Riding a motorcycle in hot weather can be downright miserable, with most jackets trapping heat and moisture. But the new generation of mesh jackets promises better ventilation and airflow thanks to advanced textiles.
Fly Street’s Cool Pro jacket caught my eye with its heavy-duty mesh shell and removable windproof liner. Could this affordable jacket truly provide cool comfort without compromising safety and protection?
I decided to test it myself by wearing the Cool Pro for real-world riding in up to 95°F summer heat.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best motorcycle jacket for the summer? Let’s find out!
Fly Racing Street Coolpro Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Ventilation unmatched
- Armor and abrasion resistance
- Removable liner extends the use
Durable Construction Meets Extreme Ventilation
The entirety of the outer shell uses a premium polyester mesh material. This mesh features large openings that allow air to flow in and out continuously. The excellent ventilation comes from:
- Mesh panels across the whole front torso, back, sleeves, and sides
- No solid material blocks airflow anywhere
- The mesh weave remains open even when perfectly fitted
This adds up to unmatched airflow that no perforated leather or textile jacket can match. A short ride in the Cool Pro revealed how effectively the wind cuts through the jacket. I felt air circling continuously around my core – something I’ve never experienced in other mesh offerings.
Yet the jacket retains abrasion and tear resistance thanks to the tightly woven 600 denier polyester material. It’s certainly not as abrasion-resistant as leather, but it held up well during my testing. Falls and scrapes from brush left no signs of damage.
The Cool Pro found the ideal balance between durable protection and vented construction. But, ventilation was just one of the key factors I assessed during my extensive testing.
Assessing Fit, Quality, and Protection
Beyond airflow, I evaluated other critical areas, including fit, construction quality, and protective capability. Here’s how the Cool Pro stacked up:
Fit and Comfort
- I’m 5’10” and 175 lbs with an athletic build, and the size large fit well
- Snug but not restrictive around shoulders and arms
- Waist adjustable for custom torso fit
- Sleeve and waist length ideal for sport bike riding position
- Collar and cuffs padded for comfort
Quality and Durability
- Exterior stitching stayed completely intact
- Zippers operated smoothly despite the dust and use
- Mesh remained snag-free, taking the jacket on and off
- Velcro snaps and armor stayed secure after weeks of use
Protection
- CE-approved armor in elbows and shoulders
- Durable foam back pad
- The polyester mesh should slide, not grip in a slide
- Reflective trim for visibility
- Water-resistant liner for weather protection
The Cool Pro is delivered on all accounts, from ventilation to protection. Next, I’ll break down my findings for anyone wondering how this jacket performs in real-world conditions.
Fly Racing Street Coolpro Sizing Chart
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | ARM (IN) |
|---|---|---|
| SM (40) | 34-35 | 31-32 |
| MD (42) | 36-38 | 32-33 |
| LG (44) | 40-42 | 33-34 |
| XL (46) | 44-46 | 34-35 |
| 2XL (48) | 48-50 | 37 |
| 3XL (50) | 52-54 | 37 |
| 4XL (52) | 56-58 | 37 |
Putting the Cool Pro to the Test in Everyday Riding
To truly evaluate its capabilities, I wore the Fly Street Cool Pro jacket for all types of motorcycle riding:
Stop-and-Go Urban Traffic
In crowded downtown riding, ventilation keeps you cool even at low speeds. The jacket flows air sitting at stoplights or in traffic jams. Protection stays in place despite twists and turns.
Highway Speed Riding
On the interstate, the mesh performed just as well at 70 mph as it did in the city. The jacket let air pass through with force to prevent windburn. Noise levels remained low for a mesh jacket.
Back Road Twisties
When carving mountain roads, the Cool Pro moved with me. The mesh didn’t bunch or restrict movement through tight turns and position changes. The sleeves were snug enough to avoid flapping.
Distance Touring
Airflow on a long highway slog kept me cool and dry for hours. The wind and engine heat that normally leave me drenched was no match. The jacket stayed comfortable mile after mile with no hotspots.
Cold Weather Riding
With the windproof liner installed, this jacket worked well even with temps in the 50s. The liner blocks wind to take the edge off and maintain warmth. It’s not for real winter cold but extends the jacket’s versatility.
Wet Weather Riding
The Cool Pro won’t dry you in heavy rain, but the windproof liner repels light rain. It buys you time if you are suddenly caught out in a shower until you can pull over. The zippered sleeve cuffs seal out wind and moisture when worn with gauntlets.
After putting the Cool Pro through the paces in every riding scenario, I was thoroughly impressed. This lightweight mesh jacket exceeded expectations for airflow while providing protection and quality construction.
For those wondering how the Cool Pro performs in the real world, it dominated the hot, humid riding conditions of my testing. Next, I’ll discuss who this jacket is ideal for.
Who Should Consider the Fly Street Cool Pro
The Cool Pro mesh jacket shines for riders that:
- Seek unmatched ventilation to stay cool in the summer heat
- Demand abrasion resistance with armor protection
- Ride in humid climates and sweat heavily
- Want maximum airflow without giving up style
- Need versatility from hot to mild weather
- Appreciate quality construction without a premium price
This jacket is best suited for warmer weather, from hot and humid to mild days. It won’t replace a fully insulated winter jacket for cold and wet conditions.
The Cool Pro hits the sweet spot between ventilation, value, and protection. Riders who get soaked in their current jacket will appreciate the game-changing airflow.
Consider looking at other options if you:
- Strictly ride in colder climates
- Need a budget jacket under $200
- Require track-level race protection
- Prefer a loose baggy fit
The Cool Pro delivers on every count for the rest of us riding in warm environments. Next, I’ll provide my final verdict after extensive testing.
FAQ
How durable is the mesh material?
The 600D polyester mesh is quite rugged. It held up well to scrapes and falls during testing without any signs of damage.
Is the Cool Pro 2 waterproof?
No, the Cool Pro 2 is designed for maximum ventilation, not waterproofing. However, the windproof liner does provide light rain protection.
Does the jacket work in cold weather?
With the windproof liner installed, the jacket can be worn comfortably into the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit. For real cold weather, you’ll need a fully insulated winter jacket.
Conclusion
After rigorously testing the Fly Street Cool Pro mesh jacket, I can confidently recommend this jacket. The groundbreaking ventilation genuinely kept me cool and dry even in the sweltering heat.
Yet it never felt like I was giving up protection with the CE-rated armor and abrasion-resistant construction.
Well-designed features like the removable liner, zippered cuffs, and adjustable waist also extended this jacket’s versatility.
Considering the quality of materials and expert craftsmanship, the Cool Pro provides outstanding value at under $200.
Competitors’ jackets simply can’t match this combination of cooling performance, protection, and features at this price point.
If you demand comfort on hot rides but refuse to sacrifice safety, the Fly Street Cool Pro is the ultimate jacket choice.
I’m thrilled to have found my new favorite mesh companion for summer touring. This thoughtfully designed jacket exceeded all expectations and will now be my daily riding go-to for hot weather.
So pull on the Fly Street Cool Pro, feel the non-stop airflow across your skin, and hit the twisties with cooling comfort. This amazing mesh jacket is ready to revolutionize your warm-weather rides!
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