best mesh jacket for summer

Hi, in previous posts members have recommended the Firstgear mesh tex jacket as the best for riding in hot weather. I am looking at importing one from US, as the price in Australia is more than double ( inclusive freight ).
I have noticed that they have changed the style in recent years with the older type ( black collar, black bar on sleeve ) made in Vietnam and the new style ( short collar in jacket color ) made in China. Has anyone bought the new style one and if so, can they recommend it? Or should I buy a new one of the older style. I can't see anything on the market that quite compares with it. I am quite happy to buy this as a summer jacket and wear leather in the cooler season; so I am not looking for a water proof or an all season model; I just don't want to ride in a t-shirt only

No... have no practical experience with it, but there is a new one in Silver Wing "Silver"  ...pretty impressive, could wear spring, summer, fall, with zip out liner on RevZilla.com (cant send a link, cause apparently I am still cited as a Rookie) but google "firstgear-mesh-tex-jacket" nice feature video!

I've been pretty happy with the Viking Warlock Mesh Jacket I bought for just under $80 shipped.  Been riding with it in 90 degree weather and I do sweat a bit with it on, it feels pretty cool and comfortable when moving.  Lots of pockets, CE armor and a removable liner I've used on some 50 degree mornings.  I like the Hi-Vis Yellow and for the price it was a great buy.

Viking Mess Jacket on Amazon

Hi Gremlin, I have been more than happy with a summer mesh jacket I bought from Wicked Gear in Oz. It has CE armour (removable for washing the jacket) and a zip-out thermal lining. Their web site shows about 4 styles for around the AUD120.00 mark. Very prompt service too.

ericclapham wrote:

Hi Gremlin, I have been more than happy with a summer mesh jacket I bought from Wicked Gear in Oz. It has CE armour (removable for washing the jacket) and a zip-out thermal lining. Their web site shows about 4 styles for around the AUD120.00 mark. Very prompt service too.

Thanks mate, I value a recommendation from a fellow Australian. I know too well what the summers are like in SA; I used to be a frequent visitor to the Barossa and Clare Valley on our wine buying tours. I have just ordered one from Wicked Gear for Aus $ 103.00 and free delivery. The quality seems good enough! I think apart from the BMW jackets they are nearly all made in China or surrounding countries now. I am well aware that this will not give me the full protection of a good quality leather jacket, but for me it is this or a t-shirt in temperatures above 30 C. I do not cope with the heat too well anymore. In many ways when you are on two wheels you are already putting your self at risk; but I am rather out there cruising than sit at home in safety!

FLY_DMy wrote:

No... have no practical experience with it, but there is a new one in Silver Wing "Silver"  ...pretty impressive, could wear spring, summer, fall, with zip out liner on RevZilla.com (cant send a link, cause apparently I am still cited as a Rookie) but google "firstgear-mesh-tex-jacket" nice feature video!

Thanks for the tip, the Firstgear mesh tex in silver would have been my first choice and they are priced well. Even with postage it would have been worth it for me. The problem with motorcycle jackets is that every manufacturer has got different sizing charts and some of them are ridiculous. The Firstgear jacket in large is for a chest size of 42-44, the Xelement jacket in large is 50. So you really don't know what you get; you only have to read some of the reviews. Buying from the US is generally good value and excellent service but returns to US are not economical, because our postal system has become one of the most expensive globally. I do appreciate the help, I buy from the US alot and have made lots of friends from over there over the decades.

I've had a couple of First Gear mesh jackets over the past ten years or so. One thing I like in real hot weather is to wear my water soaked vest under the jacket. Ordinarily in 100F+ weather the vest will dry out in half an hour losing its cool so to speak. Worn under the mesh it lasts over an hour before drying out.
One thing about mesh, it's actually cooler to me than wearing a polo shirt. It shades one but still lets the wind blow through. This summer on a 109F day I was wearing the jacket and felt pretty comfortable until I got stopped behind an accident on the road. Man, was it hot when not moving.