So, I decided to get myself a proper motorcycle jacket, you know, the kind with armor. I’ve been riding for a while now, mostly just cruising around town, but lately, I’ve been thinking about hitting the highway more often. Some folks say highways are safer since everyone’s going in the same direction, but I figured it’s better to be safe than sorry.
First thing I did was hop online and do some digging. I wanted to see what kind of jackets were out there and what other riders recommended. I spent a good chunk of time reading forums and product reviews. It seemed like leather jackets were the way to go for protection, but there were also these textile ones with mesh that looked pretty cool and breathable, especially for summer riding.
After all that research, I decided to check out a few local shops. I wanted to try on different jackets and see how they fit. The first place I went to had a bunch of leather ones, mostly Joe Rocket and River Road brands. They felt heavy and a bit stiff, but I guess that’s what you get with leather. The armor in them felt solid, though, which was reassuring.
Then I hit up another store that had a wider selection, including some of those mesh jackets. I tried on an armored mesh one, and man, it was so much more comfortable than the leather. It felt lighter, and I could actually move around in it. Plus, it seemed like it would be way better for riding when it’s hot out. The only thing was, the armor didn’t feel as substantial as the leather jackets.
I also tried on some gloves. They felt a bit weird at first, but then I started to get the point. Sweaty grips can be slippery, and it’s a natural reaction to put your hands down first if you fall. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to get a pair of those, too.
After trying on a bunch of stuff, I was torn. The leather jacket felt more protective, but the mesh one was so much more comfortable. I ended up going with the mesh jacket. It just felt right, and I figured I’d be more likely to actually wear it if it was comfortable. The one I got has armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. It’s not as tough as leather, but it’s better than nothing.
I’ve been wearing it on my rides for a few weeks now, and I’m happy with my decision. It’s comfortable, it’s got some decent protection, and it doesn’t make me feel like I’m wearing a suit of armor. Plus, I haven’t turned into a sweaty mess, even on warmer days. I got the gloves too.
There was one time the jacket felt a little strange. The elbow pads seemed off. I simply took them out and adjusted. Then it was all good.
- Looked up stuff online to see what was out there.
- Went to stores to try on jackets.
- Got a mesh jacket cause it felt better.
- Also grabbed some gloves.
- Fixed the elbow pad once it felt weird.
Things I did:
So yeah, that’s my story about getting a motorcycle jacket with armor. It was a bit of a process, but I’m glad I did it. Now I feel a little safer out there on the road, and I can enjoy my rides even more.
