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Motorcycle jackets aren't only stylish; they also protect you while you're out riding. A motorcycle jacket is among the most important pieces of riding gear you will choose. The selection of jackets designed for motorcycle riders often seems overwhelming, with many jackets indistinguishable from others.
In this round-up, we're going to help you sort through the array of jackets and choose the one that best suits your riding needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Jackets For Protection
- OUR TOP PICK: GuTe Motorcycle Protective Jacket
- RUNNER-UP: Viking Cycle Vc7202-m Motorcycle Jacket
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Viking Cycle Ironborn Jacket
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Protective Jackets
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What Makes a Great Protective Motorcycle Jacket?
Great protective motorcycle jackets protect you from hazards while you're out riding. These hazards come in many forms, including windy conditions, cold weather, rain, cars, and other vehicles on the road. A protective motorcycle jacket should have armor and padding to protect your chest, back, and arms.
Armor
Protective motorcycle jackets use either soft or rigid armor and foam in sensitive areas such as the joints to protect you. When riding, the risk of injury is always present. Even a minor scrape could cause potential problems, so you want to choose a motorcycle jacket with padding, cushioning, and armor to protect you during minor and major impacts.
GuTe Motorcycle Protective Jacket
Comfortable
With all this equipment, you may believe that a great motorcycle jacket is going to be uncomfortable. That is not true. A motorcycle jacket should be comfortable and capable of protecting your joints and sensitive body parts during an impact.
Beginners may opt for motorcycle jackets with soft cushion armor with foam padding in the joint areas. These jackets provide outstanding protection and are comfortable to wear for long periods. Professional bikers often choose motorcycle jackets with rigid armor, which offers more protection but are less comfortable to wear for long periods.
Material
Textile and leather jackets provide the most protection when riding. You should select a jacket that includes waterproofing with a thick outer shell that provides adequate ventilation.
What to Look For When Buying a Motorcycle Jacket for Protection
A proper motorcycle jacket for protection is a must-have for all bikers, whether you've been riding for six months or twenty years. The most important criteria to look for when choosing a motorcycle jacket for protection include durability, versatility, and all-weather protection.
Ruggedness and Durability
Thicker is better when it comes to choosing a motorcycle jacket for protection. Motorcycle jacket thickness usually refers to the jacket's weight, which measures a jacket's abrasion resistance. Whether you choose a textile, leather, or a jacket made from a combination of materials, the jacket's outer shell needs to be thick enough to withstand abrasion from falls or impact.
Armor and Padding
Look for jackets that have armor and padding to protect you in high impact areas. Effective armor is flexible, giving the biker freedom of movement.
Some jackets are made with sliders placed on the outside of the jacket in high impact areas such as the shoulders and elbows. They allow the protected areas to slide on the pavement and minimize tumbling.
Ventilation
Purchasing a jacket with proper ventilation is a must. A breathable jacket will prevent overheating, excess sweating, and heat exhaustion when you're riding in warm temperatures. Look for jackets with perforated leather or textile mesh that have a zip-out liner. Another option is a jacket with zip-closure vents.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Protective Jackets
Choosing a motorcycle jacket that will protect you while riding is paramount. Investing in proper equipment will pay dividends well into your biking future. A high-quality motorcycle protective jacket should be at the top of your list when considering safety equipment to protect yourself while riding.
There are many great protective jackets to choose from; in this review, we'll take a look at the best motorcycle protective jackets available.
Best Overall:
GuTe Motorcycle Protective Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent customers praise GuTe's protective qualities, saying the armor is top-notch. They say the jacket has protected from abrasions while riding and provides substantial protection during a crash.
They also like the jacket's styling and say it is lightweight and comfortable to wear. The jacket has excellent ventilation and is great for summer riding.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This motorcycle jacket offers comprehensive protection during a crash with armor that protects your body's most vulnerable areas. The jacket is made from high impact PE plastic & EVA shields for extra protection. It features hard shell padding for the chest, back, shoulders, elbows, and forearms.
