LS2 Garda Air summer mesh jacket

The jacket includes CE Level 1 armor at both shoulders and both elbows. According to LS2, the elbow pockets have two positions so the armor sits on your own elbow.

There is no back protector included, only a pocket ready for one. BigBike says so plainly so you can plan for it before buying.

BigBike sells an LS2 back protector and has test-fitted it in the Garda Air, where it sits properly in the back pocket. If you tour far, buy the back protector together with the jacket.

Armor is protective construction that comes with the jacket, not a promise of safety in a crash.

The Garda Air is cool and airy even at low speed in the city, with no need to wait for higher speeds to feel the breeze. That is the main reason to choose a mesh jacket for hot weather.

The trade-off is that mesh does not stop water, so the jacket is wet as soon as it rains. Carry a rain jacket and put it on top when the rain starts.

On high passes or in cold weather, the wind coming through the mesh will chill you. That is when you add a windbreaker layer underneath.

The Garda Air is true to size, so choose your usual jacket size. Women pick from WS, WM and WL in the women's cut, and men from S to XXL in the men's cut.

If you plan to add a back protector, try the jacket with it at the shop, or send your height, chest and waist on Zalo for a size recommendation.

There are two zipped outer pockets and one inner pocket. Reflective details on the sleeves and back help other traffic see you after dark. The lining is not removable.

Choose the Garda Air when you ride a lot in hot weather, need shoulder and elbow armor in a jacket that stays cool even in traffic, and want a separate women's cut.

Look at another model if you often ride cold high passes, need a jacket that keeps rain out, or want a back protector included without buying extra.

The advice to take your usual size is for the jacket worn alone. If you add a windbreaker underneath or a back protector, come to the shop and try it on before deciding.