CW Product Review: Joe Rocket Big Bang Jacket

Cynics of mesh riding gear were True Believers by the time we returned to CW HQ following our cruise-fest. When crossing the desert in the heat of summer, mesh is a must.

Obviously, I didn't need the removable insulated liner that comes standard with Joe Rocket's Big Bang jacket ($175; www.joerocket.com). CE-rated armor at the elbows, shoulders and back, however, was a welcome safety feature. Adjustable forearm straps eliminated flapping at speed, and reflective piping kept me in the public eye at night.

I paired the 500-denier Hitena-nylon Big Bang with Phoenix 2.0 pants ($140). The lightweight Free-air polyester mesh shell conceals hip pads and adjustable knee armor, and the seat is reinforced with Rock Tex. Full-length side leg zippers and separate boot zips made entry easy.

Rocket Nation gloves ($40) combine poly/mesh tops with synthetic-leather palms. Velcro wrist closures guarantee a snug fit.

From what I saw of my soggy, sweaty Death Mongers M/C brothers, Joe Rocket gear was a good choice.