Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mikeb2411 on October 28, 2015, 03:59:27 PM

Title: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on October 28, 2015, 03:59:27 PM
Hey everyone, is there anyone out there wearing a TRUE "4 season jacket" ... is there such a thing in the real world? I know there are jackets advertised as being "4 season" but a lot of them fail in temps above 90 F.

If so, could you tell me what you're wearing? I'm really interested in hearing from people that are comfortably wearing a "4 season jacket" in temps above 90 F. I'm curious to hear what's out there.

Thanks,

Mike
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: Dan Forker on October 28, 2015, 07:50:56 PM
I have a Tourmaster Flex 3 Jacket and Flex pants. The jacket outer is waterproof and all the armor is in the inner mesh jacket. The pants have huge panels that unzip and make it almost completely mesh pants. The first time I wore the pants into an air conditioned auditorium I thought my pants were unzipped because of the air flow. With the outer jacket on the jacket is heavy but comfortable. Both parts are as comfortable as anything is going to be in 100 degree temps and with the outer zipped on it is comfortable in cold temps. I never use the quilted liner because I have an electric liner that I use instead below 35 degrees. Love the Flex clothes and don't understand why no other manufacturer makes a similar set.

Fork
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on October 28, 2015, 08:02:59 PM
Hey everyone, is there anyone out there wearing a TRUE "4 season jacket" ... is there such a thing in the real world?

Yep, Tourmaster Flex.  It is the only jacket I own, and I use it all year round.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 29, 2015, 04:15:30 AM
I use a Joe Rocket Alter Ego 3.0 two piece jacket.  It has an inner liner of mesh and an outer waterproof liner.  I wear this jacket all year long.  I really like it.  For cold weather though,  I carry a Gerbing's heated jacket liner and gloves.  The outer jacket folds up into it's own carrying case and doesn't really take up that much space on the bike.

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/458/Textile_Jackets/Alter_Ego_3.0_%5Bhybrid%5D (http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/458/Textile_Jackets/Alter_Ego_3.0_%5Bhybrid%5D)
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on October 29, 2015, 08:54:49 AM
Good stuff guys .... thank you!

I carry a Gerbing's heated jacket liner and gloves.  The outer jacket folds up into it's own carrying case and doesn't really take up that much space on the bike.

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/458/Textile_Jackets/Alter_Ego_3.0_%5Bhybrid%5D (http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/458/Textile_Jackets/Alter_Ego_3.0_%5Bhybrid%5D)

I also have the Gerbing liner and gloves. The gloves are overkill for me here in So. Cal. but I bought them because there are times where it will drop into the "teens" temperature wise where I live in the Winter. I bought them so I have them if needed. The Gerbing liner I use as my thermal liner whether I plug it or not, it is my thermal liner under any jacket!

Thank again!

Mike


Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 29, 2015, 10:05:02 AM
+1
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on October 29, 2015, 10:11:45 AM
Again, all good stuff but I think I'm leaning toward the Tourmaster Flex. Both the Flex and the Joe Rocket are very similar in what they do but it appears the Tourmaster has a little better "venting" with the shell on and I like the collar a bit better. Plus, I have Tourmaster jackets now and I really like the fit.

I'm going to the IMS show in Long Beach in November and Tourmaster will be there. I'm going to wait until then and talk with their reps and try to find out if there is a newer version of the Flex coming soon. The idea of the liner being mesh is awesome and because the armor is in the mesh it will make storing the outer shell much easier. It'll be much better than having to switch jackets to adjust for weather and being able to keep everything with me for any condition is priceless!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: twowheeladdict on October 29, 2015, 04:58:02 PM
Tourmaster Flex here as well.

Sometimes I wear a mesh jacket and use my rain jacket if it gets cool, and add my heated vest for the high elevations.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on October 29, 2015, 09:33:06 PM
Tourmaster Flex here as well.

Sometimes I wear a mesh jacket and use my rain jacket if it gets cool

The Tourmaster Flex *is* a mesh jacket... and windproof/light rain resistant jacket, and lined jacket.  It is 3-in-1.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 30, 2015, 04:33:51 AM
I guess you could say the Joe Rocket I have is 3 in 1 as well as it has a fabric liner.  I don't really use it though.  I just carry the gerbings liner and use it if needed.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: twowheeladdict on October 31, 2015, 07:12:00 AM
The Tourmaster Flex *is* a mesh jacket... and windproof/light rain resistant jacket, and lined jacket.  It is 3-in-1.

