Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => PRODUCT REVIEWS => Topic started by: Tundrahog on April 11, 2005, 09:38:38 PM
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I'm looking for suggetions for a set of riding gear. Safety is the primary concern, as opposed to looks or weather resistance. I'm leaning toward textile vs. leather, mostly due to cost. I'd like the pants to be able to be worn over my jeans, and be able to put on and take off easily (they won't do me any good if they're too big a hassle to put on).
Any suggestions?
:thanks:
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I have a pair of Tourmaster Cortech overpants. Like them alot. Textile with padding in the knees and hips. Real thick material that is water and wind proof. Zippers come all the way up the sides to make on and off easy. Really warm too. I'm good to about 30F for any length of time. Probably could double as snowmobile gear if that helps. Have a JR Atomic textile jacket. Not nearly as warm as the pants but has good padding in the critical areas. Hope this helps.
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You didn't say what your budget is, but I highly recommend the great folks at New Enough. (http://www.newenough.com/index2.htm)
They carry 11 major brands, have some of the lowest pricing and outstanding service. Be sure to check out the "Closeout" section for even more savings. (Selections can be limited in that section, due to the nature of closeouts, but can be a real score if what you need/like is in the sale bin in your size.)
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The other advantage of New Enough is the real-world descriptions/reviews of all their products. This includes sizing help for everything they sell. :bigok:
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I've been looking thru New Enough, and I agree, they've got some of the best prices around. I like their reviews as well, but was looking for some more input. I'd like to stay under $400 for the set if possible.
dsartwell1--how are the tourmasters in the hot weather
:thanks: for your help.
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JR Alter Ego?
I'll speak-up for Paul, here (since I'll prob get the Alter Ego stuff, too based in-part on his recommendation). It's a cool concept that actually works. It is good all weather gear with the removable panels of ballistic nylon that expose mesh and the removable liner. It looks like with delivery, you'd be right in the $400 ballpark ($215 for the jacket and $165 for the pants).
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They get pretty warm above 75F. The zippers go both ways so you can open the sides some but its still pretty warm. I use them the most in the spring and fall especially in the morning. They're pretty bulky to pack but they do fit easily in a Cortech Tailbag. I just got the tailbag and its great!
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I was thinking about this thread... If I only had ONE riding outfit, I'd go leather. $400 might be tough but a good perforated leather suit would be my choice. If I'm commuting or just out screwing around, I wear textile. For a serious ride though the twisties, I'm in full leather - always. I guess that doesn't help with your wanting to have something to wear over jeans or whatever. Anyway, just my $.02. Well, guess this is my third post in the thread so that makes $.06. :lol:
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If you do much riding in the rain, you may prefer textile over leather.
As Rob said, I have the JR Alter-Ego jacket and I think that idea is the best way to go if you're looking for an all-season do-it-all jacket. (Teknic has something similar and others may, too.) For pants, I've a pair of Fieldsheer leather pants (non-perf). They get a little hot in 90*+ weather, but in my neighborhood, we don't get a lot of that weather, so they do OK for me. I just sweat a little on road trips into the triple digits. If it gets wet, I put a set of rain pants from WalMart over 'em.
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Leather will give you the most protection,but if you want something you can slip over your jeans go with the other option. I can wear a pair of shorts under my leathers (I have a 2 pc. that zips together). but leathers are suposed to be good fit. Not only do they protect you from abrasion,but they should help hold everything together (to a certain degree )if you go flopping down the road.
I only have leather, I would'nt mind getting gortex padded gear as well for comuting. I'll have to visit New Enough when I have $ enough.
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I have FirstGear HT Overpants (about $150) and a FirstGear Granite jacket ($78 from www.newenough.com). With the liners zipped into the pants and jacket, you're good with this combo down to 25 degrees. Cold extremities are really your limiting factor at that point. In fact, I rarely wear the liner with the overpants, because my legs don't get cold on the commute without them. On a road trip, it would be a different story.
The pants and jacket are both padded at critical points (knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, back). This combination is virtually waterproof too.
I wear suits and dress pants to work, so I leave most of my suit coats in the office and just wear the dress pants underneath my overpants to and from the office.
I recently bought a mesh textile jacket (Hein Gericke Urban) for the warmer weather because the FG Granite jacket is a tour-length jacket and is a bit too warm for over 75 degrees. I can wear shorts under the overpants to keep things cooler too. I have less than $400 total invested in two jackets and the pants.
I have seen leather overpants, but they're a bit expensive and cruiser-looking.
