I really need to get a leather. I have a textile with armor, but it will not keep me warm in the cooler months and besides that, I just don't think it will protect as much. The textile came with the bike from the guy I bought it and have never had the dough to get a nice leather. Well, I realize, the more I ride, the more I need one. Now, I am not doing track days yet, and when that rolls around, I will likely buy a suit of some sort so I am looking for primarily a street jacket that I will wear on a pretty regular basis seeing as I ride almost every day.

That being said, I am also sort of a visual stickler meaning I like my stuff look nice, dunno, I just care for some reason. Okay, so now that I have all the formalities out of the way, I am looking at a few different leathers from Joe Rocket, Icon, etc.

How many of you guys have jackets that have spine protectors other than the CE rated shoulder and arm protectors. I know the leather will help, but how many of you have spine protectors and/or inserts in their leather? Beyond that, do you think I should really find one that does have one or can I go with one that just has the arm and shoulder armor and leave the leather for the rest?

For those of you who have went down, what are your opinions.

I want a cool looking leather, but I am not willing to sacrifice my safety for some cool design.

Thanks guys...really appreciate the suggestions.

 

Joe rocket, Shift, Alpinestars makes some nice leathers, Icon make some nice ones too, but who can afford $600 for a jacket...wish I could

I like the shift leather jackets, my buddy just got ta shift SR1 red leather...very nice, said he paid $250 shipped off ebay, heres a pic off the shift website:

 

This is the leather jacket I have. I has the CE protectors in the elbows, shoulders and down most of the back too. They also come in a black/grey colour combination.

 

+1 on the Joe Rocket leather jacket. I'm looking hard into getting a blue one of those myself. I'm not going to stick to the foam padding for the back protector though. I'm going to step it up and pay the $80 for the CE rated back protector that can replace that foam. Now... I just need to figure out what size of jacket I would wear. We don't have any Joe-rocket dealers anywhere around me.... so I can't just try some leather jackets on to get an idea of fit. > Find the Back protector here. (Note that they say the CE rated armor may even be more comfortable than the original dual-density foam. )

Also... on a side note, I think I'll be getting a textile jacket from them as well. I have a mesh Firstgear jacket now, and it does alright. I got to try on a large (which was a bit too big for me, ironicly, at 6'2"), and it fit real nice, but I think I need a medium in the textile. The selling point for me, with it, is the visor bag built into the jacket itself. That's hella cool and I wish the leather had it.

 

I JUST ordered the red/black version of this jacket

http://newenough.com/protective_appa...le_jacket.html

And these gloves

http://newenough.com/closeouts/glove...le_gloves.html

You need gloves too.

 

I think I am going to go with this Alpinestar...it's a new '08 model....and btw...i have gloves



Alpinestars ROD Leather Jacket [ul][*]1.2-1.4mm full grain leather for excellent abrasion resistance.[*]Multiple stitched main seam construction for maximum tear resistance.[*]Removable CE-certified soft elbow and shoulder protectors.[*]Pre-curved sleeves for riding comfort.[*]Sport fit.[*]Waist adjustment.[*]Perforated leather panels for increased cooling.[*]Waist connection zipper allows attachment to selected Alpinestars Leather and textile pants.[*]Chest Padding compartment with PE padding (Bionic Chest Guard available as accessory).[*]Back Protector compartment with PE padding (CE-certified RC back protector available as accessory).[*]YKK Semi auto-lock zippers.[*]Removable thermal vest liner.[*]Perforated leather panels for increased cooling.[*]TPR Logos and details.[*]Air Mesh panels on the back for increased cooling.[/ul]http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Alpinestars_ROD_Leather_Jacket--622533.html

 

I was under the understanding that the back protector in that Joe Rocket leather jacket I posted was CE rated. At least thats what they told me at the store I bought it from.

 

I have 2 Joe Rockets a leather n a meshie. And a Teknic leather jacket. all with teh CE armor. Dont have a spine protector except for the armor in the jackets.

 

yoooo....that foam padding can be CE rated but not provide any impact protection...so just something to be aware of.

 

I guess it's all in marketing a sale.
Just incase you're wondering if it's the same jacket... then click this link ==>Here<==

Directly from the Joe Rocket website...[*]1.4mm Cowhide[*]C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows[*]Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector[*]Variable Flow™ ventilation system[*]Sure Fit™ adjustable waistband[*]360° plus 8" zipper for pant attachment[*]Reflective stripe[*]Pocket for audio device with port for wire