Need some recommendations for Fall? Here are a few options to consider. These are going to offer the most protection, warmth, features and functionality.
Dainese
This jacket features a removable thermal liner and a D-Dry membrane that's attached to the outer shell so you don't have to wear a separate liner to stay dry.
MSRP: $329.95 Colors: Black/light grey/dark grey, black/red/dark grey, black/blue/dark grey/light grey, all black Sizes: Euro 40 - 54 (~US 2-16) Cut: 3/4 length, but not as long as other 3/4 cut jackets. I have a short torso and these sit perfectly on my hips. European fit. Protection: High tenacity polyamide fabric shell, removable elbow and shoulder composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1/97 standard, pocket for back protector, pocket for Ladies Thorax chest protection.
FirstGear
The newest version of the Kilimanjaro is available for pre order at Revzilla. Version 5.0 is on closeout on many websites including Revzilla for less than $200 since a new version is coming. I don't have any personal experience with this one, but it looks to be a nice update to the previous model.
MSRP: $299.95 Colors: DayGlo/grey, black/grey, silver/grey Sizes: XS-3XL (~US4 - 16) Cut: 3/4 length, American fit. Protection: Hypertex™ waterproof and breathable outer shell made of 400 denier nylon, shoulders and elbows reinforced with 640 denier nylon, Fully adjustable d3O™ T5 CE Armor in the shoulders and elbows delivers the same protection as standard CE foam armor, but is thinner and more flexible, resulting in a more comfortable, flexible fit. EVA dense foam back pad. Jacket- to-pant 10” full conjunction zipper fits easily through liner portal.
I've tried on this jacket and the fit is what I would refer to as moderate European. It's not overly generous in the bust/shoulders/arms, but provides a little more room everywhere from a standard European fit. They were true to size as well. The Monarch has a removable fleece jacket liner with waterproof and windstopper qualities which you can wear as a standalone windbreaker. It also has a built in under-helmet rain hood that will keep the back of your neck warm and dry. Supposedly, it even comes with an LED accessory light that loops on to the back of the jacket? You may want to ask your dealer about that one.
MSRP: $469.95 Colors: Sand/brown, black/grey, green/blue Sizes: XS-2XL (~US4 - 14) Cut: 3/4 length Protection: d3o™ T3 intelligent shock absorption armor in the shoulders and elbows (really light, comfortable, flexible armor), outer shell material is 100% 600 denier nylon, Kevlar® reinforced Teramid® underlay at the crucial first point of contact on the shoulders and elbows, reflective panels in the front.
Olympia Moto Sports
The AST2 is an update to the AST1. They've made some modest design changes, including the chest and back vent lengths which were increased for better airflow. The top of the collar was modified to include full neoprene around the circumference. And an extra velcro tab was included at the neck closure to accommodate thicker necks. The liner system remains the same, which features a waterproof shell and removable thermal liner for warmth.
MSRP: $329.99 Colors: Pewter/Black, Neon Yellow/Black Sizes: XS-3XL Cut: 3/4 length, roomy shoulders, generous hips with waist adjustment, American fit. Protection: Outer shell constructed in coated 500 and 2000 denier CORDURA® fabric, removable CE motion armor at elbows, shoulders, removable CE approved Motion Flex back protector.
REV'IT
Brand new for Fall 2011, the Legacy offers unique features that no other women's textile motorcycle jacket has to offer including an outer shell made of 1000D Cordura Ripstop. Not only is it 1,000 Denier, but the Ripstop means that if the jacket starts to tear, it won't rip top to bottom, like ordinary fabrics. It'll rip in zigzag fashion, to make the tearing stop. This material was added to the Defender GTX and Legacy GTX for men, and now it's available for the ladies! They also offer an equally impressive riding pant for the ideal adventure touring outfit.
MSRP: $569.99 Colors: Black, black/silver (pic) Sizes: 34-48 (~US 2-14) Cut: 3/4 length, European fit. Protection: Prolife ladies CE elbow and shoulder armor, CE prepared for Knox® Advance X CE back protector, 1000D Cordura ribstop, PWR shell 750D, laminated reflection.
The Ventura Jacket offers a slightly different and features than the Legacy GTX. It has a little more room in the bust and the torso. It's fairly curvy figure friendly, with a slight flair at the hips. It features two removable liners, one thermal and one waterproof. The collar is also removable which then gives the jacket a flat collar for warmer weather (far right pic). If you've tried on the Tornado, the fit is very similar but with more room at the bust.
MSRP: $449.99 Colors: Black, silver/black, silver/blue Sizes: Euro 34-46 (~US 2 - 12) Cut: 3/4 length Protection: PWR|shell 500D, Dynax mesh, PWR|shell 500D stretch, Lorica®, ProLife® ladies CE protection at shoulders and elbows, fully perforated EVA foam at back, laminate reflection at shoulders and back.
Spidi
MSRP: $399.95 Colors: Black, Grey/Black and Ice Sizes: XS - XL (I'm a medium, and I'm a US 4-6/Dainese 42-44/REV'IT 38) Cut: 3/4 length, narrowish through the body. Although a medium fits me pretty well in the shoulders/chest/arms, it's a little too narrow through the body (too much turkey this thanksgiving) and as a result it rides a little high up on my neck. If I were a little narrower in the torso, then I think the jacket would relax a bit and fall naturally downward, instead of pushing up at the collar. I highly recommend this for anyone with a longer torso, looking for a longer fitting jacket. Protection: Shell is made of Tenax Flex Fabric; Polyamide-derived, abrasion resistant. Also treated with a 10% elastomer, making it stretchable and fitted. Includes CE armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector.
