Aerostich R3 or Classic for more waterproofness?

[ilikefood]

I'm thinking of finally upgrading my Aerostich, which is getting to be about 20 years old (bought used back in '03 I think). I'm trying to decide whether I should go for the Aerostich R3, or stick with the Aerostich Classic (I'd probably go for the 2-piece then, which is what I have now).

My understanding is that the R3 is unlined, which is pretty appealing - I expect it's easier to get on and off, and easier to dry out if it gets wet. Any existing R3 owners with opinions on that? Does the unlined R3 feel just like a single layer of (thick) fabric?

Does the Classic version have any of the improvements/re-designs that the R3 has, like waterproof zippers, magnetic collar, and no more wet "Aerostich crotch" in the rain?

Oh yeah, and which one is more waterproof?

I'd love to hear any opinions on the R3 vs. Classic question.

 

[Hoho]

Strangely, I haven't ridden with my 'stich in the rain. And yes, the R3 is unlined, and has plenty of room for layers.

I tried the Classic on, the R3 is also quite nice, it's fairly comfortable. I wear my heated jacket liner underneath in cold weather. The coldest so far has been about 37F and I was pretty comfortable.

I think the Classic has improved zippers now, but that's about it.

 

[Baxter]

I have ridden with my R3 though some torrential rain storms, stayed nice and dry. My vote is for the R3 over the classic.

 

[kuksul08]

R3 is waterproof. Classic is water resistant. Ask anyone with wet crotch syndrome. Reason being the R3 is seam sealed but they had to stitch into the gore tex to put the liner on the classic, poking holes in it...

I've ridden my R3 through lots of rain and remained perfectly dry. However, it's not that thick, and provides no insulation. Warmth is up to you when you layer. It doesn't feel as substantial as the classic since it's just one layer. On the plus side, you can ride in 100+ degree temps with the vents open and it's not death. Also, classic will feel more comfy if you wear t-shirt and shorts.

The other thing to consider is you can fine-tune the pad locations on the R3 because they velcro in, classic they fit into pockets and they are where they are.

 

[Cookie Monster]

The classic 'stitch seemed a bit unwieldy with the liner so I went with the R3.

 

[NB0tt]

My R3 leaks in the crotch on near the shoulders and on the right knee after less than a year. Since it is unlined the seems and tape are exposed to rubbing against your clothes which causes friction that wears it down which is what seems to have happened with my suit.

 

[davidji]

My R3 leaks in the crotch on near the shoulders and on the right knee after less than a year. Since it is unlined the seems and tape are exposed to rubbing against your clothes which causes friction that wears it down which is what seems to have happened with my suit.

I suspected as much, since that happened to the gortex pants I was riding in before I switched to a Roadcrafter. Always waterproof when I wore them as riding pants, but once I started wearing them over jeans to commute, the abrasion wore out the waterproof layer on the inside.

Does the Classic version have any of the improvements/re-designs that the R3 has, like waterproof zippers, magnetic collar, and no more wet "Aerostich crotch" in the rain?

They've had waterproof zipper for several years. I don't think it got the magnetic collar. Couldn't tell you about the other part.

I have an older Roadcrafter, and I sent it to Aerostich to get the zippers upgraded to waterproof. I'm happy with it. Haven't gotten wet through it yet in this configuration, but we've had a fairly dry year. Before upgrading the zippers I'd wear a rain jacket over, or rain pants under it for heavy rain.

 

[Z3n]

My R3 leaks in the crotch on near the shoulders and on the right knee after less than a year. Since it is unlined the seems and tape are exposed to rubbing against your clothes which causes friction that wears it down which is what seems to have happened with my suit.

Yup, this is the reality. Happened across both R3s my friends have in regular use - I'll be sticking with the Classic in the future for just this reason. Wet crotch is almost always a factor of if you make a birdbath in your crotchal region because the front is cut too long for you, which is is for most.

 

[FreeRyde]

If I were to do it again, I'd get an R3.
All of my classics have leaked, as for the reason the sloth pointed out above.

But I will say, I enjoy being able to wear a tshirt and shorts pretty much 10 months out of the year with my classic. The liner makes a huge difference.

 

[senpai71]

My R3 leaked at the crotch from day 1, but I just sprayed the outside with some waterproofing spray and it's been fine. That and frequently 'adjusting', so that I don't cause a birdbath (nice phrase, @Z3n)...

 

[DIY]

I have never heard of an R3 leaking before today. I am shocked.

 

[ilikefood]

My R3 leaks in the crotch on near the shoulders and on the right knee after less than a year. Since it is unlined the seems and tape are exposed to rubbing against your clothes which causes friction that wears it down which is what seems to have happened with my suit.

Interesting. I wonder if that would be covered by the GoreTex warranty, especially after less than a year of use.

 

[ilikefood]

If I were to do it again, I'd get an R3.
All of my classics have leaked, as for the reason the sloth pointed out above.

But I will say, I enjoy being able to wear a tshirt and shorts pretty much 10 months out of the year with my classic. The liner makes a huge difference.

So it sounds like Classics leak because of the way they are constructed (water resistant rather than waterproof by design), and R3s leak because the waterproof membrane wears out. I guess I can't win here

 

[kuksul08]

I have never heard of an R3 leaking before today. I am shocked.

Yeah... kinda odd.

I've never treated mine with any waterproofing agent, and I rode for an hour and a half at 60-75mph in the rain and didn't have a single drop on me underneath.

 

[89fj]

If I were to do it again, I'd get an R3.
All of my classics have leaked, as for the reason the sloth pointed out above.

But I will say, I enjoy being able to wear a tshirt and shorts pretty much 10 months out of the year with my classic. The liner makes a huge difference.[/QUOT

I've had a two piece roadcrafter for ten years now. Its been great but getting worn down so I ordered a new one Sunday. Now I'm thinking about changing the order to an R3 but looks like it's only available in one piece. Wondering if it will be any better

 

[Surj]

I've had a two piece roadcrafter for ten years now. Its been great but getting worn down so I ordered a new one Sunday. Now I'm thinking about changing the order to an R3 but looks like it's only available in one piece. Wondering if it will be any better

I have an R3 and a two-piece Classic. In my experience, the R3 is the best—the gutters around the zippers are better, and mine's been flawlessly waterproof in daily use. There are other nice updates, like the collar magnets.

My gear is worn daily, and often worn hard. I have not seen this "direct wear on the Gore-tex" being discussed here, and I wonder if the issue is simply that the waterproofing needs to be refreshed. The fabric needs to be kept clean for the waterproofiness to be waterproofy. Occasional Techwash treatment keeps everything hunky-dory—and less stinky—for me. Yeah, you lose that "look at me in my dirty 'Stich, I'm so hardcore" street cred. Waah. Go ride.

 

[89fj]

you get to ride a lot of bikes, Surj. How does the R3 feel when riding sport bikes?

 

[Surj]

you get to ride a lot of bikes, Surj. How does the R3 feel when riding sport bikes?

My R3 is a little snug for full-tuck type bikes, but that's because it's a little snug in general right now. :laughing I think that if you're gonna be on sport bikes, get the ellipsis insert at the back and the rotated sleeves and you'll be fine. I use that insert on my two-piece as well and all is good.

 

[89fj]

thanks :thumbup

 

[Lunch Box]

I LOVE my R3. It kept me nice and dry in hours of pouring rain coming back from Moab.