Off the shelf Leathers: More $$$= Better protection?

[robscomputer]

I've been looking around for a leather suit for a while. Pretty much Alpinestars fits me better than other brands I tried so I'm going to go with them. While deciding upon which suit to buy I asked the sales person at Road Rider about the difference in pricing. Their explanation is the difference in pricing is due to the amount of extra designs and brighter colors used in the manufactoring of the suit. Now I always thought that the higher priced suits had more features such as vents but are they really the same saftey wise?

For example the three suits I'm considering are the Alpinstars GPU (~$600), TZ-1 (~680) and the P1(~$850). Only difference I can see is the P1 has a Coolmax liner and a "race cut" fitment.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[MelloGixxer]

I've been looking around for a leather suit for a while. Pretty much Alpinestars fits me better than other brands I tried so I'm going to go with them. While deciding upon which suit to buy I asked the sales person at Road Rider about the difference in pricing. Their explanation is the difference in pricing is due to the amount of extra designs and brighter colors used in the manufactoring of the suit. Now I always thought that the higher priced suits had more features such as vents but are they really the same saftey wise?

For example the three suits I'm considering are the Alpinstars GPU (~$600), TZ-1 (~680) and the P1(~$850). Only difference I can see is the P1 has a Coolmax liner and a "race cut" fitment.

Thanks,
Rob

Unfotunately it's somewhat true. More detail will cost you.
You have to also realize you are paying for the name as well.
Aplinestars and Dainese are pretty much top market regardless
of what style you purchase.

 

[FoxRocket]

There might be differences in the grade and thickness of the leather as well as dying techniques that are harder to see and the quality of the armor put in the knees, elbows and shoulders. Those along with the features you've mentioned /could/ be reasons for the higher price.

 

[Agent Orange]

My virgin $1000 Dainese leathers (<---) ripped after its first crash.

 

[jonboy]

I just recently did a little research on this very topic. Last year I bought a 1-pc HJC racing suit for about $680. Great quality for the price, GP armor, back protector, neck protector, looked great. A couple of weeks ago I had the unfortunate chance to 'road test' it at Buttonwillow, low-sided on T1 @ 40mph I'm guessing. Overall, I was very impressed with the protection the suit gave me, I walked away without a scratch (behold the power of gear!). The only damage to the suit was two spots where the threads on the seams burnt thru, leaving two 4-inch openings in the leather. The armor at the joints did its job, cause I rolled before relaxing into my slide. For whats considered a less expensive suit, I give it an 8 out of 10.

Now for my research part... I stopped into Zoomi leathers yesterday to have the HJC suit repaired ($95 to stitch it up BTW). The gentleman there explained to my that the damage that ocurred would never happen with his suits (around $1200) because he overlaps the leather on the seam, meaning the asphalt would rub against leather at the seams instead of directly on the threads like my suit, hence eliminating the gaps. Another benefit is that his suits carry a lifetime warranty in case any damage does occur.

Bottom line, never skimp on gear. Gadgets like vents and fancy graphics will cost more and are nice-to-haves, but make sure to pay attention to the stuff thats gonna keep you safe, like stitching, leather thickness, armor, etc. To be honest, I'm going to keep my HJC suit. I'm still happy with its performance for the $$.

 

[MelloGixxer]

excellent point on the stitching as well as thickness of leather.
There are alot of suits out there that will provide adequate
protection even at a lower price. The trick is to do your research
and look at the way the suit in constructed. The last thing you
want to happen is to have the suit explode at the seams when
you hit the pavement. Questions, questions, questions is the key
also when purchasing a suit. Just because the suit costs a certain
price does not mean the person is being cheap on protection.
The suit chosen may be rated high in that particular price range.
Helmets are sometimes seperated by price range then compared
as suits, boots, and even gloves.

 

[FoxRocket]

If you are curious about what a good suit can look like, take a look at one of J Lindo (Zooni Leathers) suits, or one of Budman's Z Leathers suits, or even Helimot in the South Bay. Take a good look at the suits, and then compare to what you are buying.

I have a Z Leathers suit myself and I'm pretty impressed with the quality. I've crash tested my suit once ( turn 5@t_hill ) it did it's job very well and you can hardly tell that it's been crashed after being cleaned up a bit. On the other hand I did spend about $1300 dollars on it and it doesn't have all that many features other than being a leather racing suit made from very high quality leather. I'd have like to have been able to take advantage of some of the off-the-rack suits and the nifty features that they have but I can't grip too much. It's what I get for letting myself get fat.

