[pushrod]

Okay, since KD (and crew) is apparently too busy riding motorcycles, I'd like the forum to weigh in.

My beloved old (original version) Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket has about had it.

So, I'm trying to figure out what to replace it with. FirstGear has a couple nice looking jackets, JR has a much newer (5.0) Phoenix, etc. They all look great on a monitor, but actual quality is impossible to determine.

Features that are important include (not in a particular order):
- Waterproof liner
- Real (i.e., CE) Armor in the elbow and shoulder, preferably removable
- Substantial and removeable back pad.
- A couple of pockets
- Sleeve and waist adjustability
- Mating zipper for attachment to riding pants
- Light (not necessarily white) color for reflecting the sun, especially on those Ethiopia-hot days
- Durability and washability

I have very limited access to inspect or fit any make or model. We have one significant bike dealer in town, and they have only one or two jackets on hangers.

So, what say y'all?

 

[seruzawa]

Try Tour Master decent stuff for reasonable cost on m/c superstore.

 

[trenttheuncatchable]

Webbikeworld.com is a review site, and they review a lot of jackets. I know what you mean about stores/dealers not carrying a lot of product. Or they only carry one line. Even the IMS show in Chicago didn't have all that much to check out.

 

[jeff10236]

Okay, since KD (and crew) is apparently too busy riding motorcycles, I'd like the forum to weigh in.

My beloved old (original version) Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket has about had it.

So, I'm trying to figure out what to replace it with. FirstGear has a couple nice looking jackets, JR has a much newer (5.0) Phoenix, etc. They all look great on a monitor, but actual quality is impossible to determine.

Features that are important include (not in a particular order):
- Waterproof liner
- Real (i.e., CE) Armor in the elbow and shoulder, preferably removable
- Substantial and removeable back pad.
- A couple of pockets
- Sleeve and waist adjustability
- Mating zipper for attachment to riding pants
- Light (not necessarily white) color for reflecting the sun, especially on those Ethiopia-hot days
- Durability and washability

I have very limited access to inspect or fit any make or model. We have one significant bike dealer in town, and they have only one or two jackets on hangers.

So, what say y'all?

If you liked your Joe Rocket Phoenix, why not go with the new Phoenix 5.0? The features you are looking for are all available on the Phoenix 5. You know Joe Rocket quality, and since gear can all fit differently, and since you don't have much of an opportunity to check out gear before buying, knowing how Joe Rocket fits is pretty important.

I just bought my Phoenix 5.0 yesterday. It is too early to know much, and I certainly know nothing about its durability. However, so far I'm pretty happy. It seems quite sturdy, and the mesh lets in a lot of air. I love the features: a clip for keys so they don't have to clutter up my pockets, two nice deep outer pockets, a pocket for glasses which can easily be used for a cell phone if you aren't going to use it for glasses, padding to protect your sides, it is lightweight, as well as the more standard stuff (back pad, CE shoulder and elbow armor, zipper to connect to pants, waterproof liner, etc.). The only thing I don't like so much is that it doesn't really have a collar, it just kind of ends at the neck.

 

[pushrod]

Yep,

I'm leaning that way. The local dealer had a P5.0 on the rack in YELLOW. So I tried it on for size.

 

[sarnali2]

Well you can't go wrong with an Aerostitch in stylish Hi-Viz. I prefer the Darien because you can wear the jacket only if you wish. With the zip in TelTec liner I'm warm down to low twenties and it's waterproof for the PNW monsoons I get caught in from time to time. Venting is pretty good as is the optional spine pad. So far mines held up to 5 years of almost daily use in all kinds of weather from upper teens to snow, rain and upper 90's......Good fitting, limited custom tailoring and repairs available, Made in USA quality, good reflectors, tons of pockets....

They're spendy, that's true but I feel the quality justifies the expense, if and when the time comes I'll replace this suit with another one.

 

[pushrod]

Snarli,

I would, but the Aerostich is usable only about 1/3 of the year down here. One of my serious riding buddies has one, and that's all he can stand. Just too hot and humid otherwise.

 

[ejis]

I have a Spidi something-or-other that ticks every box except for the connection zipper (it does have a piece to hold it to a belt loop though). It's a couple years old now, but I'm sure they still have something similar.

 

[jmdonald]

My Favourites

If you haven't bought anything yet. Here are some of my favourites.
Technical Motorcycle Apparel
Motorcycle Helmets | Motorcycle Jackets | Motorcycle Clothing
The Olympia offering has maximum venting in the AST.
I just like BMG.

 

[Dr_Sprocket]

Try Tour Master decent stuff for reasonable cost on m/c superstore.

+1 on the TourMaster recommendation. Something like this perhaps:

Tour Master :: Textile Jackets :: Intake Air Series 2 Jacket

I don't have this jacket, but the TM stuff I do have is of good quality.

 

[sarnali2]

Snarli,

I would, but the Aerostich is usable only about 1/3 of the year down here. One of my serious riding buddies has one, and that's all he can stand. Just too hot and humid otherwise.

Does get a little muggy though the jacket ventilates pretty well. The pants are just too much for me above 70 or so. Fortunately that's only 3 months out of the year up here, the rest of the year they're perfect.

 

[silentgrayfellow]

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego. It's like a Phoenix jacket but also has a zip on cover that converts it from a mesh jacket to a traditional jacket. The cover has chest and back vents if you need them.

Mine's 4 years old and wear is just starting to get noticable. It's a good 4 season jacket.

 

[leatherrep]

I would try arlen ness racing, moto gp jacket, leather jacket, motorcycle jacket, riding jacket, primal arlen ness, size 48, size 50, size 52, size 54, size 56, size 58, MAG jacket, streetbike jacket.

Its an awesome jacket, manufactured by one of the best companies who pay attention to detail and understand riders needs.

 

[Buzglyd]

I"ve got a Tourmaster Intake and I like it.

 

[cloud9]

Check out a user by the name SportbikeTrackGear on youtube. Gives detailed reviews on gear and doesn't sound like a salesman.