I'm thinking about buying a new riding jacket but have no idea where to start or what kind to buy. I know I want a textile jacket, maybe Joe Rocket (just because of how big the name is). How should a jacket fit your body? What features are good to have in a new jacket? What brands/makes are good quality? Where should I look to buy one (near Detroit, Michigan)? What kind of jackets do other riders in the forum here wear?? Thanks for the help.

 

leather jackets would fit you snuggly (or alittle loose) but with textile, loose is pretty much good (usually they are just mesh with padding in the vuln spots). Dont know about brand wise except Joe Rocket, Shift and Icon - all good products.
But if you just want a good quality for cheap - just look online, i picked up my Shift Leather jacket for $69 online. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/- there are tons of other stores but i havent really looked around for deals in about 3 months. going to your local shop usually will cost you more (unless you know a price online and can talk them down. For the features, you usually want alot of air-flow but still the protection in the vuln spots (elbows, back, shoulders)

From my experience with Joe rocket, shift and Icon - Joe Rocket and Shift has nice quality for their price, not as stylish as i want it but still protection wise - good for me. Icon is more of an expensive brand, they have a nice style and protection to them but to have it - it costs money (unless you find a sale or you can talk down a brick/mortar place down).

just keep your eyes out for nice deals and snag them - i've got 4 helmets, 2 jackets, and 2 sets of golves (still looking for my pants and boots). Textiles should usually havesales around x-mas or so, that's the best time to buy one cheap - it seems like $170+ is too high for my blood.

hopes this helps

 

Are you talking mesh, or a textile like cordura? Mesh is pretty much just to hold the armor in place, and offers minimal abrasion protection (it might even melt into your wounds during a slide). Better than bare skin, but that's about it. Companies like aerostich make very high-quality textile. They don't have the air flow of mesh, but they offer real protection.

If you're looking to save money, I would recommend you look for a used leather jacket on ebay, craigslist, or a forum like this one. A lot of people get rid of really nice jackets when they gain weight or buy a new bike in different colors.