Which Jacket Should I Buy?

[Finewest]

After reading ParkerBill's sobering crash report I am now fully convinced I need to upgrade my riding jacket.

I can't decide between two models:

1. Tourmaster Saber 3/4 Textile Jacket - $89 (New Enough)
2. First Gear Kilimanjaro 4.0 3/4 Textile Jacket - $269 (New Enough)

Both look pretty good, but vastly different in price. Any of you guys have these jackets, and what is your experience and opinions? Deciding factors for me are size; I'm 6'4" 300lbs. Material. One is 300 ballistic nylon, the other 600 ballistic nylon.

Thanks!

[Byron]

O.K., don't have first hand knowledge about the two jackets you mentioned but the Kilimanjaro is very similar to the jacket I do have. You might want to check out Olympia Moto Sports Bushwacker (http://www.olympiamotosports.com/bushwacker/bushwacker.htm). I really like mine. It has the following features:

- Outer shell constructed in 500 denier DuPont Cordura® with ballistic airflow mesh panels
- Removable utility/fanny pack
- Waterproof, Thermolite® insulated liner jacket
- Removable CE approved Motion Flex armor at elbows and shoulders
- Removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector
- Cool mesh airflow lining
- Custom Fit detailing at collar, cuffs, elbows and waist.
- Comfort neoprene collar insert
- 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping at front, sides and back.
- 8” connecting zipper for pants
- Eight storage pockets
MSRP $249.99 Sizes S - 4XL

[Finewest]

I'm leaning towards the Tourmaster's Saber model. Price is good, and I think it looks good too. I even think the graphic design and colors of the jacket matchs the ST's front. I am attaching a photo and the link to the Tourmaster's web page for the jacket for your opinion.

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=47&cat=3

[SteveST1300]

Tourmaster makes nice stuff I use the CORTECH mesh and like it alot. As for the jacket go with what you like and feels best, I would stay with a 3/4 length.:03biker:

[Tor]

After reading ParkerBill's sobering crash report I am now fully convinced I need to upgrade my riding jacket.

I can't decide between two models:

1. Tourmaster Saber 3/4 Textile Jacket - $89 (New Enough)
2. First Gear Kilimanjaro 4.0 3/4 Textile Jacket - $269 (New Enough)

Both look pretty good, but vastly different in price. Any of you guys have these jackets, and what is your experience and opinions? Deciding factors for me are size; I'm 6'4" 300lbs. Material. One is 300 ballistic nylon, the other 600 ballistic nylon.

Thanks!

The Firstgear Kilimanjaro is a good all weather jacket. I am not talking about the Kili Air. I use it year round on long trips. Very comfortable, very warm with the liner, and at least mine is bearable will all vents open up to 90 degr. The armor in the Kili is not top notch IMHO though. The armor in the elbows WILL twist off your elbows on impact, because the jacket will be somewhat roomy if you take the liner out, which you will in the summeretime. There are no straps on the elbows to hold the armor tight. I still use it though, because I like it on long trip. Lots of pockets, doubles as a rainjacket, and if you got the HT overpants in the saddlebag, your covered in the rain.

For more spirited riding, or on short trips, commuting, I use a Firstgear Fuel Jacket, which is a combination of leather and textile (thick racing leather on all impact points,,,,shoulders, elbows) This jacket gets hotter in the summer than my Kili does. It does have vents,but not nearly as good as the Kili vents. But very sturdy jacket, and I like it. Its my heaviest armor jacket.

Then I got a POS JR Phoenix, cool, yes, but worthless armor. I hardly use it.

[HankSTer]

finewest,
not sure what gear you have, but those of us that live in hot summer weather usually have an "air" jacket plus other ones. I've been getting tourmaster stuff lately re what you noticed, the higher density nylon.

Also look for CE approved armor, I have that in a fieldsheer air jacket, wish I had it in all of my gear, without the expense of buying it extra ofcourse ;)

regards,

[Finewest]

I have a ballastic nylon mesh jacket for the summer, and a light weight nylon riding jacket with a zip in liner for the winter. The light weight jacket is the one I am looking to replace. I am leaning towards the Tourmaster; price is too good!

[Bob Hughes]

1. Tourmaster Saber 3/4 Textile Jacket - $89 (New Enough)

Wow, I read Bills post too and feel the exact same way.

I bought the Tourmaster Saber this spring and took it to Montana from Florida last month. I love this jacket! The 3/4 length is way better in the cool weather and with the liner in I was great at temps in the 40's. Being a long time Floridian 40's are a big deal too, in the past I would have taken out the Gerbings. I wore the Sabre in temps up to 90 and the vents worked great, again remember that I am from Florida so I don't look at 90 as so hot but the jacket works great for me.

[AZST]

I don't have either jacket, but, I think my next jacket will be a TourMaster.

They seem to make good stuff.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Finewest]

Well its a done deal! I bought the Tourmaster Sabre 3/4 jacket black/silver styling. Just like Veronica! Thanks for all the advice!

You know Bill's crash report really got to me. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME! I don't want to go down, and I will do all I can to prevent it. GEAR UP!

[BillA]

Today I picked up the Kili 4.0. It seems to be a well made jacket and the fleece liner is nice, heavy, apparently warm and totally wearable as a separate light jacket (not for riding...wearing off the bike). It will be a while befor I need the liner.

