Took my first ride today with my new Joe Rocket 5.0 mesh jacket. This is actually the first mesh jacket with armor that I have ever worn. When I took it out of the box I thought it felt heavy but it really wasn't once I put it on.The fit is absolutely perfect I couldn't be more pleased since it's a gamble when ordering online. For a reference I'm 5'7, 174 lbs, 42' chest, 33 sleeve lenghth and 33' waist, I ordered a medium. Temp today was 80 and I was very comfortable with a t shirt under it. Once I got up to highway speed the air actually felt almost cool. I didn't ride far today but I feel like this jacket is going to be a good purchase. My main thing is to try and stop frying my arms in the sun and get a little protection at the same time.

 

Glad you like it but just don't seem right to me. I know it is good protection should TSHTF but a man has to have principles.

 

I've got an old Joe Rocket mesh jacket that is my go to when it gets up around 100. It being silver helps in the heat too.

 

If you want mesh, Joe Rocket invented the mesh motorcycle jacket. Good choice.

 

I just got one of the Phoenix 5.0s that's totally silver and white (why the heck do you want to wear BLACK when it's hot out?). It's by far the coolest summer jacket I've found. Shoulder and elbow armor fit well. Back armor is a foam pad - that might get a little sweaty come August. Other than wishing for a few more interior pockets, this was a great purchase.

 

I have a few-years old Joe Rocket mesh jacket I still use in warm/hot weather, and am still very happy with it.

 

I just purchased their Velocity Mesh Jacket. My local Honda dealer had both the Volocity and the Phoenix 5.0. After trying them both on I went with the Velocity. I liked both but the Velocity seemed to be a little lighter and not as stiff feeling. Especially throughout the arms. The volocity was also $40.00 less. They are both excellent jackets though.
I rode this weekend here in AZ and it was 105 out. I was surprised how cool it was compared to wearing a short sleeve shirt and sunblock. This plus having some protection in the arms, shoulders is nice as well.
I did have to take out the back protector pad. I have a backrest and that pad drove me nuts.

I'm sold!

 

In response to why would I want to wear black in the heat. If you notice most of the color choices are three tone. I chose the black with Hi Vis and light grey for visibility reasons. I had originally considered the light silver knowing it would be cooler but figured it would also show dirt a lot easier.It would be interesting to know which color is their number one seller. I guess another thing is after wearing black for so many years it's hard to get completely away from it. I have however quit wearing black t shirts in the summer.

 

I have a three years-old Tourmaster in hi-vis green (the same one they paint fire trucks in and the Brits wear as safety vests and whatever instead of orange) and black. I fits great, has a cool weather liner, and a rain liner, is cool enough to wear in Florida summer heat with good air flow, has good range of motion, and the armor is comfortable to wear. My only complaint is on a trip with all three packs full it's a bear to fold and stow at rest breaks and etc.

 

I've been riding this week with the H-D mesh jacket in white w/black sleeves - been 50s/60 in the AM and mid 80s in the PM and the jacket has been doing great. The white is definitely cooler than my old black JR mesh and it flows nice, so I stay plenty cool so far. One morning I did toss on a fleece Windstopper underneath to see if it kept me warm in the shady sections and it was nice, but a bit bulky. Still better than wearing leather in the AM and mesh when it warms up.

Not a fan of the looks of the white one, but since I have to wear a jacket to ride on post, I figured it should be comfortable and cool. Better visibility than a black one, I guess, but it looks like I'm either lost and looking for a parade or a mall cop wanting to be a motor officer...but I'm comfortable so I don't really care. Too much.