Yes it is.  But, it is quicker to just put my rain jacket over my mesh jacket than it is to zip the outer layer onto the flex.  I am carrying the rain jacket anyway, so might as well use it as an extra layer when needed.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 31, 2015, 08:28:35 AM
I've got zippers?  I've never zipped it in.  It's never blown off.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on October 31, 2015, 04:30:10 PM
Yes it is.  But, it is quicker to just put my rain jacket over my mesh jacket than it is to zip the outer layer onto the flex.  I am carrying the rain jacket anyway, so might as well use it as an extra layer when needed.

You are absolutely correct on that.  Installing the outer shell on the Flex is a PITA.  Taking it OFF is maybe 60 to 90 seconds.  But putting it on is easily 3 or 4 minutes and can involve some cursing :)

I will often just have a lightweight windbreaker with me when in mesh mode and if it gets a little cold, I will just wear that UNDER the mesh part of the jacket rather than fiddle with reassembly.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on October 31, 2015, 04:32:03 PM
I've got zippers?  I've never zipped it in.  It's never blown off.

The Tourmaster Flex outer shell *MUST* be zipped in at least the front and sleeves or it is 100% useless.  Pretty much must with the collar too.   Now, the insulated inner LINER, that is easy to get in and out, and I usually only zip the front and both bother with the neck or cuff snaps.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on October 31, 2015, 04:40:31 PM
So, I started another post for a specific jacket.

I'm looking at the Scorpion Yosemite ... anyone wearing that that you know of?

It looks like a good jacket with really good venting. I'm just curious how well it does in the heat so I'm hoping to get someone's attention that has worn it or is wearing it so I can get some feedback.

Here's a link to the jacket

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/scorpion-yosemite-jacket (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/scorpion-yosemite-jacket)

Mike
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on October 31, 2015, 06:31:32 PM
I'm looking at the Scorpion Yosemite
I'm also looking for a new vented jacket, and that one looks nice. But after reading the first 15 reviews or so, it's off my list. Snaps break easily, front and back vents require REMOVING the jacket, thermal liner super thin (useless), back pad also useless (more $$ for the CE one), and rainproof liner ineffective. And 400 bucks? No thanks ;D. The idea of just one jacket like this (or Tourmaster Flex or Rocket Alter Ego) sounds appealing, but living in hot TX and being averse to heat, I need a dedicated mesh jacket. As long as it has a full-sleve thermal/rain liner, I'd be fine. Due to overwhelming good reviews, will check out the Tourmaster Flex, and the Rocket Phoenix Ion. Good luck with your choice, and let us know what you buy.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on October 31, 2015, 10:52:28 PM
I'm also looking for a new vented jacket, and that one looks nice. But after reading the first 15 reviews or so, it's off my list. Snaps break easily, front and back vents require REMOVING the jacket, thermal liner super thin (useless), back pad also useless (more $$ for the CE one), and rainproof liner ineffective. And 400 bucks? No thanks ;D. The idea of just one jacket like this (or Tourmaster Flex or Rocket Alter Ego) sounds appealing, but living in hot TX and being averse to heat, I need a dedicated mesh jacket. As long as it has a full-sleve thermal/rain liner, I'd be fine. Due to overwhelming good reviews, will check out the Tourmaster Flex, and the Rocket Phoenix Ion. Good luck with your choice, and let us know what you buy.

I didn't get much into the reviews but I'm glad you did. I'm leaning most toward the Flex but am going to wait until I go to IMS show in Nov to see if Tourmaster (they will be there) is coming out with a new version anytime soon.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: Dan Forker on November 01, 2015, 12:33:14 AM

I agree with the preceding post concerning a new version of the Flex. I currently ride in the Flex pants and a Flex 2 jacket and love them but they are worn and need to be replaced, but the Flex 3 jacket is discontinued which leads me to think that there is a new version in the works. I am waiting to order the jacket until it is clear what Tourmaster is doing.  My risk is that they are discontinuing the concept entirely and I won't be able to get the jacket at all in the spring.  The Flex line is my idea of the perfect riding suit.