The exceptional thing about this purchase was I bought it from my local Honda stealer. The jacket had a torn elastic cord near the neck used to hold the adjustable neck flap away from the neck when open. They gave me 15% off for this very minor flaw which I can easily fix. I got the jacket for $245, which was a good deal, especially from the stealer.

I'll give an update in the future after some use.

[toddg66]

I have both the First Gear Kilimanjaro, with the HT overpants, and an Aerostitch Roadcrafter one piece. I love the Roadcrafter. It fits great and feels great, but it is hot. I struggle to wear it above 90 degrees. However, I wear it whenever I can.

Todd

:06biker:

[Keith R.]

If money's not an issue check out cycleports gear. You can ride in (San Marcos) since it looks like your close by. You can either buy one off the rack or get measured and wait for it to be made to fit you perfect. I love my Mesh Kevlar Ultra II mesh jacket and my Stretch kevlar Ultra II pants. No problem with the jacket in triple digit temp. The jacket at times feels like you don't have one on. Zip in the linners and your ready for anything.

When I bought mine I didn't get the thermal linners. I already had a full set of Gerbing heated linners. These under the Cycleport windproff/waterproff linners are all I will ever need. Saved me a few bucks and was recomended by Wayne owner of Cycleport.

[hobo57]

I'm jumping in to ask if anyone is familiar with

Men’s Airglide 2 Mesh Tech Jacket & Pant
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide.htm
(this link might bring up a different jacket, but for my first touring jacket and pants, I'm hoping this set really does answer, "Can one motorcycle jacket really do it all?")

My addiction to my STeed is in my bones now. I've passed 1,000 miles and can only think of riding some more. But I feel so exposed with only a blue jeans jacket. I'm in Illinois where it has been 90 and 100+, but mornings now can be chilly and will only get colder.

Any feedback much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Mark

[Snoweyowl]

If I were in the market for a jacket I would buy the Tour Master Flex jacket. The zip off panels for hot weather riding give you the added plus of a mesh jacket. I own an older model Tour Master jacket, which I do not wear during the summer, the zippered vents do not give enough venting in hot weather and they are a pain to open correctly. Maybe they have improved the vents on the newer versions.

[CruisingDog]

OK, just to add some more info into the equation:

Kevlar and similar materials harden when in contact with asphalt. This happens due to the heating effect of the material. However the heat also gets transferred to whatever is underneath (skin/shirt/whatever). So if you are unfortunate to be in an accident you might get severe burns (which is way better than road-rash!).

Leather is the best material as it doesn't transfer the heat and generally is better from a fit point of view. It does wear down though on asphalt. However it also stops you 'gliding' over the road surface as it has more friction with the road on impact (and will slow you down a little bit quicker).

So from a safetey point of view you really can't beat a good set of 'racing quality' leathers. However the durability of the modern materials for some is worth it.

I personally flip between both types. Leather's if I'm doing technical stuff. Man-made if I'm touring.

[sherob]

Actually Kevlar disipates friction heat better than leather if you go down and end up sliding ;) Kevlar slides the same as leather, weighs less, vents better ;)

http://www.motoport.com/saveyourhide.pdf?Merchant_ID=ALL&Merchant_Fax=760-752-9317&Merchant_Phone=1-800-777-6499

[CruisingDog]

Good info. The guy who told me about Kevlar must have been thinking 'Nylon'. Thanks for the info. Sherob. Always good education on this site. :-)

[Raven]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/4...ts.html?page=1

Check out Sierra Trading Post for good prices on the Tourmaster Jacket.

I have the Marsee Adventure 3/4 Jacket and have been pleased with it. Wear it every day (even in 120° heat in AZ). The vents work well and the water proof works well until my gloves fill up! :D Then when I move my hand, water trickles down my sleeve - time to invest in water proof gloves (of course it doesn't really rain _that_ often).

[TexTom]

Sorry I missed this earlier. I was wearing a Kilimanjaro when I had my wreck and it worked great. I had a 3/4 inch rip on one sleeve.
The helmet took most of the damage. A Shoei, and worked great too.
:06biker:
TexTom

[Phillyrube]

Ordered my Motoposrt Air mesh 3/4, with some custom features, like small pockets on the cuffs for toll change and stuff, the back lower pocket being moved to the outside flap, reflective striping added down the sleeves, and the underarm panels color being changed from kevlar stretch black to hi-viz to match the rest of the jacket.

Wayne at Motoport took it all in stride with a "can-do" attitude. Can't wait to get it......

[sherob]

Ordered my Motoposrt Air mesh 3/4, with some custom features, like small pockets on the cuffs for toll change and stuff, the back lower pocket being moved to the outside flap, reflective striping added down the sleeves, and the underarm panels color being changed from kevlar stretch black to hi-viz to match the rest of the jacket.

Wayne at Motoport took it all in stride with a "can-do" attitude. Can't wait to get it......

Did you get the yellow like this? Wayne was great... very helpfull and patient ;)

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12231&d=1155262798

[FireSporT]

+1 on th Kili. I ride with my Kilimanjaro all year long from 19 deg F to 90+ deg F. It can be a little hot, but I think all jackets will be at that temp with little airflow from the ST. I'll vouch for using it in the rain with the HT overpants. Been caught in several downpours. Rode from NY to Maryland in the rain and never soaked thru...

That being said, fit is the most important, because if you dont wear it......