Jacket: Tourmaster Draft Air 2

[srt8-in-largo]

I just ordered one of these... an inexpensive summer riding jacket without a ton of vendor branding plastered all over it!

[Steve 0080]

Worthless w/o link.....

[BIGLRY]

Manufacture,
https://www.tourmaster.com/product/Textile_Jackets/Draft_Air_Series_2_Jacket/369/3

or

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tour-master-draft-air-2-jacket?gclid=CJOP_oTwqcACFYNsfgodAX0Anw

or

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1060726/d/tour-master

or

http://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gear-and-accessories/jackets-vests/motorcycle-jackets/tour-master-draft-air-2-motorcycle-jacket?gclid=CNXT8brwqcACFQdcfgodubcAtA

and of course a Youtube


http://youtu.be/KB_vVbhiMDc

The sad part....they don't make one to fit my 62" chest .:icon_frown:
https://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/pages.php?pagenm=size_tourmaster_textile_jackets

[srt8-in-largo]

Oops sorry; thanks BigLry, that's the one. Revzilla is saying these are cut a size bigger than what the size on the tag says. That 4XL might be close to fitting ya if it's actually cut as a 5XL.

Unfortunately I think these are discontinued though. I just got an email about my order saying they only had one left in my size and color choice... and that it was damaged so they won't ship it. Rats! The search continues.


I've searched high and low and can't find anything else that I like that meets what I feel are just a few simple requirements. Any suggestions?

i) waterproof, or at least a removable waterproof liner (water resistant is not the same as waterproof)

ii) light colored for reduced heat absorption

iii) high amount of meshing or venting to allow airflow for summer riding

iv) not a ton of goofy vendor branding

v) relatively understated; can be worn normally and doesn't scream "motorcycle jacket"

vi) no "dragon scale" armor padding; that is, I want the padding to blend into the jacket and not be so obvious


The Revit Chronos GTX (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-chronos-gtx-jacket) and Klim Induction (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-induction-jacket) are relatively good candidates but expensive

[Injun Joe]

I got this http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Xelement-All-Season-Mens-Black/Grey-Tri-Tex/Mesh-Jacket/1458021.html right before Sturgis and I'm loving it! The waterproof liner unzips leaving you with a mesh outer shell and besides it has a third, quilted vest layer.

A nice side benefit for us is that it works so well with our motorcycles color wise. NOTE: For some reason, Leatherup lists the different colors as different items. So while this shows as only grey/black, there is a red/black which is what I have. Don't know if there's a yellow/black.

It's also decently adjustable for those of us whose bodies more closely resemble an "A" than a "V." /cough cough

[srt8-in-largo]

That's a beautiful cut jacket; the design is understated in ways but still very "motorcycle-ish" with the dragon scale on the back and shoulder pads.

I'd like something where I can get off the bike and walk into a restaurant and nobody would ever know I'm riding that bike in the parking lot. Undercover, if you will.

I checked the list of retailers on the Tourmaster website and went from retailer to retailer looking for a Draft Air 2 jacket. I finally found a place called The Helmet Shop that had one; I placed that order QUICK! :icon_biggrin:


EDIT: Just this minute I received an email from The Helmet Shop saying they're out of stock too :icon_rolleyes: Why are these vendors letting me place orders for things they don't have.

[Scotrod]

Fit is varied between brands,,, T-master fits me, so I'm a dedicated T-master rider, especially when I need something that comes in 4XL. Currently very happy with my T-master Flex: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tour-master-flex-3-jacket.

