Leather Suit Questions and Differences

[RCR_531]

I really like my Moto GP Roo suit. I have gone down in it twice and can't even tell that has hit the pavement. I had an AGV suit that spent more time on the pavement then on the bike with no problems. So I bought the next step up and the first low slide the thing came a part. Give Rob a call at Lithium a call he has several brands and sizes in stock. You will not beat his prices

[cbirk]

Man, this is a thread is full of shameless plugs....

I use an alpinestars TZ-1 one piece. I haven't went down in it so I can't really say anything except it fits me nice  ::) My buddy went down in turn 6 at Blackhawk in his 2 piece A-stars stage and it seemed to hold up nice. I melted the alpinestars logo off the leg, but whatever.  I personally wouldn't get a two piece for track only. Unless your on a super budget and are going to use it for the street also. I'm still in college so my budget is super poor and I  sold my two piece and bought a one piece for track and street...

I got mine from Motostrano for like $425 shipped.

[Super Dave]

Man, this is a thread is full of shameless plugs....

Yeah, but I'm still waiting for someone to say they went down a lot or were ran over.  I've been down more times...oh, I'm back to that 21 thing again...never mind.

In 1991, my first Vanson, I raced, I fell down a couple few times.  Later in the year, I was knocked down, rag doll-ing on the pavemen, I was ran over by a guy using his front brakes starting at my left kindey across my back, neck, and head.  I was left bleeding all over the track in a crushed helmet and so on.  My body was a little beat, but my worst injuries were nine stitches or something in my lower chin and a big section of road rash on my adam's apple, along with a really flexed throax that wouldn't allow me to do any silly voices for about three weeks. 

I fell down a couple more times that year.  At the end of the year, the leathers were still intact other than some ground in asphalt and a little blood that I couldn't get off.  My sponsor had bought them for me, and we ended that relationship for 1992.  I sold those leathers for $500 yet after all that.

Protection, heirloom quality value.  Really hard to explain that in a sport that has heavy involvement from most people for only two or three years.  Each of those sets has given me that kind of protection.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Well, I got 3 1/2 years and 7 crashes out of a set of Vansons.  They're retired now, but only because I sweat-cured them to death without ever conditioning them.  Of course, the Spyder says she can save them, and if she can they will still be my backup and rainy day suit.

[PolishPete]

I've decided I guess...to go with a set of Alpinestar MX-1's from a shop near me.  For 1, I can try them on in store becuase they have them in stock in my size (44)...for 2 they seem to be one of the top of the line suits for AStars at around $1K.  So from the aspect of you get what you pay for...should be ok.  What are your opinions on that suit and whether or not I should buy that.  I'm worried about safety, not money.  With that being said...I can't afford what Rossi affords (or is given)...so a mix of the two.  Thanks for your help so far!!

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Check out TrackdayMag.com for gear and porduct reviews.

http://www.trackdaymag.com/i?a=11

This is a link to a crash test review of A MotoGP kangaroo suit.  A crash test of the latest Alpinstars suit is coming in the next issue.

[apriliaman]

My suit is a la trek and it is over 10 years old and i am still using it.I got it for $500 back then and crashed about 7 times and it NEVER shredded or ripped apart.Just a little stiching needed and thats it.It is tough,thick and alot of pads in it for its year.I will get a new one someday.

[PolishPete]

It seems that AStars suits aren't too popular to race in?  Is that right?  There hasn't been but 1 or 2 comments on them and they were kind of neutral.  I tried on the MX1 and after looking at prices and differences I think the Alpinestars RC-1 will be the choice I go with.  Anyone have any experience or know of anyone that has regarding the AStars suits?  Should I get this suit.  Here's a link.  Thanks.

Side note:  I was looking at the AStars and Shift leather suits.  The Shift seemed a little bit heavier and thicker?  Would this make a safety difference?  Thanks.

$780 Online With Free Shipping
http://www.helmetharbor.com/Products/ProductDetails.cfm/Search/Results/ProductID/471619

The Shift Suit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHIFT-RACING-Street-SR1-Leather-Suit-Black-Silver-48_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6750QQitemZ330096878545QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Alpinestars are really one of the more expensive lines, and that is probably why few racers seem to use them.  When you get to that level of cost, you're getting pretty close to a price point where you could buy a one-color, no frills, off the rack suit from Vanson, Syed, Barnical Bill, or good old Spyder Leatherworks, and even though they aren't as pretty as a bling bling A* suit, any of these options would offer you maximum protection at the minimum buy-in price for a really serious no compromise racing suit.

[PolishPete]

Thanks for all the info folks.  I was going to buy the Alpinestars MX-1 at a local dealer, at 10% off, but after taxes that was still almost $1200.  I didn't like the all black look, so after looking through their catalog and cheaper suits and finding a good deal on a company through ebay.  I ordered an Alpinestars RC-1 in gray/black/white for $770 shipped.  I think I got a good deal and I'll post up about the fit and quality when it comes in.  Also, they offer the free size exchange...but I think a 44 should fit me fine.  Thanks for the input again.

[chucksrr]

im looking for the same suit, can you let me know where you got it?

[PolishPete]

I got it from a lady named Mindy on ebay.  They own the Cycle Mart USA ebay store.  They price matched/beat by $10 G-Force Cycles for me, which had it advertised for $780 shipped.  I'll post up a little review on it once I get it too.