Appearal. Which way to go?

[PDsgt]

Well, since I am new to this whole FJR society, and ne to this forum, I am hoping you all will be patient with me when I ask this question. I have been out of the motorcycle world for about 5 years or so. I have owned sport bikes, cruisers, and Harley's, but honestly never worn any body armor while riding. Now that I am a little older and wiser, I think it is a very worthwhile investment. So here comes the obvious question. What to buy? Joe Rocket, Cortech, Tourmaster, etc... So many choices. Is there a difference in any of them, or is it just a matter of personal preference and fit. I have talked to people who sya "Joe Rocket" is the only way to go. And others say your paying for the Rocket name, and Tourmaster is every bit as good. I have a little time since my bike won't be here for a few more monthes, but want to start building my wardrobe slowly, and not have to shell out lots of $ all at once. Something to put on my Christmas list. So any help would be appreciated. Thanks again for your patience with most probably a never ending thread. olling:

 

[HaulinAshe]

Listen carefully to those who live in your region and ride the same "schedule" you do.

I live in a hot, humid climate along the coast, and I ride to work with one hour local rides several times per week.

What works here for me in most situations may not work for you.

That's my $.02, and I've spent thousands of $$$ learning that lesson.

 

[Silent]

Aerostitch. Nuff said B)

I've worn mine from 30 to 106 degrees

YMMV

 

[v65]

I have talked to people who sya "Joe Rocket" is the only way to go. And others say your paying for the Rocket name, and Tourmaster is every bit as good.

Huh, must of had it backwards, I always thought Joe Rocket was the cheap stuff. If you want to try on some Tourmaster stuff go to helmet world in Canandaigua, it's a nice little trip from Corning. They have a good number of coats in stock and two, maybe three styles of the Cortech pants (the Caliber, a summer pant, and maybe another). When the time comes they also have the widest selection of helmets in stock I have seen (which may not be saying much). If you can wait till spring you can also pick stuff up at Americade. The wife and I always spend a few bucks there on gear. :clapping:

I like (not love) my caliber pants. They are warm in the summer, although they have a dual zipper system that allows some ventilation. They also have a zip in liner for when it dips below 50. I have worn them in temps from 32 - 95, although the latter is getting a bit warmish. My complaint is that twice they have soaked through in torrential rain, in a very uncomfortable spot. On the other hand they also have kept me bone dry in a couple of downpours. :dntknw:

Soon enough I will be looking at owning two coats. The one I have now is a Tourmaster, it is comfortable from 20F - 70F. In the 80's it gets toasty, and in the 90's I just give up. I can't imagine a single coat that is going to cover the temp variations we see in the Empire state, if you find one let me know!

 

[madmike2]

In a word: CyclePort Kevlar Mesh,Click this link! Mine has been crash tested (as of one month ago), no rips no tears, no abrasions, no bones sticking through skin. The only damage to the jacket is where the EMTs cut it of before they put me in the helicopter.

I live in the Central Valley of CA where the summer temps are in the 100s and it rains in the Winter, so I bought the waterproof and insulated liners that go with the jacket and pants.

Its your skin and your body, so its your choice. The only personal testimonies I can repeat are: 1.) what my Daughter said, "Dad, I'm sure glad you bought that gear at WFO!" and 2.) what the EMTs said to my riding buddies (exskibum and Bluestreek), "That gear saved your friends life!"

 

[twowheelnut]

MM2 speaketh the truth. Werd. Damn this economy!

 

[Toecutter]

And others say your paying for the Rocket name, and Tourmaster is every bit as good.

I must be an *****, 'cause my stuff cost about three or four times as much....

I just hope I never have to find out what I paid for. However, I've killed hundreds of bees with my gear since the one that almost killed me while my gear was getting built.

Listen to the MadMan! (+1 for Cycleport)

 

[James Burleigh]

I have bin riding fer 40 4 years and am an export on avrythinge to due with motercykles. It luks two mi like awl the gear is purdy Gude these days, so its a mattur of personnel preference regarding cost und style. Jb

 

[squeezer]

You'll be surprised at the number of options that have popped up in the last 5 years. In some other thread, I've called this the Golden Age for gear. It's almost hard to wrong. That said, the only stuff I ever regretted buying was Joe Rocket. I think it's name isn't really that good. You will, I might add, hear great things about their customer service. They're very good at shipping you out new stuff when the thing you bought fails (mostly zippers). The problem is that a lot us had those things fail the first time we used them. I think their customer service is good because they get a lot of practice.

My personal opinion is that Tour Master gives you the most bang for the buck. You can buy more bang, though.