Love the design as the wind/rain layer is outside, mesh/armor in the middle, thermal jacket liner inside. :yes:

It's water resistant, so the closest thing to that system that claim's water proof is the Joe Rocket Alter Ego: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/joe-rocket-alter-ego-30-jacket

Light colored:

I have (2) of the all-silver mesh-tex jackets:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/firstgear-mesh-tex-jacketFl

3X and 2X. About as light colored as you are going to get,,,, (That's specifically why I bought it) But,,, Both sizes tend to rub me in the throat,,, The snap cuffs are pretty 'chunky/large' and overall, it just seems to fit me like a cheap suit,,,

Back to fit on the Wife:

Wife fell in love with the Olympia Airglide 4. I believe it was an Airglide 3 she tried on at the store, and decided that 'Airglide was the one for her' Ordered the 4, was admiring herself int ehmirror, and I pointed out to her the shoulder armor was placed out way too wide, elbow armor way too far down the sleeves, and snug on her butt. (She's pear shaped)

Broken-hearted, she sent it back,,, Got a womens Joe Rocket Alter Ego and she's pleased as punch!!! Enough adjustment to fit her shape and the armor is all where it needs to be. :yes:

I can't honestly say how 'aware' she was of the armor placement when she was trying on the Airglide,,,, probably more worried about the 'pretty colors/patterns', but if it doesn't protect ya,,, it really doesn't matter what it looks like,,,,

Good luck in your quest!!! :yes:

[srt8-in-largo]

The Tourmaster Flex 3 and Firstgear Mesh Tex are pretty much what I'm looking for but I've had water "resistant" stuff in the past and in my experience it does great in short or light rains, but in long or heavy rains some of this stuff gets water soaked almost as bad as a cotton jacket.

I love the Olympia line... but their light colored jackets are just ugly IMO (no offense :icon_biggrin:). If I thought a black jacket would work for me I'd already have the Airglide.

The Joe Rocket Alter Ego is very interesting... but the majority of my riding would be in the mesh under-jacket and I'm just not comfortable in a jacket that has no collar.


Thanks Scot! I really appreciate the suggestions; I'm a picky bastard I guess :icon_biggrin:

I'm really looking to get away from unprotected riding so I'll keep looking.

[52edub]

I found the Sedici brand at Cycle Gear good stuff. I have the Arturo jacket and flows pretty good air and I can attest to the waterproof liner. Military and retiree get 10% off and the stuff is guaranteed for life.

http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/Street/Jackets/Mesh/brand/SEDICI/Arturo-Mesh-Motorcycle-Jacket/p/45793

[srt8-in-largo]

Thanks 52.

I went down to Cyclegear and test fit that Sedici. It's a handsome jacket with the features I want... but the fit is restrictive IMO and the styling is still too "motorcycle-ish".

[unsub]

I just ordered one of these... an inexpensive summer riding jacket without a ton of vendor branding plastered all over it!

They're actually a decent product for budget minded folks. I use the transition series. Well done.

[miramiramira]

I don't know what size you're looking for, but I've been wearing the Fieldsheer for over a year and like it quite a bit. Well, I guess all they have is black, so maybe the color doesn't work for you. but the price is killer.

I don't know anything about the first gear jacket other than it seems to meet your requirements.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/fieldsheer/prodigy_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_rush_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[NCF6B]

You may want to check with Value Accessories. They are a site sponsor and carry some great jackets. I have one of their light weight summer jackets. Very well vented and priced right! Call and talk with Teresa or Rick. www.valueaccessories.net Rick is coming to the fall rally.

[srt8-in-largo]

They're actually a decent product for budget minded folks. I use the transition series. Well done.

:yes: . Product feedback from firsthand users is always good to see.



I don't know what size you're looking for, but I've been wearing the Fieldsheer for over a year and like it quite a bit. Well, I guess all they have is black, so maybe the color doesn't work for you. but the price is killer.

I don't know anything about the first gear jacket other than it seems to meet your requirements.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/fieldsheer/prodigy_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_rush_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

I like the lighter color of the FirstGear jacket... but still hesitant to go with "water resistant" versus "water proof".




You may want to check with Value Accessories. They are a site sponsor and carry some great jackets. I have one of their light weight summer jackets. Very well vented and priced right! Call and talk with Teresa or Rick. www.valueaccessories.net Rick is coming to the fall rally.

Hmmmmmmm... is this what you have: http://store.valueaccessories.net/OSICoolJacketSilver.aspx ?

If they have a reasonable return or exchange policy I may give this a shot!

[srt8-in-largo]

There's an interesting new textile treatment called Coldblack... which (allegedly) causes darker materials to feel cooler in the sun. BMW is using this stuff on some of their riding gear $$$.