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Newenough is tops! If I was starting over I would most likely do alot of business with them!!!
For bad weather/commuting I use an old pair of Joe Rocket overpants (padding at knees, hips, full length zipper, fairly waterproof - sorta) and a First Gear Kilamangero Jacket (Great! If I had only one this would be it!!!) I understand that First Gear and Hein Gericke are joined at the corperate hips.
For leather I found a great deal on a Vanson perf jacket, got the armor, nothing I'd rather crash in!!! I got HJC pants from Newenough, pads where they are supposed to be, great pants - not my choice for commuting.
Don't forget a good pair of boots (I use Alpinestars, get a good pair of good fitting, waterproof, armored boots, they should be VERY comfortable - mine are) and several good pair of gloves (what are your hands worth? How about control and comfort?) I have three pair, cold, normal, and hot (ventelated) all are armored and acquired at a deal.
This is assuming you already have a good hat (a good hat comes first in my book!!!).
This is why I never recommend riding as a way to save money. By the time you get gear, and get your bike squared away, there better be a better reason than "saving money", unless you are campaigning with the better half!
Steve
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This is why I never recommend riding as a way to save money. By the time you get gear, and get your bike squared away, there better be a better reason than "saving money", unless you are campaigning with the better half!
Shhhhh...she'll hear you!
I've got about $600 invested in riding gear already, plus another $3k in the bike. After you figger in insurance...I'm saving all kinds of money. :duh: At today's gas prices, you can at least make the argument with a straight face.
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So Matt, you are the one riding around buck naked in a new Shoei hat huh? Nice paint!
:banana: :monkeymoon: :banana: :stickpoke:
I hear what you are saying, and 6 is more than many spend on preserving their brains and hides, but if you got good hands, feet, jkt, pants, and hat, for 600 I really need to talk with you!
If you want safe, dry, comfortable, armored gear, it's liable to cost ya. At least you can come by it piece by piece. Still, if you dwell on the "safety" aspect this seems to register better with the estrogen crowd than "when I have that new turbo procrastinator no one will be able to keep up" will.
Steve
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I bought a teknic lightning jacket from newenough for $125 and love it! It may get hot in a few months, and if it does I'll get a textile. But for now, my next purchase is going to be leathers for the legs and some boots before I head up to the dragon. I'm thinking, boots excluded I can get out for around 350-400 on the jacket and pants ( haven't decided on brand yet) :grin:
Anyone have any suggestions on some good reasonably priced pants? Good fit and padding are a must. Thanks, Josh
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Steve:
HJC LT-20 helmet: $75
Joe Rocket Blaster Gloves: $25
Oxtar Infinity Boots: $210
First Gear HT Overpants: $145 (from Santa)
First Gear Granite Jacket: $80
Hein Gericke Urban Jacket: $135
Total: $670, which includes 2 jackets. I saved money on the brain bucket; I bought it on e-Bay and it was pristine. (FWIW, I probably wouldn't buy another helmet on e-Bay, simply because fit is key. I just got lucky.) Next time around, I'll probably splurge on a Shoei or Arai helmet that's better ventilated.
I'll grant you that leathers would probably be better from a safety aspect, but this combo works well for me, especially for commuting on the Bandito. Though I occasionally ride the Dragon, I don't drag a knee, so I don't need anything with pucks. ( :danger: A buddy is offering me a used JR two piece textile suit with pucks for $100....hmmm. Would that encourage me to ride more aggressively, thus increasing my chances of a get-off :yesno: )
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I'm a gear weenie and I'm well under 6 bills...
Used AGV 1-pc perforated leathers (worn most of the time) - $220 on ebay
Brand new Oxtar TCS boots - $100 on ebay
Brand new Icon Halo lid - $150 on ebay
Teknic race style gloves (forget the model) - $36 at New Enough
JR Atomic jacket (commuting or short trips only) - free from a friend who doesn't ride on the street anymore
I do need some ventilated gloves and a mesh jacket for hot commutes.
Hey Matt - $100 for a 2-pc JR tex suit??? If you don't take your friend up on that offer, PM me. Hell, if it will fit you, I KNOW it will fit me! LOL!
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PM sent, Rob.
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Anyone have any suggestions on some good reasonably priced pants? Good fit and padding are a must.
If you're looking for pants and not overpants, I suggest looking at the Fieldsheer line. I got a pair of their leather pants at a local dealer (not normally the cheapest place to buy) for ~$150. They've got padding in the hips & knees, removeable armor in the knees and velcro for pucks, if you're that adventuous (I'm not). They're going into their fifth season and holding up wonderfully.
