Jacket style

[bajakirch]

I've seen several posts about jackets, and it seems a lot of folks like the waist-length jackets. Me, I've always been a fan of the 3/4-length jackets. I picked up a Weise Dynastar off CL early this summer and really like the jacket, even though it's a bit warm for the heat of summer.

I like the longer style because it gives me more pockets to store stuff. If I'm counting correctly, I think my coat has 10 pockets (12 if you count the 2 in the liner) of varying sizes.

What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of the different styles?

[happycommuter]

Ending at the waist should sit smoother, snugger and not bunch up much if the length is right.  Just a sportier look.

Longer jackets offer more overlap for protection from weather and road.  They are necessarily looser around the bottom, and will rumple up a bit.  This style often has a double zipper, so you can unzip the bottom a few inches for added airflow.

[bajakirch]

you can unzip the bottom a few inches for added airflow.

Great idea; I never thought of that. Little late for this season, though.

[Burgi]

For cooler weather I prefer a 3/4 jacket. Far less air has a chance to blow up my back. But then I am not sure if I have ever seen a full mesh 3/4? The ones I've seen only have mesh panels, but that certainly doesn't mean they don't exist.
Short jacket rides up a bit in back if you are riding a bike that you lean forward into. Longer jackets can be uncomfortable on cruiser style bikes where the seat wraps up in the back and you sit rolled onto your tail bone. Neither of those situations will probably effect you on a NH though. 
I prefer not to carry to much in my pockets. I figure in an off I have to land and possibly slide on that stuff.