About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

A cool way to beat the summer heat and stay protected.



Pros

• Excellent ventilation; breathes almost as much as a t-shirt
• Snug fitting elbow armor doesn't scoot around
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Attachment loops for liner feel fragile
• Back protection not as thick as elbow and shoulder armor
• Not as sturdy as heavier jackets

Description

• MSRP: $174.95
• Available in sizes MED-XXL
• Shell constructed from Cordura and Poly mesh

• Removable waterproof, windproof hydra-bloc interior liner
• C.E. rated shoulder and elbow armor
• Double-stitched at critical spots for durability
• YKK plastic zipper and rubber coated buttons
• Adjustable arm and velcro side straps
• 8” connection zip for pant attachment

Guide Review - AGVSport Airtech Hybrid Mesh Motorcycle Jacket

If you love riding in hot weather but can’t handle the stifling effect of leather gear, you’re probably ready for a ventilated textile jacket.

AGVSport’s Airtech Hybrid Mesh jacket (branded for Suzuki motorcycles) looks like typical textile until you hold it up to light, revealing a mesh material that’s somewhat transparent. CE approved armor can be found in the shoulders and elbows, and a thin padding on the back section offers a small amount of spinal protection.

In hot weather the jacket feels like a heavy t-shirt. A plastic waterproof, windbreaker layer can be removed from inside the jacket, and is intended only for cold or wet conditions.

I lived with this jacket for almost three months, and came away impressed with its excellent ventilation, comfortable fit, and generally solid construction for a textile jacket.

However, one weak spot are the loops that secure the removable liner in place; they feel fragile, and it’s easy to tear them if you’re not careful while separating the liner.

The jacket fits the body snugly, thanks to arm snaps and Velcro side straps. The elbow armor cups firmly around the arm, and doesn't scoot out of place. The back armor is thinner than the elbow and shoulder pieces, and I would recommend a separate back protector for ultimate impact protection. One interior and two exterior pockets are big enough for cell phones and wallets, and my earplug holder clipped handily to the removable liner's zipper.

Though textile materials will never equal the abrasion resistance of leather, if you live in a warm climate and find that cow hide is uncomfortable, the AGVSport Airtech jacket is a great way wear protection while staying cool. Priced at $174.95, the Airtech jacket enables guilt-free riding for those reluctant to don hot, sweaty leathers—or worse, nothing at all.