Is it worth buying

[rockat]

I have a First Gear textile jacket. Feeling like I need to get a leather jacket for it's added protection. Given, that I already have a jacket, do you all agree that it's actually worth spending $170 for the protection of this particular leather?

AVG Sport Toganga Leather Jacket

[KatanaGSX92]

There's no denying that in general, a proper fitting leather jacket provides better protection than a textile jacket. Assuming they both have the same armor, of course.

I have both and feel better protected wearing leather. But there are times when I will wear my textile jacket - perhaps it's a very hot day and I'm just making a short, surface street commute. But when I'm riding in the canyons, it's leather jacket and pants, regardless of the temperature.

Now as to the cost, I have purchased all of my leather gear on ebay...either new or slightly used and have saved a ton of money. The most I've paid for a name brand leather riding jacket is $85.

[rockat]

That's good to know. Maybe I should scour Ebay and Craigslist for a jacket. Seeing as I don't necessarily need a jacket right now. Thanks.

[Wild-Bill]

In a crash, the difference in protection between leather and textile is pretty negligible. Unless you're going really, really fast, the textile will last through the slide. The big difference is that textile is good for one slide. Leather will frequently survive more than one.

That said, I've got one of each. If it's hot outside or I'm going on base where I have to have bright colors, reflective material, etc. I wear the mesh. Now that I'm retired from the AF and don't have to follow those rules off-base, the black leather jacket comes out of the closet a lot more. I've only got one set of riding pants; black leather. Those come out when I'm going riding to go riding. Otherwise, it's jeans. I know, denim isn't the greatest protection but they look semi-respectable when I get where I'm going and they're good enough protection for most crashes. (Under 45mph)

[boomer_95]

In a crash, the difference in protection between leather and textile is pretty negligible. Unless you're going really, really fast, the textile will last through the slide. The big difference is that textile is good for one slide. Leather will frequently survive more than one.

That said, I've got one of each. If it's hot outside or I'm going on base where I have to have bright colors, reflective material, etc. I wear the mesh. Now that I'm retired from the AF and don't have to follow those rules off-base, the black leather jacket comes out of the closet a lot more. I've only got one set of riding pants; black leather. Those come out when I'm going riding to go riding. Otherwise, it's jeans. I know, denim isn't the greatest protection but they look semi-respectable when I get where I'm going and they're good enough protection for most crashes. (Under 45mph)

a good textile jacket (from what Ive read) should save you from a serious crash about the same as a leather jacket with the same armor. but as you said the main difference is that textile is garbage afterwards, while leather can be crashed many times (i know because my dad gave me his jacket that he went down in, and it barley looked touched).. but then again there is a reason why racers CANT wear textile in any form

[ygolohcysp]

I want to point out that the effectiveness of a jacket, and the armor it would have, is also rather dependent on the fit of the jacket, as well as the type. If it doesn't fit right, then the armor will move around, and might not be where it should be when rolling on the ground/pavement. I have a mesh jacket that I got when I started riding, and felt safe in because of the armor. But I started getting more experience, and found that when tucking in, I'd have to first fold all the extra material in front of my stomach first because the torso was designed for a 250 pound body, where as I only weighed 170. The arms and shoulders fit, but the rest was too big. I ended up getting a Dainese leather jacket for the fit designed a more slender figure, and when wearing it, it just fits so well.

Leather can protect better, but make sure you're getting something that fits, because an improperly fitted leather jacket may be worse than a proper fitting textile.

[ZukiFred]

Is it worth $170? Well how much is your skin worth to you?
Also some good reading in this thread too. http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=128595

[KAT TOY]

I lucked into a Joe Rocket 2 pc leather suit on Craigslist for $150. do your research.

[rockat]

Thanks ya'll. I'll keep my eye on motorcyclegear.com. They seem to have pretty nice closeouts from time to time. Hoping to find a jacket or 2 piece suit on craigslist or ebay.

[soulpatch]

what size you looking to get into? I have a used Icon jacket I will most likely never wear again as I have 2 other leather jackets and a textile.

if ou want new check out other sites as well. Motorcyclecloseouts has some really good deals

[rockat]

what size you looking to get into? I have a used Icon jacket I will most likely never wear again as I have 2 other leather jackets and a textile.

if ou want new check out other sites as well. Motorcyclecloseouts has some really good deals

Ah why am I just seeing this now??? I bought a S&S Hell n Back jacket off motorcyclecloseouts for $119. Great deal; however, the sleeves are about an inch too short. I have been meaning to post it on KR for sale just to recoup my cost and buy a different one. I would do rma, but their return policy sucks balls. Shame too because I think it's a really nice jacket.

What size are you? I have a 42" chest but 35" arms. Makes it kind of hard to get a proper fitting jacket.

[soulpatch]

I have this sitting in the closet in size large. You can look up the measurements online but the arms run a bit long for icon so it might be perfect for you. Needs bugs cleaned out most likely and a mr clean eraser to get smog and such out but in otherwise perfect condition. So look up the size and let me know if it woudl work for you and if so we can work something out.

[rockat]

Thanks Andy. I looked up Icon sizing on revzilla. A large has the right chest size, but 33" arms. I think I will have the same problems unfortunately. My gorilla arms are great for basketball, but wack for shirts and jackets.

[soulpatch]

gotcha well good luck.

You should probably consider gauntlet gloves to cover the gap as it will probably be hard to find the right sleeve length.

[rockat]

Thanks bud. I actually do have some Sedici gauntlets. But, I don't want to look like Urkel when I'm just hanging out with my jacket on. That's a good idea though for riding.