Icon Textile Jackets

97BladeRider · 06-21-2006, 5:22 PM

OK, I know all you hard-core riders normally use full leather suits and jackets, but can anyone let me know about experiences with textile jackets?

I'm looking to purchase an Icon TiMax jacket for local rides. Any thoughts?

booracer · 06-21-2006, 7:19 PM

don't know anything about a icon, but wore a joe rocket textile for 2.5yrs before buying 2pc frank thomas leathers. i'm mostly a commuter and i enjoyed the versatility it offered.

deftones156 · 06-22-2006, 8:58 AM

Have you ever looked closely at the TiMax? It has no armor in it whatsoever. It's just textile with some titanium threads and plates on it, but no impact protection. You would be better off with something else, IMO.

I have a Joe Rocket Rasp jacket, and though not perfect by any means, it has armor that is as good if not better than some leathers I've seen.

KJ's RR · 06-22-2006, 9:15 AM

I have the Fieldsheer Mach I Not as good as full leather but has all the protection I need for my riding around & not too hot either. Very happy W/it

I don't know if they still make it. Got it for Xmas of 04 from Brockton Cycles.

Custom900 · 06-22-2006, 9:51 AM

I use Icon products and have no problems what-so-ever.

I also use Shift.

deftones156 · 06-22-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Custom900

I use Icon products and have no problems what-so-ever.

I also use Shift.

Do you have the TiMax that he was asking about? I don't have a problem with ICON, but the TiMax looks (and feels) like a glorified POS

Custom900 · 06-22-2006, 2:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftones156

Do you have the TiMax that he was asking about? I don't have a problem with ICON, but the TiMax looks (and feels) like a glorified POS

Nope, no TiMax here. I have seen the jacket worn by a few people at the track, but I've not inpsected it any closer.

soon2b954 · 06-22-2006, 2:16 PM

You should ask Luvtolean about Icon, he has a closet full of their stuff.

spdjunkey · 06-23-2006, 10:49 PM

I have the Icon Team Merc Jacket. It has ample armor and is also very durable. I took a dive over the front end of my gixxer after hitting a brick in the road. Luckily I was wear all my gear. The bike wasn't so lucky. Anyway the only inury at all that I had was to my foot which was smashed by the bike. Not one other scratch. I swear by the gear.

Scout · 06-23-2006, 10:55 PM

I have crashed in a 1st gen JR Phoenix, on the street, went down between 40-50 mph, slid for awhile. No rips or tears, but retired the jacket after that. I felt it was only good for one down, and didn't want to push my luck.

Since then, I've bought a NJK - maker of custom leathers- mesh jacket from Cal-Sportbike, which has CE armor (the JR didn't) in all the impact zones, and a dainese back protector.

f1_hurricane · 06-26-2006, 1:36 AM

I have a white TiMax jacket and love it. It breathes really well and has a nice comfortable fit for my build. I definatly don't regret shelling the money out for it. Looks good, fits comfortably and breathes well. Haven't had a get off with it yet

. THe reason i bought it was because of the price and after how much i like this jacket i will definatly be buying more icon gear later on

tribaltim · 06-30-2006, 9:10 PM

I would have to second the Joe Rocket Textile style Jacket as being a good Jacket. To be quite honest with you I just ordered an Icon one too though haven't got it in the mail yet.

niteowl955i · 07-01-2006, 6:43 PM

I wear a Icon Pursuit Jacket, it's awesome. Does have armor in the shoulders and albows. Also has a waterproof liner.
The Icon Timax jacket is worn both my our head tech and body shop guy from the what I have heard their great, breath well and are very comfortable.
I work for a motorcycle shop and we sell the Icon products, and have heard nothing from our customers that have purchased them. No complaints at all.

Later

97BladeRider · 07-05-2006, 10:35 AM

Well, I received the TiMax jacket last week and have been out a few times with it.

It's been pretty warm here in the NE USA, averaging low to mid 80's and high humidity (over 50%), so riding comfort is definitely key. The jacket has plenty of ventilation and is extremely comfortable.

Is has padding on the shoulders, elbows, back, and abdominal region. It also has titanium plating on the shoulders.

And, at $119 at newenough.com, it's a great jacket for the price.

Now all I need to do is outfit my wife for riding and we'll be all set.

gthotchkiss · 07-05-2006, 10:40 AM

Pshhhhh.... low to mid 80's.... lucky...

I know ICON has a bad rap... but I do like alot of their stuff....

ND4SPD · 07-05-2006, 10:46 AM

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but have you guys checked the going rate for a skingraft these days?

gthotchkiss · 07-05-2006, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but have you guys checked the going rate for a skingraft these days?

I think the local place is having a special... buy 2 get one free....

Seriously tho... why? Is it because its Mesh? B/c its ICON? or B/c its both?

ND4SPD · 07-05-2006, 11:10 AM

Both. I'm not an expert, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but I can't see how titanium can protect anything with the way they use it. It will probably cause more damage than prevent. Not to mention that textiles shred/melt as you're sliding on the tarmac. If heat is an issue, perfed leather is the way to go. Either way, I'd rather sweat than bleed JMHO

luvtolean · 07-05-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthotchkiss

Seriously tho... why? Is it because its Mesh? B/c its ICON? or B/c its both?

Er..."yes".

Pete · 07-05-2006, 11:37 AM

Does anyone here have any definitive proof that Icon's gear is inferior when compared to similar products from mfrs such as Joe Rocket, Teknic, AGV, TourMaster, etc.?

ConqSoft · 07-05-2006, 11:38 AM

I think I'd definitely stay away from any of their gear that has any flat, sharp, metal on it, but as for their normal stuff, no idea on quality....

BDA116 · 07-05-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Does anyone here have any definitive proof that Icon's gear is inferior when compared to similar products from mfrs such as Joe Rocket, Teknic, AGV, TourMaster, etc.?

Yes, they sponsor that jackass "host" of that new moron show on "Speed" TV, as well as the show itself.
Reason enough to not buy anything from them right there.

gthotchkiss · 07-05-2006, 11:56 AM

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

BDA116 · 07-05-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthotchkiss

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

No, for me a company pushing product through sponsoring worthless **** = me not buying anything from that company, period.
Pretty simple to understand.

luvtolean · 07-05-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthotchkiss

Poor Marketing = Poor Craftsmanship?

Actually, the only reason Icon exists is excellent marketing. But their marketing means their products are tailored to a look, performance and to a group of riders, that have nothing in common with me.

Most of their gear is crap. I do think their military vest is quite a good product however. Hammer keeps talking about that back protector, but I forgot to go check it out.

To answer Pete's question, no, there are no impartial tests I've seen done that I'd say do a good job of comparing all aspects of suit performance.

But look at all of the trash Icon sews on to their gear. Every bit tacked on to market their **** to stuannas, is another hole in the base material, and another seam to fail, when it hits the tarmac.

Mesh made by anyone is absolute garbage.

ConqSoft · 07-05-2006, 12:03 PM

ICON helmets are actually HJC, right?