Fork
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on November 01, 2015, 01:22:18 AM
Just looked at the Flex, and seems a great jacket. It's listed at $199 in several sites, with free shipping (regular price $239). The new Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion is great too at $179. Maybe the Tourmaster is the better buy, no? Like the outer jacket doesn't have any armor, so should pack relatively small, no? And the outer layer could be okay in rain with the windscreen. Don't like the idea of rain liners on the inside, leaving the jacket soaked for hours. Plus the Flex also has a full sleeve liner for even colder mornings. Hmmmm, maybe this jacket can be a 4-seasons jacket indeed. With 38 chest, I'm supposed to be small at 40, but do they run true to size? I'd get the silver one from either brand. Wish somebody had tried both. He he. To be honest, what does a version 4 could add? Maybe bigger pockets for the newer big a$$ phones, including mine. Don't think my new LG G4 would fit on those pockets. Great thread folks.

By the way Mike, I'd get the Tourmaster Flex3 over the Scorpion all day long man, even if they cost the same. But it's HALF. Your call buddy. Unless you're a brand whore (ha ha), this Tourmaster seems like 'da bomb indeed ;D. Good suggestion folks.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on November 01, 2015, 05:50:15 AM
[Like the outer jacket doesn't have any armor, so should pack relatively small, no?

Yes.

Quote
And the outer layer could be okay in rain with the windscreen.

Also yes.  Keep in mind the Flex [outer shell] is water resistant, not water proof.  It does a great job at repelling light rain or short bouts of considerable rain.  But in driving rain, it is going to get through.

Quote
Don't like the idea of rain liners on the inside, leaving the jacket soaked for hours.

I don't either, seems odd to me.

Quote
Plus the Flex also has a full sleeve liner for even colder mornings.

Yep.  And, unlike the outer shell, it is easy to insert and remove.

Quote
Hmmmm, maybe this jacket can be a 4-seasons jacket indeed.

No jacket can really be 4 seasons if it is not heated, unless one lives in FL or similar  :)

I add a heated vest when temps are below 55.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on November 01, 2015, 05:52:24 AM
The Flex line is my idea of the perfect riding suit.

It is pretty close to perfect.  What it lacks is the lining being heated and also a neck liner, like my Top Gear used to have.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 01, 2015, 08:26:56 AM
I wore mine today coming from Southside VA up to Norther VA in the rain..   Wasn't zipped in over the mesh jacket.   Didn't get any upper body wetness.  The pants on the other hand let some dampness through.   I have to get some new heated gloves, though.  They aren't waterproof and while not getting 'wet', it made me a bit nervous.  They're old like me.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on December 10, 2015, 11:08:19 PM
Well, time to pull the trigger on a silver Flex 3 jacket since they're now $120 shipped, before my size runs out. But my question to folks who currently own one is what kind of pants you went with. I see the Flex ones come only in black, and common sense tells me they'd be hot as hell here in hot TX. Silver ones would have been better, and found the Tourmaster Venture air pants, which come in silver, but are not available anymore (only medium-short). Plus reviews weren't very good, since the rain liner went on the inside, not the outside, like the flex pants. My choices are keep riding with 'armored' jeans, or get the flex black pants. But are they going to be unbearable in the heat in black? Don't want to buy something just to leave it in the closet because it's too darn hot. Thank you folks. And if somebody has comments on sizing, bring them on. I find disturbing I need an XS jacket (38" chest) and M pants (32" waist, 31" inseam), but apparently almost everybody else is 2 sizes larger on the pants. Weird sizing.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: Dan Forker on December 11, 2015, 11:29:49 AM

I'm riding with the Flex Black pants and the silver Flex 3 jacket. The pants aren't really hot because they are almost like fully perforated pants with the panels out and are really cool. In fact when I buy a new jacket this spring(mines had many hard miles of riding) I will buy a black jacket rather than the silver because I seem to have a talent for getting the silver dirty.  I'm just waiting to see what they replace the Flex 3 jacket with before buying since the jacket is now listed as discontinued.


Fork

Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on December 11, 2015, 11:56:11 AM
I'm riding with the Flex Black pants and the silver Flex 3 jacket. The pants aren't really hot because they are almost like fully perforated pants with the panels out and are really cool. In fact when I buy a new jacket this spring(mines had many hard miles of riding) I will buy a black jacket rather than the silver because I seem to have a talent for getting the silver dirty.  I'm just waiting to see what they replace the Flex 3 jacket with before buying since the jacket is now listed as discontinued.


