Suit material

Which is better - leather or cordura/nylon/mesh? I'm thinking about a new suit for spirited riding. Obviously the racers wear leather, but I think that would be a bit hot for cruising around Hotlanta. Looks like there are some nice mesh jackets out there with skidplates in all the right places. Thoughts?

In my experience, the textiles (Cordura) are not all they're cracked up to be when it comes to ventilation. You can't beat a waterproof textile in the rain, however. Leather, most certainly, will provide little to no ventilation. I ride with a Kush!tani mesh jacket in the summer, and yes I sacrifice some safety for comfort. I have a Dainese leather jacket I wear when it's not hot and humid. I also have a Cordura that I rarely wear. Joe Rocket offers their Phoenix jacket and it's incredibly popular, but it's not Cordura. I suppose it's just a question of how much safety you're willing to sacrifice.

I ride with a Joe Rocket mesh jacket in the summer. Plenty of ventilation when you are riding and padding in the right places. I have seen one that someone took a spill with (not sure how fast) and it only showed minor scuffing - that sold me. However, definitely not the same level of protection as my leather jacket. But hey, who is gonna climb into leather in Aug in the South?