Jackets Firstgear Torrent Mesh Jacket

Last1Out

Last1Out

STOC 7165; KLRST 52
Joined
Oct 24, 2007
Messages
47
Location
Tampa, Fl, Franklin, NC
Firstgear is introducing a 3/4 mesh jacket this year called the Torrent. I've used their Mesh Tex jacket for several years and have been pleased with it, but a 3/4 sounds like what I've been looking for. Plenty of pockets to stow MY stuff, since the Mrs. can fill 2 saddlebags and a top box quicker than I can say 'What's on sale?'

I just ordered one from NewEnough and will give you a rundown when it arrives.

http://www.newenough.com/protective...irst_gear/torrent_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html
 
I've been waiting for a new product that replaces the Kili Air. This soundslike a good product. Do they still have Tall V Non Tall?
Congrats and keep us updated!


Louis
 
Have been riding with one for a couple months in Hawaii and I'm very satisfied with the airflow through the Torrent. I was a little worried that it wouldn't flow well with all the pockets and extra padding but it's all good in comparison to my early version Mesh-Tex jacket.

I'm short so it's a little long for me, but with all the pockets you are right that you can carry a lot of stuff you would normally have to stash somewhere on the bike. Unzip up just a bit from the bottom and no binding around the lap with the gas tank.

Something in the neck rubs a bit while riding but I haven't bothered to figure it out. Quite satisfied with it for warm weather riding (yes, that is all year round over here) plus the inner liner is a plus for the cooler mornings or rainy days. Kinda complicated to attach back into the jacket so I figure just wear it like an undershirt and pull the jacket over it. Then you can easily take it off when the day warms up without hassling with the zips/velcro/whatever that holds it to the outer jacket.

Aloha,
Huladog
 
The Torrent has also caught my eye. I live in South Florida where we have both heat and high humidity. Glad to hear it works well in Hawaii. I can't find it on the dealer shelves yet but hope to see it first hand at Daytona Bike Week. I'll give a full report once I return. -JEP-
 
A local dealer was having a great sale at the 2008 bike show. we
(3 couples) went and bought the Torrents and overpants. Even in our climate, with a Gerbing liner the Torrent is nice, and I can't wait to try it in the heat of the summer.
Rich
 
Now I remember why I bought the new Torrent, I wanted a lighter colored jacket both for visibility and to be cooler under the sun. Got the yellow & black combination and it must be working since I don't get that feeling of the sun beating down on my shoulders/back/arms you usually get on a sunny day while sitting at a stoplight. I feel a little better now that I have SOME higher visibility with the yellow .... not real hi-viz burn your eyeballs lime green but a lot better than all black.

Aloha,
Huladog
 
Got the jacket last Thursday, in the yellow and black, and was able to use it this past weekend on a 200 mile club run. Temps were from 58 and fog to 84 and bright sunshine, the ride was mostly rural but I did manage to get caught in some Orlando traffic.

The jacket is uber comfortable, I have to say that right off, and the 2 way zipper is great for keeping that creeping feeling away that a 3/4 can give you on a bike. The top vest pockets are mesh and the bottom are waterproof, both have tabs that make opening or closing on the fly a breeze. At anything over 5 mph the air flows through very nicely, and in bumper to bumper I didn't get hot just sitting in the sun. Granted 84 is not 95 with 100%humidity, but the forecast is promising.

The armor is placed just right on the shoulders and elbows and there is no binding when moving around or stretching. The back pad is just that, a pad, and will be replaced. The one, and only, gripe so far is the zippers for closing the sleeves. The zipper fobs are big, and if you wear a gauntlet style glove the fobs will eventually make you uncomfortable. BUT, the trick here is to keep the sleeves open and close the cuff with the velcro adjuster, there is mesh there to keep you covered, and put on your gloves and all is right with the world.

So far, a big thumbs up for the Torrent.
 
Mine's for sale on eBay, realized it was more jacket than I really needed. Plus since I'm short the longer torso kinda bunched up too much in my lap even if I opened up the bottom of the zipper.

Take a look if you need a Large.

Aloha,
Huladog
 
I had a chance to try one the Torrent jacket. It is a well constructed jacket but it is a "substantial" garmet. I feel it will be way to warm for the Florida summers. Just my two cents. -JEP-
 
RIDEMYST said:
I had a chance to try one the Torrent jacket. It is a well constructed jacket but it is a "substantial" garmet. I feel it will be way to warm for the Florida summers. Just my two cents. -JEP-
Click to expand...

I know what you mean but the first impression is a bit misleading since the jacket is pretty substantial with all those pockets and padding. Once I wore it I was pleasantly surprised that it really does flow air quite well and if you get the lighter color it's not bad sitting in the hot sun.

Doesn't get as humid here as West Palm Beach, but it should be OK on FL.

I think FirstGear revised their mesh fabric over the years and the later fabric seems to flow air better than my old Mesh Tex 2.

Aloha,
Huladog
 
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I am trying to decide between the Torrent and an Olympia! Are the sizes on the torrent the same as they had w/ the Kili air?


Thanks again!
 
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