Summer riding presents a unique challenge: staying cool without compromising safety. Leather jackets, while offering excellent protection, can become unbearably hot in warm weather. This is where Biker Mesh Jackets come into play, offering a breathable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice essential safety features. In this review, we’ll delve into the world of mesh motorcycle jackets, with a spotlight on the popular Firstgear Mesh-Tex Jacket, to see if it lives up to the hype as a top choice for summer comfort and protection.
Why Choose a Biker Mesh Jacket?
For riders in warmer climates or during the summer months, a mesh jacket isn’t just a comfort upgrade—it’s often a necessity. Traditional motorcycle jackets, especially leather or tightly woven textiles, can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and even heatstroke. Biker mesh jackets are engineered with highly ventilated mesh panels that maximize airflow, allowing cool air to circulate and hot air to escape.
This enhanced ventilation offers several key benefits:
- Superior Cooling: The primary advantage is obvious – you stay significantly cooler. Riding in a mesh jacket feels akin to wearing a t-shirt in terms of airflow, making hot days enjoyable rather than unbearable.
- Increased Comfort: Reduced heat stress translates to increased comfort on long rides. You’ll sweat less, feel less fatigued, and stay more focused on the road.
- Versatility (with Liners): Many mesh jackets, like the Firstgear Mesh-Tex, come with removable liners. These liners can block wind and provide a degree of water resistance, extending the jacket’s usability into cooler or slightly wet conditions. This makes a mesh jacket a more versatile option than you might initially think.
- Safety Features: Modern mesh jackets don’t skimp on safety. They incorporate abrasion-resistant materials in key impact zones and often include pockets for CE-rated armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back.
Firstgear Mesh-Tex Motorcycle Jacket: A Detailed Review
The Firstgear Mesh-Tex Jacket has been a long-standing favorite among riders seeking a balance of airflow, protection, and affordability. Having used this jacket extensively, particularly in hot California summers, here’s a breakdown of its key features and performance.
Unmatched Airflow for Summer Heat
The defining feature of the Mesh-Tex jacket is its exceptional ventilation. Large panels of polyester mesh across the chest, back, and arms allow for maximum airflow. As the original article mentions, it truly feels like riding in just a t-shirt in terms of air circulation. This makes a massive difference when temperatures climb, preventing overheating and keeping you comfortable even in stop-and-go traffic.
Alt text: Close up view of the mesh paneling on a Firstgear Mesh-Tex motorcycle jacket, highlighting the breathable design for maximum airflow.
Weather Versatility with Included Liner
One of the standout features of the Mesh-Tex is its included detachable liner. This fully-sleeved wind liner significantly expands the jacket’s usability. It effectively blocks wind chill on cooler mornings or evenings and provides a surprising level of water resistance in light rain. While not a dedicated waterproof jacket, the liner offers enough protection to get you through a sudden shower, as the original reviewer noted.
Alt text: Interior view of a Firstgear Mesh-Tex jacket showing the detachable windproof liner zipped into place, providing added warmth and weather protection.
The liner attaches securely with zippers and clips, and while the original review mentions a slightly cumbersome attachment process, it’s manageable with a little practice. The ability to quickly add or remove the liner on the go is a major plus for riders who experience fluctuating temperatures during their rides.
Armor and Protection: A Balanced Approach
The Mesh-Tex jacket comes equipped with soft armor in the shoulders and elbows, and an EVA foam back pad. As pointed out in the original review, this soft armor might not offer the same level of protection as hard, CE-rated armor in a high-speed impact. However, it does provide a base level of impact protection and abrasion resistance for everyday riding.
For riders seeking enhanced protection, the jacket does feature pockets that can accommodate CE-rated armor upgrades. Swapping out the soft armor for certified protectors in key areas like shoulders, elbows, and back is a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those who frequently ride at higher speeds or prioritize maximum safety.
Alt text: Detail of the shoulder armor pocket on a Firstgear Mesh-Tex jacket, designed to hold protective padding for impact resistance.
Fit and Comfort: Designed for Layering
The Mesh-Tex jacket is described as having a looser fit, particularly in the torso. While this might be a concern for some in terms of armor shifting in a crash, it offers a significant advantage for layering. The extra room allows you to comfortably wear a sweatshirt or base layers underneath, further extending the jacket’s usability into cooler temperatures.
This looser fit, combined with adjustable sleeve compression straps, cuffs, and waist belts, allows for a customizable fit that can accommodate different body types and layering needs. For summer riding without the liner, the loose fit also contributes to better airflow and overall comfort.
Final Verdict: Is the Firstgear Mesh-Tex Jacket Right for You?
The Firstgear Mesh-Tex Motorcycle Jacket excels as a summer riding jacket, delivering on its promise of exceptional airflow and comfort in hot weather. The included liner adds valuable versatility for cooler conditions and light rain, making it a practical choice for a wider range of temperatures.
While the stock soft armor is a basic level of protection, the option to upgrade to CE-rated armor allows riders to customize the jacket to their specific safety needs. The slightly looser fit is a trade-off that prioritizes layering and airflow, which is beneficial for many riders.
Pros:
- Keeps you exceptionally cool in hot weather
- Includes a versatile windproof/water-resistant liner
- Loose fit allows for comfortable layering
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Soft armor is not as protective as CE-rated hard armor
- Mesh, while durable for abrasion, may not offer the same slide protection as leather at very high speeds
Overall, the Firstgear Mesh-Tex jacket is a solid 8 out of 10, as the original reviewer suggests. It’s an excellent value for riders seeking a comfortable, breathable, and versatile mesh jacket for summer and warmer weather riding. For those prioritizing maximum protection, upgrading the armor is a recommended enhancement.
Where to Buy
Ready to experience the cool comfort of a mesh jacket? You can find the Firstgear Mesh-Tex Motorcycle Jacket at these reputable retailers:
Invest in a biker mesh jacket and make your summer rides cooler, more comfortable, and safer!
