Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm looking for a jacket and gloves for summer duty. I've narrowed it down to two choices for a jacket and Alpinestars SP-2s for gloves (all pictured below). Anyone wanna weigh in on which jacket and why and whether or not the gloves are comfortable in the heat?

Don't worry about the prices so much; I'll search for better later. Right now I'm more concerned with fit, function, etc. Thanks!

1. Icon Tarmac - approx. $150


2. Alpinestars Airflow Textile - approx. $160


3. Alpinestars SP-2 - approx. $80

that icon jacket is too "busy" for my tastes.

i have an icon leather jacket and it fits well and is comfy even in 90degree weather, but they skimp on some of the little things, like the locker loop not holding up to the weight of the jacket, that sort of thing.

i liked the fit and feel of the joe rocket mesh jackets when i tried those on, have you looked at those?

I tried a few Joe Rockets. It's pretty much all they sell around here. Their fit was only OK... nothing's wowed me so far. I've heard nothing but good things about Alpinestars and was hoping someone would be able to confirm the fit was good. As for the Icon, I know someone with it who says it is as cool as wearing a t-shirt. I guess that doesn't say much about protection but he says it fits great. I can't find anywhere local to try them on though. I'm really only considering it because it's so cheap. I've found it for as low as $109... can't beat that.

for that price it might be worth it. i found the icon stuff fit me better than the JR in similar sizes when i was trying on the leather.

the JR jacket in 48 was too tight around my gut but the arms were right, in 52 the arms were too long but it was right everywhere else

the icon on the other hand fit pretty much bang on with the 48

it would be best if you could try it on, but heck see about the return policy of the place you order it from and if it doesn't fit, send it back

I've got a FirstGear Mesh and I've no complaints about it. it's comfy and nice and cool with the liner out.

My jacket

The alpinestar jacket looks good. If it fits you, go for it.

I especially like the straps to cinch the elbow pads... my jacket uses snaps and they come loose at times. Those look more secure.

Not so sure about the Icon... probably not as bad as the TiMax mesh but... who needs zip-off sleeves on a motorcycle jacket?

dieziege wrote: ...who needs zip-off sleeves on a motorcycle jacket?

24 inch pythons brotha!!!