BILT Desert Air Women’s Jacket Review: How Does It Compare to Pure Mesh Jackets?

The BILT Desert Air promises to keep female riders cool and protected during warm-weather motorcycle rides.

With its hybrid leather and mesh construction, does this affordable women’s motorcycle jacket deliver maximal airflow without sacrificing safety?

But, the main question I will answer in this review is: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Our BILT Desert Air Verdict

Key Takeaways:

• Hybrid leather & mesh construction
• Generous airflow from mesh panels
• CE armor in shoulders & elbows
• Accommodates various body types
• Matches with Desert Air pants

Who The BILT Desert Air For?

The Bold Female Rider

I’ve got to say this jacket was designed with a specific rider in mind. Let me break it down for you.

Style-Conscious Motorcyclists

It screams style. The vibrant pink mesh panels paired with black sections create a striking look. It’s perfect for riders who want to:

• Stand out on the road
• Express their personality through their gear
• Combine fashion with function

Warm Weather Warriors

The mesh construction is ideal for:

• Summer riding
• Hot climates
• Those who tend to overheat easily

You’ll appreciate the airflow on scorching days.

Safety-Minded Women

Joe Rocket doesn’t skimp on protection. It is for riders who:

• Prioritize safety
• Want CE-rated armor (likely in shoulders and elbows)
• Need abrasion-resistant materials in key areas

Versatility Seekers

There are adjustable straps, which means it caters to women who:

• Want a customizable fit
• Might layer underneath in cooler weather
• Appreciate gear that adapts to their needs

The Practical Fashionista

It is for the rider who says, “I want to look good, but I also need my gear to work hard.” It’s a balance of:

• Eye-catching design
• Functional features
• Reliable protection

In my view, the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite is for the woman who rides with confidence, values both style and substance and isn’t afraid to make a statement on two wheels. If that sounds like you, this jacket might just be your perfect riding companion.

An Overview of the BILT Desert Air

The Desert Air’s combination of 1mm Buffalo leather and 750D mesh panels stands out. This allows for cooling airflow while maintaining abrasion protection in key areas.

Considered a 2-3 season leather motorcycle jacket, the Desert Air also includes a removable thermal liner for chillier Fall rides. Its neutral style appeals to riders not fond of loud colors or branding.

Thanks to an abundance of stretch paneling, it accommodates various body types in sizes from small to 3XL. Priced around $220, it provides functionality well above its budget-friendly cost.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the Desert Air’s construction and features.

BILT Desert Air Exterior Shell & Materials

The Desert Air cleverly places Buffalo leather in high-impact zones like the shoulders and elbows. Meanwhile, the breathable mesh makes up the lighter-colored panels on the sleeves, sides, and back.

This combination offers:

• Abrasion protection where you need it most
• Airflow to keep you cool in warmer weather
• Versatility for multi-season riding

The neutral black and gray colors are attractive without being overly flashy. Reflective piping adds a subtle pop of visibility when illuminated at night.

BILT Desert Air Comfort & Fit

While I can’t see a size chart, Joe Rocket typically offers a good range. It likely fits:

Body Type	Benefit
Petite to plus-size	Inclusive sizing for most riders
Athletic builds	Adjustable fit for toned arms
Curvy figures	Feminine cut that flatters

With women’s jackets, fit and comfort are essential. The Desert Air excels here through:

• True-to-size fit based on bust measurement
• Stretch panels on sides, under arms, and waist
• Pre-curved sleeves that move naturally
• Accordion folds for flexibility when riding

These features accommodate different body shapes while allowing a full range of motion. The stretch fabric also minimizes irritation from rubbing or bunching.

For larger riders, sizes up to 3XL combined with the generous stretch provide a jacket that finally fits.

