[celo]

Leather or Textile? Help me choose my gear...

I just got my new bike (and will be posting pics soon) and am looking for new gear. I only do street riding (so no track for me) and was wondering on how well textile gear would protect me in comparison to leather.

There are just so many choices I have no idea on where to start looking. I like the Teknic Lightning gloves, and have been looking at some Fieldsheer/Joe Rocket/Icon jackets. It would be nice to keep the price on the jacket to below $250...is this reasonable? Is the armor pretty similar from brand to brand? Also have no idea on pants. Leather or textile? I would like textile but I'm not sure if it would offer equal protection as leather. It seems like some of the textiles nowadays would offer equal protection considering all the high-tech nylon, kevlar, etc, there is out there. But I would like real-world opinions.

I need some advice!! I'm lost in a sea of choices.

 

[RayOSV]

I think properly constructed leather offers the best protection and durability. Over the years I started out with textile jacket/pants, then added mesh jacket/pants, then a leather 2-piece suit. I wear the leathers 99% of the time and the mesh the rest (over 95*). I went down in the leathers and they did their job very well needing no repairs (me either).

Textile jacket/pants have come a long way. I'd stay away from Icon, but Fieldsheer makes some good stuff. Joe Rocket is mixed from what I can tell. No opinion on other brands. The most important things are that the jacket and pants fit well (snug so that the armor stays in place) and that they zip together so they stay where they should and don't expose skin. If it's hot where you are, look for good ventilation.

Gloves should be leather, gauntlet style, and come up over the end of the jacket sleeve. I'd also get boots (no laces) that come up well over your ankles.

There are a million choices, but fortunately more than one right choice for you. Whatever you get, make sure that you'll wear it every time you get on the bike.

If you're really on a strict budget, maybe consider high-end mesh jacket/pants with a liner for cooler weather for starters. Over time, you'll collect more riding gear.

 

[el rancherito]

this is the one i'm looking at... :fiddyTourmaster HRX @ $207
also considered the Vanson Ventilator @ $250 and
Joe Rocket reactor 2.0 @ $190

 

[celo]

That's funny...that's exactly the one I was just looking at 10 minutes ago and was really liking it. I'm still undecided if I want to go with leather or textile though. Argghh!

Anyone have opinions on the above jacket? It's a Cortech HRX. Link: http://www.newenough.com/cortech_hrx_jacket_page.htm

 

[celo]

This is another I was considering.
http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/cg...ts/F-21263_Congo_Sport_Jackets.html?E+scstore

Or maybe this:
http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/cg...Jackets/F-16757_Mach_4_Jackets.html?E+scstore

 

[mikem317]

Get leather and textile. Why not one of each?

 

[RayOSV]

All 3 of the jackets you're looking at seem decent. The "volume adjustment" on the sleeves and waist adjustment will help with a snug fit and keeping the armor in place. Can you find a local shop to try them on? Get the pants to go with the one that you select.

First Gear also makes some stuff similar to what you're considering.

 

[21 natas]

I prefer leather and know that it works when you go down, by experience.

 

[celo]

Ok...I did go into a local dealer and tried on some jackets. They had Joe Rocket, Fieldsheer, AStar, and Icon stuff. I tried on all of them except the Icon. The Fieldsheer armor didn't seem to be properly placed at the elbows...it moved around very very easily. The jacket was a nice tight fit too and I even adjusted the volume adjustment on the arms. What's up with that? I think it was the Fieldsheer Congo I tried. Just how tight are the jackets supposed to fit, because the ones that fit nice and tight at my chest seemed to almost choke me at the neck. Maybe they need to be broken in?

Hey rancherito, did you get your jacket yet?

 

[LiViN's Easy]

About the CORTECT HRX!!! Make sure you take BOTH!! Liners out of hte jacket and try it on and hold your arms out and see how loose the elbows are... I bought this jacket and it served me well through the cold temps here during our FLA winter but now I can't use it because with both liners out the elbows dangle so much like someones under arm flab.

 

[celo]

Ok...more and more I'm leaning towards leather. I started out looking at textile stuff but the more I read the more I want leather. I guess if I'm going down I want cowskin on the pavement and not mine...I like my skin too much.

What do you think of the Teknic Lightning jacket (leather)?
http://www.newenough.com/teknic_lightning5_jacket_page.htm

What about the Icon Neo-Daytona jacket (leather)?

 

[okie]

^ I have the Teknic lighting above. Nice jacket imo, soft suple leather.
Collar is still a pita like the older model lighting, which I had 2 of those.

 

[GrandmaLS]

I bought the Shift Avenger SS Textile and love it! It's normally 249 but I picked it up for 149 on sale this spring. I've worn Shift stuff since I have been 10 or so and never had a problem on the jerseys, jackets, pants, or gloves coming apart. It's worth a look......

Shift Avenger SS

 

[celo]

I'll definitely take a look at the Shift stuff. Thanks.

 

[celo]

The more I look the more new stuff I find. It's almost frustrating. I found these two for nearly the same price....AGV RT Leather Jacket OR the Icon Neo-Daytona Hero (or non-Hero) Leather Jacket? From what I read on the site it mentions nothing about CE approved armor for the AGV jacket, but it is 1.5mm cowhide which seems very thick. The Icon has CE approved armor and EVA back armor.

What do you guys think as far as quality on these items?

 

[spartikus]

I'm in the same boat i actually had a fieldsheer monza jacket in the past went down doing about 35 or so on some gravel and slid for 10 - 15 feet the jacket did great. i walked away with just a bit of rash on my legs b/c i had jeans on. i am looking at either a mesh jacket or leather i feel your pain too many choices and unsure as to if mesh will protect. look into the mach 4 by fieldsheer pretty nice or the tourmaster intake jacket for a good mesh. by the way in terms of leaters is 1.0 to 1.2 mm thick enough for street with ce armor?

 

[el rancherito]

celo,

no, i'm still saving for the expense..currently, i switch between my joe rocket phoenix and a triumph textile jacket that i have..

 

[celo]

Well, I definitely decided on leather. I could care less if I sweat 10lbs off everytime I ride.

I'm almost set on getting this jacket...any opinions? It's a FirstGear Horsepower Leather jacket...silver/black. I've only heard good things about FirstGear and they offer a 10yr warranty. Could I find better for nearly the same price? I've found it for $168 plus S&H on closeout.

http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_horsepower_jacket_page.htm

 

[celo]

Well, I ended getting the above jacket (FG Horsepower) and I'll let everyone know how it is. I also got myself some Gaerner boots and Teknic gloves. All I need now is some armor and overpants!

None of it is here yet, but FedEx should be paying me a visit monday and it should be Christmas all over again.

 

[AlanSRT4]

Hey there I am in the same boat new and need to buy some gear. Only thing is that it seems textile is my only choice becuase I have yet to find any leather gear that is $250 bucks and under. The few that I have seen still use textile in places on the jacket in many parts.

Is there any place to get leather at a decent price?