 

[canyonrat]

My standard two cents...if you are buying a suit for the track then spend the extra money. If you are buying the suit for the street then know this. If you crash on the track at 60 mph+ and slide then a $1200+ suit will likely servive better then a cheaper suit. If you crash on the street at 60 mph you will slide and likely hit something. If you hit something you will be injured. If you're injured bad enough the perametics will cut the suit off of you. If the suit is cut off of you then it is ruined, be it a $300 suit or $1300 suit.

Canyonrat2

 

[robscomputer]

My standard two cents...if you are buying a suit for the track then spend the extra money. If you are buying the suit for the street then know this. If you crash on the track at 60 mph+ and slide then a $1200+ suit will likely servive better then a cheaper suit. If you crash on the street at 60 mph you will slide and likely hit something. If you hit something you will be injured. If you're injured bad enough the perametics will cut the suit off of you. If the suit is cut off of you then it is ruined, be it a $300 suit or $1300 suit.

Canyonrat2

I'm planning a track day next month, main reason why I'm rushing to buy a suit. While I don't plan on attending many track days the factor of extra protection is alway welcome even if it's more money.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Catalinathunder]

:laughing

You guys are going to be disgusted after hearing this... My buddy is stationed at Aviano Air Base just north of Venice Italy were Dainese's corporate office is located and he was able to go to there outlet store and pick me up the P217 for 240 U.S.. It pays to know people... and life is good. Nothing fits like Italian leather.

 

[Trackho]

Spidis

Take a look at the Spidis whilst you are shopping---they are reallt well-built for under $1,000--I think that kneedraggers has the RS for approx $950-mine have been crash tested 4X--only cosmetic damage to date---ie big ass asphault skid-marks----note of caution: most of the Italian suits have pretty narrow shoulders---my only complaint about the Spidis

Kneedraggers

 

[Outta Control]

I'm planning a track day next month, main reason why I'm rushing to buy a suit. While I don't plan on attending many track days the factor of extra protection is alway welcome even if it's more money.

Thanks,
Rob

Rob,

As an alternative, Helimot has a rental suit program thus you can same more $$$ for what ever suit you need/want.

 

[robscomputer]

Rob,

As an alternative, Helimot has a rental suit program thus you can same more $$$ for what ever suit you need/want.

Thanks,

I saw that on Kewing's web site. I was considering going with a custom suit next year and buying a lower priced suit for this years riding.

Rob

 

[Outta Control]

Thanks,

I saw that on Kewing's web site. I was considering going with a custom suit next year and buying a lower priced suit for this years riding.

Rob

Well in that case this is what I would do. I'd rent the suits for now and use the money as a down payment on the custom. It makes no sense in spend the cash on hand for something you can really put good use for. Helimot is great in working something out for you about this.

 

[trkdydumper]

i went down 2 times at TH and the best thing i had on was my gloves alpinestars gp plus. they don't even look like they were sliding on the ground at all.... My taichi leathers riped on the first crash... Do they make kevlar stitching? unfortunately didn't get to test out the helmet on either crash....boots sidi vertebra race (cool because you just replace the scuffed stuff)

 

[trkdydumper]

oh i got the leather stitched because they riped on the seams from the stitching being rubbed off but the leather was intact.... it cost me 10 buck and i'd say they are as good as new... my next suit is a spidi norrick touring suit...

 

[robscomputer]

Well in that case this is what I would do. I'd rent the suits for now and use the money as a down payment on the custom. It makes no sense in spend the cash on hand for something you can really put good use for. Helimot is great in working something out for you about this.

I didn't know you can do that. Thanks again! I'll stop by there this weekend to find out what the details are. This will save me allot of money.

Rob

 

[snapdragon]

City Cycles
2100 Stone Ave
San Jose

(408)279-2080

call vaughn



snap

 

[V4]

I have a Dianese K 1pc suit that's retailed for $800-1400 and I think for less money for a Spidi or Alpinestar, you get more bang for the buck.....

I won't buy another Dianese product again for the high $$ they ask for.....

Im much happier now with a 2pc Alpinestar that's retailed for $600s....

 

[Baptistro]

:bump