Cooling

[Pakhan]

With all the talk about riding in hot weather and textile mesh coats I started thinking about ways to keep cool.  I have used textile mesh jackets and they really do move a lot of air but the safety seems lacking.  Since I haven't crashed in one and haven't been able to find any crash test results of textile mesh it's one of those mystical unknowns to me.

I know about wick away shirts but would like something more effective.  So I started reading about cooling vests and bandannas. I have read some reviews and looked at a bunch of different types. Has anyone ever used them and do they work?  Any particular brand you think is better than others?  Any thoughts even if you haven't had any experience with them?

I found this but wonder how well it works.  http://climatechsafety.com/LiteAir.aspx

And I found this link

[He Man]

If your stuck in trafficc or slow moving speeds, maybe it'll work. but on the highway, perf leather + a good venting helmet = fine. But the second you stop, man is it hell.
Meshes will only help avoid serious damage to common crash points on your body. aka Elbows and shoulders. You'll stil need a good backprotector to keep that part safe. otherwise, your best bet is still perf leather.

Sweat wicking shirts that help you cool of, only works if there is wind moving across that surface to lift that moisture out. works really well thoguh, i wear underarmor for my contracting work, and you can just rinse it out with water and wear it the next day.

[goldenchild]

With all the talk about riding in hot weather and textile mesh coats I started thinking about ways to keep cool.  I have used textile mesh jackets and they really do move a lot of air but the safety seems lacking.  Since I haven't crashed in one and haven't been able to find any crash test results of textile mesh it's one of those mystical unknowns to me.

I know about wick away shirts but would like something more effective.  So I started reading about cooling vests and bandannas. I have read some reviews and looked at a bunch of different types. Has anyone ever used them and do they work?  Any particular brand you think is better than others?  Any thoughts even if you haven't had any experience with them?

I found this but wonder how well it works.  http://climatechsafety.com/LiteAir.aspx

And I found this link

Supposedly they work very well. The material retains more water and holds on to it longer than regular material (cotton?). As air moves through the vest/bandana the water evaporates and cools you off.

Last ride we did I was burning up even though the temps were only in the mid 80°'s. On one of the gas stops before 154 I soaked a bandana in water (for which you promptly made fun of me for), and tied it around my neck  to cool off the all important carotid artery. While you got a few good laughs in at my bandana (you were only one that laughed btw), I was laughing at you cause you didn't have a wet bandana cooling you off. While the bandana was wet, it did the trick and cooled me off tremendously. But since it was catton, it only stayed wet for a short time. I'll be ordering a "cooling" bandana from aerostitch soon.

This weekend I'll be bring along my cooling vest too . Mine is similar to Joe Rocket's.

As far as perf'ed leather and a well vented helmet... I have multiples of both to go along with my perf'ed leather pants but when you're riding for 16hrs in the heat, nothing will cool you down apart from stopping, getting off the bike, and jumping into a swimming pool. Going 100+mph tends to cool you down but it only really feels like hot air blowing on you.
My bike runs hot and the rear cylinder is about 6 inches away from my crotch... like I said, nothing's gonna cool me down. Except maybe textile which I'll try this weekend. Hopefully I won't crash.

[goldenchild]

Also, from what I hear, textile has come a long way in recent years with clothing makers using kelvar , aramid, and ceremic materials. My true concern with textile isn't abrasion resistance, it's the armor in the the critical areas shifting to a different place during a crash. My new textile jacket and pants fit me pretty well so hopefully they'll stay put.

Apparently textile has come so far that this company makes textile clothing that is supposed to be LEGAL for FIM and Wera competition... on a track... at track speeds.

[Cru Jones]

My true concern with textile isn't abrasion resistance, it's the armor in the the critical areas shifting to a different place during a crash. My new textile jacket and pants fit me pretty well so hopefully they'll stay put.

One of the good things about my Teknic textile jacket is the adjustment that I can do on the arms to make the shoulder/forearm pads stay in place. On my POS MotoGP textile jacket, there was none of that & the pads just floated around. 

[Pakhan]

While you got a few good laughs in at my bandana (you were only one that laughed btw)

couldn't help it, it was such a....fashionable neckerchief 

I know that works, but I don't want to have to soak a rag at every stop.  I'm curious to see what you think of that vest after Sunday.  Are you wearing perf leather over it or textile?

[tommys67]

Why do I feel like the guinea pig by still planning on wearing leathers?

[goldenchild]

I know that works, but I don't want to have to soak a rag at every stop.

Why, is pouring water on a rag too difficult for you? I know you're not the smartest person around but damn. 

Are you wearing perf leather over it or textile?

Textile.

Why do I feel like the guinea pig by still planning on wearing leathers?

If anything, I'll be the guinea pig wearing textile. The rest of you will be nice and safe wearing your leather... although I have a feeling you'll be a tad hot...

[Beattie_Yoo]

all black super thick diesel cow leather 1 piece....at least its perfed. Just imaging how it feels to be riding home from catskills mid December at dusk....mind over matter

[Pakhan]

Why, is pouring water on a rag too difficult for you? I know you're not the smartest person around but damn. 

What can I say, I just don't have you neckerchief style 

[FLSTFI_E46]

With all the talk about riding in hot weather and textile mesh coats I started thinking about ways to keep cool. 
Has anyone ever used them and do they work?  Any particular brand you think is better than others?  Any thoughts even if you haven't had any experience with them?

For the first time, I'll be trying on the Olympia Moto Sports Airglide Mesh Tech Jacket and the Under Armour Heatgear shirt on Sunday.  I'll be one of the Road Marshalls during the American Cancer Society's George Washinghton Bridge Challenge.
I'll be riding below highway speeds most of the ~60 mile route so I'm not too concerned with textile.  The jacket provides CE armour on the elbows, shoulders and back.  Hopefully, they'll keep me cool enough to be comfortable during the 90's forecasted temperature.  I'll post up my review afterwards.

For info on the gear I'll be using:

• http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide.htm
• http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens/gearline/heatgear/tops/pid1100246-Men-s-HeatGear-UA-Draft-Longsleeve-T/1100246-001

For info on the event:

www.gwbchallenge.com

[CDawg]

Here are a bunch of review on cooling vests:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/cooling-vests/