Madhatter
Well-Known Member
I thought DC was a swamp.....
New Jacket?
- Thread starter Donk
- Start date
Donk
Well-Known Member
So where is Klim made? Cant seem to find it on their website.
ucwinters
Member
Per the label(s) in my Klim Latitude Misano, "designed & developed in the USA" and "made in Vietnam".Donk said:
Dirt_Dad
Well-Known Member
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I used to use mesh when the DC area got really hot. I've found my Klim Badlands is better than mesh. Close all the vents and the jacket acts as a protective layer against the heat. Still hot as hell, but I don't get that hair dryer effect. Completely counter-intuitive, but it works for me.Checkswrecks said:
fredz43
Well-Known Member
Founding Member
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My experience also with my Klim Latitude jacket.Dirt_Dad said:
Donk
Well-Known Member
Sorted the lower half of the issue. I have a pair of Rev-it Airwave mesh pants that I wear in FL. Nice quality, comfortable, and fit great. Decided to try the Rev-it Enterprise 2 pants that are a non mesh tech material for WI. Hoped they might fit as well as the Airwave and be as comfortable. Hard to believe they're even better! I really like them. At $200 they're priced at the low side of the middle but I think they are a good quality.
Makes me stop and rethink the whole jacket thing.
Makes me stop and rethink the whole jacket thing.
Madhatter
Well-Known Member
mesh pants over your jeans work fairly well in heat reduction , non mesh waterproof pants don't breath well.... as for jackets the non mesh work as evaporative cooling as you get sweaty and the air starts drafting as your speed picks up is what keeps you cooler... as for mesh jackets any sweat is quickly gone limiting the cool , I have always had to wet my shirt well in a mesh jacket and then it would not last long... if I really feel I want to be comfortable ,I just drive my truck.... I get all summer long the question aren't you hot.... well Mam , yes I am.... duhh! if I have time I will try and explain how I'm not dehydrating as fast as the guy in the T-Shirt ... and in the winter , well you already know the answer , when its cold Mam its cold.... we should see how the desert people handle the heat, its not shorts and flip flops... but cover from head to toe, I am thinking kinda sweaty under there... Donk , its all about your choice , mesh works well for what it is , non mesh works in a different way , I bought the best jacket I thought would do what I wanted it to do , I have had my darian going on 4 years ... good jacket.... klim is well thought of , your not going to go wrong there either , or any other brand that is worth its weight in dollars... just makes one a bit crazy researching , trying to get the best for our hard earned dollars ... what is going to make Donk happy, that's the answer to the question.
Donk
Well-Known Member
There is a lot of good and very good gear out there. I'm trying to figure out how to get the most for my money and that is very different than spending the most money. The more I research this the more I realize higher price is no guarantee of higher quality. The good news is you can shop for all of it on the internet, the bad news is almost none of it is available to try on at dealers anymore. Given equal quality the jacket that fits the best will feel the best and be the one you enjoy the most. I'm shocked by how many jackets don't come with a CE approved back protector. Instead they offer 'foam" or a "pocket for available back protector". I understand manufacturing to a price but to me that says something about the company's commitment to rider safety.
Madhatter
Well-Known Member
I read something the other day that said foam can be better at absorbing impact than hard plastic, I assume its a good quality type foam... if you wear a helmet your head is surrounded by foam the hard shell is there to keep things from penetrating i.e. a tree branch should one exit the road through the brush in a hurry... no amount of armor will or can completely protect a person in extreme circumstances, say , run over by a peterbilt... what ever is chosen to wear be sure there is a solid exchange program should it not fit right , other than the hassle of waiting eventually you will get it right...
Donk said:
You make a lot of good points. I look for:
Comfort - If it doesn't fit or feel good I'm not going to wear it.
Armor - In the right places and doesn't move away (elbows for example). Is it a type that I think I can rely on.
Water-proofing - I ride too much in wet weather. Hate having leaks from the neck and a wet crotch.
Venting
I'd buy a $20 jacket if I thought it hit each of those.
Jeff Milleman
Active Member
Hi Donk ,I have a "M" Klim Blade jacket if you want to try it out . I can meet you middle point and we can go for a ride somewhere . Just trying to help out ::012::
Madhatter
Well-Known Member
be sure Donk after you figure this stuff out to let us know what you choose and give a review.... my wife says I should say please, some thing about good manors ...
Madhatter
Well-Known Member
lets try manners , that looks right. will go with this spelling.
Donk
Well-Known Member
Jeff M, Thanks, for the offer it's greatly appreciated. I'm in WI more that FL right now so meeting would be difficult.
I really appreciate everyone's input. I've adopted a "when in doubt do nothing approach" for the moment. The frugal (cheap) side of me is struggling with the $200 vs $700 issue. As soon as I buy a jacket I promise a review. That's the least I can do for everyone who has taken the time to contribute to the thread.
I really appreciate everyone's input. I've adopted a "when in doubt do nothing approach" for the moment. The frugal (cheap) side of me is struggling with the $200 vs $700 issue. As soon as I buy a jacket I promise a review. That's the least I can do for everyone who has taken the time to contribute to the thread.
Donk
Well-Known Member
Finally did it. Ordered an Aerostitch Roadcrafter jacket. The fit was perfect and it's exactly what I was looking for. Best part was when I had a question Andy, the owner of Aerostitch called me back with the answer. Always been impressed with their products. Be a couple weeks before I get it as I ordered the colors I wanted. Thanks for all the help everyone.
Madhatter
Well-Known Member
good choice Donk, I have and love my yellow Darien . it is a great jacket , would buy it all over again and been thinking about buying another just to have a different color.... aerostitch is a great company . I believe you are going to love the road crafter .