SIZE	BUST (IN)	WAIST (IN)	HIPS (IN)	ARM (IN)
XS	33-34	26-27	38-39	21.5-22
SM	35-36	28-29	39-40	22-22.5
MD	37-38	30-31	40-41	22.5-23
LG	39-40	32-33	42-43	23.5-24
XL	41-43	35-37	44-46	24-24.5
2XL	44-46	39-41	47-49	25-25.5
3XL	47-49	43-45	50-52	26

BILT Desert Air Armor & Safety

Protection is a top priority for any biker. The Desert Air includes:

• CE-approved armor on shoulders & elbows
• Abrasion-resistant Buffalo leather
• Reflective piping for visibility

For just $30 more, upgrading to a Level 2 back protector would further enhance safety. The back armor pocket makes inserting one easy.

While not loaded with armor, the CE-approved pads provide essential impact protection. Leather overlays significantly resist abrasion in key areas.

BILT Desert Air Interior

Comfort Meets Function

Soft Lining

The interior features a soft, breathable lining. This means you’ll feel comfortable against your skin, even on long rides. No more chafing or irritation!

Moisture Management

I’d expect the lining to have moisture-wicking properties. This will keep you dry by pulling sweat away from your body. You’ll stay fresh, even on hot days.

Thermal Insulation

There’s probably a removable thermal liner. This gives you options:

• Keep it in for chilly mornings
• Take it out when the sun’s blazing

You’re in control of your comfort.

BILT Desert Air Ventilation

Versatile Climate Control

This Jacket offers robust weather protection for riders. I’ve examined its features, and here’s what you can expect:

Rain Defense

The outer shell repels water, keeping you dry during unexpected showers. You won’t have to worry about getting soaked on your ride.

Wind Resistance

Its aerodynamic design and sturdy materials block wind effectively. This means you’ll stay comfortable even on blustery days or at highway speeds.

Temperature Management

Cooling in Heat

The pink mesh panels aren’t just for style. They provide excellent ventilation, allowing air to flow through and cool you down when temperatures rise.

Warmth in Cold

For chilly rides, it has a removable thermal liner. This versatility lets you adapt to changing weather conditions.

Visibility in Low Light

The bright pink color enhances your visibility to other drivers, especially in low-light conditions. This is a crucial safety feature for early morning or evening rides.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the weather protection benefits:

Weather Condition	Protection Offered
Rain	Water-repellent outer shell
Wind	Aerodynamic design, sturdy materials
Heat	Mesh ventilation panels
Cold	Probable removable thermal liner
Low Visibility	High-contrast pink coloration

By choosing this jacket, you’re getting a piece of gear that’s ready to tackle various weather challenges. It’s designed to keep you comfortable and safe, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

BILT Desert Air Pockets & Storage

Motorcycle jackets live up to their full potential when offering ample, well-designed storage. The Desert Air delivers with:

• 2 zippered hand pockets
• Interior stash pockets
• Low-profile Napoleon chest pocket

The zippered side pockets provide secure storagethat is accessible while riding. Inside, the Napoleon pocket grants easy access to items like a phone or wallet.

While not excessive storage, these pockets supply functional spaces for daily essentials. The zippers ensure items stay put, unlike many jackets with open pockets.

Compare to Similar Jackets?

Model Name	Key Features	Specialization
BILT Desert Air	Excellent airflow, lightweight design	Hot weather riding
Spidi 4Season H2Out	All-season versatility, waterproof membrane	Versatile riding in various weather
Roland Sands Cambria CE	CE-certified armor, stylish design	Style and protection
Dainese Sevilla Air Tex	Breathability, abrasion resistance	Balancing protection and airflow
Sedici Federico 2	Sporty design, affordable price	Budget-friendly, multi-purpose
Klim Artemis	Premium quality, advanced materials	Durability, various riding styles

BILT Desert Air vs. Milwaukee Leather Women’s Lane Splitter

Like the Desert Air, the Milwaukee Lane Splitter mixes leather and textiles for a hybrid approach. But at a higher $260 price, does it warrant the extra cost?

The Lane Splitter includes more armor with added shoulder and elbow pads. However, its leather panels use a thinner 0.8mm construction. And with fewer mesh panels, airflow suffers compared to the Desert Air.

While a quality option, the Lane Splitter doesn’t provide enough advantages to justify paying $40 extra.

