Great jacket! Love it so far! Only had it a few weeks so far, blocks wind well, insulated well. Had one or two warmer days so I had to take out the insulated liner to ride. Have not taken out the side panels yet to see how it feels with the open mesh sides. Will update this review again in a few months as the jacket breaks in and the weather warms up.Edit - After riding though some HOT summer months here in Georgia, I figured it was time to update this review. The cloth side panels, when taken out, reveal mesh under each arm and down your side. This gives just enough ventilation to keep you from melting in the summer heat as long as you have any breeze or are moving at all. You'll still get hot when you stop...no avoiding it. The jacket has broken in well and is very comfortable.This Jacket has all the padding and armor needed for full protection. Removable armor pieces is a plus. Ventilation is excellent. Fit is very good. So far it has been durable and comfortable. FYI it is a snug fit everywhere as it should be but an oversized bellys might find zipping it impossible. It does have an adjustable waist, but it doesn't adjust past normal very far outwards. It will adjust inward for smaller waist sizes.