Race Leathers

DUX · 07-04-2008, 10:03 AM

I'm starting to look for leathers and could use some advice.

Price is important, but they are a piece of safety equipment so I don't want to sacrifice quality to save a few $$.

Can someone point out the differences between expensive and cheap leathers. Is it thickness, stitching, etc....?

Does anyone know of a good online chart for sizing?

What do you look for when making sure they fit correctly?

Anyone know of a good site for purchasing? I don't care if they are the "latest and greatest" style. I am definitely going for function over form here.

If you have a used set that you'd like to sell, please let me know. Rashed is fine, as long as they are still safe.

Thanks!

slickwill · 07-04-2008, 10:34 AM

NewEnough is a great when it comes to sizing and reviews. On each page there is always a "Pauls Comment" where he highlights highs and lows of the piece in question.

STG has video's where they review many different items.

If I was looking for a solid suit that doesn't cost a ton I'd go with the Hein Gericke Celtic. I think it is as nice as my A-stars and costs less. That said I also love my A-stars MX-1 and it wasn't a small fortune. I have the two piece version but the once piece version looks even nicer.

abtech · 07-04-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

I'm starting to look for leathers and could use some advice.

Price is important, but they are a piece of safety equipment so I don't want to sacrifice quality to save a few $$.

Can someone point out the differences between expensive and cheap leathers. Is it thickness, stitching, etc....?

Does anyone know of a good online chart for sizing?

What do you look for when making sure they fit correctly?

Anyone know of a good site for purchasing? I don't care if they are the "latest and greatest" style. I am definitely going for function over form here.

If you have a used set that you'd like to sell, please let me know. Rashed is fine, as long as they are still safe.

Thanks!

How tall are you?

DUX · 07-04-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

How tall are you?

Just a little over 5'10.

Part of the issue is I'm also shooting to go from 230 to about 190 by next spring. I know that I need to buy what fits now, but I will probably only do two or three track days this summer/fall and I also don't want to drop a "G" on something that may not fit for next season.

ND4SPD · 07-04-2008, 10:44 AM

Do you have a leather jacket with a full circumference zipper? If so, you could get the matching pants and be ok with most places. Then you can get a full suit next year.

slickwill · 07-04-2008, 10:45 AM

LEATHER SUITS:1 piece:Gericke Celtic

Check the price on the last three if you aren't concerned with color. I don't even need a suit but at that price I'm tempted. tm_dearborn has the yellow and in person it's a good looking suit.

Hammer · 07-04-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

I'm starting to look for leathers and could use some advice.

Price is important, but they are a piece of safety equipment so I don't want to sacrifice quality to save a few $$.

Can someone point out the differences between expensive and cheap leathers. Is it thickness, stitching, etc....?
It is alot of differences between a cheap and good set of leathers. Fit, quality, stitching, armor, padding, quality zippers and service.

Does anyone know of a good online chart for sizing?

Each manufacturer has their own sizing chart for specific fit, it is best to try a suit on if you can or make sure the company you purchase from does not have a restocking fee if the suit does not fit.

What do you look for when making sure they fit correctly?

fit and if you can move in them without singing soprano when you do move.

Anyone know of a good site for purchasing? I don't care if they are the "latest and greatest" style. I am definitely going for function over form here.

The WERA board usually has some good suits at the end of the year if you are looking to go used.

you can also scan newenough.com for their closeouts. Here is a 2 piece teknic.

If you have a used set that you'd like to sell, please let me know. Rashed is fine, as long as they are still safe.

Thanks!

Hope that helps.

SheepOfBlue · 07-04-2008, 10:48 AM

At that size a lot of suits may not fit as many brands come in twig and twig with leaf sizes. JR tends to be cut a bit more wooly

I have tested mine and it did OK. The Speedmaster is decent on performance from what I have herd as is the GPX Type R (do NOT get one that is not type R). Also consider calling Barnacle Bill and finding out how much custom is and the cost of alteration

DUX · 07-04-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Do you have a leather jacket with a full circumference zipper? If so, you could get the matching pants and be ok with most places. Then you can get a full suit next year.

No I don't.