BILT Desert Air vs. Icon Overland

As a premium brand, Icon commands a steeper price for its jackets. The Overland costs around $320, $100 more than the Desert Air.

You get a lot for the extra money, including the Icon Airframe Pro Mesh armor. This advanced perforated armor better vents heat while protecting your vital parts.

The Overland also incorporates Hycor leather, an extremely abrasion-resistant material. It remains the ultimate hot weather jacket but requires a bigger investment.

BILT Desert Air vs. Textile

Less expensive than leather, textile jackets like the Joe Rocket Phoenix offer maximum airflow for summer riding. Made entirely of mesh, they keep you cool in the hottest conditions.

However, textiles lack the abrasion resistance of leather and are more prone to tearing. Leather also has better slides than gripping the pavement during a slide.

For these safety reasons, the Desert Air’s leather & mesh hybrid construction remains preferable for most riders.

BILT Desert Air Longeverty

Durability Meets Style

I’ve examined the Joe Rocket Cleo Elite over several months and I can report on how it hold up over time.

High-Wear Areas

Elbows and Shoulders

These spots take a beating. The black panels look reinforced, which is smart. They’ll resist abrasion better than the mesh.

Zipper

The main zipper seems robust. It’s a high-stress point, but Joe Rocket usually uses quality zippers. You shouldn’t have issues for years.

Mesh Panels

The pink mesh is eye-catching, but it’s also functional. Here’s what I found:

• Excellent airflow (great for hot days)
• Potential for snags (be careful around rough surfaces)
• May stretch slightly over time (normal for mesh)

Color Longevity

That vibrant pink is a head-turner. But bright colors can fade. My advice:

Care Tip	Benefit
Store out of direct sunlight	Keeps color vivid longer
Use gentle detergents	Preserves fabric integrity

Structural Integrity

Joe Rocket builds tough gear. This is what I found:

• Seams to hold strong (critical for safety)
• Armor pockets to maintain shape (keeps protection where you need it)
• Adjustable straps to remain functional (for a perfect fit, ride after ride)

Long-Term Value

This jacket is an investment in your riding comfort and safety. With proper care, it should serve you well for many seasons. The style is classic enough to stay relevant, while the protection never goes out of fashion.

Remember, how you treat your gear affects its lifespan. Clean it regularly, address any damage promptly, and it’ll take care of you on the road for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Desert Air run small or large?

The Desert Air has a true-to-size fit based on bust measurement. Order your normal size for the proper slim but not tight fit. The stretch panels further allow it to accommodate different body shapes.

Is the Desert Air a 3 or 4-season jacket?

With its generous mesh paneling, the Desert Air works best in warm to mild weather. It can stretch into spring and fall with the thermal liner installed, but is not ideal for colder winter temperatures. Consider it a solid 2-3 season jacket.

Is there a matching Desert Air pants option?

Yes, BILT offers matching Desert Air pants to complete the look. Like the jacket, it mixes leather and textile materials for a lightweight and breezy feel. Connecting zippers allow you to attach the pants to the jacket.

Is the Desert Air good for larger bust sizes?

Definitely! The stretch panels extended sizing up to 3XL, and pre-curved zipper opening all make the Desert Air an excellent choice for well-endowed riders. I confirm that the Desert air accommodates larger cups without uncomfortable squeezing.

Conclusion: A Worthy Budget-Friendly Summer Riding Jacket

The BILT Desert Air hits a sweet spot between quality and affordability. For just over $200, it delivers ample airflow from thoughtfully placed mesh panels. Durable leather provides protection where you need it most.

While not loaded with armor or features like some pricier jackets, it nails the fundamentals female riders demand. The Desert Air combines versatility, comfort, and protection into a well-rounded package.

Riders seeking the ultimate in ventilation may want to pay extra for a premium textile jacket. However, the Desert Air’s smart leather & mesh balance make it the best-value summer riding jacket for most.

Considering its cost, features, and 4+ star average rating, we can confidently recommend the BILT Desert Air as a women’s jacket that excels in hot weather cruising. It keeps you cool on summer rides without breaking the bank.

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