Does anyone have experience with the textile jackets? I saw one at the HD store and was wondering what the pros and cons were compared to the leather. Does it wear as well or better than leather? How about protection? Any reason (besides price comparable jacket in textile is quite a bit cheaper than leather) to choose them over leather.
Thanks
Joe

 

I for one prefer the nylon over leather for long trips. Some of the nylon models are water proof. I still use rain gear for an all day soaker.

They are lighter in weight. If the leather soaks in the water they take longer to dry.

Comfort and venting seem to be better. you really have to try on all type and find which feels the best.

Leather probably has a higher abrasion factor but if you get the FXRG nylon it is probably pretty high as well.

 

1,000 Denier Cordura is generally as strong/a hair stronger than leather in terms of pounds of force to tear it. 600 Denier is much more common, though, and is not as strong as leather. Pockets holding the armor and back protector are usually reinforced and have held up well in most slides I've seen people post about in other motorcycle forums. Kevlar jackets are much, much stronger, but are expensive and if you can't live without the bar and shield logo they don't make kevlar jackets to my knowledge.

Textile jackets are lighter and many of them are designed to have removable wind and thermal liners, so they're better suited for hot weather. Few of them block the wind and cold as well as leather, though. IMO textile is more comfortable to wear due to being lighter weight and more flexible.

 

I, personally, went with a textile jacket after my crash (back in Nov) that has armor in the shoulders, elbows and spine mainly because leather jackets with armor are not overly available and/or in a style I liked.
As far as "wear" or lasting I cannot comment on that as I have only worn the new armored jacket a few times thus far.

 

I prefer textile over leather. Textile is lighter and more comfortable. Also, many textile coats and overpants are waterproof, which eliminates the need for rain gear.

 

It wasn't an "either or" choice for me. I have both, and more than one of each.

 

I went down last Spring on a tar and gravel road, coarse sandpaper really,

I had on a FXRG Leather Jacket,





NOW,

Look at the damge done to my FXRG Nylon Overpants,







I hate to think what would have happened to my left side had I been wearing Nylon,

 

I like leather better, but my pants are textile. My leather has some venting but I'll see if I can make it through the summer w/o getting a textile. From most of what I have read modern textiles will hold up just as well in a crash......one time, seems they will 'melt' if they slide much. Leather can take more repeated abuse, but I intend to never test out either of these 'facts'....

 

I wear both. Leather is technicaly better at protecting you from road rash. Leather feels better (my opinion,) lasts longer and has a more universal appeal. But..... Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it's really hot. In these two cases textile has an advantage. As with any gear, fit is the key. All good quality gear will protect well. Some guys pick on me wearing textile on a HD. That's ok. I also wear a full face helmet. My rule: nice or cold weather :leather all the way. Chance of rain or really hot, I'm likely to use textile. FWIW even my cold weather textile doesn't seem as warm as a regular leather jacket. Never had riding pants, only jeans.

 

Motoport's kevlar is worth considering...

http://www.motoport.com/_catalog_35442/Kevlar_Products

I like the Air Mesh Kevlar jacket. You can get it with armor too, if you want.

About double the price of a typical mass produced textile jacket from any of the major makes, but the protection is far superior and of course it's not cheap to make stuff out of Kevlar either.