I recently had the chance to review the new Tour Master Draft Air V4 motorcycle jacket. The Tour Master brand is known for delivering value-oriented gear, so I was eager to see if their latest jacket could withstand the rigors of daily riding.

In this hands-on review, I will share my experiences with the fit, comfort, protection, and overall performance of the Draft Air V4.

I tested this jacket in real-world conditions to provide motorcyclists with an honest and comprehensive assessment. Read on to find out if the Tour Master Draft Air V4 should be your next riding jacket purchase.

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

An Overview of the Tour Master Draft Air V4 Jacket

The Draft Air V4 is Tour Master’s newest iteration of their popular mesh motorcycle jacket. This lightweight jacket is designed to provide maximum airflow while still including abrasion protection and armor.

Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Draft Air V4:

• Outer shell constructed with 1680 denier polyester and armored mesh
• Water-resistant zip-out quilted liner for colder weather
• CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back
• Adjustment tabs at the biceps, forearms, and waist
• Two zippered hand pockets and two internal stash pockets
• Reflective piping for visibility
• Available in sizes S-5XL and multiple color options

With an MSRP of $149, the Draft Air V4 offers affordable and versatile protection for summer rides. The combination of mesh and abrasion panels provides ventilation along with durability.

Next, let’s jump into the specifics of my testing process and experiences with this new Tour Master jacket.

Testing the Fit, Comfort, and Ventilation

Finding a jacket with a comfortable and consistent fit can be tricky. I tested the Draft Air V4 in a size large, which is my normal apparel size. However, the jacket ran quite small and was too tight in both the sleeves and midsection.

Based on my testing, I recommend ordering 1-2 sizes up from your normal size. Pay close attention to the size chart and focus on the chest and sleeve measurements. Going up a size will allow for easier layering and a better overall fit.

Once I got the sizing right, the Draft Air V4 provided stellar ventilation thanks to its extensive mesh panels. The jacket is completely mesh, minus some abrasion panels on the shoulders, elbows, and back.

Throughout my testing in 80+ degree weather, the jacket allowed for ample airflow and kept me cool during rides.

The mesh stretches and moves well, preventing restriction even when actively riding. It also didn’t flap around at highway speeds.

The zip-out quilted liner boosts the jacket’s versatility for colder weather riding. The liner makes this a legit 3-season jacket when paired with proper base layers. I appreciated the ability to adapt the Draft Air V4 as temperatures changed.

In terms of comfort, the mesh has a smooth and soft hand feel. It didn’t cause any chafing or pressure points across the chest, arms, or waist.

The collar is lined with micro-fleece for added comfort as well. Overall, the jacket is an absolute joy to wear in warm weather.

How Does the Armor Protection Stack Up?

Protective armor is a primary consideration for any motorcycle jacket purchase. The Draft Air V4 includes CE Level 1 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back.

The shoulder and elbow pads are decently flexible and didn’t restrict my movement off the bike. However, I found the foam back pad to be lacking. It provides impact absorption but does little to prevent potential back hyperextension injuries.

Thankfully, the armor is completely removable if you want to upgrade it down the line. I’d suggest swapping out the foam back protector for a proper CE Level 2 armor insert. This will provide complete coverage against impacts and abrasion.

For a sub-$150 jacket, the included armor isn’t half bad to start out. Upgrading it makes the Draft Air V4 fully capable of aggressive riding and commuting.

Storage, Pockets, and Additional Features

Besides armor and ventilation, functional storage and pockets are essential for any riding jacket. Here’s a quick rundown of the storage options on the Draft Air V4:

• Two zippered exterior hand pockets
• Two interior stash pockets
• A full back pocket for storing the liner
• Adjustment tabs at the biceps, wrists, and waist

The hand pockets are lined with mesh and spacious enough for a phone, wallet, and keys. The interior pockets are great for documents or smaller items.

I particularly appreciated the waist adjustment tabs. They allowed me to dial in a secure and tailored fit. This prevented the jacket from flapping at speed and kept the armor properly situated.

Reflective piping on the front and back improves visibility at night. While the piping is somewhat minimal, every bit helps when riding after dark.

How Does the Draft Air V4 Stack Up to Competitors?

Jacket	Armor Level	Fit	Ventilation	Water Resistance
Tour Master Draft Air V4	CE Level 1	Runs small, size up	Excellent	Water-resistant liner
Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0	CE Level 1	Accurate to size chart	Very good	Waterproof liner
Alpinestars Air Jacket	CE Level 2	Runs large, size down	Good	Water-resistant

To provide context, I compared the Draft Air V4 to two other popular mesh jackets: the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 and the Alpinestars Air Jacket. The table above summarizes the key differences.

The Phoenix 5.0 provides great ventilation and protection at a similar price point. It runs more true-to-size as well. However, the Draft Air V4 has better airflow and a more comfortable liner in my experience.

The Alpinestars Air Jacket ramps up the armor level with CE Level 2 protection. But it costs considerably more and needs to flow air more effectively.

Overall, the combination of ventilation, armor, and value makes the Draft Air V4 highly competitive in the affordable mesh jacket segment.

The Verdict: An Excellent Warm Weather Jacket for the Money

Is this the best motorcycle jacket for the summer? After putting the Tour Master Draft Air V4 through weeks of riding and testing, I can confidently recommend it for warm-weather motorcycling. The stellar ventilation and overall comfort make it ideal for hot day rides.

For less than $150, you’d be hard-pressed to find a jacket that flows air better while still providing quality abrasion and impact protection. Just be sure to order a size up for proper fit.

While the back pad leaves room for improvement, the rest of the armor allows for a full range of motion without impeding protection. Plus, the ability to upgrade the pads is a nice bonus.

At the end of the day, the Draft Air V4 delivers exactly as advertised. It’s an affordable and versatile mesh motorcycle jacket that will keep you protected and comfortable all summer long.

It should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for impressive ventilation on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour Master Draft Air V4

Can you wear the Draft Air V4 in light rain?

With the water-resistant liner installed, the jacket provides decent water protection in light rain. For heavy rain, you’ll want a fully waterproof jacket.

Does it work well for taller or bigger riders?

Yes, the jacket comes in sizes up to 5XL, so it can definitely accommodate tall and big builds. Just be mindful of the sleeve length based on your height.

How durable is the mesh material?

The 1680 Denier polyester mesh is quite rugged. It held up well to abrasion during my slides and didn’t snag on anything.

Is the Draft Air V4 comfortable in hot desert riding conditions?

Absolutely. The airflow is so good that it works great even in triple-digit desert heat. Staying cool was never an issue.

What armor upgrades do you recommend?

I’d suggest the Forcefield CE Level 2 Pro Back Insert. It has better impact absorption and back hyperextension coverage.

Conclusion

The Tour Master Draft Air V4 motorcycle jacket delivers exceptional ventilation and protection, especially given its affordable price tag.

While the armor leaves some room for aftermarket upgrading, the jacket excels at flowing air and providing coverage.

For riders looking for a full mesh jacket that can log endless hot weather miles, the Draft Air V4 is an outstanding choice.

After conducting extensive testing, I can give my full recommendation. Just be diligent with the sizing; you’ll need to order a size up.

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