This jacket checks all of the boxes when it comes to keeping you safe on the road. Along with all of the protective features, the jacket offers excellent ventilation keeping your cool in hot weather. It is also adjustable, ensuring a great fit. The GuTe is also very comfortable and lightweight.
Bottom Line
This jacket offers outstanding collision protection, so you can rest easy knowing you are doing all you can to protect yourself while riding. It is made with high-quality materials, is comfortable, and suitable for most riding conditions.
Runner-up:
Viking Cycle Vc7202-m Motorcycle Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recently buyers say the Viking Cycle is a well-made jacket that provides excellent protection to riders. They say the jacket has excellent ventilation thanks to two shoulder vents and two back vents that create excellent airflow. They speak highly of its storage capacity thanks to a generous number of interior and exterior pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There's a lot to like about this jacket. It comes equipped with CE-approved armor with added protection for vital areas such as your elbow, shoulder, and spine. The jacket is stylish and made from high-quality buffalo leather. If you like to carry things while you ride, you'll have plenty of room with the jacket's multiple pockets.
The jacket also has two intake vents on the top shoulders and exhaust vents in the back, so there is excellent air circulation while you're riding. The jacket is also water-resistant, so you won't have to worry about getting wet in rainy weather. There's also a headphone wire system so you can listen to your tunes as you ride.
Bottom Line
The Viking Cycle is a versatile motorcycle jacket with great protection features to keep you safe in a crash. The jacket is stylish and practical. You can fit almost anything in its pockets, so you can keep your personal belongings close.
Best for the Money:
Viking Cycle Ironborn Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users say that the Viking Cycle Ironborn is a good looking jacket that offers reliable protection. They say you need to be careful with sizing and measure yourself before ordering to ensure the right fit. Some users were critical of the jacket's lack of waterproofing. The jacket is durable with solid abrasion protection.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Viking Cycle Ironborn comes equipped with removable CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, and spine, offering excellent protection. The sleeves and shoulders come with reflective accents to keep you visible while riding. There's a forearm adjuster to keep the elbow armor in place.
The jacket feels sturdy, with the RockTex shell being thick enough to protect you in case of a slide on the pavement. The jacket has excellent ventilation with two vertical vents near the biceps and two exhaust vents on the back panel. There are tons of pockets strategically located throughout the jacket giving you ample room to store your personal items.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for an affordable motorcycle jacket that provides reliable protection, the Viking Cycle Ironborn is worth a look. The jacket boasts CE approved armor to protect vulnerable areas and has reflective material to ensure you're visible on the road.
Best Motorcycle Jacket With Spine Protection:
Herobiker Motorcycle Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users say you get a lot for your money with the Herobiker motorcycle jacket. They rave about the full-body protection the jacket offers, although some wonder how long the padding will last. They like the shoulder and chest straps that secure the jacket. Those who'd been in accidents while wearing the jacket praised the protection it provided.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket provides full-body protection that protects all of your vital upper body parts. The jacket comes with armor, including a back protector, shoulder cup, elbow cup, forearm protection, and chest armor. It is true to size and fits bigger guys well. The material is high-quality lycra and durable mesh with high impact injection molding.
This jacket is made of high-density water-resistant armor. The padding is removable for easy cleaning, and the jacket is quite breathable thanks to several large vents and a plastic shell.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a jacket that offers full-body protection, the Herobiker motorcycle jacket is worth a closer look. The jacket provides excellent protection at an excellent price. It's made from high-quality, durable materials and fits great.
Honorable Mention:
Gohinstar Protective Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers express satisfaction with the Gohinstar protective jacket, saying it provides excellent protection at a great price. They say the jacket has many straps that allow you to adjust it to fit your body type. The jacket is lightweight with good ventilation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Gohinstar has made an affordable jacket that offers excellent full-body protection. The jacket comes with an array of adjustable velcro straps, making it easy to ensure the best fit. It's made with high-density EVA, PVC, and Lycra fabric. The jacket protects your vital body parts in case of an accident or fall.
