Newest Version of Popular Jacket is Best One Yet

The latest version of First Gear's popular Hypertex summer jacket dispenses with the 2.0, and is now simply called Mesh Tex. This third version of the Mesh-Tex jacket retails for $129.95 and features fully a aerated shell and better armor than previous versions. A zip out liner shuns wind and water to make this a usable Spring, Summer and Fall jacket. 

Summer mesh jackets usually subscribe to one of two schools of thought- the Minimalist or the Legacy. Minimalist jackets, like the Joe Rocket Phoenix or Alpinestar Bionic, are made of very open weave mesh- almost like a net. These might best be described as armor held together with a jacket. Legacy jackets, on the other hand, are a more standard cut of jacket made from a mesh material, either all or in part.

Both have their advantages and drawbacks. The Minimalist style usually offer greater airflow but lacks storage or the versatility afforded by weather-proof liners. Legacy jackets usually fit better and are more comfortable, but many have limited airflow because most are only partially made of mesh material. First Gear has attempted to bridge this gap.

First off, the Mesh Tex is made like a "real" jacket. So the fit is good, the armor stays where it's supposed to and you get inner and outer pockets to stash your trinkets. But the shell is completely, 100% mesh- there are no solid panels that block airflow. So you also enjoy fully al fresco riding. Even the CE-approved armor has holes to allow the air through! In case you leave early in the cool of the morning you can use the included liner. It blocks wind and rain.

Changes on this new model include snap closures (instead of Velcro) at the waist and wrists, added pockets, a Velcro neck closure and, as mentioned previously, better armor. A new inner pocket is accessible with or without the liner and features an easy-to-spot red zipper, perfect for stashing ear plugs or toll booth change. The jacket interior and removable liner both offer cell phone pockets with a secure Velcro closure. Chilly mornings, or rain, can effectively be countered with the zip out liner. Previous versions included a thermal liner- but this is not, nor will ever be, a Winter jacket. The Mesh Tex is available is sizes small through 4X plus tall and womens styles.

What's Not To Like?
My complaints with this jacket are pretty darn sparse. I think the liner could be a tad easier to install (the sleeves could take a lesson from Tourmaster's color-coded snaps) although the "split" zipper idea is nifty. Another minor irritation is the neck closure's Velcro flap has a tendency to latch on to my helmet strap.

All in all this is a very versatile, and affordable, jacket for weather ranging from warm to downright hot. Even if it happens to rain.

Available online at...
Bike Bandit
Motorcycle Superstore

Shop for the First Gear Mesh-Tex Jacket on eBay

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