Waist length or 3/4 jackets? Could anybody explain the differences to me?

[lnewqban]

Besides the evident difference in length, what are the differences between waist length and 3/4 jackets regarding usage, performance, specific functions, etc.?

I would appreciate any explanation.

[frog13]

Originally Posted by lnewqban

Beside the evident difference in length, what are the differences between waist length and 3/4 jackets regarding usage, performance, specific functions, etc.?

I would appreciate any explanation.

Some would say the style. Alot will depend on your build and the type of riding you will do....yes,folks will argue this,of course.The length of a garment can add or detract from your riding.3/4 length jackets offer a bit more protection than waist length....waist length should be zippered or buttoned to the pants so it will not "ride-up" on the rider in a crash.Waist length are usually more form fitting ( a tighter fit) than 3/4 length. A 3/4 length "may" have more pocket space than a waist length.Sometimes if your a "bigger" person,a waist length jacket may ride up on you and the collar will rub your neck while riding....again, your build comes into play here.
I wear Motoport gear,and on their site,they have a reasonable explanation of this very thing.

[a1fa]

Waist length jackets will ride up when you start sliding on the pavement.

[StuartV]

When I ride a bike with a forward leaning seating position, e.g. a sportbike, the extra material in the front of a 3/4 jacket is annoyingly bulky.

[Maggot12]

For me 3/4 = warmer and dryer

[WoodButcher]

Originally Posted by a1fa

Waist length jackets will ride up when you start sliding on the pavement.

All jackets will ride up if you slide on the pavement feet first unless you zip them to your pants.

[Grinnin]

For rain, waist-length jackets require better waterproofing and layers for the fly of the pants. 3/4 jackets MAY cover the fly enough so that the flaps or gussets don't have to always handle a puddle of water.

For me, no matter how well a fly is gusseted, preventing a puddle is better planning than keeping a puddle and hoping it doesn't get through.

[bomber60015]

Sit up riding position allows me to wear a 2/4 length, and lets me enoy the slightly increased warmth, weather and wind protection . ..

semi-race crouch dictates a waist length jacket -- if not zipped to pants, more wind hitting your lower back, greater chance of weather incursion, all things being equal.

[vtwin]

Originally Posted by StuartV

When I ride a bike with a forward leaning seating position, e.g. a sportbike, the extra material in the front of a 3/4 jacket is annoyingly bulky.

At least with my Darien, I can unzip a portion of the bottom to allow this to smooth out. Good thing someone invented the two sided zipper.

[Goldburg]

Originally Posted by StuartV

When I ride a bike with a forward leaning seating position, e.g. a sportbike, the extra material in the front of a 3/4 jacket is annoyingly bulky.

Oh, if that was the only annoyingly bulky thing I had to worry about when leaning forward...

[indr]

3/4 is for people 40+

[AlanCT]

Originally Posted by vtwin

At least with my Darien, I can unzip a portion of the bottom to allow this to smooth out. Good thing someone invented the two sided zipper.

I tuck the front of mine up and under sometimes if I am bothered by the extra material.

[Mr_Gone]

Originally Posted by indr

3/4 is for people 40+

Aimed at me, but accurate.

[JoshBMW]

Originally Posted by indr

3/4 is for people 40+

So true.... 3/4 hides beer gut better

<------ over 40!

[gsweave]

3/4 provides better rain and wind protection.


Over 40 means wiser and faster