I joined the ATGATT group after selling my sport-bikes and buying the BMW. My jacket for that is a heavy 3/4 length Olympia textile with a zipper in the back.

I use textile mesh gear on the street for the VFR in the summer, but in reality that stuff is in need of an update too.

Two-piece may be an option, but isn't one-piece a step up safety-wise on the track?

Hammer · 07-04-2008, 10:51 AM

also what ever you do, do not get the roo skin MOTO GP suit.

Heavy-Dee · 07-04-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

LEATHER SUITS:1 piece:Gericke Celtic

Check the price on the last three if you aren't concerned with color. I don't even need a suit but at that price I'm tempted. tm_dearborn has the yellow and in person it's a good looking suit.

Best suit for the money. I have one, but have not yet worn it out of my living room. But it's sweet. The armor in it is such that I probably won't wear my separate back protector any more. It's that good.

DUX · 07-06-2008, 11:53 AM

How about rentals?

I know that some tracks rent them for events, but does anyone know about a company that ships them?

ONEvcs · 07-06-2008, 03:25 PM

FS Race Gear

Hammer · 07-06-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ONEvcs

FS Race Gear

Sold I believe.

seamus · 07-06-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

How about rentals?

I know that some tracks rent them for events, but does anyone know about a company that ships them?

kneedraggers.com used to but I can't find the link. Their website search shows a previous rental suit for sale so they probably still do it.

ND4SPD · 07-18-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

How about rentals?

I know that some tracks rent them for events, but does anyone know about a company that ships them?

Doesn't Vanson do this?

07-04-2008, 10:03 AM	#1
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 37 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 660	Race Leathers I'm starting to look for leathers and could use some advice. Price is important, but they are a piece of safety equipment so I don't want to sacrifice quality to save a few $$. Can someone point out the differences between expensive and cheap leathers. Is it thickness, stitching, etc....? Does anyone know of a good online chart for sizing? What do you look for when making sure they fit correctly? Anyone know of a good site for purchasing? I don't care if they are the "latest and greatest" style. I am definitely going for function over form here. If you have a used set that you'd like to sell, please let me know. Rashed is fine, as long as they are still safe. Thanks! __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

07-04-2008, 10:34 AM	#2
slickwill 67 Kg Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): Western Flyer Posts: 2,142	NewEnough is a great when it comes to sizing and reviews. On each page there is always a "Pauls Comment" where he highlights highs and lows of the piece in question. STG has video's where they review many different items. If I was looking for a solid suit that doesn't cost a ton I'd go with the Hein Gericke Celtic. I think it is as nice as my A-stars and costs less. That said I also love my A-stars MX-1 and it wasn't a small fortune. I have the two piece version but the once piece version looks even nicer. __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (women)

07-04-2008, 10:44 AM	#5
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,055 Images: 25	Do you have a leather jacket with a full circumference zipper? If so, you could get the matching pants and be ok with most places. Then you can get a full suit next year. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

07-04-2008, 10:45 AM	#6
slickwill 67 Kg Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): Western Flyer Posts: 2,142	LEATHER SUITS:1 piece:Gericke Celtic Check the price on the last three if you aren't concerned with color. I don't even need a suit but at that price I'm tempted. tm_dearborn has the yellow and in person it's a good looking suit. __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (women)

07-04-2008, 10:48 AM	#8
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,400	At that size a lot of suits may not fit as many brands come in twig and twig with leaf sizes. JR tends to be cut a bit more wooly I have tested mine and it did OK. The Speedmaster is decent on performance from what I have herd as is the GPX Type R (do NOT get one that is not type R). Also consider calling Barnacle Bill and finding out how much custom is and the cost of alteration __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

07-04-2008, 10:51 AM	#10
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,899 Images: 1	also what ever you do, do not get the roo skin MOTO GP suit. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

07-06-2008, 11:53 AM	#12
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 37 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 660	How about rentals? I know that some tracks rent them for events, but does anyone know about a company that ships them? __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

07-06-2008, 03:25 PM	#13
ONEvcs Bull Fighter Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Ft. Worth Age: 40 Bike(s): '05CBR1000RR. Posts: 2,463 Images: 99	FS Race Gear

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