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Fieldsheer also has a nice set of warm weather pants. Air Titanium is the model for about $110.00 - lots of padding and adjustments. Started looking at them last weekend - almost bought some but then I couldn't find the jacket I wanted. Off to the stores this weekend to look again since things are heating up in Tejas!!!! :banana:
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Well, I just purchased teknic chicane pants from new enough for $175. This puts me at $300 for jacket and pants. When I add boots it will probably be around $4-500 total. I'm going to guess that keeping it under $400 will only be possible with textile, or used leathers. I also got a JR manta tank bag from them for $35. :motorsmile:
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OK guys, point well taken on the gear prices.
I guess my eye has wandered to a few "higher ticket" items. (Shoei hats, Vanson jkt, !st Gear Kilamangero jkt, Alpinestar boots...) After reading the helmet threads here though I did get all fired up and ordered a HJC AC-11 Zeke for $139 from NewEnough. Shoei prices have really gone sky high and getting the HJC in paint w/ removable liner for that price seems like a great deal. A couple of years ago I got a great pair of HJC leather pants from them too, $120. The best prices at NewEnough are found by clicking the "closeouts" button and looking in there first.
I'll post to the AC-11 thread after I have a chance to go for a decent ride in the new hat.
Steve
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I passed on a Teknic one-piece suit and boots for $150 :duh: Just couldn't see me wearing a one-piece leather track suit.
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My main beefs with 1-piece suits:
1. Most make you look like a Power Ranger wannabe.
2. Makes taking a dump a hassle.
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2. Makes taking a dump a hassle.
(http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif) (http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4513/iconcrackup7bg.gif)
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Funny now, but not so funny when you're out for an all day ride (or longer) - especially if what you had for lunch decides not to agree with you and tell you you need to go - NOW!!![/i][/u]
You'll have an instant appreciation for the ability to quickly drop trou. :wink:
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Don't know why I found that so funny but I did laugh out loud. Yet, nothing like a load of trouser chili to ruin a great ride. :monkeymoon:
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Don't know why I found that so funny but I did laugh out loud. Yet, nothing like a load of trouser chili to ruin a great ride. :monkeymoon:
What is it about bodily functions that are just funny to think about? Paul's comment is a good point and very valuble information to consider but for some reason gave me the giggles. :roll:
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good gloves and hats are so often overlooked IMO. You can spend $$$ on the right jackets and pants but if your hands are sweeting and swelling so much you can't get them off to drop trou or back on after you done I've seen people decide not to put them back on. I overheat easily so maximum cooling was high on my brain bucket characteristics list. RF100, good vent locations rear spoiler to create a vacuum to pull air through at lower speeds. But remember to brining a cap or do-rag couse you get these funny lines in your hair were the air goes through :bandit:
I will agree Shoes are $$ but somebody has to pay for the R&D for the nock-offs to copy :stickpoke: HJC AC-14 get my next vote
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I will agree Shoes are $$ but somebody has to pay for the R&D for the nock-offs to copy :stickpoke:
:lol: I remember when Shoei was one of those cheapie knock-off companies - maybe that's why I still have a hard time justifying their prices.
I did try out a co-workers new RF1000 the other day when he let me take his new CBR1000RR for a spin. It is a really nice hat, but at the price level it's at, it really should have a removable liner.
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I have the Joe Rocket 5.0 Ballistic pants and the 2.0 Joe Rocket Jacket both of which are very nice. I often wondered why the pants did not get some "venting" like the jacket has. Joe Rocket has a "patented" venting system in the jacket that works really well, however the pants seem hotter than hell because of no venting. Is this common for over pants? I usually just wear shorts under them because they are so warm but they are really armored well and also fit really well. Even though the jacket is vented really well, on a 90 degree day at a stop light they can still get pretty warm. (the pants, that is).
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Joe Rocket has vented convertable overpants called Alter Ego, like their convertable jackets.
My son just bought a TourMaster Flex jacket - which is similar to JR's Alter Ego and it's really nice. I think I like it better than my Alter Ego and certainly better than the new Alter Ego 2.0 jacket. TourMaster's web page doesn't show the Flex jacket, just the Flex pants, so maybe this jacket has been discontinued, but I was still able to find it available thru online retailers for ~$180 (here's one) (http://www.powersports4less.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=HH-86401). My son bought his from a local dealer for $199. Nice to be able to walk in and try on the different sizes and walk out with it though, so I guess that might be worth the extra coin.
