I have two different Frank Thomas jackets. The textile winter jacket was the “XTi” model that I compared against the Dainese Zen. I have a separate mesh jacket from Frank Thomas; this mesh jacket was the one I wore when I had my first low-side (40 mph) in May ’09, on a 90-100+ degree day, during a group ride; wasn’ the best jacket choice in a crash. What’s funny was during the pre-ride discussion that day, I looked around and saw lots of people wearing heavy leather suits, and thought they’d be sweating like pigs, while I chill in my mesh jacket. Well, I guess the joke was on me. haha.
The mesh jacket IS much cooler than anytying else on a very hot day. I don’t have problem wearing it because it still has shoulder and elbow padding, but I’d be extra conservative with it because it’s abrasion protection is not nearly as good as leather.