Fork

Hey guys, I too have the black flex pant and they' breathe really well if you want them to. Regarding the Flex 3 and its replacement…they are going to replace it with a newer version but you won't see it until end of 2016, beginning of 2017 and that's straight from a TM rep. The new version will be much easier to work with when it comes to removing or adding liners.  I guess the flex 3 has 7 zippers and they are going to reduce it to 3 zippers in the next version.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on December 11, 2015, 12:45:12 PM
Any word on sizing? I'm 32 waist, so between the S at 30-32 and M at 32-34. I don't plan to ever wear the insulating liner, so want the least floppy fit, especially with my skinny legs. Few said they run small, which would rule out the S. And then would have no choice but to get the M. And the good news is the liner would fit if ever necessary. I also don't want the inseam too short in the riding position, which I'm afraid could be the case even with the M. I'm 31" inseam, but need at least 32" on riding pants due to bent legs. I switched to medium size boots by replacing both my super short and long Sidi Stradas with the TCX X-cube ones. And that means the pants can now ride over my boots much more easily, but not a big deal unless cold. Tha pants are a lot more expensive, so I'd like them to fit properly to add versatility.

The Flex 3 jacket is not significantly cheaper than my next choice, the JoeRocket Phoenix Ion, so a no-brainer IMO, since it can be converted to a nicer jacket with the exterior liner. I don't know if the interior liner would fit me with the XS, but since I want that jacket primarily as a mesh one, want it the least floppy possible, for better protection in case of disaster ;D.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on December 11, 2015, 02:56:20 PM
Any word on sizing?  I also don't want the inseam too short in the riding position, which I'm afraid could be the case even with the M. I'm 31" inseam, but need at least 32" on riding pants

The reason I am stuck with just jeans and sometimes chaps is because with a 27" inseam, riding pants are impossible to adjust.  You can't just hem them, because the knee armor ends up on the calf area (offering zero protection).  And there are zippers and pleats.  And even if you did all that, if there is a liner, you have to take all THAT into consideration too :(

Chaps suck; they don't protect well and look somewhat stupid; but just snaps at the bottom, cut off the leather at the needed point and they are the right size.  Oh, and at least I can take them off and then just have on something comfortable at my destination.

First-world problems :)  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=First%20World%20Problems (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=First%20World%20Problems)
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: nyrangersfan19 on January 05, 2016, 02:13:42 PM
Just pulled the trigger on the Flex 3 jacket.  $120 shipped.  Hopefully it gets here before Thursday when I pick my bike up.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 05, 2016, 02:24:13 PM
Just pulled the trigger on the Flex 3 jacket.  $120 shipped.  Hopefully it gets here before Thursday when I pick my bike up.

I ended up going with the Klim Induction jacket and add the liners as needed. It works great because I can ride in heat and it breathes great but can add liners and ride in 20 degree weather and am not cold...the fit is great, looks good, lovin it!

Just bought a pair of SIDI All Road Gore-Tex boots today from the local BMW shop.

I am heading down about 2 hours South of me this Friday to a company called "Motoport" to get fitted for their "Ultra II Air Mesh" overpant. Once I do that I will have the setup I have been searching for. Pants have been the most difficult thing to find because the fit is never right but with Motoport you actually get fitted so everything is where it should be!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on January 05, 2016, 04:29:31 PM
I also pulled the trigger yesterday with the same Flex3 jacket for $120 shipped. Couldn't buy it off eBay for some reason, but were also listed on Amazon, so bought it there. It arrives tomorrow. For that kind of money, can't go wrong IMO. I'm between sizes, but since the main purpose of buying that jacket is for the mesh version, I probably will only be able to use it with the exterior 'shell', but not the liner. It also might be a bit short on both sleeves and torso, but not a big deal for a mesh summer jacket anyway. I still have a very effective Vanson vest that can supplement the shell if needed (won't use this jacket for colder rides. Have a 2-piece suit for that). Will post my comments when I get it. Never bought anything XS in my life, but these seem to run large. That's what Revzilla recommended, but they don't have my size or color anymore. We'll see how it fits.
 
