Lightest/Coolest Armored Jacket?

[oldsmoboat]

Looking for something like a kevlar screen door with armor in shoulders/elbows/back.
Any recommendations?

[sherob]

Only kevlar mesh would be Motoport... my "hi viz" is kinda a lime green... expensive, but worth every penny... going on year 7 now.

http://www.motoport.com/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=product&pid=35&cid=27&Itemid=15

[Rhino]

I've been using a JoeRocket Phoenix for years and love it. I don't know if it is the coolest or lightest but when moving the air flows right through it. Mine is a much older version then this one but this is the latest and greatest:

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/103/Textile_Jackets/Phoenix_5.0_Jacket

[Strawboss]

I wasn't aware till this thread that a kevlar jacket was even made. The one sherob suggests looks great though.

[gpzrocker]

HI vis is definitely cooler than black.

[Strawboss]

Cooler you mean, hip, or cooler you mean, like, less temperature?

[W14]

I have worn First Gear Mesh Jackets for the past several years; silver for the hot weather

[twowheeladdict]

Only kevlar mesh would be Motoport... my "hi viz" is kinda a lime green... expensive, but worth every penny... going on year 7 now.

http://www.motoport.com/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=product&pid=35&cid=27&Itemid=15

I thought Kevlar has a 5 year life when exposed to UV radiation.  Does motoport have some type of treatment to protect the kevlar?

[sherob]

I thought Kevlar has a 5 year life when exposed to UV radiation.  Does motoport have some type of treatment to protect the kevlar?

They warranty 7 years on all kevlar blended jackets/pants.  You can ask them if they coat/blend.  I Nikwax my stuff... UV protection since 2005.

[stevewfl]

Cooler you mean, hip, or cooler you mean, like, less temperature?

haha....doubt he meant "hip", had to be temp 

[stevewfl]

Only kevlar mesh would be Motoport... my "hi viz" is kinda a lime green... expensive, but worth every penny... going on year 7 now.

http://www.motoport.com/index.php?option=com_redshop&view=product&pid=35&cid=27&Itemid=15

That is CRAZY nice, thanks for posting. I used to think Dainese or REV'IT mesh were second to none mesh until you showed me this.

[ZG]

Cooler you mean, hip, or cooler you mean, like, less temperature?

haha....doubt he meant "hip", had to be temp 

Or maybe a combo of the two, hemp gear...     

[jimpope]

Had this one for 2 summers in Phoenix, AZ (HOT!!!). It's coolest and most comfortable by far. On closeout for $79 from motorcycle gear. A bargain (In fact, I might buy another for a spare)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/speed_and_strength/moment_of_truth_sp_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[stevewfl]

 
Or maybe a combo of the two, hemp gear...     

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^you sir NAILED it

[DeansZG]

Had this one for 2 summers in Phoenix, AZ (HOT!!!). It's coolest and most comfortable by far. On closeout for $79 from motorcycle gear. A bargain (In fact, I might buy another for a spare)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/speed_and_strength/moment_of_truth_sp_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

+1 I've had mine for a little more than a year now & the few times I wore it(thankfully, Michigan doesn't stay hot), it worked great!

[Gumby]

Seems to me that dude is sucking on the wrong end.

Joe Rocket Alter Ego. Great coat for all temps.

[ZG]

Seems to me that dude is sucking on the wrong end.

Sorry, I wouldn't know... 

[Locol]

I have the motoport jacket and pants. In 90 degree heat you can ride in shorts, t-shirt, and evap vest in cool comfort and still be fully protected. Of all the clothing I have owned, this is by far the best...hands down. Been using this stuff for about 5 years and it is like the day I bought it. Everything is quality and very heavy duty. With liners, it is great 3 season gear. Only on the coldest days do I go to warmer gear.

[ARS]

I haven't used my HiVis firstgear kilimanjaro jacket in the extreme heat yet, but the vents are well placed.  The zip vents that run along the top of the shoulders catch plenty of air over the top of the windshield and vents nicely out the back.  D3O armor on the shoulders and elbows. . .very comfortable, but only a high density foam on the back.  I'm thinking about adding some kind of hardshell laminate to the outside of the foam (don't know what yet).

Good Luck
Bill

[timsatx]

Seems to me that dude is sucking on the wrong end.

Joe Rocket Alter Ego. Great coat for all temps.

I have always like the Alter Ego. The price is usually just out of my range. How is it in the really cold weather?