I'm thinkin about getting a riding jacket. Never had one cuz I have not had my bike very long but after seeing all the road rash my buddy got from going down makes me want one ASAP. Anyways, what kind would you guys suggest? I mainly ride in the hot summer days and nights and a long sleeve jacket seems really hot lol. But would a leather one or a mesh type be better for summer temps? Thanks

 

For summer, mesh would be more comfortable, but the protection cannot be compared to that of a leather. A lot of leather jackets actually have a lot of ventilation now and when riding, feels very comfortalbe. It's just sitting at stoplights that kill you.

I've heard that mesh, when worn when you go down, melts, which can't be good. I personally have a leather jacket and wouldn't ride anywhere w/o it. Riding around feels very comfortable.

 

I've never gone down, but I can tell you if it's too hot to wear, and you've been used to riding without, go mesh and make it easier on yourself. I wore my mesh jacket all year round with the liner. not that's probably a concern, but just know if you buy it planning on wearing the mesh ONLY, buy a size smaller, because it's based on the liner size. It should be tight fitting, so if you're a large normally and you plan on going mesh, get a medium, I did, and don't regret it a tad. I ended up getting a Large in a textile jacket for winter, but for mesh, usually a size smaller.