MSRP: $229.99

Sizes: XS-3XL (color dependent)

Info: www.cortech.net

Mesh jackets are the Swiss Army knives of motorcycle gear. They can handle a lot of things pretty well. The latest version of Cortech’s GX Sport Air, the 5.0, is designed with that flexibility in mind.

Key to the usefulness of the GX Sport Air are two included liners. There’s the waterproof Aqua-Therm Rainguard and a thermal vest liner with 100-gram polyfill. The liners fit under a full mesh shell that allows ample airflow when the temperatures rise.

No, the waterproof liner isn’t a replacement for proper raingear, and the thermal vest liner won’t keep you comfortable below freezing, but for almost anything you encounter in three seasons of riding, the GX Sport Air has you covered. The liners store compactly, so you can zip them in and out in the course of a single ride.

Rider protection is the first job of any piece of gear. With that in mind, the outer shell is made of a combination of 600 denier polyester fabric and 1680 denier ballistic polyester with removable CE-approved armor in the elbows and shoulders. Safety is further enhanced by reflective piping, panels and Cortech’s signature reflective rear triangle.

For fit, stretch panels are stitched into the waist and elbow, and there’s an adjustable strap at the waist. There’s also additional stretch fabric in the underarm area, which is particularly nice for a range of riding positions, especially if you have a long-ish reach to the bars. I can’t speak to the men’s cut in terms of fit, but for both myself and friends of various sizes (within reasonable range) who tried on the large, the panels did their job and kept the jacket snug and comfortable.

There also are adjustable straps at the biceps and forearms to keep the armor inserts in place. These were simple and effective in securing the armor and eliminating flapping in the wind.

Styling-wise, the jacket has clean lines and tasteful colorways. Men’s cuts come in five colors (black/red, black/blue, black, black/hi-viz and black/gun), and women’s cuts get three (black, black/pink, black/hi-viz).

I went with the black/pink. Typically, I shy away from stereotypical pink women’s gear, but I was pleasantly pleased with this execution. The “pink” definitely leans toward the red end of the spectrum and adds a measure of visibility without being too vivid.

Enhancing the usefulness of the jacket are an inside chest map pocket, a storage pocket and a mobile device pocket in the jacket shell and liners.

My motorcycle gear must be functional, first and foremost, and mesh jackets with optional liners are among the most functional gear for any riding wardrobe. For me, the GX Sport Air has become my default option anytime the temps stretch above 60 degrees. If your mesh jacket is ready for an upgrade, or you’re currently without one at all, the GX Sport Air 5.0 is a strong-performing and versatile choice at a reasonable price point that looks great.—April Brooks