Here is a cut and paste from the article I wrote in http://www.Thunderroadstexas.com
Shift Racing Airborne Mesh Jacket
Summers in Houston, Texas can be brutal. Both heat and humidity can make riding in Houston rush hour traffic simply miserable. I wear a full leather jacket for most of the year but when the heat index begins to reach in the 90s, I have to switch to a lighter type of riding jacket. A couple of months ago, I got a hold of Brian Horton of Shift Racing. Shift Racing is a leading manufacturer of motorcycle apparel. I inquired about their new Shift Racing Airborne Mesh Jacket for 2009 and asked him if it could withstand the hot Texas Summers. He told me that I would have to test their new jacket for myself and find out.
First Impressions and Appearance:
When I got the jacket I pleased on how nice it looked and especially how light it felt. The mesh material is constructed using the tighter weave style of ventilation instead of the open weave of some jackets. This will keep protection to a maximum while maintaining airflow. The jacket comes with shoulder, elbow, and back padding for additional protection. The cuffs uses Velcro to keep them shut and each side of the jacket have zippered pockets. Finally, there is one inside zippered pocket on the left. The front and back of the jacket also has reflective piping for increased night visibility. This jacket is available in four possible color combinations to include a solid black, which is the one I tested. The Airborne Shift jacket has a nice look to compliment both cruiser and sport bike riders alike.
The Tests
My commute is a long 40 miles one way and often in standstill rush hour traffic along I-610 on the West side of Houston. I put the Airborne jacket through three types of scenarios: standstill in heavy traffic (no movement or below 5MPH), moving at low speeds (below 45MPH) and moving at regular speeds (anything above 45MPH).
The week I tested the Shift Racing Airborne jacket, the temperature averaged between 89-92 degrees Fahrenheit with 70-80% humidity. Though this is not the hottest it gets in Houston, this is still a fairly hot temperature for most of the United States. With these conditions I used the jacket in the three scenarios mentioned above.
At 90 degrees and 80% humidity, I felt very cool in the Airborne jacket. I did not experience any lack of cooling at this speed. In fact, wearing this jacket in less than 70 degree weather is a bit chilly at high speeds. Let’s face it; any mesh jacket will keep you cool when you are moving in speeds higher than 45MPH. Test number one passed with flying colors.
At low speeds, the jacket felt cool at times and hot at others. Though the heat did not get to me, I did sweat in the jacket. After all, I was still wearing a jacket in 90 degree weather. I could feel the air flowing into the jacket, but of course it was hot air, so I still give the Shift Airborne jacket thumbs up at low speeds. Test number two passed.
During dead stop traffic on I-610 with the heat and exhaust from hundreds of cars and semi-tractors, I found myself sweating bullets. At this point, I do not think any amount of mesh could have kept me cool. I even unzipped the jacket to fully open it, but the ambient temperature and the heat from all the other vehicles is simply unbearable. I can say however, that I could feel every slight breeze through the jacket. This exhibited to me that the jacket is very breathable. The ventilation worked and jacket did its job of letting of air in and out. Though I was still technically “hot”, the Airborne jacket passed the test in my opinion.
Lastly, for just zipping around the local neighborhood, the Airborne jacket proves to be very adequate even at temperatures over 90 degrees. I am happy to have a nice jacket to allow cooling ventilation, while providing me with protection. Yes, just a t-shirt, would have been much cooler, but I think I am prefer to keep my skin.
Pros:
• Ventilation system is top notch
• Very lightweight
• Nice choice of colors
Cons:
• Put smaller “Shift” logos on the arms
• No waterproof liner for those rainy summer days
Manufacturer Features:
• Vented mesh main body fabric construction
• Articulated design for superior comfort
• Removable CE approved shoulder and elbow armor
• Durable 600D polyester shoulder and elbow panels for additional protection.
• Integrated back padding for additional protection
• Integrated pocket for a back protector
Conclusion:
At an MSRP of $119.95, the Shift Airborne Mesh jacket is a great affordable summer alternative to the leather jacket. This jacket is well worth its cost and actually a superb value. It was rated a full 5 Stars (out of 5) based on independent reviews.
So as always, ride safe and “See you on the high ground!” For more information visit http://www.shiftracing.com/us/