Pants have been the most difficult thing to find because the fit is never right
Same story with me, and the reason I don't have any summer riding pants. My problem is I want PANTS, not overpants. And basically all such pants are overpants. So absolutely HUGE with my chicken legs ;D. And don't like pants flapping all over the place when riding. If I don't find a slim pair of such pants, will continue using riding jeans. Good luck with yours, and please keep us posted.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: dailybibliotaph on January 05, 2016, 04:57:15 PM
I have a Rev'It Cayenne Pro jacket and pants - they are a little pricey at around $600 for jacket and $400 for pants but they are true 4 - season. I ride year round in NYC area which means winter ambient temps in low single digits to low 100s in summer. 3 possible layers. Top with armor, second rain-proof layer and 3rd insulation layer. Highway riding with all 3 - layers in low teens is fine with no heated gear for up a little more than an hour. Summer with just the top layer with all vents open is good with temps in 90s when moving with good air flow.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 05, 2016, 05:07:43 PM
I also pulled the trigger yesterday with the same Flex3 jacket for $120 shipped. Couldn't buy it off eBay for some reason, but were also listed on Amazon, so bought it there. It arrives tomorrow. For that kind of money, can't go wrong IMO. I'm between sizes, but since the main purpose of buying that jacket is for the mesh version, I probably will only be able to use it with the exterior 'shell', but not the liner. It also might be a bit short on both sleeves and torso, but not a big deal for a mesh summer jacket anyway. I still have a very effective Vanson vest that can supplement the shell if needed (won't use this jacket for colder rides. Have a 2-piece suit for that). Will post my comments when I get it. Never bought anything XS in my life, but these seem to run large. That's what Revzilla recommended, but they don't have my size or color anymore. We'll see how it fits.
 Same story with me, and the reason I don't have any summer riding pants. My problem is I want PANTS, not overpants. And basically all such pants are overpants. So absolutely HUGE with my chicken legs ;D. And don't like pants flapping all over the place when riding. If I don't find a slim pair of such pants, will continue using riding jeans. Good luck with yours, and please keep us posted.

Juan, these "Motoport" guys I'm referring to will create riding "PANTS" for you...not overpants but actual riding pants buddy! Call then or go to their site and they will explain what you do. You have to do some "tailor prep" on your own with some clips and chalk and then you send your prep'd jeans to them and they use them as a template and when they're finished you get your pants back along with a pair of RIDING PANTS (with armor) that will fit you properly...check it out brother!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 05, 2016, 05:13:11 PM
I have a Rev'It Cayenne Pro jacket and pants - they are a little pricey at around $600 for jacket and $400 for pants but they are true 4 - season. I ride year round in NYC area which means winter ambient temps in low single digits to low 100s in summer. 3 possible layers. Top with armor, second rain-proof layer and 3rd insulation layer. Highway riding with all 3 - layers in low teens is fine with no heated gear for up a little more than an hour. Summer with just the top layer with all vents open is good with temps in 90s when moving with good air flow.

I looked at that jacket. I live in So Cal so the mesh Klim works great for me and the liner is good for our basic Winters and I have a Gerbing heated liner I can use, if needed. The Motoport overpants I'm going to get fitted for are $400. What's going to be nice about those, other than the obvious fitting, is that they are 100% mesh and the strongest stuff out there! Their stitching is top notch as well and the pants have a liner that can be used when temps drop or rain hits so it really is a great deal! I'm looking forward to having a pair of mesh overpants that fit properly...pants where the knee pads aren't around my ankles ???!!!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on January 05, 2016, 05:38:17 PM
check it out brother!
I will. Just want to hear your final testimonial after you ride a couple of times with them. I'm curious about the liner, especially if it goes on the inside. Need to know how much it affects fit, to know how tight (or loose) to make the pants. Will use your input and suggestions to make the final decision. Thanks a lot my friend. Appreciate all your help.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: maxtog on January 05, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
Juan, these "Motoport" guys I'm referring to will create

I have to say, they have some compelling stuff, like these overpants:  http://www.motoport.com/product/ultra-ii-cordura-pant/ (http://www.motoport.com/product/ultra-ii-cordura-pant/)  Unfortunately, not much in color selection (yep, I would prefer grey for matching and visibility) and nowhere near enough photos to figure out how they actually work.  So many options and features, they really need a video to describe it all.  And yeeesh... the measuring is complex...  http://www.motoport.com/sizing-guides/sizing-guide-for-mens-pants/ (http://www.motoport.com/sizing-guides/sizing-guide-for-mens-pants/)  !
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 06, 2016, 11:34:18 AM
I have to say, they have some compelling stuff, like these overpants:  http://www.motoport.com/product/ultra-ii-cordura-pant/ (http://www.motoport.com/product/ultra-ii-cordura-pant/)  Unfortunately, not much in color selection (yep, I would prefer grey for matching and visibility) and nowhere near enough photos to figure out how they actually work.  So many options and features, they really need a video to describe it all.  And yeeesh... the measuring is complex...  http://www.motoport.com/sizing-guides/sizing-guide-for-mens-pants/ (http://www.motoport.com/sizing-guides/sizing-guide-for-mens-pants/)  !