Hmpf. Maybe one day black jackets will feel as cool as light colors.


http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/coldblack-does-it-work

http://www.schoeller-tech.com/en/textile-finishing-technologies/coldblack/#all

[srt8-in-largo]

I decided that I just wasn't going to find everything I wanted in a single jacket so I got two: the Airwave from Revit and the Tekk Toad from Frogg Toggs.

The Airwave is an armored mesh jacket that is pretty much for summer time only. It's fully meshed and does not come with any liners. The advantage of a jacket without liners is you're able to fine tune the fit a little better. Most lined jackets will fit snugly with the liner installed, but when the liner is out it'll fit looser than I like. I have a 42 inch chest and the large Airwave fits snug with just enough room to wear a long sleeve shirt underneath which should keep me warm enough in the cold Florida winters.

The black areas of this jacket at the "impact zones" are 600D polyester, which is on the lower end of abrasion resistance of the materials Revit uses. Full grain leather or 1000D Cordura are much more bomb proof but you pay for it. Since I'm not a pro rider and I don't plan on breaking the sound barrier, I'm ok with the lesser protection offered by a $200 jacket. The silver areas at the chest, back, and inner forearms are PWR mesh which is a proprietary textile made by Revit and is actually rated slightly higher than the 600D poly for abrasion resistance.

The Airwave comes with Knox CE armor in the elbows and shoulders; a back protector can be ordered separately that will slide into a pocket on the back. The armor is essentially invisible; I don't really feel it when I'm wearing the jacket and I can't really notice it when I look in the mirror. The snug fit of the jacket keeps the armor where it's supposed to be; you don't want a loose fitting jacket that allows the armor to move in a crash.

The third pic below was taken with flash to show the reflective areas at the outer biceps and top of the back. One feature that I also liked is the belt loop that can be seen in the fourth pic below. If you're not attached to riding pants with the zipper, you can loop into your belt.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--k2RJl-Nluw/VA5qv0J1zoI/AAAAAAAACHs/vhb80u5a7zQ/s800/DSC00618.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g34sBRuN1No/VA5qvecpSMI/AAAAAAAACHo/DlMqx1FfdY4/s800/DSC00619.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OZmMNaa66E4/VA5qv41r8sI/AAAAAAAACHw/pVR3G8Xncr4/s800/DSC00620.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fsbUEyaTvik/VA5qw-9mJpI/AAAAAAAACH4/f_Z4-EH5rXQ/s800/DSC00621.JPG


The Tekk Toad is basic raingear and fairly inexpensive at $45. I love that Frogg Toggs makes stuff that is affordable but still pretty good. I'm not sure but I think FT cuts their jackets on the large size so that it can fit over riding gear. This medium has a TON of room and is easily worn over the top of another jacket.

Most FT jackets are bomber cut, meaning the waist is short. The Tekk Toad is longer cut and will therefore completely cover the riding jacket and not look silly. There are two zippered hand warmer pockets but no more; none on the inside.

The front zipper has a dual rain flaps and as you can see in the second pic all of the seams are taped. There is a permanently attached hood that can be folded and stored away in a collar pouch. This seems like pretty serious raingear and I plan on using it off the bike too. FT touts their proprietary material to be breathable yet 100% waterproof; I can't wait to test it out.

The cuffs have velcro adjustments. Black is probably not the best color for wearing in a low visibility rainy environment but I figured there's enough reflectivity to help out.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_XP33l1Gl5A/VA507MOKwqI/AAAAAAAACIM/YQN5urmvThQ/s800/DSC00622.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FM80lTBT8_g/VA51p25csTI/AAAAAAAACIg/ZJCJmU9KRRA/s800/DSC00623.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hA6F7BuylmQ/VA507q5s83I/AAAAAAAACIQ/_Bwrdim3WaA/s800/DSC00624.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-28T1-lq1sjA/VA508tSpFLI/AAAAAAAACIY/JT1cLQHLqyA/s800/DSC00625.JPG

[srt8-in-largo]

I've been lovin the Revit Airwave jacket... fantastic!

