Leather vs. Textile vs. Mesh

I personally prefer leather. It may be little warmer in the summer, but it offers the most protection. The more protection the better, but anything is better than nothing.

leather is the best but right now i have mesh or textile i not sure lol

WOW, you are spreading the comparison a bit far...

Leather is the best for protection.

Textile is there only as a cheaper way of getting protection.

Mesh is a totally different thing. They are basically see thru... they are only to provide you protection while providing a cool (temp) jacket. They are what I call a one time use.... you go down once, it will help but the jacket is DONE!

I have a leather and a mesh!

Leather every day until it's over 90, then mesh jacket with armor in the elbows and shoulders.

I wear what I feel comfortable with at the time. Sometimes it's just a T-shirt. I know, I know. :screwy:

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leather is the best but man is my icon jacket stiff. anyone got any help on getting it to soften up. i was thinkgin of just getting it wet and trampling the thing on the road. lol but its a new jacket.

Well, you have them ranked from best to worst.

Leather can be used time and again, but can be hot in the summer. However, you can buy undershirts/pants that will wick away moisture and keep you cool. You can also buy leather with vents for airflow.

Textile is a cheaper alternative to leather, but it can most likely only be crash tested once depending on speed of crash.

Mesh is simply used to keep you cool while providing SOME protection via padding.

If you will be riding on the track, then there is no question. Buy leather. If you will be just riding on the street then textile will be okay, but like I said, it's usually only good for one crash. Because most leather and textile jackets have vents for airflow, I would recommend staying away from mesh.

zx636r said:

leather is the best but man is my icon jacket stiff. anyone got any help on getting it to soften up. i was thinkgin of just getting it wet and trampling the thing on the road. lol but its a new jacket.

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I got this leather conditioner called Lexol from Ace Hardware. It works great. They also sell Lexol leather cleaner.

zx636r said:

leather is the best but man is my icon jacket stiff. anyone got any help on getting it to soften up. i was thinkgin of just getting it wet and trampling the thing on the road. lol but its a new jacket.

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Softing the leather is bad. It makes it weak and it wont protect as well:redevil:

Twisty is right... looks at stiff leather just as a stiff Carhart... just wear it and it will get better!!

Capt is right on for the most part... text and mesh are only good for one crash. I own a leather and a mesh... best of both worlds.. Mesh is only for more of a casual cruise...

Leather rocks!
Textile good!
Mesh is junk! You will be lucky if it holds up to the initial impact and no slide protection for the cheap material just shreds.

I think Twisty had a article on mesh... with it's armor it holds up more than you think... yes it shreds but it will do the trick for one fall. Plus, it's WAY better than going w/o jacket!!! Which some people do when it gets REAL sticky hott!!

I went with textile because of price and comfort. I don't do and track riding yet so the textile is just fine for me.