Not just for RT-P's. or.....

[roughwaterjohn]

.... a gratuitous plug for a great jacket.

 

So I've got this super cool leather jacket, looks great and keeps me warm, but as the weather (finally) warms up, I find it's a little over the top.

 

Looking for a jacket that could protect me (ATGATT)but also keep me cool and keep me from overheating in really hot weather, I found this;

 

http://copquest.com/74-0510.htm

 

I didn't want the CHP patches, for obvious reasons, but I did like the reflective stripe on the back. Rather than order this jacket;

 

http://copquest.com/74-0500.htm

 

I ordered the CHP jacket without the patches but with the reflective strips on both inner and outer jackets for the same price.

 

This jacket was much cooler than I anticipated, and I had high expectations. I like the short LE style jackets because they don't bunch up when I'm sitting on a motorcycle. They were designed to clear a gunbelt, but it's nice not to have that big "jacket belly" that longer jackets usually give you.

 

There is an outer rain wind jacket for really cold conditions, but removing that reveals a textile jacket with elbow, shoulder and back armor. There is an inner liner that can be removed, that makes the jacket a very cool, flow through hot weather jacket with armor intact. Every component, from outer jacket to inner textile has redundant pockets and compartments. As you peel off layers, you never loose pockets, compartments or accessories, and they're always in the same location.

 

I did have to cut off the badge holder, as I didn't want to look too goofy, but that took only a couple of minutes. Great protection even in really hot weather, add the liner as it cools, or zip on the outer shell for rain or really inclement weather. Plus, it all fits in the city cases, which is not the case with the leather jacket.

 

Hope this isn't too boring, or out of order for this forum, but I'm really impressed, and love the versatility this jacket offers. I apologize if this isn't appropriate or out of order. I don't make any money off of this or get any kickbacks, I just think it's a cool product that does more than it specifies.

 

[r77toy]

Kinda like one of these

http://www.newenough.com/street/protective_apparel/convertible_textile_mesh_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/flex_series_2_textile_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[roughwaterjohn]

Yes, exactly, but I've always been a fan of high visibility black, and I like a shorter jacket. Maybe it's just me, (probably is) but longer jackets always ride up when I'm riding. It was nice to finally find something that was protective, but short.

 

I know it's a safety thing, but most MC jackets are bright colors. I've been looking for quite a while to find a jacket that was all black, and was short enough to be comfortable while riding, without having to keep tugging it back down. Even the reflective strip on the back was black until light hits it.

 

I know I get excited about silly things, it just makes me happy to find something I've been looking for, so I thought I'd share.

[Allen Rowand]

My big "jacket belly" is not the jacket's fault

[ratfink]

John:

 

I have a couple textile jackets with hard armor. One is pretty comfortable and not restrictive but I don't have much confidence the armor will stay in proper position if u know what happens.

 

The other jacket; the armor might stay in position but the jacket is stiff and bulky and restricts movement, almost a hazard in itself.

 

So I just wondered how your jacket compares?

[roughwaterjohn]

The jacket is very comfortable and flexible. I haven't spent much time with the outer jacket attached, but the standard jacket including the inner lining seems to bend and flow with my movements very well.

 

The back and shoulder armor are well placed, and don't appear to move around. I don't think I'm going to have any problem with them staying in place. The elbow armor is also fixed, but initially, didn't seem to be where I really needed it and had more movement than I thought was right. There is a strap on the forearm though, with three snap buttons for adjustment. Once I adjusted the strap and snapped it down, the jacket remained flexible with great movement, but the armor fell right into place for my elbow, and stayed there.

 

If you're not interested in the shorter jacket like I am, then I think any of the regular Tour Master Flex Series jacket would work also, as r77toy mentioned. What I liked about the the differences between the LE version and the regular Tour Master, are.. shorter torso, no reflective piping, snap-down traditional collar, basic black, and the black reflective strip on inner and outer jacket instead of the reflective triangle. The strip is velcroed on, and can be removed when you don't want or need it.

 

All my previous jackets were leather, so this is my first textile. I am very impressed, and it is now my favorite jacket. With the outer shell and inner lining removed, it keeps me very cool on hot days and almost feels like no jacket at all, yet it has protection. I can add the extra stuff as weather gets colder, and each piece is flexible enough to fit in the side cases so I have them available to change on the fly as conditions warrant.

 

[ratfink]

John:

 

Thanks, sounds like much improved from a few yaers ago. I like the flex part.

 

You know, you try this stuff on and seems pretty good but you don't know till you go on some longer rides, so good to get input from someone else before buying.

[OldMotor]

I wear this jacket for work and it is a very well made jacket. The only complaint I have, is that it is a wee bit too short in the back. I do get a little air from time to time. Other then that, real nice jacket.