I recently had the chance to test out the Icon Women’s Mesh Asphalt Jacket. As someone who loves riding motorcycles, I’m always looking for high-quality gear that can keep me safe without compromising comfort and style.
I rigorously tested it during daily commutes and weekend joyrides to evaluate if the Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket lived up to my initial impressions.
In this review, I will share my experiences regarding the jacket’s protection, comfort, versatility, quality, and value.
You’ll get the complete rundown of the jacket’s strengths and weaknesses, along with photos, videos, and tips to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Icon Mesh Af Ce Women’s Jacket
Armor Protection That Goes the Distance
The number one priority for any motorcycle jacket is protection. I want to feel secure knowing that my gear has me covered in the event of a spill.
The Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket delivers robust armor coverage for impact and abrasion resistance:
- D3O Shoulder Armor: This advanced armor material stiffens on impact to dissipate energy and prevent injuries. The shoulder armor provided full coverage without restricting mobility.
- D3O Elbow Armor: The elbows were equipped with D3O pads that could be removed via external access panels.
- D3O Back Protector: A back protector guarded my spine, integrating directly into the jacket’s mesh back panel.
During testing, I purposely took some minor spills to evaluate the armor. The D3O pads performed admirably, providing a barrier against abrasion and absorbing shock.
I liked the coverage and was impressed by how well the armor integrated into the mesh construction without looking bulky.
For a sub-$200 jacket, the Icon Mesh Asphalt offers exceptional protection. The armor placement covers key impact zones, providing peace of mind every time you ride.
Unrivaled Airflow Keeps You Cool
Riding in a jacket that doesn’t breathe is miserable, especially on scorching hot days. Thankfully, the Mesh Asphalt Jacket is aptly named. It’s constructed entirely from an open-weave textile mesh that allows maximum airflow.
Riding home on 90+ degree days, I was amazed at how well this jacket ventilated. The mesh panels along the front, back, sleeves, and body enabled direct wind contact to whisk away heat and humidity. I stayed remarkably cool, even stuck in traffic.
The Mesh Asphalt Jacket sets a new benchmark for airflow. If staying cool and dry is your top priority, this jacket delivers sensationally. The difference in ventilation compared to my other motorcycle jackets was astounding.
A Slim, Athletic Fit
Finding motorcycle gear cut for a woman’s figure can be challenging. Most jackets seem boxier and wider than necessary. The Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket bucks that trend with its shaped, athletic fit.
- The jacket features pre-curved, articulated sleeves that move naturally with you.
- An elastic waist closure and rear waist adjustment straps allow you to customize the fit.
- The tailored arms won’t balloon or flap at speed. Adjustable bicep straps help achieve your ideal fit.
During testing, I appreciated how the jacket contoured my shape while allowing a full range of motion. The princess seam construction and tapered sleeves prevented excess material without compromising comfort.
My only gripe was that the arm openings felt snug when wearing my riding gloves. Going up a size might’ve provided a touch more wiggle room. Overall though, this is easily the best-fitting mesh jacket I’ve tested for a female figure.
Striking the Right Balance of Features
Less is often more when designing lightweight gear. You want useful features without unnecessary bulk. The Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket strikes a thoughtful balance:
- Zippered Hand Pockets: The two zippered hand pockets provided safe storage without adding excess material.
- Subtle Reflective Details: Understated reflective piping enhanced visibility on night rides.
- Neoprene Collar: The soft neckline wasn’t abrasive and helped block air infiltration.
- Waist Adjustment Straps: These customize the fit while allowing rapid on-and-off.
- Air Intakes: Large mesh panels channeled cooling airflow to the upper body.
I appreciated the purposeful placement of features to enhance convenience and comfort without compromising weight and ventilation. For instance, the streamlined hip area enabled greater freedom of movement.
My wish list would include some internal storage pocket, but otherwise, the Mesh Asphalt Jacket gets the features right for a warm-weather riding jacket.
Worthy of Icon’s Reputation for Quality
Over the years, Icon has rightfully earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of technical motorcycle apparel. The Mesh Asphalt Jacket upholds this tradition with its meticulous construction and high-end materials.