Yeah Max, the colors are pretty limited and I'm not I don't think the line of jackets look that great but that's only my opinion. Fortunately my Klim jacket is black/silver so the black mesh overpant from Motoport will work out well for me...I'm already wearing black Tourmaster mesh so going with the color black isn't anything new! The gear is most definitely made with the focus on protection and NOT looks but as far as protection goes they are supposed to be top-notch...ugly in terms of aesthetics but top-notch in performance! When I say "ugly" I don't mean "can't wear it because it's so ugly" ugly but that it's not nearly as "pretty" as the commercialized gear we tend to shop for on Revzilla. I have been told it looks better when seen in person and that the site does a poor job showing the gear. I will know on Friday and hopefully take some pics when I'm down there. My buddy is also riding down with me so he can get fitted for his police gear so I will post pics if I can get some.

One of the Motoport reps brought gear to the local Sheriff's station where my buddy works and gave them a demonstration of the gear. Motoport brought gear that had been involved in accidents, high speed accidents of 80, 90, 100+ MPH, and my buddy told me the gear looked like it barely touched the ground...that it had scuff marks and scratches but handled the slide on pavement with ease. In fact, the only reason the gear was "unwearable" was because the paramedics had to cut the gear off of the crash victim and the paramedics made comments about how difficult it was to cut the material used in the gear!

There are a lot of option and features and I do agree with you that the site is not informative at all considering what they offer! I had to call them and ask because the site wasn't clear and I had questions that couldn't be answered by reading through their information.

The measuring or "tailor prep" is an extensive and complicated process which is why I am riding the 2-2.5 hours South for a fitting. Riding South for me is no fun because South is Los Angeles and everything around it...North is much better and the further North I go the better it gets but for this I will go South and am looking forward to getting this done. I will definitely be reporting more after my visit so stay tuned!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: VirginiaJim on January 06, 2016, 11:48:47 AM
Mike, thanks for bringing this up..  :thumbs:
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: wally_games on January 06, 2016, 11:58:26 AM
I have a little bit older TourMaster Sonora Air jacket. For me, living in Texas where it gets really hot, it worked great. I've worn it from 25 to 115 degrees. Nobody makes a jacket that will be perfect at both ends of that range, but this one worked really well. I think the Sonora Air is a 3/4 length version of the Intake Air, or close to it. It has the internal, removable rain liner and a full-sleeve quilted liner. Put them both in and it's pretty warm. Without them, I doubt you can get any better airflow in another jacket.

You can get the TourMaster Sonora Air at:
http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-sonora-air-jacket. (http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-sonora-air-jacket.) Be sure to watch the video if you have questions. They're showing them at $240. The Intake Air is like $220, but I haven't seen one in person.

If it gets REALLY cold, I just throw my rain jacket over the top.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 06, 2016, 12:00:24 PM
Mike, thanks for bringing this up..  :thumbs:

My pleasure ;)

I hope to see more and more of our forum friends buying gear like this for the sole purpose of riding with gear that is properly fitted and made to keep you "safer" in the event something should happen...Lord willing it never does but better to have it and NEVER use it than not have the proper gear and something happen!

This is for everyone; read the details of the product on the site...you have to dig but there are details I didn't see before. They include details but sometimes it's buried under one product but covers a lot of what they sell. The material they use is really cool...literally "cool". Their "black" is called "cool black" and is designed to keep you 15 degrees cooler than any other mesh you can buy. So, black won't necessarily feel like "black"! It's really good stuff and definitely worth checking out for anyone who rides.

Also, the gear is designed to last for up to 500,00 miles of riding and then they'll replace zippers, liners, velcro, and everything that can be replaced and give you another 500k miles out of them! If you happen to go down and the gear is "un-reparable" they will replace it for free so you really can't beat the value they offer!

