With summer weather heating up, riders are looking for lightweight jackets that provide maximum airflow without sacrificing safety.
Icon’s new Mesh AF jacket caught my eye with its iron weave mesh construction and complete CE-approved armor kit.
But with such an open mesh design, could it provide adequate abrasion resistance and protection in a crash?
After thoroughly testing this jacket, I discovered how it compares to similar summer offerings when considering ventilation, protection, comfort, and value.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Icon Mesh AF CE Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Sporty fit and street-ready
- Cool protection, hot value
- Maximum airflow, minimum weight
Construction and Materials
- YKK zippers throughout, including the main front zipper and sleeve cuffs. YKK is known for its quality and durability.
- Minimal internal stitching and seams to avoid irritation and chafing. Much of the jacket is held together by the mesh itself rather than heavy stitching.
- Binding at the collar, arm openings, and waist to reinforce the mesh and prevent fraying. Provides structure despite the lightweight materials.
- Thoughtful placement of textile panels in high abrasion zones under the arms and elbows. The balance between mesh airflow and durability.
- Silicone-printed logos on the sleeves instead of stitched logos, another anti-chafing measure. No thick embroidery or stitching anywhere.
Sizing Information
To determine your jacket size, measure the fullest part of your chest, right under your armpits. This measurement is crucial in finding the right fit for you.
Additionally, measure your arm length from the base of your neck to your wrist bone. This will ensure that the sleeves are the proper length.
It’s important to use a measuring tape parallel to the ground and follow proper measuring techniques for accurate results.
While the size chart provided by the manufacturer can be helpful, keep in mind that sizing may vary between different jacket models. So, using your measurements as a guide is always a good idea.
Remember, a well-fitting jacket enhances your comfort and ensures maximum protection while riding.
| Size | Chest (in) | Arm (in) |
|---|---|---|
| SM | 36 – 38 | 31 |
| MD | 38 – 40 | 32 |
| LG | 40 – 42 | 33 |
| XL | 42 – 44 | 34 |
| 2XL | 46 – 48 | 35 |
| 3XL | 48 – 50 | 36 |
| 4XL | 52 – 54 | 37 |
Comfort and Convenience
- Neoprene comfort edge around the collar prevents chafing and discomfort, even when hot and sweaty. Nice attention to detail.
- Snaps at the waist and arms to customize and dial in the fit. Three waist snaps and two arm snaps on each side.
- Sleeves taper from shoulder to wrist for a performance-oriented fit. Keeps the armor in place during a slide or impact.
- Interior of the jacket is a smooth mesh that doesn’t irritate the skin when the jacket is open.
- Reflective details on the back and sleeves for visibility at night. Subtle but reflective.
Armor
- The shoulder armor is contoured for comfort, unlike some flat shoulder pads. The curved shape allows natural arm movement.
- Elbow armor sits comfortably in a pocket, secured through a slit rather than velcro—simple and effective armor integration.
- The back pad is easy to insert and remove as needed. It can be upgraded to a more premium Icon back protector.
- Basic CE Level 1 rating on the armor, but D30 material provides impressive impact absorption for the price.
Storage and Pockets
- There are no interior storage pockets to avoid bulk and keep the jacket lightweight.
- There is a small stow pocket on the interior bottom back of the jacket. It can hold a wallet or phone but will affect airflow.
- Two zippered hand pockets on the exterior. It is not waterproof or overly secure, but it is handy for quick storage when off the bike.
Adjustment and Fit
- For best mobility, the jacket is cut to fit fairly snugly without much adjustment needed. Provides good armor coverage while leaning forward on a sportbike.
- Snaps can be used to tighten the waist and arms, but there are limited overall adjustment options compared to textile jackets with velcro straps.
- A removable insulated vest can be worn for colder weather riding. Provides wind protection and insulation.
That covers some of the other small nuances I noticed in my firsthand testing. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
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