[Serenitynow]

What about the whole leather vs. textile thing? I've heard of big crashes survived in the Aerostitch type gear. I mean that's pretty top of the line, I guess, for tex stuff but there's some other stuff that's good quality too. Anyway, you also hear about ppl having the material melt to your skin from the heat of the abrasion. Is that true? Or, is leather the only real choice?

Also, how much does perforated leather lower it's protective qualities over solid?

How do the special reinforced riding denim jeans (w/ kevlar etc.) compare to actual leather pants as far as protection?

If we were all really concerned about safety (being seen) wouldn't we all wear bright neon glow green or safety orange vests over our jackets at all times? What if in the future every motorcyclist wore these super bright lime green suits and you'd be looked upon as some squidly moron dude if you didn't?

 

[julianista]

And what about now that summer is coming. I live in TN and the humidity is 100% at 90 degrees. You put on a full face and you have your own personal sauna on your face! I really hate riding during the summer because of this. I am now looking for a good open face helmet with full visor though. Not as much protections as a full face, but it's either am open face or not riding at all. What do you guys do? full face and sweat like a pig? or what is your choice for the summer?

 

[scotchtape]

I'd really like a response to the whole leather v. textile v. mesh thing.

I'm trying to get gear for myself, but I need to find a store that carries a lot of Dainese stuff. Nothing around me here in Vancouver

I still need to take my course and want to get it over with first though! So I want to get some temporary gear... Is a mesh jacket a bad idea? I'm planning on getting a Dainese leather jacket when I can figure out my size. Are textile pants bad - do I have to get leather ones too?

I wish we had more stores here, and American prices.

If you only commute, or get around town, do you need full leathers, or is textile ok? If you're full on riding will textiles or mesh cut it? Need some answers so I can stay safe!

 

[El Tel]

For long rides-
Komine mesh jacket with full protection arm, shoulder, chest & back.
Knee & shin pads under Icon Recon jeans
Sidi boots
Mountain bike gloves
Arai full face

For short rides-
Komine mesh jacket with arm, shoulder & back protection
Icon Recon jeans
Alpinestars ankle-length boots
Arai full face

I'm in SE Asia, so in the city traffic, the full-face and the jacket can get uncomfortable but once on the open road, the air-flow system keeps me cool enough.

 

[monster55]

Scotchtape, commuting or getting around town is when you need protective gear the most!! People who are commuting to work are the most pissed off folks in the world and have little regard for anyone but themselves. With the cell phone in one hand and a coffee in the other motorcyclists are very low on their list of what to watch out for. Listen to traffic reports during the day in Vancouver and you will invariably hear of motorcyclists being hit. I do feel your pain over the availability of gear in the Vancouver area though. I find that I just settle for stuff probably because I am too impatient to shop around or head south, where all the selection is.
Speaking of gear!! I went down on a bit of oil on the last lap of a track day in August '07. Not a big deal, going relatively slow around a tight corner. The guy with the attitude on a race bike (I was told this later) came around the corner and ran over my neck/upper back area. Broken neck in three places, broken left scapula, 5 broken ribs and a concussion. I was in full leathers with shoulder pads, elbow pads, fully padded leather pants, AlpineStar boots, Joe Rocket gloves, Shoei RF1000 full face helmet, and last but not least, a Dainese G2 spine protector, which I give full credit for keeping me OUT of a wheelchair.
I was up and riding by the following spring, on my '07 monsterS4R which suffered next to no damage due to all around frame and wheel sliders.
But my wife won't let me do anymore track days!!

 

[04Monstie]

i came off at 80+ and went into a canyon wall (after sliding along the non-forgiving asphalt). I had leather jacket (thick), leather gloves and riding boots. I wish I could post a pic of what the gravel did to my boots. I believe that if i didnt have them on I wouldnt have any toes on my right foot.

observers didnt think i would survive, let alone walk away! I replaced everything, and upgraded. Im still paying it off, but it is worth it.

A buddy of mine has 3 BMW Sport bikes & has been riding on the road since '82, he recently went down at 70 and only walked away with bruising because he had a good helmet, armored jacket, pants & boots. His helmet was destroyed but it did it's job.

 

[wouldrichest]

Good for you! It's getting hot out now and it will take a little more to make sure we all wear our stuff!

I have an armored mesh jacket, you may want to look into one.

Don

I used to ride with just a jacket. Now I ride with a full oversuit so I can take it off and putit in a bag when I get to wherever I need to go. Try on an oversuit if you have the chance. They are now pretty affordable and for me the way to go [thumbsup] For some reason I don't see why people value only their top half

 

[safira218]

I used to ride with just a jacket. Now I ride with a full oversuit so I can take it off and putit in a bag when I get to wherever I need to go. Try on an oversuit if you have the chance. They are now pretty affordable and for me the way to go [thumbsup] For some reason I don't see why people value only their top half

My bottom half is pretty valuable to me.... >

i came off at 80+ and went into a canyon wall (after sliding along the non-forgiving asphalt). I had leather jacket (thick), leather gloves and riding boots. I wish I could post a pic of what the gravel did to my boots. I believe that if i didnt have them on I wouldnt have any toes on my right foot.

 

[Kostik]

Another issue I think that everyone missed about "protection" is the VISIBILITY.

+1. I'm fortunate that the Shoei RF-1100 fits me like a glove, because they make two terrific colors: bright safety orange and bright lemon yellow. These are the only helmets I'd wear. (I've got the orange.) I've also got a Vanson Cobra Star and a Hurricane in Yellow/Black, which are both very visible. And I wear a stretchy flourescent harness.

I don't understand why you'd want to wear black and blend in with the road.

 

[CCoates23]

Always protect yourselves.

 

[Duc96cr]

And what about now that summer is coming. I live in TN and the humidity is 100% at 90 degrees. You put on a full face and you have your own personal sauna on your face! I really hate riding during the summer because of this. I am now looking for a good open face helmet with full visor though. Not as much protections as a full face, but it's either am open face or not riding at all. What do you guys do? full face and sweat like a pig? or what is your choice for the summer?

Buy a full face flip up helmet. Make sure the face latches are metal for security. Mine has the stricter European approVal, whatever it’s called. Face flips up with one finger latch in the center. Face shield flips up and stays at any opening you choose. You can ride with whatever amount of protection and ventilation you choose. Also, ventilated boots really do work well. I also have ventilated gloves, and a ventilated jacket. It all helps. I think the jacket, in white and silver, even keeps you cooler at stoplights. When you’re rolling you hardly know your wearing them.