Inexpensive jacket
 

I don't have much in the way of real riding gear and I think I really need to remedy that. I am also in the process of dropping some weight (~50 lbs) so I don't want to spend a lot as I'll be going from a 46 to about a 42/44.
In any case has anyone had experience at this vendor, or specifically with this jacket? For only $110 is seemed like a reasonable buy.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Moto...esh/42502.html

Well that jacket is made by Xelement. I am not familiar with either the brand or the jacket, but I do recommend wearing one. My Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket really saved my skin in my recent accident. Any protection is better than none.. But proper fit is important.. If you can go to a local shop to figure out exact size and if the armor stays in the right place when you wear that jacket it'd be good.

I've always had luck finding a used (but in good shape) jackaet on EBAY... yeah there is some risk, but the last one I got was 50 shipped, and was in perfect condition... might wanna try there as well.

Another option is New Enough Leathers... alot of good deals in their closeout section.

J.

I would like to get a Joe Rocket Superhawk. Obviously the name attracted me, but it looks like it would be a decent jacket. Price is what I would expect to pay for a good jacket, It will make a nice gift to myself after I drop the weight. In the meantime however it seemed that ~$100 for somthing I really should have (I currently ride with a leathe bomber style jacket - little if any protection) would make sense.

Try newenough.com sometimes you can find great deals in their closeout section.

bikebandit.com too

Ironpony.com is a good one as well.
I never seen this site or manufacturer, but just by looking at it i would not buy it. I find those clips on the arms very uncomfortable to use.
I always try to go to local shop and try on a bunch to see what fits and then find it online.

i use motorcyclesuperstore.com. as to the jacket you posted, yes it is better than nothing. that being said, i have been down before and i would not do it again without the CE approved armor that saved me the first time. the jacket you posted is just "padded" and does not provide the level of protection that many jackets in that price range do. if you want a jacket for around 100 dollars get a textile with the armor. if you "need" leather and are willing to sacrifice protection for it then that is another thing indeed.

Don't forget craigslist, you can get good deals there sometimes. I got my HJC leather jacket for $70.

No price listed, but, Gericke.
http://albany.craigslist.org/mcy/1205643403.html

Oops, you're dropping the 46, missed that.
http://albany.craigslist.org/search/...=25&maxAsk=150

As has already been stated, any protection is better than none,but ask yourself one question... Can you put a price on YOUR hide?
IMO I would rather save a little money and buy a good quality jacket with CE approved armor. There is lots of great apparel out there, I got a nice Joe Rocket Meteor jacket,with thermal removable liner,good ventilation and armor for $130