Icon Textile Jackets

[ConqSoft]

I think I'd definitely stay away from any of their gear that has any flat, sharp, metal on it, but as for their normal stuff, no idea on quality....

[BDA116]

Originally Posted by Pete

Does anyone here have any definitive proof that Icon's gear is inferior when compared to similar products from mfrs such as Joe Rocket, Teknic, AGV, TourMaster, etc.?

Yes, they sponsor that jackass "host" of that new moron show on "Speed" TV, as well as the show itself.
Reason enough to not buy anything from them right there.

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

[BDA116]

Originally Posted by gthotchkiss

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

No, for me a company pushing product through sponsoring worthless **** = me not buying anything from that company, period.
Pretty simple to understand.

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by gthotchkiss

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

Actually, the only reason Icon exists is excellent marketing. But their marketing means their products are tailored to a look, performance and to a group of riders, that have nothing in common with me.

Most of their gear is crap. I do think their military vest is quite a good product however. Hammer keeps talking about that back protector, but I forgot to go check it out.

To answer Pete's question, no, there are no impartial tests I've seen done that I'd say do a good job of comparing all aspects of suit performance.

But look at all of the trash Icon sews on to their gear. Every bit tacked on to market their **** to stuannas, is another hole in the base material, and another seam to fail, when it hits the tarmac.

Mesh made by anyone is absolute garbage.

[ConqSoft]

ICON helmets are actually HJC, right?

[luvtolean]

If not HJC, more than likely made in the same Chinese factory.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

If not HJC, more than likely made in the same Chinese factory.

You are correct, along with Xpeed helmets.

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but have you guys checked the going rate for a skingraft these days?

ND, I know you're trying to do well, and of course I won't even argue that mesh/tex gear is as good as leather, it just won't happen.

Some areas, including mine, get so damn hot it might be considered detrimental to wear a more protective jacket due to heat casualty issues, yep that hot.

So the argument goes that mesh is ****, and it's better to sweat than bleed (going back to an old, OLD Army saying).

All I'll say is "it depends..."

I've looked long and hard for a comprehensive test on the mesh and textile gear, and can't find squat on mesh - maybe the industry is afraid of the results?

All I can say is I've crash tested the stuf at street speeds, and it performed it's intended job - it protected me better than nothing.

Here's another:

A couple in my BMW group went down on their K1200LT last fall. They were towing a trailer that was apparently struck from behind by a pickup truck driver that was attempting to pass on a two-lane highway. * When the contact occurred, the bike was traveling at an estimated 45-50 mph, the truck considerably faster. The rider tells me that he had no idea what had happened and that he found himself on the ground almost instantly. Both he and his wife slid well over 100 feet down the asphalt before ending up in a cornfield.

He was wearing the First Gear Mesh-Tex jacket shown in the attached photo. As the picture shows, the outer layer is shredded where it was in contact with the roadway. However, the jacket retained its structural integrity, and the armor remained in place. He received no road rash or injuries more serious than bruising from the waist up. The waist down, however, was another story. He was wearing jeans, and he received deep abrasions on his left calf above the area protected by his boot. It still has not healed completely. He has replaced the totaled tourer with an R1150GS and has resumed riding.

She was wearing an Aerostitch Darien jacket and pants. I haven’t seen the pants. The jacket showed only minor abrasions, and it did not wear through at all. Unfortunately, her gear did not prevent several broken bones (collarbone, three or four ribs, and a leg) or a punctured lung. She is recovering well, but has doubts whether she will ever ride again.

Although the accident and its effects are sobering, it does give me a bit more confidence about the protection afforded by my mesh jacket.

Regards,
Chris

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum....ab-motorcycles

and another:

CRASH TEST RESULTS on a 400ft. SLIDE

Joe Rocket Phoenix gear:

Stephen's riding friend went down in a 65 mph tank slapper and high sighted his bike on I-90 in Washington.

The WA state Patrol measured his off bike slide to be 400ft.

Joe Rocket Damage: Shredded all armored areas of the JR gear.

Human damage: Broken collarbone and light abrasions.


I vote Joe Rocket. Motorcycle Consumer News rated JR best value. After realizing all mesh gear will tear up on the road when down, I can buy several JR gear to one "other-brand" and decided to save cost difference of purchasing more expensive gear.

I have Joe Rocket Phoenix women’s jacket, pants and gloves. Stephen has full men’s JR Phoenix gear, and it works for us, and Stephen’s friend (as described in the personal story above).

Sport-Touring.Net Forums - What mesh jacket is best for summer riding?




Does anyone have a link to a review, test, or evaluation of anything mesh to disprove the protective qualities?