I don't find huge differences in warmth among the jackets in the upper half of the quality hierarchy, but I am careful to seek out units that don't have air leaks - unless I have an underlayer that blocks that like bib pants do.
Jackets with "square hems", Belstaff style stuff that gather at the waist but extend down over the hips to cover the crotch are are the ones most prone to air leaks. And I see several jackets of that style recommended to you. I do use those, but again, not unless I have another windproof and insullated layer beneath them.
I suggest you examine, in person, the new Cortech brand jackets, particularly the "Advanced Jacket", and "Advanced Sport Jacket". They are stocked by many accessory shops and MC dealers, particularly Honda here in California. They are a brand of parent Tour Master, and far better gear than the parent ever made. Click on the "...click for more" links on the page at https://www.tourmaster.com/# and scroll the window that opens to see the features.
They are a huge leap up in quality and features from the units I've seen mentioned so far. Collar and cuffs are washable leather lined and collar snaps so it doesn't flap when open. YKK zippers. Waterproof pockets. A fully integreated System - that really works - of flow-through venting to increase its useful temp range. Waterproofing that really and truly works. Good armor. Superb materials.
Really, do go examiine one of these live before you make your choice. Look how it's sewn together. See how the panels are cut. Look at the choices of materials in different places. Then look over how other makers produce their product. I'm not saying Cortech is "the best", just that doing things with the obvious care they have, is going to pay dividends. You get to choose what dividends you want -- but only if you know what can do what for you.
In terms of quality, I rate the Cortech unit only a half step below the fabulous Marsee Adventure jacket - with a different feature set. Only it fits most folks better, and its available for a moderate price.
And, it comes in women's sizes that actually fit real women.
Best wishes with your choice.
Jackets with "square hems", Belstaff style stuff that gather at the waist but extend down over the hips to cover the crotch are are the ones most prone to air leaks. And I see several jackets of that style recommended to you. I do use those, but again, not unless I have another windproof and insullated layer beneath them.
I suggest you examine, in person, the new Cortech brand jackets, particularly the "Advanced Jacket", and "Advanced Sport Jacket". They are stocked by many accessory shops and MC dealers, particularly Honda here in California. They are a brand of parent Tour Master, and far better gear than the parent ever made. Click on the "...click for more" links on the page at https://www.tourmaster.com/# and scroll the window that opens to see the features.
They are a huge leap up in quality and features from the units I've seen mentioned so far. Collar and cuffs are washable leather lined and collar snaps so it doesn't flap when open. YKK zippers. Waterproof pockets. A fully integreated System - that really works - of flow-through venting to increase its useful temp range. Waterproofing that really and truly works. Good armor. Superb materials.
Really, do go examiine one of these live before you make your choice. Look how it's sewn together. See how the panels are cut. Look at the choices of materials in different places. Then look over how other makers produce their product. I'm not saying Cortech is "the best", just that doing things with the obvious care they have, is going to pay dividends. You get to choose what dividends you want -- but only if you know what can do what for you.
In terms of quality, I rate the Cortech unit only a half step below the fabulous Marsee Adventure jacket - with a different feature set. Only it fits most folks better, and its available for a moderate price.
And, it comes in women's sizes that actually fit real women.
Best wishes with your choice.