... but the Frogg Togg, not so much. The material is strange; its very stiff and does not pack well because of this. The stiffness and thickness of the material is just too bulky.

Also the cut is funny. These are cut big so they can be worn over motorcycle jackets, I understand that, but still. The back rides too high to provide much rain protection and the brim of the hood is too short; it allows a lot of rain to hit your face.

I went to the Marmot Precip rain jacket (http://marmot.com/products/details/precip-jacket-new) instead, and this is the shizzat! I ordered a size as if I was just using it normally... but there is still enough room to wear over a motorcycle jacket. The cuffs are velcro adjustable to accommodate gloves. Highly recommended!

[taxfree4]

Great jacket with a waterproof liner
On sale $71.77


http://www.compacc.com/p/pokerun-cool-cruise-2-0-mens-mesh-jacket?utm_source=scPricegrabber&utm_medium=cse&scpid=7&scid=scsho2795000

[hiflyer]

... but the Frogg Togg, not so much. The material is strange; its very stiff and does not pack well because of this. The stiffness and thickness of the material is just too bulky.

!

I can't do the frogg togg thing either. I tried. I'll have to look in my saddlebag to see what kind of rainsuit I have. It's a good one to the point I don't even think about it, rolled up and tucked in the corner of the bag, ready for use.

[srt8-in-largo]

Great jacket with a waterproof liner
On sale $71.77

http://www.compacc.com/p/pokerun-cool-cruise-2-0-mens-mesh-jacket?utm_source=scPricegrabber&utm_medium=cse&scpid=7&scid=scsho2795000

I like the looks and the price :icon_biggrin:

But I've come to the decision that I won't try to save money when it comes to a jacket; there's just too many things that can go wrong with a poorly made one in a crash (seams rip, the material isn't rugged enough, etc). I won't even consider a protective jacket anymore unless the vendor offers a concrete discussion about construction and materials.



I can't do the frogg togg thing either. I tried. I'll have to look in my saddlebag to see what kind of rainsuit I have. It's a good one to the point I don't even think about it, rolled up and tucked in the corner of the bag, ready for use.

That's a shame because the FT's are so affordable and made specific for riders... having the reflective tape already installed on it. I really tried to like it.

I'm gonna try some putting some 3M reflective tape on my Marmot Precip jacket: http://www.identi-tape.com/super-eng2.html . I like it so much I think I'll get the matching pants and call it a day.

[hiflyer]

That's a shame because the FT's are so affordable and made specific for riders... having the reflective tape already installed on it. I really tried to like it.

.

One of the things I didn't care for, was I felt like the Pillsbury doughboy.

[TnHeath]

Oops sorry; thanks BigLry, that's the one. Revzilla is saying these are cut a size bigger than what the size on the tag says. That 4XL might be close to fitting ya if it's actually cut as a 5XL.

Unfortunately I think these are discontinued though. I just got an email about my order saying they only had one left in my size and color choice... and that it was damaged so they won't ship it. Rats! The search continues.


I've searched high and low and can't find anything else that I like that meets what I feel are just a few simple requirements. Any suggestions?

i) waterproof, or at least a removable waterproof liner (water resistant is not the same as waterproof)

ii) light colored for reduced heat absorption

iii) high amount of meshing or venting to allow airflow for summer riding

iv) not a ton of goofy vendor branding

v) relatively understated; can be worn normally and doesn't scream "motorcycle jacket"

vi) no "dragon scale" armor padding; that is, I want the padding to blend into the jacket and not be so obvious


The Revit Chronos GTX (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-chronos-gtx-jacket) and Klim Induction (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-induction-jacket) are relatively good candidates but expensive

I ordered one (3XL) last night through Amazon, they have several listed...http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_13?rh=k%3Atourmaster+draft+air+ja ckets%2Ci%3Aautomotive&keywords=tourmaster+draft+air+jackets&ie=UTF8&qid=1428498841

[srt8-in-largo]

Thanks for that update Heath; let us all know how the jacket works for ya.

I think it's a great looking jacket... and doesn't have the over-done, gaudy branding that so much clothing has nowadays.