New Rider, Gear recommendations?

[k1prototype]

Its not a bad jacket for the price point. It would be a good summer jacket, but you would probably need another jacket for fall and winter.

Also in terms of protection this is how I would rate mesh:

1. Leather
2. Textile
3. Mesh
4. Nothing at all.

The one thing I don't like about the jacket is that it doesn't come with a zip in the back. If you decide to purchase a set of pants you'll notice the problem. I have a scorpion all-in leather jacket for the colder riding seasons and although it has the belt loop, the Scorpion awe pants I have come with a zipper. So to solve the problem of my back being unprotected (jacket riding up and exposing your back while your are sliding) I went to a seamstress and had her put velcro on both the pants and the jacket. When I bought my Dainese gear, I immediately noticed the benefit of having something that zips together. Psychology for me at least, it just feels more secure.

One other recommendation would be replace the foam back pad with a real back protector.

If you decide to purchase pants as well (which I highly recommend), a good entry point would be The Scorpion Deuce Pants. Although they aren't as protecting as lets say textile or leather, the advantage of these pants are that you could honestly wear a pair of jeans underneath and without much hassle take these off and put them in a bag or backpack.