Like I said before, more info coming after Friday!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 06, 2016, 12:13:48 PM
I have a little bit older TourMaster Sonora Air jacket. For me, living in Texas where it gets really hot, it worked great. I've worn it from 25 to 115 degrees. Nobody makes a jacket that will be perfect at both ends of that range, but this one worked really well. I think the Sonora Air is a 3/4 length version of the Intake Air, or close to it. It has the internal, removable rain liner and a full-sleeve quilted liner. Put them both in and it's pretty warm. Without them, I doubt you can get any better airflow in another jacket.

You can get the TourMaster Sonora Air at:
http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-sonora-air-jacket. (http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-sonora-air-jacket.) Be sure to watch the video if you have questions. They're showing them at $240. The Intake Air is like $220, but I haven't seen one in person.

If it gets REALLY cold, I just throw my rain jacket over the top.

 I agree and I know there are really good jackets out there. As I said earlier, I have the Klim Induction and it works fantastic! Also, the Klim gear is regarded as "good gear" in the eyes of the Motoport group. To them it's all about material and construction/stitching and the Klim stuff rates high. I did try the Klim pants but the problem was "fit" and armor placement. It is all of these factors with pants that have led me to do the Motoport thing for pants.

I use the mesh year round here in So Cal and ride in areas where it's been 115 degrees and have ridden with mesh in temps down in the teens and the mesh mixed with liners, IMHO, is the best setup. I think it offers the best flexibility and you are hearing that from someone who has tried 8 different jackets and 3 different "overpants" over the last year-and-a-half! I am no expert but do have good experience in riding 25,000-ish miles over the last year in cold, hot, snow and rain and know, at least for me, the mesh with liners is best and it eliminates having to have a 2nd jacket with me. I have tried the jackets that claim to be "all season" with the vented flaps and all of that but no matter how you slice it, they are HOT in summer...period! Again, this is only my opinion and taken from the last year of riding pretty much every day, 25,000-ish miles and through a multitude of weather conditions.

I know this is "off-subject" and something I'd be happy to discuss in another post but the same goes for windscreens. Tried 9 different screens so I know about those too :o!
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on January 07, 2016, 01:31:35 PM
Their "black" is called "cool black" and is designed to keep you 15 degrees cooler than any other mesh you can buy.
Good to hear. Even though black goes with everything and looks the best, I prefer not black on summer pants, because it typically feels much hotter than lighter colors. Even the dark blue jeans feel quite hot. But it's rare to find silver pants, and Tourmaster doesn't make them anymore. Looking forward to your review of your pants when you get them.

Got the Flex 3 jacket yesterday, and surprisingly, even with the winter liner installed, I have room to spare everywhere, and it's a freaking XS. Oh, and I have a few extra holiday pounds. There's always a first time for everything ;D. Will remove the liner and shell and make sure it's not too floppy, but shouldn't be worse than the current Phoenix3. And it has taller neck, and much better fastening for the cuffs, plus nice material there and on the neck. For $120 shipped, can't beat this deal. The place selling them at that price both on eBay and Amazon is 'FayMyers'; if you're in the market for an excellent 3 to 4-seasons jacket, jump on them while you can. Yes, there's a new version coming in a few months, but it'd cost you at least double that. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: mikeb2411 on January 07, 2016, 01:40:58 PM
Yes, there's a new version coming in a few months, but it'd cost you at least double that. Hope this helps.

Ummmm, in a few months  ???...try 2017! The new version isn't going to start showing up until 2017 according to the TM rep I spoke with...2017!!! I don't know how different the new version will be other than color and the fact that they are reducing the amount of zippers from "7" (I think the current jacket has 7 zippers) down to "3".
Title: Re: "4 Season" Jackets
Post by: elp_jc on January 11, 2016, 09:01:09 PM
in a few months  ???...try 2017!
So it was a no-brainer to buy this one then ;). Still need to try it without liner and shell, but seems better than the Phoenix 3 in every respect. Even the sleeves and overall length seem fine for me, so great. Already removed the 3 tacky rubber logos, with only the classy embroidered 'Tourmaster' on the chest remaining (more than enough advertising. He he). Will try it tomorrow when I get an inspection sticker I need to renew registration. And will also try a new helmet liner I got yesterday. The thinner center pad left the new Shoei GT Air fit absolutely perfect. This helmet liner is awesome, with no seams on any pressure areas (forehead, etc). Have a good one folks.