Joe Rocket Alter Ego vs Teknic Spider

[Daren]

I don't have any gear yet, and these are the two jackets I am looking at. I like the idea of an all-in-one jacket, it would save me a ton of money not having to buy two or three separate jackets. Are these all-in-one type jackets any good? Or would I be that much better off buying separate things?

The Alter Ego is a little cheaper, $220 or so, but I've heard Joe Rocket stuff is not very good. Is that true? The Teknic is about $300, but if it is a lot better quality I would have no problem spending the extra money.

Thanks for the help guys.

[MK592]

I can't comment on the comparison, but I have the Alter Ego and really like it. I've comfortably ridden w/o a windshield in the mid-30's with the waterproof/windproof liner and in the mid-90s with just the mesh. There have been some posts on here somewhere about people going down in their Joe Rocket jackets and the material has held up fine. I also bought mine off eBay brand new for $150 before shipping.

Good luck,
--Mike

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by Daren

The Alter Ego is a little cheaper, $220 or so, but I've heard Joe Rocket stuff is not very good. Is that true? The Teknic is about $300, but if it is a lot better quality I would have no problem spending the extra money.

Thanks for the help guys.

We had a member go down recently wearing a Joe Rocket jacket. He reported it protected quite well (though it did tear a bit in one spot). That's good enough evidence for me. Any jacket is going to take some damage if you go down. Most gear is designed to sacrafice itself for your safety, in particular armor and padding.

Also, you can do better on pricing on that Joe Rocket AE jacket. I've seen reports from people who paid less than $200.

[DiverDown]

Have had an Alter Ego for a year now, really like it. Have used it summer, fall, winter, spring and now summer again. Have no complaints with it, still looks very good and have used from 105 to about 30 is lowest. At 30 I did put a fleece pullover under it, but did just fine. I love it. Bought mine off Ebay also, $180.00 shipped.

[neebelung]

I know plenty of people who have the Alter Ego, and LOOOOOOVE it. I personally have the Phoenix, as does my boyfriend, and about 75% of the riders we know.... and I don't know of anyone who isn't happy with the quality of their Joe Rocket's (I've heard the offhand remark here and there on various forums, but no one I know personally has expressed any displeasure with them).

+1 on the shopping for a better price on that Alter Ego....

Check newenough.com (here's the link to email them for a price on that particular jacket)....

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_...acket_page.htm

Also, www.tricktape.com lists it for $227.99, but they're really good about price matching.

[rmhninja]

I originally bought the Phoenix jacket and liner a couple of years ago and really liked it. The problem is that in colder weather my leather jacket was the only thing I had that would protect from the cold mornings. Of course the leather jacket doesn't have padding either. I got an Alter Ego off of Ebay for $140 from a guy about 60 miles away (so I met him for the pick up). The jacket was in great shape.
I have ridden in 30 degree morning weather (less than ten miles) to work and had no problems with warmth. Now that it's in the 90s, the zip off top layer is hanging in the closet and enjoying the dry hot CO weather in mesh.
When my wife starts riding with me she'll be wearing an Alter Ego as well.

I've not been caught in rain or crashed so no comments there.

good luck with the choice...