Hey guys, I had a problem with my Dainese jacket and had to return it to CycleGear. Long story short, I got all $440 back (CycleGear was great about taking care of me).. but now, I have no jacket. I will be placing an order ASAP + expedited shipping but am having trouble choosing from the following options:

1.) Alpinestars Alloy Mesh/Leather Jacket + A* RC Back Protector Upgrade + Bionic Chest Pads Upgrade = ~$420ish total

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=4408

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/18870/small/ALLOY_LTH_JK_BLACK.jpg?1224018590http://www.newenough.com/image/path/18871/small/ALLOY_LHT_JK_Black_BK.jpg?1224018601
http://www.newenough.com/image/path/11676/small/mens.jpg?1203996085http://www.newenough.com/image/path/7080/small/Default.jpg?1203995569

PROS: Looks badass, has unique mesh + perf. leather construction + chest protection built-in
CONS: All black (low visiblity + heat absorption), RC Back Protector is super-stiff (not the best in protection), no reflective piping, pricey

2.) ICON Accelerant Perf. Leather Jacket + Icon Field Armor Vest = ~$400

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=3979
http://www.newenough.com/image/path/8080/small/ACCELERANT_WHITE_FRONT.jpg?1203996488http://www.newenough.com/image/path/2137/small/Default.jpg?1203996310

PROS: perforated, WHITE (high-vis + heat deflection), stylish, and with the vest, I get full back/chest protection
CONS: no waist adjustment, ICON reputation, the armor vest is not CE rated and the chest piece is flimsy, pricey

3.) Alpinestars Sniper Air-Flo Mesh + T-Pro Backpad Insert (CE Level 2) + Bionic Chest Guards = ~$300

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/14651/small/white.jpg?1205341818
http://www.newenough.com/image/path/11676/small/mens.jpg?1203996085http://www.johnsonleather.com/images/back_insert3.jpg

PROS: White (high vis + heat deflection), very protective for Mesh jacket (white areas is textile, camo is mesh), great air flow/light, and I can afford to use the T-PRO FORCEFIELD CE LEVEL 2 BACK INSERT instead of the crappy A* upgrade, will have money left over to spare
CONS: I'm not feeling the camo design too much, it's still mesh/textile (no leather)

go with number 3 - what can I say, i am cheap lol.

really to me it depends on what kind or riding you do and where you do it

wow, this is kind of ironic/crazy but i just got a call from a buddy of mine who just got back into riding. him and his friend were riding home earlier today when his friend got ran over by a lady in a truck. apparently, she was turning left and didn't see him.

he's in pretty bad shape.. broken back, legs, fingers, ribs, etc. dumbass lady tried to blame him and complained that no one was helping her out of the truck when my friend's friend was laying on the ground unconscious.

anyway.. i think i'm going to just splurge like crazy on my jacket/upper body protection.. shudder

Sorry to hear that about your friend. Hope he makes a full recovery soon.

Something to think about, I have very little white on my jacket but man it shows the dirt fast. I would stay away from white, unless you want to be cleaning it often.

i love the alloy jacket. might get it later on down the road. only problem is that it will give cage drivers more leverage when they hit you. "i didn't see him, he was wearing all black."

I use a jean jacket with the sleeves cut off. The patch on the back is just an advertisement for a group of rider I know.

check out new enough - I've gotten about 15 emails over the last week about deals on jackets

I suggest the Teknic Violator. It was named jacket of the year by Sport Bike Track Gear. I own one personally and can say that it has some serious armor built into it. It comes with a full circumference and 8" zipper that fit perfectly into my Teknic Mercury pants which I am also a fan of. I'd check it out before making a decision.

http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/images/products/lg/violator_jkt_sil.jpg

I'm partial to the Icon selection you've made :thumbup: . Doesnt look dangerous <grin> but I think looks rather cool in itself. You may want to check out the New Enough Icon Motorhead in white... same styling but includes waist adjustments and not so bad venting. New Enough has it at $305.00 I believe. Cheapest on line at this time. I use the Field Armor chest plus the arm protectors periodically.. not so bad.