sleeve snug on the wrist it road up the arm a little during the slide across the interstate. The protective clothing doesn’t prevent broken bones but, it did save time in the E.R. by not having the asphalt ground into your skin, and road rash. He also commented the difference between the riders in t-shirts/jeans, and the riders wearing protective gear. Needless to say, the victims in t-shirts/jeans their cloths were literally worn through beyond recognition and their skin as well.
I would much rather spend my money on the proper protective gear than spend it on medical bills and surgeries. No comparison in my book

By: Sumner Andrews

Sumner Andrews — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:57:10 +0000

I have been wearing the air mesh for two year here in AZ. I have ridden up to temperatures of 118 and still enjoyed the experience. In colder temperatures down to 20 F, the combination of several thin thermal layers underneath and a BMW rain suit over the Air Mesh kept me toasty warm for several hours.

By: Chuck Percy

Chuck Percy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:06:43 +0000

I have the 3/4 length mesh jacket (hip length) with the double liner, and the matching pants with liner. I have comfortably ridden in temps as low as 7F without needing any extra insulation. I do need better gloves and boots for the cold, though. Take the liners out, and I’m actually more comfortable in the suit than without it, as long as I’m moving. I bought my gear last year and I am completely satisfied.

Dana, in answer to your question, no. I spent a long time on the web looking around, and I have never found anything comparable. The gear isn’t cheap. But what’s your skin worth? I’ve seen how serious road rash can be, and I’ve seen it treated. I will pass on the experience. I consider the $1100 I spent to be money well spent, and I would do it again.