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Hey Paul
Just got back from our trip to NCal. I sure wish I had a convertable jacket for this trip. Temps from 46 F to 95 F.
I never did buy the Tourmaster Flex I was looking at as I was worried about correct sizing. How does your son's fit? What size/weight is he and what size Jacket did he buy?
I'm seriously looking at ordering one NOW, while I still remember how HOT I was in my Alpine Stars leather jacket...
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Maybe he'll pipe in on this thread. I'm not sure what size he bought, but he's about your size.
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The jacket I got fits perfectly and I got to try it in the rain the other day with just the waterproof lining zipped in and dry as a bone. Also when it was 80 outside I unzipped both inside pieces and the outside shell so it was just mesh with the armor and had no complaints. Infact I am looking into getting the matching pants here real quick. Definately love the jacket but then again it is my first one so what do I know right :P
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Hey Pauly
I am interested in getting one of these, but I cannot find one in stock anywhere near here, so I will likely mail order. Based on data on the online sites, it appears that these jackets fit a little on the large side, since they need to have room for the two inside liners. One site even recommends going one size smaller than your usual fit.
Can you tell me:
1. What size did you buy?
2. What size are you? Chest, arm, etc
3. Have you used it with both the liners? and does it still fit OK?
4. How loose is it with all the liners out?
Any info would be appreciated.
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Well I purchased the XL jacket after trying on the Medium and it being a little snug. The funny thing is the XL with both liners fit perfect so I'm guessing they dont have to big a difference in the sizes. With Both the liners out of the jacket it still fits nice and the sleeves have snap adjustments on the elbows to keep the armor in place. When I have both the liners out I snap those on the inside button (there are 3 buttons) and with each liner I snap it out 1 button so the arms always fit and the elbow pads stay on my elbows. The rest of the jacket seems to always fit with or without the liners I cant tell much of a difference.
I also dont like things to tight so its not a custom leather feel but more like a tailored suit jacket fit. I wear a 36-38 in pants and a XL T-shirt (46-48) mostly the XL T cause like I said skin tight isnt really my thing.
So with a standard tape measure meaning not the most accurate...
Arms (from neck/shoulder line down outside arm to wrist) 28 inches
Back (neck/top of shoulder blades down back) 23 inches
Chest (under armpits) 41 inches and an A cup lol j/k
Beer Belly (around love handles) 42 inches
I would say that if I had a bigger belly and both liners in I would want one size up on the jacket. Anyhow hope this helps I think this jacket is definately the way to go for the money.
Pauly™
P.S. This topic has a pic of me and my jacket
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=7&start=525
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I have the Joe Rocket 5.0 Ballistic pants ....... I often wondered why the pants did not get some "venting" like the jacket has. Joe
After my wounderful wife spent hours of (secret) research time, she bought them for me. I'm a very tuff one to please when shopping for gear, mostly cause I don't have the funds to get it wrong too many times :annoy:
I agree great pants but they get hot fast. When I bring this fact up to the research Queen she will respond everytime with "you wanted rid of your rain suit totting days, if they had vents you would get wet" Yes dear I bow to your many many hours of research and humblely retrake the question.
Now I secretly look for vented pants for the day it's too hot to care about getting wet :wink:
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Not to get in between you and your Research Queen :wink: but she must have missed some product in her secret research time.
The Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants I mentioned above come with a waterproof removable liner.
Also, TourMaster has a similar trou called Flex (the matching jacket is what Pauly™ just bought above).
You, and the Queen should you decide to share the info, can see both of them here, at New Enough. (http://www.newenough.com/browse/protective_apparel/convertible_textile_mesh_jackets_and_pants)
You're welcome... anything I can do to disrupt marital bliss. :bandit:
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I use Joe Rocket Ballistic exclusively. All their stuff is good quality and they all have adequate protection with armor. They also all zip together (tops and bottoms) for a good secure fit. Right now I am using the 5.0 Ballistic pant (a little warm) and the "rasp" textile jacket which works great in all weather. New Enough is the place to get all your gear at too. They have reviews and great prices too!!!...Banditone1250s... :congrats:
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I just bought a "light-speed" Joe Rocket and I love it. It usually retails for around $300.00 but I found it at New Enough on clearance for $70.00. There was no way that I could pass up that deal and I just added another jacket to my many others. It has lots of protection and it isn't very hot when it is hot outside. It is well vented with Joe Rocket's patented venting systems and it work really well on a hot day...Banditone1250s... :burnout: