One of my clients now works in product development for Alpinestars. We has a little pow-wow and he was really interested to get my input about their leathers not only as a seamstress, but also as someone who has raced and talks to racers regularly.
I gave him some pointers on making the suits more durable, and also easier to repair. I stressed that comfort and price point are important for racers as well.
Alpinestars is already in the middle of developing the 2005 line of gear, so I hope some of what we discussed will make it down the chain of manufacturing. From what he had to tell me, it sounds like they are really listening to input from their racers.
They are very committed to producing a good product at a reasonable price. He also told me that if you mess up your suit really bad, their Torrence CA facility can repair it for you (Good for the SMX line) and if they can't get it back to you in time, they can send out a loaner set.
I have to say that it was really nice to have some one sit and listen to the concerns I've had in the past and try to get them addressed. It tells me that they want to give their customer a great product.
Are they willing to make "custom" leathers for racers? Can you custom order a set the way you want them, kinda like Vanson, Dainese ( >:( ), or Taichi?
Alexa:
Thanks for the information, it was refreshing to hear.
Corner:
Who cares if they make 'custom' leathers. Buy a set off the rack that is close to your size and then have the final adjustments done. You probably save some $$$ over buying a custom set.
Dawn :)
QuoteAlexa:
Thanks for the information, it was refreshing to hear.
Corner:
Who cares if they make 'custom' leathers. ÊBuy a set off the rack that is close to your size and then have the final adjustments done. ÊYou probably save some $$$ over buying a custom set. Ê
Dawn Ê :)
Yeah, your probably right, but I'm scrawny (in your words) remember ;) :P
QuoteAre they willing to make "custom" leathers for racers? Can you custom order a set the way you want them, kinda like Vanson, Dainese ( >:( ), or Taichi?
They made Montez Stewart's leathers custom, and he needed that for sure. I'm sure if you talk to your local rep he could set you up.
They do have good CS. It would be nice if AS or anyone had tall model suits. :-[
Alpinestars customer service really rocks. At the USGPRU season opener at Jennings, I ground through the slider and the slider mount on my right SuperTech boot.
A call to Alpinestars gave me an RMA# and I sent them the boot ... $40 later, they rebuilt the front of the boot, installed a new slider mount, and put a new sole on ... with a 5-day turn around (plus shipping time). Very reasonable and fast service.
To the person looking for tall leathers ... I know they're pricey, but Kushitani leathers are cut for thin people. I'm 5'11 and 145lbs ... Kushitanis fit like a glove off the rack with no heght issues. Also, AGV seems to be cut pretty thin (and their sizing runs on the small side). A size 42 AGV suit fits me very well.
- Roach
I have to say, I owe my body and maybe my mobility to Alpinestar. I came off the bike this weekend at around 100 and tumbled straight up and down 4 times. I ended up having to hairline fractured wrists and something broken in my anckle that should heal in about a month. I was wearing a brand new Suony Helmet, that I know saved my life. I was left with bruses on my head but no concusion. My equipement did its job. I had on Alpinestar Supertech boots which left me with minimal injures.
Thank You Alpinestar and Suomy
Ya know... why do some people just go "cheap" on their saftey equipment, yet they are running VP ??? I guess some people don't realize that they are putting their ass on the line, literally. I remember last year, a guy came to the track with some 1970 sumtin' leathers on (they looked it too), saying that it's been 20 years since he's been on a race track, and his trusty leathers will hold up. Then he went and bought some VP :o Yeah, I don't think so. I"ll spend $5K on a set of leathers if I had to, because regardless of how much any of the saftey equipment costs, it'll always be cheaper than skin grafts and a brain scan. ;)
LOL ... ok, this is odd. The BBS seems to have a problem with 'k u s h i t a n i' ... 'kushitani'
- Roach
That's the auto editor...lol
ku"s hit" tani
I had lowside at RRR turn 3 at about 120! The second lowside on the left of my suit...the leather held up ok and kept me safe! Only some rassberrys on my elbows along with a few bruises/sore spots.
Looks like I need some repair work done now...not sure if another lowside on the left will hold up, especially another high speed one...the arse has a big hole in it..my butt got hot by not rashed!
I plan to continue to buy AS gear.
I could say something smart a$$ here, but I'll refrain. ;) ;D
Get them repaired ASAP. You arse will thank you. ;)
I used to buy AS boots almost exclusively, until the GP Tech's I bought the sole's fell off, and almost everyone I know with those boots has/had the same problem. So I switched to Sidi.
Love the Gloves though :)