Joe Rocket1254-0002 Velocity Men's Mesh Riding Jacket (Black, Small)

I'm 5'9", 150lbs., 40 chest, 33 arm length, 31 waist and wear a medium t-shirt. According to Joe Rocket's sizing chart I should fit a small. So I ordered a small and it fit perfectly. Not too excited about how short these jackets are while standing. But while sitting on the bike it's the perfect length. The pads sit where they're supposed to on the shoulder and elbows. Just a little confused about the armor pads, though. The shoulder and elbow pads are supposedly CE 1 rated and the spine pad is not even CE rated and is just "dual density". But the spine pad appears to be made out of the same exact material as the shoulder and elbow pads. What gives? All the armor pads are removable by the way. Man does this jacket breathe! Worth every penny paid for it. It's Joe Rocket. Need I say more?

it took me a few months to find a jacket that I could use just for the hot months and I think this is the one. I have the large as i wanted a better fit but I could've gone with the xlarge as well. The zipper sleeve is very tight meaning I have to unzip it prior to putting the jacket on and as others have mentioned the jacket is short around the waist. I really like that it does have protection for the back, elbows, side and the lower back. However I do not like the foam protection and Joe Rocket does not have the plastic inserts, but I found hard plastic and spin armor online that I will be replacing the foam that came with the jacket, I will feel more comfortable after the changes.

For years I have had the bad habit of riding in just a t-shirt on hot days. I live just outside of Philadelphia and it's common to have hot and humid days in the summer. I recently started looking for a jacket with some protection that I wouldn't leave at home due to heat. I took a shot with this one and am pleasantly surprised. I waited until the first hot / humid day to write this review. I took out the liner and left in the shoulder pads and back plate. I would say this jacket feels close to not wearing a jacket at all. The air circulates through the mesh on the front and arms and you can feel it as though only wearing a shirt. Tons of pockets / storage too. Very pleased so far.

I was looking for a well ventilated jacket that would give me armor in key positions. This jacket seems to provide that at a reasonable price. I ordered an XL, and it fits my 5'10" 200 lb. 45" chest frame very well. It is slightly loose without the lining but not excessively so. The rear foam pad is both larger and stiffer than I imagined but is comfortable. I have a small driver's back rest on my bike and if not careful the pad rides up on top of it putting a little uplift to the shoulders of the jacket. This is minor and easily avoided with care when mounting. I've only ridden with it in 70 deg. weather (not bad for Feb.) but I can tell the ventilation is excellent. The liner is attached with several loop fasteners rather than a zipper like the "Phoenix" has but it is not difficult. Quality looks good, and I like having the added protection (having been down once without any.) I might have liked the larger ventilated area, zippered liner, and added pockets of the Phoenix model but couldn't justify the added cost for the limited riding I do.UPDATE: Now that Aug. has arrived in FL with temps 88-92 and humidity 65% - 90%, I find I just can't wear this jacket. I am dripping wet after a two hour ride. I frankly don't think there are any ventilated armored jackets that would work in this weather. I look forward to wearing it again when the temps are < 85 and humidity is <55%.

For summer riding, this is a great jacket. It is SUPER lightweight but has armor in the right places. My only concern is if the mesh would evaporate on road contact but those areas most likely to hit have fabric and armor. It's definitely much better, much safer than riding in a t shirt (we've all been there, right?) and the mesh let's in about the same air as if you were in a t shirt. It's not cheap but for a motorcycle mesh jacket it's nicely constructed and I feel safer riding with it than without. Definitely not for fall or winter, you'll freeze in it.