My best suggestion is to go to newenough.com, read the descriptions, and check out the range of features available. Make sure to click on "View Larger Pictures" when viewing a piece of gear because these folks add bunches of extra photos to illustrate the features. They're also great to deal with -- consistently low prices and great service.

Aerostich and Cycleport are going to be the more expensive stuff.

I think the list of FJR rider approved gear would also include Tour Master/Cortech, FirstGear, Fieldsheer, Olympia, Teknic. Probably some more.

I also like the Roadgear stuff (roadgear.com).

And then the boots...

 

[grendell]

Another vote for Cycleport kevlar mesh. I have also crash tested mine and it came out unscathed.

 

[v65]

I've worn mine from 30 to 106 degrees

That's what you want around here. Based on this I will have to give 'Stitch a serious look myself, after the new shock!

 

[stormrider]

Cycleport Air mesh kevlar and a stich

 

[ionbeam]

This topic has been covered fairly well, fairly often (I will resist suggesting a search...).

First, the gear you buy should be constructed from the correct type of material and that material should be woven from thread of sufficient thickness. There should be armor, preferably CE type. The armor should be held in place so it doesn't shift when being applied to the road The armor should be pre-molded so it fits without causing discomfort at pressure points like knees and elbows. The fabric should be sewn with tough-stuff thread in a safety, anti-rip folded/stitched seam. Closures such as zippers should be burst resistant. The riding gear can be full suit or if pants/coat they should zip together to prevent ride-up or they should overlap in such a way as to keep you covered as you slide down the pavement.

The gear should be appropriate for your riding situation. Easy on/off, cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Liners do a good job of stopping the wind and offer acceptable water resistance for most riding. I live in an area where I have a set of summer gear (40-100°F) and a set for cold weather (15-40°F).

I prefer my gear to be as light a color as possible, this helps with heat by reflecting sunlight and helps with visibility. Reflective inserts or piping are a bonus.

Learn a little bit about construction here, and materals here.

Now, purchase your gear from any manufacturer that meets these criteria and whose products tickles your fancy.

 

[Silver Penguin]

I have bin riding fer 40 4 years and am an export on avrythinge to due with motercykles. It luks two mi like awl the gear is purdy Gude these days, so its a mattur of personnel preference regarding cost und style. Jb

Wot James sed is gud!

Talk to as many local riders as you can, and see what gear works for your area. Ask the guys with the grungy, beaten up stuff rather than the shiny new outfits. I'm told that Aerostich is THE best, if your budget runs to it. If not, check out Olympia gear, often carried by BMW dealers. I have the mesh jacket and love it, especially the way the armor feels (i.e. can't tell it's there, but it is there).

Try on lots of gear to find which manufacturer fits your body type best.

Is the International Motorcycle show coming to your area soon? They have lots of bargains on gear, if you can wait a few weeks.

Jill

 

[painman]

What MM2 and Toe said. I've checked out every type and name of gear, finally made the purchase and CyclePort Air-Mesh has to win the award. All season gear, no worries. PM. <><

 

[Inlaw1]

May as well ask what oil is best, your going to get a lot of different answers.

Lots of changes and advancements in motorcycle gear in just the last 5 years. There is some really good stuff out there at very reasonable prices, especially if you shop the Internet. I'd go find a Cycle Gear store or similar motorcycle accessory outlet to get an idea of what may be available.

Search manufacturers web sites like Courtech / Tourmaster, Joe Rocket, Hien Gericke / First Gear, Fieldsheer (I wear the Fieldsheer one piece textile suit called the Highland. Great alternative to the Aerostitch at almost a quarter the price).

You'll probably find over time that you end up with more than one piece of gear. I have a leather jacket, a perforated mesh textile jacket, the one piece Highland, a two piece leather suit for track days, riding jeans with armor, three pair of gloves (the ones I wear most of the time, winter / rain, and summer rain). There's so many options and it's all relatively inexpensive so you can have options, but mostly it depends on what you end up liking. Everyone is a bit different in that regards. Kind of like which oil you think is best.

 

[TriggerT]

I have mesh gear, but I find that I am uncomfortable in anything less than my Aerostich, since I started wearing it at the beginning of this year. I won't say that Aeorstich is the end all be all of gear, but it is BY FAR the best I have owned in the last 12 years of riding. Plus, since I ride to work, I like to be able to take all my gear off, or put it on in under a minute.

 

[GunMD]

So far (only owned it for a couple of weeks) I'm very happy with my new Olympia AST jacket.

 

[ngarider]

Gunny on the Cycleport. Love this stuff. Best.Gear.Ever.