The jacket is light and comfortable with excellent ventilation. It has multiple large vents that create excellent air circulation while riding. The protective armor is made from an elastic, durable mesh fabric.
Bottom Line
The Gohinstar protective jacket offers a lot of bang for the buck. It's an affordable jacket made with high-quality materials that provide excellent protection. If you live in a warmer climate or are looking for a summer motorcycle jacket that doesn't skimp on safety, it's definitely worth a look.
Types of Protective Motorcycle Jackets
There are various types of motorcycle jackets designed for protection; here, we'll explain the most common types.
Motorcycle Jacket With Spine Protector
These are motorcycle jackets with armor that shield the majority of a rider's back, both horizontally and vertically. They extend for the full length of the spine and often protect the posterior rib cage too.
Motorcycle Jacket With Armor
These jackets protect the significant impact points, including the shoulders, elbow, and back. They may be made of textile, leather, mesh, or a blend of materials. They provide impact and abrasion protection.
Kevlar Motorcycle Jacket
Kevlar is strong and light. We usually think of bulletproof vests when we talk about Kevlar. These jackets are breathable and perform well in hot weather. They provide excellent protection against pavement slides and other impacts.
Padded Motorcycle Jacket
Along with armor, padding protects your vital body parts in a collision or fall. Many of the jackets we have reviewed come with both padding and armor. They're both essential components in motorcycle jackets for protection.
Kevlar Mesh Motorcycle Jacket
Makers of Kevlar mesh motorcycle jackets say they offer protection superior to that of leather jackets. These jackets are lightweight and waterproof; they work well in all seasons.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Motorcycle Jackets for Protection
The advantages and disadvantages of motorcycle jackets for protection depend on what type of jacket you purchase. The most popular materials used to make motorcycle jackets are leather and textile.
Pros
- They come equipped with padding and armor to protect you during a collision or fall
- Textile motorcycle jackets for protection are relatively inexpensive and easy to upgrade if you require more armor than comes with the jacket
- Good quality leather motorcycle jackets for protection are durable and abrasion resistant
Cons
- Motorcycle jackets for protection are often hefty because the extra weight is necessary to provide adequate protection
- Motorcycle jackets for protection may be uncomfortable in warmer weather due to their bulk
Final Thoughts
Wearing a motorcycle jacket for protection is essential to ensuring your safety while riding. Motorcycle jackets can make the difference between walking away from an accident or leaving in an ambulance. The best motorcycle jackets for protection include sufficient body armor to protect the vital parts of your body. They should also be breathable and comfortable to wear.
Motorcycle bikes are an investment in your safety, so choose carefully. Look for motorcycle jackets made with durable materials such as leather, mesh, and textile. The jackets we reviewed here are a great place to start.
People Also Ask
If we haven't answered all of your questions above, maybe you can find what you're looking for in this list of frequently asked questions.
Do Motorcycle Jackets Protect You?
Yes. Motorcycle jackets do protect you. Safety experts say motorcycle jackets can save your life. Protective jackets should increase a rider's visibility on the road, including built-in armor to protect vulnerable body parts, skin, and bones. Elbow and spine protectors are also a must.
What Are Motorcycle Jackets Made Of?
Motorcycle jackets can be made of various materials, with leather, mesh, and textile being the most common.
How Protective Are Mesh Motorcycle Jackets?
Mesh jackets are very protective and can handle most accidents a rider may encounter on a daily commute or while leisurely riding. Most mesh jackets are durable enough to survive a hit while protecting the rider.
How Protective is a Real Leather Jacket on a Motorcycle?
Leather is one of the best materials for motorcycle jackets designed for protection. They are typically made from a thicker leather than what you'll find in fashion leather jackets. The leather is durable and withstands impacts. Leather is the most common material for motorcycle jackets because it is challenging.
Are Some Motorcycle Jackets Bulletproof?
No. Motorcycle jackets aren't usually made with bulletproof material.