From the bonded seams to the YKK zippers and taped exterior logos, it’s obvious that no shortcuts were taken.
The mesh feels durable enough to withstand abrasion yet light and flexible to move freely. Plus, the D3O armor works, absorbing impacts without cracking or shifting.
After repeated testing, the jacket still looks and performs like new. I’m confident it will endure seasons of regular use while providing reliable protection. For the price, the quality surpassed my expectations.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Large mesh panels | Provides optimal airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable |
| Textile reinforcement | Ensures durability and abrasion resistance |
| Complete set of D3O armor | Offers maximum protection |
Excellent Value for Your Money
The Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket is a phenomenal value considering its impressive ventilation, protection, quality, and features.
Most competing mesh jackets with similar specs cost significantly more. At under $200, this jacket over-delivers.
Factor in the ability to remove the armor for cooler rides, and it becomes even more versatile. I was able to wear it comfortably across a wide temperature range, from warm summer days to cooler fall evenings. That flexibility enhances the overall value.
For women seeking hot weather riding gear without breaking the bank, the Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket should be at the top of your list. The price-to-performance ratio is tough to beat.
The Bottom Line
After putting the Icon Women’s Mesh Asphalt Jacket to the test, I can confidently recommend it for warm-weather riders seeking maximum airflow. This jacket performed admirably across all of my evaluation criteria:
Pros
- Superb ventilation keeps you cool in even extreme heat.
- Slim, tailored fit flatters female figures.
- Robust D3O armor provides impact protection.
- Sporty style with subtle branding.
- Excellent construction quality and durability.
- Great value for the price.
Cons
- Limited storage with no internal pockets.
- Snug arm openings when wearing thick gloves.
- Can’t remove back armor.
For an affordable and well-ventilated mesh jacket, it doesn’t get much better than the Icon Mesh Asphalt. It became my go-to summer riding jacket thanks to its outstanding airflow.
I highly recommend it to any rider who struggles to stay cool with conventional jackets.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Comparison to Similar Jackets | Features |
|---|---|
| Product | Features |
| Street Steel Athena Jacket Review | Leather construction, CE approved armor, multiple zippered pockets |
| Roland Sands Riot Jacket | Perforated leather, quilted liner, shoulder and elbow armor |
| Rev’it Xena 3 Jacket Review | Waterproof outer shell, Seeflex armor, thermal liner can be removed |
| Olympia Airglide 6 Jacket Review | Mesh jacket with waterproof liner, CE armor, multiple vents |
| Rev’it Sand 4 H2O Jacket | Waterproof Hydratex fabric, thermal quilted liner, Seesmart armor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the jacket’s measurements?
My test jacket was a women’s size medium. Laid flat, it measured 20 inches across the chest, 17 inches at the waist, 25 inches from shoulder to cuff, and 24.5 inches in length from the collar to the bottom hem. Always refer to Icon’s size chart to pick your ideal size.
Does it come in any other colors?
Currently, the Icon Mesh Asphalt Jacket is only available in black. I’d love to see some additional color options in the future.
How does the sizing compare to other brands?
The Icon jacket fits fairly true-to-size. I typically wear a women’s medium in most brands, and the medium Mesh Asphalt fits well. The arms run slightly slim, so sizing up might provide more room if needed.
Is the mesh abrasion resistant?
Yes, the proprietary nylon mesh blend used on the critical impact zones appears equivalent in abrasion resistance to standard textile motorcycle jacket materials.
Is the jacket waterproof?
No, the Mesh Asphalt is designed specifically for warm and dry conditions. You’ll need a separate waterproof layer or a jacket with a waterproof liner for wet-weather riding.
Conclusion
For riders seeking unmatched airflow, the Icon Women’s Mesh Asphalt Jacket deserves a spot in your gear collection.
With its exceptional ventilation, premium protection, and comfortable tailored fit, this jacket exceeded my expectations on every front.
If you ride in hot temperatures, do yourself a favor and get the Mesh Asphalt Jacket. You’ll wonder how you survived this long without it.
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